Volvo System Delivers Packages to Your Car

Feb 21, 2014 01:19 PM EST | Jordan Ecarma

Volvo is working on a system that could prevent more customers from getting that annoying little notice about a missed package.

The Swedish carmaker has developed a "single-use digital key" that can be used to locate a car and open it for customers who are away from home but need to receive their packages, Discovery News reported.

"The service, which will be showcased at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, will allow consumers to have their shopping delivered straight to their car, no matter where they are," Volvo said in a press release.

"Via a smartphone or a tablet, the owner will be informed when a delivery company wants to drop off or pick up something from the car," Volvo said.

The vehicle's owner can accept the delivery through the phone or other device and will know when the car is opened.

The new technology, which will be unveiled at the Mobile World Congress next week, is intended to minimize re-delivery costs.

According to Volvo, failed deliveries cost companies about $1.37 billion annually.

"The technology was trialed during a pilot program of 100 people, 86 percent of which agreed that 'roam delivery' saved them time," Volvo said in the press release. "The future car will be much more than just a means of transportation."

The digital key technology is based on Volvo's app Volvo On Call, which lets users heat or cool a car remotely and also see the vehicle's position or fuel level through their phones.

Volvo is entertaining different companies to find clients for the digital key function and hasn't yet announced a launch date.

"We are in talks with different partners," innovation manager Johan Maresch said.

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