Carvana's Next Move Looks a Lot Like Amazon's - and That's the Point

Carvana’s Next Move Looks a Lot Like Amazon’s: the article details how Carvana is buying physical dealer locations to support its online used-car model. Carvana spent $171 million to acquire seven Stellantis dealerships in the U.S., with Stellantis owning Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge and Ram. The company, based in Tempe, Arizona, plans its first “Test Drive Center” in Dallas, adding an in-person option while continuing to sell online. Carvana said it will also keep operating the purchased dealerships as a franchisee of Stellantis brands. Company president of special projects Tom Taira said customers can explore, compare and test drive “on their own terms,” then buy via the Carvana process. The acquisitions were reported as six dealerships purchased in late 2025 and early 2026, plus a seventh dealership bought in April. Carvana competes with CarGurus, CarMax, Autotrader and DriveTime.