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Ford Announces Opening Of Its Entire EV Dealership Network
Ford Motor Company announced that it is opening up its entire dealership network to sell and service EVs. This decision means that over 90% of Americans will now live within a 25-mile radius of a Ford dealership equipped to handle their electric needs.
Initially, Ford introduced the Model e EV dealer program in 2022, which required dealers to meet certain criteria to participate in EV sales. However, with the evolving EV landscape and feedback from dealers, Ford decided to alter the program and embrace a more inclusive approach. This not only streamlines the EV buying process but also addresses the growing discrepancy between the actual capabilities of EVs and consumer perception.
Marin Gjaja, Chief Operating Officer of Ford Model e, explained in a media briefing that the company aims to simplify the EV buying experience. With a vast network of dealers now capable of selling and servicing EVs, Ford hopes to demystify the technology and encourage wider adoption. This decision aligns with Ford’s commitment to making EVs accessible to a broader audience.
The transition away from the Model e program will be completed by the end of June, with changes taking effect on July 1, 2024. Although the program will be retired, Ford assures that dealers who invested in it will still benefit from a competitive advantage. The installation of charging infrastructure at these dealerships is expected to drive increased traffic, translating into higher sales, service, and charging revenue.
The shift comes on the heels of Ford’s impressive EV sales performance in May, with a 65% surge compared to the previous year. The F-150 Lightning, Ford’s flagship electric truck, continues to dominate the market as the best-selling electric truck in the US. The Mustang Mach-e, another popular model, secured the second spot in the electric SUV segment, trailing only the Tesla Model Y. Additionally, the E-Transit van experienced a significant 77% year-over-year sales increase.
With over 37,200 electric cars sold through May, Ford solidified its position as the second-best-selling EV brand in the US. This figure represents a remarkable doubling of Ford’s EV sales compared to the same period last year.
