Amazon launched a “car research destination and automotive community” on Thursday called Amazon Vehicles, and it’s not just for new-car shoppers – it’s going after parts, accessories, and the classic-car community as well. The move poses a threat to eBay, which launched its eBay Motors site in April 2000, selling its 2 millionth passenger vehicle in 2006.
But while you can read product reviews for cars on Amazon, you can’t purchase them, at least not yet. Asked if there were plans to enable shoppers to purchase a vehicle on Amazon, a spokesperson for the company said she was unable to comment on what Amazon may or may not do the in future.
The Amazon spokesperson told EcommerceBytes, “With Amazon Vehicles, customers can now view specifications, images, and videos for new and classic car models, as well as leverage tens of thousands of trusted Amazon customer reviews to research cars the same way they do other products – everything from TVs to blenders. In addition, curious customers can ask their own questions and receive answers directly from other car owners.” Amazon Vehicles does not include boats, just automotive vehicles, she said.
Amazon Vehicles features research tools and community engagement features, and it builds on the Amazon Automotive store, which enables customers to add information about their current car to the Amazon Garage for shopping parts and accessories designed specifically for that vehicle. The company said that to date, more than 35 million customers have saved their cars to the Amazon Garage.
The Amazon Automotive store features millions of products from categories spanning Replacement and Performance Parts; Automotive, Truck, Motorcycle, and Powersports Accessories; Car Care; Tools and Equipment; Tires and Wheels; Car Electronics; and Enthusiast Merchandise, among others.
According to Thursday’s announcement, “Customers shopping for parts and accessories in the Amazon Automotive store will find the same features they have come to know and love from Amazon, including fast, free shipping options – guaranteed unlimited Free Two-Day Shipping with Amazon Prime and Prime FREE Same-Day Delivery seven days a week in 27 metro areas – helpful customer reviews, personalized product recommendations, and best-sellers.”
The Washington Post believes even without selling vehicles, the new feature could stimulate sales of parts and accessories on Amazon.
You can visit Amazon Vehicles on the Amazon website.
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