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Amazon on Monday expanded into online car sales with the launch of Amazon Autos, an e-commerce company that allows customers to find, order and buy new cars, trucks and SUVs from dealerships.
Amazon is launching a new endeavor with Hyundai in 48 US cities, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles and New York. The launch comes just over a year after the e-commerce giant announced plans to start selling vehicles on its website in the second half of 2024. Amazon said it will add more cities and additional car manufacturers in 2025.
Amazon Autos will, in many ways, function like the rest of Amazon’s broader e-commerce ecosystem. Shoppers will be able to search for available vehicles at participating dealers by model, trim, color and features. It is worth noting that customers will also be able to secure financing and electronically sign papers via the Amazon Autos website. Once payment is completed, customers can schedule an appointment to pick up their vehicle from that dealer.
When vehicles go on sale on Amazon, the local dealer (currently only Hyundai dealers) will be the seller of record. Amazon Autos will also handle additional commerce.
The online car selling market is crowded. However, most companies in this space — a list that includes AutoTrader, Carvana, and Carmax — sell used vehicles. Customers browsing Amazon Autos will only be able to purchase new car models. The company said it plans to add expanded leasing and financing options next year.
Amazon has reach that automakers like Hyundai might find attractive. Consumers may also be attracted by Amazon Cars’ promise of transparent pricing from local dealers, eliminating the need for negotiation. In other words, no bargaining. Amazon said the price customers see when they check out is the price they pay, including all taxes and fees.
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