Rival dealers are studying Carvana’s new-car playbook as it takes shape

Carvana’s expansion into physical dealerships with seven new Stellantis stores is sparking debate among industry insiders, as the company’s bold shift toward a leaner, tech-driven retail model—featuring minimal staff, AI-powered automation, and home delivery—challenges traditional car-selling practices. Analysts and dealers are closely watching whether this hybrid approach can sustain efficiency while maintaining customer trust in a market still adapting to post-pandemic buying habits. The move raises questions about how digital-first strategies will perform in a sector where in-person service remains a key selling point for many consumers. With Carvana betting heavily on automation to cut costs, the experiment could redefine the future of new-car retail—or expose vulnerabilities in its high-tech, low-touch vision.

Carvana's seven Stellantis stores are drawing close attention from dealers and analysts as the digital retailer's new-vehicle strategy, with fewer staff, AI-driven automation and home delivery, comes ...