Ford and the Chinese Alibaba Group Holding have signed a deal in which the online retailer could sell cars in its Tmall platform. According to Reuters, this deal is part of Ford’s plans to change up its sales strategy in China.

"The agreement aims to explore new ways to redefine how consumers purchase and own vehicles, as well as how to leverage digital channels to identify new retail opportunities," Alibaba said in its statement.

The Tmall sales strategy includes an “Automotive Vending Machine,” a multistory parking garage that sells directly to consumers. The details still need to be worked out, a source told Reuters.

Dealers are understandably concerned, though Ford believes they would agree considering they still get to service the cars. However, Alibaba gets both the financing and the sales. The direct sales model couldn’t work in the U.S. due to a strong auto dealer network with a decent amount of political power.

Ford sales have been slow in China as of late. That combined with Alibaba increasing its presence in the automotive sector could make for an important deal. The agreement lasts three years.

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