Ford partners with Amazon for dealers to sell used cars online

DETROIT — ford motor It is partnered with Amazon To allow the automaker’s franchise dealers to sell certified used cars through the online retail giant.

The new program will allow customers to secure financing, start paperwork and schedule vehicle pickup at participating Ford dealers, the companies announced Monday. Some steps, such as the final signing, may still need to be completed in person, Ford said.

The deal comes two years after Amazon announced that it would allow car dealers to sell cars through its site, starting with vehicles from South Korean automaker Hyundai.

However, the deals between Amazon and the two automakers differ, with Hyundai including new cars rather than certified pre-owned vehicles. CPO vehicles are used but have been inspected, refurbished, and certified by the manufacturer or dealer. They are considered to be of better quality than used cars compared to cars that do not carry this classification and have warranties, such as a new car.

Earlier this year, Amazon also partnered with a car rental company Hertz To sell used cars through its website.

Ford said Monday that more than 160 of its roughly 2,900 U.S. retailers have “raised their hands” and begun the process with Amazon. So far, about 12 of them have been fully launched, with about 10 more launching next week, the company said.

“Adding Ford certified pre-owned vehicles to Amazon Autos represents an exciting expansion for our store, giving customers access to thousands of high-quality vehicles backed by Ford’s comprehensive inspection and warranty programs,” Van Gehen, global leader of Amazon Autos, said in a statement.

Ford said it will offer a 14-day or 1,000-mile money-back guarantee, whichever comes first, on vehicles sold through the partnership with Amazon. The automaker will also offer three levels of CPO certification for vehicles, with different warranty coverages.

Ford said CPO vehicles are now available on Amazon Autos in Los Angeles, Seattle and Dallas, with plans to expand to additional cities in the coming months.

And with Amazon’s partnerships with Hyundai and Ford, the franchised dealer is still the ultimate seller. Traditional automakers have complex relationships with the dealers they support, and in many states they have laws that make it difficult or illegal to bypass franchised dealers and sell new vehicles directly to consumers.

There are less stringent laws regarding used car sales, which makes it easier for companies like CarvanaHertz and others sell used cars and trucks online directly to consumers.