Ford partnered with Amazon to let franchised dealers sell certified pre-owned vehicles through the online retail giant.
The programme allows customers to browse local dealer inventory, secure financing, complete most paperwork, and schedule pickup times at participating Ford stores.
Around 180 dealers expressed interest so far with roughly 20 already signed up and launched.
The service debuts in Los Angeles, Seattle, and Dallas with plans to expand to additional cities over the coming months.
This follows Amazon’s earlier move two years ago allowing Hyundai to sell new vehicles through its platform.
The Ford deal differs by focusing on certified pre-owned rather than factory-fresh metal.
CPO vehicles get inspected, refurbished, and certified by the manufacturer or dealer with warranties backing them up.
Amazon facilitated used car sales already through a partnership with the Hertz rental company earlier this year.
The platform simply connects buyers and dealers rather than selling vehicles directly itself.
Ford offers 14 14-day or 1,000-mile money-back guarantee on vehicles sold through Amazon, whichever comes first.
Three CPO certification levels provide varying warranty coverage depending on vehicle condition and inspection results.
Some steps still require in-person completion, like final signatures. Ford clarified there’s no Amazon Prime delivery for cars despite the online shopping experience.
Customers must collect vehicles at dealerships after finishing digital paperwork.
Traditional automakers maintain complex relationships with dealers backed by state laws, making it difficult or illegal to bypass franchised stores for new vehicle sales.
Used vehicle laws prove less stringent, which explains why companies like Carvana and Hertz sell pre-owned cars directly to consumers online.
With Amazon partnerships involving Hyundai and Ford, franchised dealers remain the actual sellers.
Amazon provides the marketplace infrastructure whilst dealers handle inventory, pricing, and final transactions.
Fan Jin, global leader of Amazon Autos, called the Ford addition an exciting expansion giving customers access to thousands of quality vehicles backed by comprehensive inspection and warranty programmes.
The deal arrives as new car prices hit record territory. Average American buyers paid around $50,100 in September, according to Kelley Blue Book data, marking an all-time high.
Prices have since dropped below $50,000 but remain elevated compared to previous years.
Ford operates roughly 2,900 US retailers with about 160 raising hands and starting the Amazon process.
Approximately a dozen were fully onboarded initially, with 10 more launching the following week.
