Yeah, there’s something about us and automatic goodness today…
We’ve seen plenty of interesting vending machines all over Japan, even for outright marketing, though the recent Smart Vendor in Shibuya Station might just take the creativity award home.
Holding a full-size Smart Car, the faux vending machine has two choices (coupe and cabrio), and a convenient slot to insert the amount you need (about $20k). Of course, this is a concept only, but is a nice extension of their already creative vending machine idea that fits right into the Japanese love for instant gratification on-the-go. Besides, could you do this with any other car without it seeming like a big joke?
Pushing the button on the vendor won’t exactly pop out a car, but it does dispense a branded tube containing pamphlets on the new models, dealer information, and a sheet of Smart Car stickers featuring the available colors.
Now the big question: Will the Smart Car become a hit in Japan? One would think “yes” because of limited space, but cutting the car in half still won’t give us anywhere else to park unless the parking spaces are cut in half as well. However, with rising gas prices and a burgeoning Eco movement in Japan, it just might make the dent it wants to.
The Smart Vendor’s time in Shibuya Station is now over, but you can catch it in three more spots around Japan in the next month.
Get some vending machine love from our new piece at PingMag
More info at PlaySmart.jp
Michael is founder and director of the 
This has to be one of the coolest, and most clever marketing tactics I have seen. Kudos to Smart Car – this sure beats their Smart Car House that they have setup on my drive home through Venice, CA everyday!
Wow…leave it to the Japanese to come up with this kind of eye-catching vending!
i wish i was in japan
Thats why they are know as Japanese.
this is a great car and also great post
wow. can i keep the box too? i mean, the vending machine.. :D
Now that is an amazing and wild idea.