Amazon Gears Up to Enter Used Car Market, Expanding Beyond Hyundai Partnership

Amazon is preparing to take its automotive venture to the next level by stepping into the used car market, signaling a major expansion beyond its current partnership with Hyundai. While the online retail giant has so far focused exclusively on new vehicle sales through a collaboration with Hyundai, the company now plans to broaden its offerings to include used cars—a move that could disrupt the landscape for established auto marketplaces.

According to Fan Jin, Director of Amazon Autos, the platform is preparing to introduce used car listings in the near future. This follows the rollout of Amazon’s “public beta” for new car purchases in late 2024, which initially launched in select markets and has now grown to cover 68 regions across the United States. The platform allowed customers to browse and buy Hyundai vehicles online, backed by a national advertising campaign that debuted earlier this year.

The expansion into used cars could allow Amazon to onboard a wider network of dealers quickly, as it would no longer be limited to a single automaker. However, the shift won’t come without challenges. Unlike new car sales, used car transactions often involve a diverse range of financing options and lender partnerships unique to each dealership, complicating the backend infrastructure Amazon would need to manage.

Still, the potential of Amazon entering the used car space is likely raising alarms at established platforms like Autotrader, Cars.com, and CarGurus. These companies have long dominated online used car listings, but Amazon’s scale, brand recognition, and logistical capabilities could quickly make it a formidable competitor.

While Amazon has yet to formally announce partnerships with any additional automakers beyond Hyundai, its continued growth in the automotive retail space signals an aggressive strategy to become a key player in both new and used vehicle sales. As the company continues to test and refine its automotive platform, the industry will be watching closely to see how it reshapes the car buying experience.