Jan. 21, 2026
Amazon Autos Is Live: What It Means for Dealers
Amazon Autos is no longer just an idea. Its beta version is live, expanding and already changing how people think about buying cars online.
In this episode of Leadership in the Dealership, Danielle Mills Walden and Phillip Greer break down what Amazon Autos really means for dealers, using Ford’s certified pre-owned partnership as a real-world example of a much larger shift. This conversation is not about one brand. It is about how large digital marketplaces are changing vehicle discovery, buyer expectations and the path to purchase.
Danielle and Phillip explain why this model does not remove dealers from the process, how CPO inventory fits naturally into Amazon’s ecosystem and what dealers should be thinking about now when it comes to listings, photos, reviews, digital retail and readiness for nationwide exposure. They also discuss how Amazon’s buying experience is shaping expectations around speed, transparency and convenience.
The episode then shifts to another major issue impacting the industry: recalls. With millions of vehicles still on the road with open recalls, Danielle and Phillip walk through the operational, safety and trust implications for dealers, service departments, rental fleets and customers. They share real-world experiences and explain why clearer communication and stronger processes matter more than ever.
Whether you are a dealer principal, general manager, used car manager or industry professional, this episode offers grounded insight into where digital car buying is headed and how to prepare without chasing hype or fear.
Listen, subscribe and share with someone in your dealership who needs to hear this.
In this episode of Leadership in the Dealership, Danielle Mills Walden and Phillip Greer break down what Amazon Autos really means for dealers, using Ford’s certified pre-owned partnership as a real-world example of a much larger shift. This conversation is not about one brand. It is about how large digital marketplaces are changing vehicle discovery, buyer expectations and the path to purchase.
Danielle and Phillip explain why this model does not remove dealers from the process, how CPO inventory fits naturally into Amazon’s ecosystem and what dealers should be thinking about now when it comes to listings, photos, reviews, digital retail and readiness for nationwide exposure. They also discuss how Amazon’s buying experience is shaping expectations around speed, transparency and convenience.
The episode then shifts to another major issue impacting the industry: recalls. With millions of vehicles still on the road with open recalls, Danielle and Phillip walk through the operational, safety and trust implications for dealers, service departments, rental fleets and customers. They share real-world experiences and explain why clearer communication and stronger processes matter more than ever.
Whether you are a dealer principal, general manager, used car manager or industry professional, this episode offers grounded insight into where digital car buying is headed and how to prepare without chasing hype or fear.
Listen, subscribe and share with someone in your dealership who needs to hear this.