Summary
- Chevrolet is training up to 7,000 salespeople to be more familiar with EV basics such as regen and cold-weather range
- To bolster electric car sales, Chevy has launched a nationwide dealership training program
- The training program includes myth-busting and has received positive feedback from attendees
- Chevrolet buyers are considering EVs more with the introduction of new electric vehicle models
- The training takes place at EV-certified dealerships and aims to make selling EVs easier by increasing sales consultants’ knowledge
Article
Chevy is aiming to train up to 7,000 salespeople on electric vehicles (EVs) in an effort to boost sales and make selling them easier. After a record number of EV sales in the second quarter of the year, General Motors is looking to continue this trend. The nationwide dealership training program focuses on EV basics such as regenerative braking, cold-weather range, and correcting common misconceptions about range needs. The program aims to improve dealer knowledge about EVs to better serve customers. Chevy plans to train 7,000 dealership employees by the end of Fall, although the program is currently only operational in five states.
The timing of the training aligns well with the release of several new EV models from Chevrolet, including the Blazer EV, Equinox EV, and Silverado EV. These new models, along with the upcoming next-gen Chevy Bolt, are attracting more buyers to consider EVs. The program is the most EV-focused initiative Chevy has launched, with live drive events and city tours in the past. Chevrolet’s director of sales operations and vice president of global Chevrolet have hinted at additional variants coming soon, such as the Equinox EV with a 319-mile range starting at $34,995 and a front-wheel-drive Blazer EV priced in the mid-$40,000s. The training program is expected to further boost sales and improve customer knowledge of Chevy EVs.
The training program is conducted at EV-certified dealerships that have made investments in EV chargers and equipment to sell and service EVs. Sales consultants from these dealerships are invited to attend training sessions in various locations, such as Monticello, Fort Worth, and Atlanta. Additional sessions are planned in Las Vegas and Indianapolis, with more likely to be added next year. The program covers topics like energy recovery technology, the long-term cost of EV ownership compared to internal combustion vehicles, and how EVs with a 300-400 mile range can accommodate daily driving needs. The training is followed by a survey that shows a significant improvement in sales consultants’ preparedness to sell Chevy EVs after completing the program.
Overall, the Chevy dealership training program is intended to enhance salespeople’s knowledge and confidence in selling EVs. By dispelling myths and providing in-depth training on EV basics, Chevy hopes to make selling EVs a smoother process for dealers and more appealing to customers. With the introduction of new EV models and a growing market demand, the training program comes at a strategic time for Chevrolet. The positive feedback from sales consultants who have completed the training suggests that the program is effective in improving understanding and readiness to sell Chevy EVs. As Chevy continues to expand its EV lineup and sales volume, the training program is likely to play a key role in driving sales success.
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