A new delivery service that leaves parcels in drivers’ cars is being piloted by Ford and Hermes.

The trial will enable parcels to be delivered directly to vehicles located at the driver’s home address

Intended to tackle the issue of efficient and safe deliveries, the trial will enable parcels to be delivered directly to vehicles located at the driver’s home address, starting in Essex in the UK and expanding into London.

The plan is to then offer other options, such as ‘returns’ from the vehicle and to enable vehicle deliveries at other locations, for example at the customer’s work address.

It’s being offered as an option to customers with the FordPass app, expanding the range of connected services already available via the app.

When the delivery driver is within 50 metres of their destination, they scan the barcode on the customer’s parcel to create a one-time unlock token for the vehicle. This enables the driver to unlock the boot and securely deposit the package. If the delivery driver fails to lock the vehicle after making the delivery, the vehicle locks automatically within a set time period.

It’s the latest work by Ford and Hermes explore the future of doorstep deliveries. The two companies are piloting smart new software that coordinates pedestrian couriers alongside traditional delivery vans to help make city parcel deliveries more timely and sustainable. They have also launched a new Self-Driving Vehicle Research Programme working with customers to better understand how autonomous vehicles could integrate into their businesses.

Mark Harvey, director, Enterprise Connectivity, Ford of Europe, said: “Together with Hermes, we are looking at more secure and efficient ways to deliver parcels, to match the increasing demands coming from online purchases. Turning the vehicle into a delivery point is extremely convenient for the customer. It puts them in control, to ensure their parcel is where they want it when they want it.”