What: Through a strategic partnership, Amazon will start selling Hyundai cars next year;

Why it is important: Although, for many safety and local regulation reasons, this is mostly a PR stunt, it also shows that the nature of e-commerce has changed, and the gap between China and the rest of the world is tightening. The use of marketplaces is the only way for department stores to expand their product categories beyond the traditional and remain on par with Amazon.

Amazon will start selling Hyundai vehicles online in the U.S. from next year, building on their previous collaboration. This service will allow customers to select, customize, and purchase a Hyundai car on Amazon.com and arrange its delivery through a local dealer. Initially established in 2018, Hyundai's digital showroom on Amazon has been expanded to facilitate this new buying process. Additionally, the 2025 Hyundai models will integrate Amazon's Alexa voice assistant. Hyundai Motor CEO Jay Chang sees this partnership as a significant step towards expanding Hyundai's portfolio and advancing into electrification and smart mobility.

Amazon to sell Hyundai cars online in 2024