McDonald's, "10 Million Vehicles Used Drive-Thru in Q1"

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Sunghye] McDonald's drive-thru (DT) platform 'McDrive' usage has continuously increased, with the number of vehicles using the service exceeding 10 million in the first quarter (January to March) of this year, the company announced on the 9th.

Within the first quarter, the highest number of McDrive users was recorded last month, and sales generated from McDrive during the past month increased by approximately 30% compared to the same period last year. Additionally, the average purchase amount per person also rose by 15%. This is interpreted as a result of the ongoing social atmosphere of refraining from going out due to remote work and online classes, leading to customers' growing preference for the drive-thru ordering method, which allows convenient and fast ordering, payment, and product receipt all from inside the car.

Thanks to the popularity of McDrive, about 60% of McDonald's total sales last month came from non-face-to-face ordering platforms, McDrive and McDelivery. This reflects the untact (contactless) consumption trend, where consumers reduce outings and pay attention to personal safety while enjoying their favorite products through non-face-to-face ordering, which has become the mainstream.

Since introducing the country's first drive-thru platform McDrive in 1992, McDonald's currently operates 60% of its restaurants nationwide as drive-thru locations. As the number of McDrive users continues to grow, McDonald's is making various efforts to enhance safety awareness among users and pedestrians through safety campaigns, ensuring customers can use the service more safely and conveniently.

At McDrive entrances and exits, 3.3.3. safety pictograms (stop for 3 seconds for safety, check three directions ahead and to both sides, and drive at 3 km/h) are installed, along with safety facilities such as road mirrors, speed bumps, and exit alert warning lights. Additionally, safety management personnel are regularly assigned to prevent accidents.

A McDonald's official stated, “As consumer trends evolve toward contactless methods, the use of the drive-thru platform is becoming established among consumers. Along with this, there has been a noticeable increase in customers visiting to personally verify the recent word-of-mouth that our burgers have become tastier, which also seems to have a positive impact.”