Why I Choose to Invest in .Autos Domains (1.Viewing)

Why I Choose to Invest in .Autos Domains

Before we dive in, let’s take care of some housekeeping: I have no affiliation with the .autos registry or .XYZ.com, LLC, and I have not been paid to promote .autos. The views expressed in this piece are solely my own as a forward-thinking domain investor.

Before investing in any domain extension—whether it’s a TLD, new gTLD, or ccTLD—whether you’re a Fortune 500 company, startup, CEO, domain investor, or speculator—I strongly recommend doing your own research and investing with caution.

Now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s get down to the business of domaining.

I’m drawn to short, meaningful gTLDs and one-word domains that fit naturally together. Take names like Amazon.com: Echo Auto (1st gen) - Hands-free Alexa in your car with your phone : Home & Kitchen, Amazon.com: Amazon Autos, or http://amazon.autos—they’re clean, professional, and instantly recognizable. It’s no surprise these domains are owned by one of the most powerful companies in the world—Amazon, valued at over $2.4 trillion.

I initially considered the .auto extension, but its registration and renewal fees are prohibitively high. That’s why I chose .autos instead: it’s affordable, accessible, and designed for the entire automotive ecosystem. Plus, “autos” means “cars” in Spanish—giving it even broader global appeal.

From local dealerships and car rental agencies to repair shops, EV innovators, virtual showrooms, and mobility startups, .autos was created to move the automotive world forward—digitally and globally.

How Big Is the Automotive Market?

According to IBISWorld, the global automobile manufacturing market was valued at $2.7 trillion as of April 2021. In the United States alone, it’s estimated at $82.6 billion.

The automotive industry is a cornerstone of the world economy—contributing significantly to GDP and employment, while driving growth in related sectors like steel, plastics, and technology.

Why .Autos Is Driving the Future of the Automotive Web

When someone sees a domain ending in .autos, they immediately know what industry you belong to. It’s not vague. It’s not generic. It’s exactly what you do.

That instant recognition gives your brand credibility and focus. Whether you’re in sales, rentals, logistics, or aftermarket services, .autos helps you stand out in search results and connect directly with people who live and breathe cars.

And let’s be real—the numbers speak for themselves. The global automotive industry is enormous, with hundreds of thousands of dealerships and service providers worldwide:

United States: ~58,000 dealerships (new and used combined)

United Kingdom: Over 24,000 dealerships

China: ~31,000 dealerships

Australia: 3,500–14,800 dealerships

Mexico: 3,000+ dealerships

Brazil: ~8,000 dealerships and growing

Africa: 14,000+ dealerships and expanding

Each one of these businesses—and the countless startups, tech innovators, and transport companies supporting them—needs a strong, memorable online identity. That’s where .autos shines.

1. Instant Industry Recognition and Credibility

In today’s #digital-first world, credibility starts with your domain name. A .autos domain immediately signals that your business is part of the automotive industry.

Laser-focused branding: Customers know who you are and what you offer the moment they see your domain.

Professional authority: Builds trust and positions your brand as an expert in your field.

Memorability: Names like Truck.Autos – Fleet Management for Modern Trucking, For Sale Page, Apex.AI | Software that moves, or Amazon.com: Amazon Autos are short, catchy, and easy to remember—ideal for both established and emerging auto brands.

2. Greater Availability for Short, Branded Domains

Legacy extensions are overcrowded, and finding a clean, relevant domain can feel impossible—or extremely expensive. .autos changes that.

Fresh availability: Secure short, premium-quality names that truly reflect your brand.

Brand protection: Even if your main site uses another extension, owning your .autos version prevents misuse or imitation.

Competitive edge: For startups, a concise, industry-specific domain sends a strong signal to both customers and investors.

3. Clear Marketing Message and SEO Advantage

A .autos domain isn’t just a name—it’s a statement.

Powerful marketing tool: In ads, billboards, or social media, it instantly communicates your automotive focus.

Search relevance: While #Google treats most gTLDs equally, a relevant domain helps search engines—and people—understand your niche faster.

Global appeal: Whether you’re running a luxury dealership in Europe, an #EV startup in Asia, or a vintage car show in America, the .autos extension speaks the same global language.

Why Now Is the Time to Act

The future of the automotive industry is being reshaped by electrification, autonomous driving, connectivity, and the emergence of software-defined vehicles. #AI-driven design, digital showrooms, and online sales are redefining how people buy and experience cars.

Your web presence must evolve in tandem with these innovations.

A .autos domain is a forward-thinking investment that positions your brand for this new era. It shows that your business isn’t just keeping up with change—it’s leading it.

For domain investors, collectors, and end users alike, the potential is enormous. With its global appeal, industry specificity, and growing digital adoption, .autos stands out as one of the most promising niche extensions of the decade.

Every Extension Has Its Setbacks

The main challenge with .autos today is awareness—many companies and investors simply haven’t discovered its potential yet. But that’s also what makes it such a powerful opportunity. While the masses chase after generic domains, smart investors and forward-thinking brands are quietly securing premium digital real estate that perfectly defines their industry.

List of Companies Using .Autos

Amazon already owns Amazon.com: Echo Auto (1st gen) - Hands-free Alexa in your car with your phone : Home & Kitchen and Amazon.com: Amazon Autos, proving that leading global brands are recognizing the power of the .autos domain extension. But the trend doesn’t stop there—businesses across the automotive landscape are embracing it to strengthen their digital presence.

Examples include Matrix Autos (http://matrix.autos), #1 Auto Sales LLC (http://number1.autos), Bid Autos (http://bid.autos), Fort City Motors (http://fortcitymotors.autos), Riviera Auto Sales South (http://riviera.autos), Snyder Motors (http://snydermotors.autos), More Autos (http://more.autos), Central Union Auto Finance (http://centralunion.autos), Napleton Autos (http://napleton.autos), Diamond Auto Sales (http://diamondberlin.autos), Car-Part Pro (http://carpartpro.autos), TruMeta (http://trumeta.autos), Narrow Path Automotive (http://narrowpath.autos), and the Polish car-listing platform http://samochody.autos—all clear indicators that the .autos extension is accelerating its adoption among forward-thinking automotive companies.

Final Words

The automotive world is evolving at high speed, and your online identity should keep pace. Whether you’re selling EVs, running a dealership, developing smart mobility solutions, or simply passionate about the future of transport, .autos gives your brand the digital horsepower to accelerate ahead of the competition.

Elie Eweka
Sapphire
 
Nicely written article but I prsonally would not invest in .auto because you are locking yourself into one category which technically makes it a smaller target audience than a ccTLD. Not only does the subject matter have to be about autos but technically owners will be an auto related business or site.

Yes you can preach auto are world wide but I bet if you follow up in 5 years he will have dropped most of not all of them.
 

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