Carloha

Carloha operates as a multi-faceted automotive company, functioning through both online and offline channels to facilitate the sale and service of new and pre-owned vehicles. Founded in New York in 2014, the company initially launched as an online platform for used vehicles. A significant pivot occurred in 2015 when Carloha adopted an inventory-owning model, positioning itself as the "Amazon for cars" and offering services like nationwide free delivery and a seven-day money-back guarantee. This evolution continued in 2016 with the establishment of physical operation centers, creating an integrated system of online platforms, offline stores, and financing options.

The company's business model encompasses both direct-to-consumer sales and a broader strategy of connecting automotive production centers with global markets. In the United States, its online presence, which includes a primary website, a mobile site, and an app, serves all 48 contiguous states. This is complemented by a network of local stores and service centers. A key international expansion began in 2017, with a strategic focus on Nigeria starting in 2019. This move involved establishing local repair facilities to service vehicles purchased in the U.S. for resale in the Nigerian market, covering both wholesale and retail distribution. Milestones in this expansion include opening a major showroom in Lagos in 2022, expanding to other Nigerian cities like Abuja and Port Harcourt, and becoming the exclusive national partner for Chery Automobile, with plans for a local assembly line.

Carloha's revenue is generated through the sale of new and used vehicles, parts, and after-sales services. The company employs a C2B2C (Consumer-to-Business-to-Consumer) approach in its used car operations, where it acts as a trusted intermediary, purchasing vehicles from consumers and reselling them to others, thereby managing the entire transaction process. For its international operations, particularly in Nigeria, Carloha utilizes big data technology to select suitable used vehicles from the U.S. market. The company has introduced specific standards for the Nigerian market, such as a 149-point vehicle inspection and a warranty of 3 months or 5,000 km, to build customer trust. Recently, it bolstered its after-sales service with a comprehensive "Carloha Care" package, which includes a six-year warranty and free scheduled maintenance on new vehicles.

Keywords: automotive e-commerce, used car sales, new car dealership, vehicle maintenance, online to offline, automotive supply chain, international car sales, Nigeria auto market, Chery Automobile partner, pre-owned vehicles, vehicle financing, automotive repair, C2B2C business model, vehicle inspection service, after-sales service, automotive technology, global vehicle distribution, Lagos car market, US-to-Africa car export, vehicle assembly