Amazon’s Auto Ambitions Grow, Adding Used Cars To The Roadmap
Amazon expands automotive roadmap to include used cars as well as new in latest updates from Director, GM Amazon Autos Fan Jin.
Jin revealed the news on a recent episode of the Automotive News Daily Drive podcast, saying that adding used inventory for dealers is “really our next biggest milestone here” and that the company wants to make sure dealers can sell as much of their inventory as they want through Amazon Autos.
When asked how Amazon plans to compete against existing popular sites where dealers already list their used vehicles, Jin said Amazon Autos is a way for dealers to have “a fully online eCommerce channel,” instead of just a lead generation site.
“We think that’s valuable because demographic customer data tells us that more and more customers are very much comfortable with a fully online car transaction, even though that’s a very big purchase,” Jin said.
“Customers want an omnichannel experience. It takes folks a while to make a decision, so they may start online, they’re going to go to the dealer maybe to look and have a test drive, they’ll come back, think about it and then finish the purchase online. We see that a lot.”
The company began rolling out the Amazon Autos offering in December, saying in a press release that it was partnering with automotive dealers and brands to bring the Amazon experience to the car-buying process, starting with new Hyundai vehicles from local dealers in 48 US cities.
Amazon Staff
The company said at the time that Amazon Autos planned to add more Hyundai dealers as well as other manufacturers, brands and cities.
Amazon Autos allows car shoppers to browse, order, finance and schedule pickup of the vehicle from their local participating dealer, all within the familiar Amazon store. They can also get an instant valuation and trade for their existing vehicle.
The move comes as Amazon continues trying to take market share in Autos from rival eBay, which has historically been a strong performer in both vehicles and parts and accessories categories.
Amazon launched their OEM Parts Store in 2023, with Amazon Confirmed Fit - a clear play to match eBay's Guaranteed Fit program for auto parts and accessories.
Liz Morton
And now, as eBay just closed their acquisition of car auction site Caramel, Amazon is working to move further into the used car sales market as well.
Liz Morton
Would you buy a used car on Amazon? Let us know in the comments below!
