Is this for real? Chinese car company delivers keys to new cars by drone to combat COVID-19

While it's unclear whether this is just a PR stunt, the company claims the service will be offered in select locations, using a remotely-controlled drone to deliver keys to front doors and even to the balconies of new-car buyers.

Geely’s delivery system complements past efforts by the brand to reduce contact between sales staff and customers, after offering home or office delivery of new vehicles.

Above: Geely's 'mall'

Its new online ordering method also allows consumers to order from its ‘online mall’ and have the vehicle delivered – meaning customers never had to visit a dealership to buy a new car.

On top of remote delivery, Geely states that all of its vehicles are disinfected through “ionisation” prior to delivery. In February, Geely released the Icon, what it claimed to be the first mass-produced vehicle with anti-bacterial filters.

Geely reports it has put aside 370 million RMB (AU$89.4 million) to develop "healthier vehicles providing clean cabin air and using materials that are antimicrobial in nature" in the future.

To date, Geely’s online ordering platform has had over 10,000 consumers order and pay for vehicles, with another 110,000 registering interest in the service.

While a creative solution, don’t expect the drone delivery service to be offered by Geely subsidiaries Volvo or Lotus in Australia anytime soon. Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority law states that drones cannot be flown within 30 metres of another person.