# Cat-Shaped Car Dispensers Tmall's Super Test-Drive Involves a Car-Dispensing Machine By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2017-12-15 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/super-test-drive References: [luxurylaunches](http://luxurylaunches.com/buildings/alibaba-is-making-giant-cat-themed-vending-machines-that-will-dispense-cars-in-china.php) With the aim of making the act of "“buying cars as easy as buying a can of Coke," [Alibaba's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/taobao-live) Tmall created the Super Test-Drive. The ecommerce giant has plans to open cat-shaped car vending machines in China that will make it possible for potential buyers to see, test drive and purchase a vehicle as part of a simplified experience. With the Mobile [Taobao](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/elderly-mode) application, users are able to scan any car on the street and then locate the desired model in-app. From there, they are able to instantly schedule a test drive. To purchase a car from the machines, a consumer is required to be an accredited Alibaba Super Member and have a score of over 700 with China’s Zhima Credit system. Others like the [Carvana](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/carvana-txdmv) dealership and Singapore's Autobahn Motors have also experimented with vehicle vending machine concepts as smart storage solutions, as well as a fun means of engaging consumers. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.4/10 - Popularity: 12% | Activity: 51% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Car Vending Machines:** Companies can create unique car vending machines as a simplified way for consumers to test drive and purchase vehicles. - **In-app Car Purchases:** Automobile dealers can innovate by allowing consumers to purchase cars from their mobile devices with as few steps as possible. - **Smart Storage Solutions:** Vehicle vending machines can be a disruptive innovation for smart storage solutions and provide a fun consumer experience. ### Where This Applies - **Automobile Sales:** Innovative car vending machines can be a disruptive addition to traditional automobile sales. - **Mobile Applications:** Mobile applications can provide innovative ways for consumers to purchase cars from their devices. - **Retail and Consumer Goods:** Vehicle vending machines provide an innovative way for retailers to engage with consumers and build a unique brand experience. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Retailer-Enabled Car Sales](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/amazon-autos.md) - [Car-Buying E-Commerce Sites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cazoo.md) - [Auto-Centric Digital Retail Spaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/amazon-auto.md) - [Robot Vending Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tortoise-smart-stores.md) - [Data-Driven Automotive Retailer Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/automotive-retailer.md) - [Online Car Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hyundai-partners-with-amazon.md) - [Angular Multi-Functional Cat Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tesla-cybertruck-cat.md) - [Burger-Themed DIY Cat Houses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-cat-boxes.md) - [Automotive Parking Lot Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/parking-lot-pop-up.md)