Amazon Cars: Buy a Hyundai Online & How It Works | Fast Company

Amazon is expanding its foray into the automotive market, allowing customers to browse, finance, and schedule pickup of new Hyundai vehicles directly through its platform. While the idea of adding a car to your Amazon cart alongside everyday purchases might seem futuristic, the reality is a carefully constructed integration with existing dealership infrastructure. The program, officially rolled out in December 2024, currently focuses on Hyundai, but Amazon intends to add more manufacturers and dealerships in the coming year. This move, building on partnerships established since Amazon Autos launched in late 2023, represents a significant step in redefining the used – and now new – car marketplace.

What’s Currently Available

For buyers interested in a new vehicle through Amazon Autos, Hyundai is currently the primary partner. Shoppers can select from models like the Santa Fe, Tucson, and Ioniq. Those seeking other brands – Toyota, Ford, or others – will still need to rely on traditional dealership experiences for the time being. However, Amazon’s selection of used cars is broader, encompassing certified pre-owned vehicles from various brands and fleet offerings.

How the Amazon Autos Experience Works

Amazon isn’t attempting to bypass the dealership model entirely. Instead, it’s layering a streamlined digital experience on top of it. The process begins with searching the Amazon Autos section, filtering by desired vehicle characteristics – make, model, trim, color, and zip code. Crucially, the inventory displayed represents actual cars physically located on local dealer lots.

The purchasing process is where Amazon’s influence is most apparent. Customers can view the total price upfront, eliminating the often-stressful negotiation process common at dealerships. They can also initiate a credit check, apply for financing, and place a deposit directly through the Amazon platform. This removes the need for extended periods spent in a dealership finance office.

Once the digital paperwork is completed, customers schedule a pickup or delivery time with the dealership. For Hyundai vehicles purchased through dealerships participating in the “Shopper Assurance” program, buyers have a three-day/300-mile return window to ensure satisfaction. Customers can verify dealership participation in the Shopper Assurance program here.

What Amazon Autos Isn’t (Yet)

Despite the convenience, Amazon Autos isn’t a “Prime” delivery experience for cars. Don’t anticipate a blue van pulling up with your new Elantra. The vehicle still needs to be picked up or delivered by the dealership. The system also doesn’t represent a complete disruption of the automotive retail model. It’s an evolution, leveraging Amazon’s e-commerce expertise to improve a traditionally cumbersome process.

The current limitations in vehicle selection are also noteworthy. While Amazon plans to expand its partnerships, Hyundai is currently the dominant brand available for new car purchases. This restricted choice may not appeal to all consumers.

Context and Implications

Amazon’s entry into the automotive space isn’t entirely new. The company has been experimenting with car-related services for some time, and the launch of Amazon Autos builds on previous initiatives. This move is part of a broader trend of online car retail, with Tesla already offering direct online sales and delivery, and Carvana providing a wide selection of vehicles online. Amazon’s scale and established e-commerce infrastructure give it a significant advantage in this emerging market.

For consumers, Amazon Autos promises a more transparent and convenient car-buying experience. The upfront pricing and streamlined financing process could save time and reduce stress. For dealerships, the platform offers access to a wider customer base and a potentially more efficient sales channel. However, dealerships will need to adapt to a model where price negotiation is minimized and the customer experience is increasingly driven by Amazon’s platform.

The success of Amazon Autos will likely depend on its ability to expand its partnerships with other manufacturers and dealerships, and to continue refining the customer experience. The initial rollout to 48 cities – including New York, Atlanta, and San Francisco – suggests a phased approach, allowing Amazon to gather data and optimize the platform before a wider launch. As Amazon continues to invest in its automotive initiatives, it’s likely to play an increasingly significant role in shaping the future of car retail.