Carvana’s Midtown Atlanta Car Vending Machine
If you’ve driven south on Atlanta’s Downtown Connector in the past two years you’ve undoubtedly seen Carvana’s 12-story Car Vending Machine – and probably gotten a pretty good look too if you had to sit in traffic. The tallest of its kind in the world, fully functional vending machine gives used car-buyers a novel take on the experience as they get to watch their new vehicle descend down through the glass tower and out onto the streets of Midtown.
The fast-growing online car retailer has much more of a presence in Atlanta than its tower though – Carvana employs about 1,500 Georgians already, and on Tuesday announced plans to greatly expand its Dunwoody campus, adding another 3,500 employees as part of a major Southeastern expansion.
Founded in 2012, the Arizona-based Fortune 500 company sold its first car in Georgia a year later, and Atlanta quickly became one of its best markets. It now operates several logistics hubs and an inspection center in the state, with its main local office in DeKalb County at State Farm Park Center Building 1 in Dunwoody. The state’s renowned economic development team – including Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson – played their part in helping secure the expansion.
“Carvana has made Georgia a key player in the development of their people-first mission, and we are proud that they are continuing to invest in our state and talent,” said Wilson. “We thank Carvana and look forward to a strong relationship through Georgia’s numerous talent and logistics assets as their rapid growth continues.”
Already the fastest growing online used car dealer in the U.S., Carvana’s growth was aided by the explosion in demand for used automobiles caused by supply chain issues that slowed or shut down the production of new cars worldwide. Tough time to buy a used car – but a good time to be a used car dealer, as Carvana posted annual revenue of $5.587 billion in 2020, making it the second largest online used-car retailer in the U.S.
It is also a good time for Georgia to build on its reputation as a 21st century automotive center, with the Carvana announcement coming on the heels of electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian’s decision to build a $5 billion plant in Morgan and Walton Counties that will employ over 7,500 workers. In recent years German automotive giants Porsche and Mercedes-Benz have also relocated their North American headquarters to Metro Atlanta.
“Carvana is another shining example of the success entrepreneurs can achieve in the No. 1 state for business,” said Gov. Brian Kemp Tuesday. “I appreciate this innovative company for continuing to invest in Georgia and for placing their trust in our world-class infrastructure and workforce. This expansion will provide many exciting opportunities for hardworking Georgians, and represents another step in the Peach State’s growth as a hub for forward-thinking companies.”
