Auto Dealers Gear Up for the Electric Vehicle Revolution
Beyond the home, a car is often the priciest purchase folks make. Now, as major automakers shift gears toward electric vehicles (EVs), the car-buying journey is undergoing a transformation, potentially adding a sprinkle of stress for consumers. Especially in these early days of the EV era, where many are still navigating the basics of electric vehicles. To woo consumers into the embrace of battery-powered cars, the unsung heroes might just be the car dealers.
Car dealerships, those familiar places where education, service, and face-to-face sales happen, are key players in this EV narrative. Giants like GM and Ford are recognizing this and working closely with their network of franchise auto dealers. It’s a pivotal moment, a shift of unprecedented proportions in the auto industry.
Robb Hernandez, president of Camino Real Chevrolet in California, captures the essence of this moment, stating, “We haven’t had a shift of this magnitude in the auto industry ever. The ground is still moving beneath dealers making decisions.” The pressure is real, especially with regulations driving the shift, like California’s mandate for 100% of new car sales to be EVs by 2035.
Hernandez, reflecting on GM’s approach, mentions, “They are listening as we make these changes, but the landscape is ever-changing at this point.” Despite the challenges, he notes that most auto dealers remain optimistic and excited about the evolving landscape.
Ford, for instance, has been proactive, with 65% of its dealers opting into the EV certification program as of late last year. That’s nearly 2,000 dealerships, highlighting the central role of car dealers in navigating the transition to EVs.
In the realm of shiny electric possibilities, car dealerships are becoming the storytellers, educators, and facilitators. As the auto industry charts this electrifying course, consumers might just find themselves leaning on their trusty car dealerships more than ever before.