GM Expands Dealers' Used-Car Operations

• CarBravo has sold approximately 216,000 vehicles since launching in 2023, compared to Carvana's 596,641 vehicles sold in 2025, but GM reports faster sales rates despite fewer than 25% of its 3,500 U.S. dealers currently using the platform
• The expanded program will cover non-GM brands and older vehicles (up to 15 years old) with warranties, significantly broader than current certified pre-owned programs that typically only include GM vehicles up to 5 years old
• The move addresses affordability challenges in a market where 40 million used vehicles are sold annually compared to only 16 million new vehicles, with used-car buyers showing higher propensity to return for new vehicle purchases

GM Expands Dealers' Used-Car Operations to Compete with Online Retailers

General Motors is restructuring its U.S. used-car sales strategy to better compete with online platforms like Carvana. Effective June, the automaker will transition Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC dealers from its traditional certified-pre-owned program to the CarBravo brand, GM's national online platform launched in 2023. Cadillac will remain on the existing certified program.

Key Changes:

• CarBravo will expand inventory beyond GM models to include non-GM vehicles and older cars, with warranties available for vehicles up to 15 years old (current certified programs typically cover only GM vehicles up to 5 years old)
• Dealers must adopt CarBravo to sell used GM vehicles with factory-backed warranties
• Fewer than one-quarter of GM's 3,500 U.S. dealerships currently use CarBravo

Market Context:

The U.S. used-car market significantly outpaces new vehicle sales, with approximately 40 million used vehicles sold annually compared to 16 million new vehicles. Rising new car prices—outpacing inflation this decade—have intensified demand for pre-owned vehicles. GM views used-car sales as crucial for driving dealership traffic and facilitating trade-ins for new purchases.

Competitive Landscape:

Carvana, the online disruptor launched in 2013, sold 596,641 vehicles in 2025. Since 2023, GM's CarBravo has sold around 216,000 vehicles but is reportedly selling at a faster rate than GM's broader certified-pre-owned program. One dealership reported 52% used-car sales growth over two years using the platform.

Strategic Rationale:

GM emphasizes that certified used-vehicle buyers show higher propensity to return for new vehicle purchases, making the program essential for long-term customer retention and revenue generation.