Amazon has officially entered the automotive market with the launch of Amazon Autos, a groundbreaking service allowing customers in 48 U.S. cities to browse, finance, and purchase vehicles directly on the Amazon platform. Hyundai is the exclusive launch partner, offering its lineup through this innovative program, which integrates the trusted Amazon shopping experience into one of life’s most significant purchases.
With Amazon Autos, customers can explore available vehicles by make, model, trim, color, and features, all while enjoying transparent pricing and seamless trade-in options. This platform eliminates traditional pain points, such as price negotiations and paperwork, offering a streamlined experience from the comfort of home.
Simple Steps to Drive Off in Your New Car
Amazon Autos enables a complete online car-buying journey:
- Browse Inventory: Customers can view vehicles at local participating dealerships with advanced search filters.
- Transparent Pricing: No haggling is required—what you see is what you pay, inclusive of taxes and fees.
- Trade-in Made Easy: By answering a few questions about their current car, customers can get a firm trade-in value, which is applied to the purchase of their new vehicle.
- Secure Financing: Customers can arrange financing or choose to pay in full online.
- Schedule Pick-Up: The process concludes with customers scheduling a convenient time to pick up their new car at the dealership.
“We’re bringing Amazon’s simplicity to the car-buying experience, making it more transparent and customer-focused,” said Fan Jin, global head of Amazon Autos. In addition to transforming automotive shopping, Amazon has added another perk for Prime members: a $0.10 per gallon discount at approximately 7,000 bp, Amoco, and ampm locations nationwide. This benefit is expected to save the average member nearly $70 per year.
A Win-Win for Dealers
For dealerships, Amazon Autos offers a valuable new sales channel, connecting them with millions of Amazon customers. The platform allows dealers to focus on delivering memorable in-person experiences when customers arrive to pick up their vehicles.
“Listing our inventory on Amazon has been a game-changer,” said Steven Suh, general sales manager at South Bay Hyundai. “It’s an effective way to reach a broader audience and offer the transparent pricing that today’s buyers demand.”
Future Expansion and Features
Amazon Autos is just getting started. Hyundai’s exclusive partnership marks the beginning of what Amazon envisions as a growing marketplace, adding more brands, cities, and functionalities in 2024. Upcoming features include leasing options, expanded financing tools, and additional manufacturers.
The initiative reflects Amazon’s commitment to innovation, as seen with tools like Rufus, a generative AI shopping assistant available to U.S. customers. Rufus will soon support Amazon Autos, helping shoppers make informed decisions with ease.
A New Era of Automotive Shopping
Amazon Autos is redefining how Americans buy cars by delivering convenience, transparency, and trust. As the platform evolves, Amazon aims to empower customers and dealerships alike, bridging the gap between digital and in-person experiences.
With Hyundai leading the charge and plans for broader integration on the horizon, Amazon Autos is poised to become a central player in the automotive retail landscape.