Amazon Launches In-Car Delivery, Expands Whole Foods Delivery Cities

Amazon Prime members who own cars outfitted with Amazon Key can now receive deliveries directly to their cars.

The new fulfillment option could be a secure alternative to packages left on doorsteps and give consumers the convenience of having packages delivered to their vehicle parked at home, at work or near other locations in their address book.

In-car delivery is available at no extra cost for Prime members using the Amazon Key app. Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac and Volvo cars can now use Amazon Key.

Once setup is complete and the delivery location has been registered, customers can shop on Amazon and select the “In-Car” delivery option at checkout. On delivery day, the Amazon Key app lets customers check if they’ve parked within range of the delivery location, and provides notifications with the expected four-hour delivery time window. The app also notifies customers when the delivery is on its way, and the package has been delivered. Customers can track when their car was unlocked and relocked in the app’s activity feed.

“Since launching Amazon Key last November, we’ve safely delivered everything from cameras to collectable coins inside the home. Customers have also told us they love features like keyless guest access and being able to monitor their front door from anywhere with the Amazon Key app,” said Peter Larsen, VP of delivery technology for Amazon, in a statement. “In-car delivery gives customers that same peace of mind and allows them to take the Amazon experience with them. And, with no additional hardware or devices required, customers can start ordering in-car delivery today.”

Related:Whole Foods Prepping for 'Prime' Time

Amazon separately said Tuesday that it was expanding availability of two-hour delivery from Whole Foods Market stores to San Diego and Sacramento, Calif., and Denver markets through its Prime Now service. Prime members receive two-hour delivery for free delivery within one hour for .99 on orders of or more.

Amazon launched the Prime Now delivery service in Austin, Dallas, Cincinnati and Virginia Beach markets in February, and last month added San Francisco and Atlanta.