Cat-Themed Ford Vehicle Vending Machine is Pretty Awesome

In China, Ford and Alibaba have created an easy way to test drive a car, and get a Clark bar.

Ford motor company teamed up with Alibaba, the giant Chinese retailer, to offer consumers an easy and very cool way to test drive cars. The “Super Test-Drive Center” is a giant vending machine full of cars that can be synced to an app, and allows people to test drive a vehicle for three days. The first such test-drive center has opened in Guangzhou, China. And, for some reason, it has a giant cat on top.

Test drives are free, if you have a good credit score. Alibaba told The Verge that said users with a credit score below 700 will have to pay a fee.

The process is all pretty easy, and can be done on your phone, tablet, or computer. First you download the app, named ‘Tmall.’ Next you select the model of the Ford you want to take for a spin, then you put down a deposit. After scheduling your pick up time, you must upload a picture so that the vending machine will recognize your face when you arrive for the test drive. Yes, it’s all very Blade Runner and futuristic. But in a good way.

S.J. Bryan

Longtime automotive journalist S.J. Bryan has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is an editor with Ford Truck Enthusiasts and regular contributor to F-150 Online, Harley-Davidson Forums, and The Mustang Source, among other popular auto sites.

Bryan first discovered her passion for all things automotive while riding in her parent's 1968 Ford Mustang. The automotive expert cut her teeth growing up riding on Harleys, and her first car was a Chevy Nova. Despite her lead foot, Bryan has yet to receive a speeding ticket.

The award-winning former playwright was first published at age 18. She has worked extensively as a writer and editor for a number of lifestyle and pop culture publications. The diehard gearhead is a big fan of American muscle cars, sixth-gen Ford trucks, and Oxford commas.

S.J. can be reached at sherryjbry@gmail.com.