Ford Partners with Amazon to Boost Certified Used Car Sales
Ford Expands Amazon Autos Offering to Certified Used Vehicles
Under the new initiative, Ford customers can browse inventory of certified pre-owned vehicles from participating local dealerships directly on Amazon's website. The platform facilitates the completion of most paperwork online, including securing financing and e-signing documents. Once the online process is largely complete, customers then schedule a time to pick up their selected vehicle at the local dealership. This model ensures that dealerships, which remain a key revenue driver for Ford, stay actively involved in the sales process.
A notable feature of the program is Ford's commitment to customer satisfaction through a money-back guarantee for any certified pre-owned vehicle sold by dealers on Amazon Autos. Customers have the option to return a vehicle within 14 days or after 1,000 miles, whichever benchmark is reached first, providing added assurance for online purchases. This policy, a standard feature for Amazon Autos, extends to Ford's CPO offerings, encompassing vehicles like the Mustang Mach-E, with extended warranties covering critical components such as the battery and electrical systems for electric vehicles.
Integrating into the E-commerce Ecosystem
Amazon Autos functions seamlessly within the broader Amazon e-commerce ecosystem, leveraging familiar search and transaction functionalities. Shoppers can refine their search for available vehicles by model, trim, color, and specific features, mirroring the detailed product searches common across Amazon. The ability to secure financing and complete e-signatures online further integrates the car-buying process into a fully digital experience, significantly reducing the time customers need to spend at a physical dealership.
This expansion with Ford into the certified pre-owned market represents a strategic diversification for Amazon Autos. The platform first entered the automotive sales arena in 2024 by partnering with Hyundai for new vehicle sales. Ford's entry now broadens the scope to a distinct, yet related, segment, tapping into the growing demand for inspected and warrantied used vehicles. This move aims to deliver a "revolutionary" digital experience, competing with established online used car platforms by leveraging Amazon's vast user base.
Strategic Market Launch and Industry Trends
The initial rollout of Ford certified pre-owned vehicles on Amazon Autos will be concentrated in a few key U.S. markets. Customers in Los Angeles, Seattle, and Dallas will be among the first to access this new purchasing channel. This targeted launch allows Ford and Amazon to refine the partnership's logistics and customer experience before a broader expansion.
This collaboration aligns with a significant industry trend towards increased digital sales, particularly for used vehicles. Projections indicate that the used car market is anticipated to account for 70% of U.S. auto sales in 2025, according to Cox Automotive data. Furthermore, online used car sales are forecasted to grow by 25% in 2025, as per insights from Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book. Ford's partnership with Amazon is positioned to capitalize on these shifts, with internal data from Ford's Q3 2025 suggesting a projected 15-20% increase in used car sales through such digital channels. By offering a digital-first approach while retaining the essential role of local dealerships, Ford aims to enhance accessibility and convenience for a wider segment of buyers.