Amazon has expanded its offerings to include listings for pre-owned vehicles. While this marks a significant development, especially for Los Angeles-based dealerships currently participating, a particular element in Amazon's promotional materials has garnered considerable amusement and bewilderment: the selection of a Lada Vesta SW Cross for advertising this new service.
This choice stands out as remarkably odd because the Lada Vesta SW Cross, a raised station wagon produced by Russia's state-owned automotive company, is not a model available in most international markets, and certainly not within the United States. This decision prompts questions about the rationale behind using such a niche and geographically specific vehicle to promote a widespread service.
It is not uncommon for companies to use generic or fabricated vehicle images in their advertisements, or even to subtly alter existing models by removing branding. Indeed, Amazon's own press release for its used car service features a Ram 1500, albeit with its logos removed. Yet, the inclusion of a Lada suggests either a lack of awareness regarding its market relevance or a simple reliance on royalty-free imagery without deeper consideration of its implications.
This incident strangely echoes a recent event where a political party similarly used an outdated Lada model in a tweet, attempting to convey a message about revitalizing American automobiles. The recurring appearance of this specific, non-American vehicle in seemingly incongruous advertising contexts is a curious trend, underlining a potential oversight in stock image selection processes.
Amazon's venture into auto sales began with new Hyundai vehicles, and the used car listings are currently limited to Hyundai dealers in the Los Angeles area. The company has indicated plans to broaden its network to include other dealerships and brands in the near future. Nevertheless, it is highly improbable that Lada vehicles will ever grace the virtual showrooms of Amazon's used car platform in the U.S. market.
The integration of used car sales on Amazon represents a notable shift in the automotive retail landscape. Although the platform currently supports listings primarily from Hyundai dealerships in Los Angeles, there are aspirations to incorporate a wider array of brands and dealerships in the foreseeable future. Despite the initial humorous misstep in advertising, the fundamental aim is to provide a streamlined, online avenue for purchasing pre-owned vehicles.