Amazon Shifts Gears: Revs Up Online Car Sales, Starting with Hyundai — Retail Bum

Starting next year, Amazon is gearing to roll out the option to purchase a car for the first time in partnership with Hyundai — putting dealerships in the driver’s seat directly on its platform.

Earlier, customers could explore car showrooms and compare prices on Amazon, but the option to purchase a car directly was not available. This is set to change next year as numerous Hyundai dealers will begin listing their models for sale on the platform, enabling customers to pay using their preferred payment methods and opt to either retrieve the car from a nearby dealership or have it conveniently delivered to their home.

Crucially, the dealer will still remain the ultimate seller of the vehicle, with Amazon’s platform serving as the intermediary connecting the customer to the dealership. It is uncertain whether the company is engaging in discussions with other automakers regarding the possibility of listing their vehicles on the platform.

“This new shopping experience will create another way for dealers to build awareness of their selection and offer convenience to their customers,” Amazon said in a post.

Gradually venturing into the automotive domain, Amazon today provides virtual showrooms for specific brands and tools for price…