Michael SatterfieldGeneral Motors (GM) announced they are launching an online used car marketplace called CarBravo to compete with the likes of Carvana and Carmax. The new platform, which will be up and running sometime this spring, will feature vehicles owned by GM brand dealerships and vehicles controlled by GM Financial.
The move is part of a larger restructuring of how GM does business online through their new digital retail platform which will simplify the buying process for the consumer. The new platform will provide vehicle history reports, 360-degree views of the vehicle, and transparent pricing. To qualify for CarBravo vehicles must meet reconditioning standards set by GM. CarBravo will also give sellers of used cars guaranteed online offers, based on the Black Book, to buy their vehicle even if they are not purchasing one.
While details are not yet released, CarBravo cars will essentially be a certified pre-owned program, vehicles will come with a range of benefits like a warranty, roadside assistance, and OnStar/SiriusXM trials on equipped vehicles. CarBravo vehicles will also have financing available through GM Financial. Like other online car shopping platforms, customers will be able to take at-home test drives and home deliveries in areas covered by participating dealers.
The online used car market is valued at over $34 billion dollars and CarBravo is the first effort from a manufacturer to be a part of the marketplace. With competitors like Carvana facing ongoing legal issues involving business practices and titling cars, GM might have an opportunity to make a big move in the online used car market.
