Look out, Carvana: Amazon Autos launches in 48 cities nationwide

In brief: Amazon is the go-to destination for everything from A to Z – it says as much right in the logo. For shoppers in 48 US cities, the e-commerce giant is now a one-stop shop for their next automobile (so long as Hyundai is the preferred brand).

Customers in select cities can now browse, order, and finance a brand new Hyundai vehicle from participating local dealers directly through Amazon. The service, called Amazon Autos, was first announced last year with the South Korean automaker as the exclusive launch partner.

Shoppers can browse and search for vehicles based on model, trim, features, and color, with the option to pay in full or secure financing. Amazon Autos can also help buyers trade in their existing vehicle toward the purchase of a new car and schedule pick-up at the dealership.

Fan Jin, global head of Amazon Autos, said they are partnering with dealers and brands to redesign car shopping by making it more convenient, transparent, and customer friendly. The service leverages the simplicity and ease that customers have come to expect from Amazon, Jin said, while also providing dealers a new channel to reach a broad audience.

Amazon believes the last, in-person experience will help dealers establish a long-term relationship with the customer.

Outside of a home, a new car is one of the most expensive purchases most people will make. Buying such a big-ticket item sight unseen may be hard for some to fathom but is quite common in the automotive world. What's more, not everyone puts a ton of thought or research into a new car purchase. Often, factors like color and overall aesthetics are enough to sell a shopper.

Amazon said it plans to expand its network of participating Hyundai dealerships, and next year, additional manufacturers and cities will be added to the program. Amazon is also eyeing leasing and expanded financing options, we are told. A full list of participating metro areas is available over on the Amazon Autos website.