Stellantis has begun offering new vehicles through Mercado Libre in Mexico, marking a shift in how automakers approach vehicle retail as digital marketplaces expand into automotive distribution. Brands including Jeep, Ram, Dodge, Fiat and Peugeot are now listed on the platform, which functions as a digital meeting point between consumers and manufacturers while maintaining direct transactions between buyers and authorized distributors.
Mariano Nunes, Senior Manager of Motors, Mercado Libre Mexico, told Expansión that the company aims to replicate a standard online purchasing journey adapted for vehicle sales. “The vision is to become the main hub for zero-kilometer vehicles where buyers begin their search online, compare options and receive an end-to-end experience,” Nunes said. Customers can review pricing, specifications and available colors, initiate contact with sellers, and continue the purchasing process digitally before finalizing transactions with Stellantis or its dealer network.
The marketplace does not eliminate dealerships but complements them by shifting the early stages of the purchase journey online. Market research from J.D. Power indicates that personalized service remains a decisive factor when acquiring vehicles. Nunes said Mercado Libre seeks to replicate dealership-level interaction digitally. “The purchase experience starts long before visiting a dealership. Consumers already conduct extensive online research, so we want to centralize that experience and enable real-time interaction with sellers,” he explained.
Mercado Libre’s operational model mirrors its existing used-vehicle marketplace, which connects buyers and sellers while maintaining final commercial agreements with manufacturers or dealers. According to Nunes, the company leveraged traffic from millions of monthly users to expand into new vehicles. Data shared by the platform shows its used-car segment grew 20% in traffic, visits, and customer contacts during 2025, positioning automotive retail as one of its fastest-growing business verticals across Latin America.
Digital Platforms Reshape Automotive Distribution
Stellantis was selected as the first automaker to launch the initiative in Mexico following regional testing. Mercado Libre initially piloted new-vehicle listings in Brazil before extending the strategy to Argentina, Colombia, Chile, and Mexico, adapting brand participation and commercial strategies according to local market demand. In Mexico, pilot operations began in January 2026, allowing the company to refine customer communication strategies and digital support tools tailored to local purchasing behavior.
Nunes said Mexican consumers require continuous interaction throughout the buying process, leading Mercado Libre to deploy artificial intelligence chat systems capable of responding outside traditional business hours. “Many interactions happen late at night, even at 11 p.m. Immediate responses are essential, and we recognized the importance of providing instant attention,” he said. The AI system supports buyers during early research stages while enabling automakers to manage high volumes of inquiries generated through digital marketing campaigns more efficiently.
The collaboration also aligns with Stellantis’ commercial performance in Mexico. According to data from INEGI, the automaker sold 67,130 vehicles during the first quarter of 2026, representing year-on-year growth of 19.3% and a 6.6% domestic market share, ranking sixth nationally. Stellantis has maintained an existing commercial relationship with Mercado Libre since 2020 through Mopar, its parts and accessories division, which already sells automotive components through the platform.
Nunes said Stellantis’ diversified brand portfolio supported the expansion into full vehicle sales. “Stellantis fit perfectly for this launch. Its brands reach different consumer segments and have strong global recognition, which aligns with our objective of expanding digital automotive retail,” he said.
Online Automotive Market Gains Structural Momentum
Mexico’s online car purchasing market is entering a sustained growth phase driven by digital adoption and evolving consumer expectations. According to IMARC Group data, the market reached US$4.7 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow to US$11.6 billion by 2034, representing a compound annual growth rate of 9.88%.
Globally, online automotive sales demonstrate strong expansion trends. The global online car-buying market is projected to reach US$100 billion by 2026, supported by advances in artificial intelligence, virtual retail environments, and integrated financing solutions.
Despite growth momentum, adoption challenges persist. Consumers remain cautious about purchasing vehicles online due to concerns regarding quality assurance, transaction security, and after-sales service. According to Víctor Hugo Prieto Cano, CEO and Co-Founder, KRINO, customer experience will determine long-term success. “How we provide customer service can define whether we gain a satisfied client or lose a sales opportunity,” Prieto Cano wrote for MBN, adding that innovation must replicate personal interaction while automating processes to manage growing digital demand.