Now that most cars are electrically powered, software defined, and app controlled, it’s not surprising that new vehicles are mostly ordered online. Visiting a dealer’s showroom to see a limited number of cars, kick the tyres, and haggle over prices seems quaintly old-fashioned.

What is surprising is that Amazon Autos has emerged as the top selling ‘dealer’ in the US, for all the major auto brands. What started as a partnership with Hyundai in 2025 has blossomed into a powerhouse virtual dealership for new cars.

Tesla has been selling direct to customers for years, and big auto companies have been promoting their model range online for decades, mostly fulfilling via dealerships and service centers. Used car marketplaces have long exploited online channels, even delivering cars via giant vending machines.

But this is the first time that a major ecommerce giant has succeeded in becoming the go to place to buy a full range of new cars, from budget to luxury, creating a seamless experience for new car buyers, even offering Prime delivery for popular models.

Amazon’s success lies in adapting its proven online retail tools like buyer reviews, feature comparisons, recommendations, and customer-friendly returns policies to the complex process of buying a car. Together with AI powered innovations like virtual test drives and immersive 360 views of the cars’ interiors and exteriors, Amazon Autos really puts you in the driver’s seat!

Like all Amazon projects, putting the customer first, and focusing on their needs, rather than “How can we move these cars quickly?” has paid dividends in the long run. And integrating with Amazon Pay and brand-approved crypto financing options has changed the game, making Amazon Autos the only ‘superdealer’ in the industry. Prime customers get immediate access to finance as Amazon already knows their credit history.

No wonder Amazon has been crowned with the title of Dealer of the Year.