DETROIT, Nov 17 (Reuters) - Amazon ( AMZN ) shoppers can

browse and buy Ford Motor ( F ) vehicles on the e-commerce

platform starting on Monday, joining Hyundai in adding online

options for customers who want to avoid dealership lots.

The Dearborn, Michigan-based automaker and the tech company

said customers will be able to shop a participating dealer's

inventory of used vehicles directly through Amazon ( AMZN ).

The program is focused on Los Angeles, Seattle, and Dallas

to start, and will initially offer only certified pre-owned

vehicles, which are used models that pass rigorous inspections

and are sold with specific warranties.

Automakers have been trying to provide smoother,

online-focused shopping experiences for those wary of spending

hours in dealerships. Tesla sells electric vehicles

directly to consumers online, while Ford and General Motors ( GM )

are bound by U.S. state laws to sell through franchise

dealers.

Ford CEO Jim Farley has said Tesla's direct sales model

affords it a significant cost advantage. Under his leadership,

Ford has expanded online availability for customers, especially

on electric models.

Hyundai Motor ( HYMLF ) in late 2023 said it would sell

new models on Amazon ( AMZN ), becoming the first automaker to do so.

Ford is the second car company to offer its models on the

platform, a spokesperson for Amazon Autos said.

Ford said 160 to 180 dealers expressed interest in the

program, and about 20 are in the process of launching sales

through Amazon ( AMZN ). Customers can complete their purchase online,

but must pick up their vehicles from their selected dealer.