The U.S. auto sales landscape is shifting as Ford launches a new partnership with Amazon, allowing franchised dealers to sell certified preowned vehicles directly on the retail giant’s online platform. The collaboration is part of Ford’s wider strategy to modernize its sales model and align with customers who increasingly prefer digital shopping.
The program lets buyers browse certified Ford inventory, arrange financing, begin purchase paperwork and schedule dealership pickup. While certain final steps must still be completed in person, Ford and Amazon say the streamlined process moves e-commerce convenience closer to the traditional car-buying experience.
Amazon first opened its platform to vehicle sales two years ago, beginning with Hyundai’s new models. Ford’s partnership differs by spotlighting certified preowned units—inspected, refurbished and manufacturer-certified vehicles that typically include warranties and greater reliability than standard used cars.
Ford reports that more than 160 of its 2,900 U.S. dealerships are currently onboarding with Amazon. Around a dozen are already live, with more expected to join in the coming week. Certified preowned Ford vehicles are available to Amazon shoppers in Los Angeles, Seattle and Dallas, with broader expansion planned in the months ahead.
Fan Jin, global leader of Amazon Autos, said the addition of Ford’s certified vehicles strengthens the platform by offering “thousands of quality vehicles backed by Ford’s inspection and warranty programs.”
Buyers will have access to a 14-day or 1,000-mile money-back guarantee, along with three levels of certified preowned coverage that differ in inspection points and warranty lengths. Ford says these tiers provide flexibility based on each buyer’s desired level of protection and price point.
The partnership follows Amazon’s recent push into used vehicle commerce, including a deal with Hertz to sell retired rental cars through its site. Industry analysts note that the preowned sector offers fewer regulatory hurdles, allowing digital retailers to reshape the market more quickly.
Despite Amazon hosting the online storefront, Ford’s franchised dealerships remain the official sellers—necessary under state laws that block automakers from bypassing dealers for new vehicle sales. Used vehicles, however, face fewer restrictions, making certified preowned units a strategic focus for online expansion.
Analysts say hybrid models like this allow legacy automakers to compete with online-first used car retailers while preserving the central role of dealerships. As consumer preferences continue shifting toward digital buying, more carmakers are expected to pursue partnerships that redefine U.S. auto sales.
