Vietnamese EV manufacturer VinFast is significantly accelerating its presence in the Philippines, signing agreements with 13 new local automotive dealer partners. This expansion aims to establish 27 new showrooms, bringing their total to nearly 60 dealerships nationwide by year-end as the brand deepens its market penetration.
Vietnamese EV manufacturer VinFast is significantly growing its footprint in the Philippines by collaborating with 13 dealers to open 27 new showrooms. This move marks a major push for the brand to introduce its electric vehicles to the Southeast Asian market, indicating a broader strategy for regional expansion.
Luxury performance brand McLaren has revealed its new 810-horsepower Artura Spider, a plug-in hybrid supercar, as part of a significant corporate refresh. This launch coincides with a "luxury boutique" redesign for its dealerships, aiming to elevate the customer experience globally.
Cadillac is reportedly easing its push towards an entirely battery-electric vehicle lineup, moving away from a previous mandate that required all dealerships to commit to selling only EVs by 2030. This strategic shift could offer a reprieve for some dealers but also introduces uncertainty as the brand navigates its electrification roadmap.
A Detroit-area Hyundai dealership is drawing criticism for reportedly charging over $400 for a single EV charging session, exacerbating existing frustrations with public charging accessibility and pricing. This incident highlights how dealer-hosted 'public' chargers can create poor experiences for new EV drivers due to restrictive access, limited hours, and exorbitant costs. Such practices not only damage the brand's reputation but also hinder broader EV adoption.
The highly anticipated Chevrolet Equinox EV has officially arrived at dealerships, with initial units spotted for sale in Richardson, Texas. This launch marks a significant step for GM in expanding its affordable electric vehicle lineup to consumers.
The all-electric Chevrolet Blazer EV is now appearing on dealer lots and is officially available for purchase in markets like Springfield, Nebraska. This marks a significant step for GM's growing EV lineup as more models become accessible to consumers across the country.
New data from California shows that hybrid vehicle registrations outpaced those of battery-electric vehicles during the first half of the year. This trend highlights a potential shift in consumer preference and primarily benefits traditional dealerships, which are the main sales channel for most hybrid brands, rather than direct-to-consumer EV companies.
Canadian auto dealerships are increasingly hesitant about introducing Chinese EV brands, weighing potential profits against the substantial investment required and long-term geopolitical and economic uncertainties. Dealers face critical decisions regarding infrastructure upgrades, specialized training, and navigating evolving trade tensions before committing to new partnerships with Chinese EV manufacturers.
While many automakers have abandoned the direct-to-consumer "agency model" of vehicle sales, a few major players are finding success with the system. Volvo, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, and Honda are among those persisting with this approach, which was popularized by Tesla.
After navigating a turbulent period of depreciation, the used EV market is showing signs of stabilization and growth. Dealers can expect more predictable pricing and higher sales volumes as consumer interest in pre-owned electric vehicles rises nationwide. This summer could mark a turning point for the segment, offering new opportunities for dealerships to engage with EV buyers.
Porsche is reportedly facing significant challenges in the Chinese market, with a number of its dealerships closing due down to slow sales and declining profit margins. This situation highlights the intensifying competition within China's electric vehicle sector, affecting even luxury brands like Porsche.
Polestar owners in the United States are grappling with concerns about vehicle servicing as the brand shifts its sales model from direct-to-consumer to a traditional dealership network. This transition has left many existing customers unsure of where to get their vehicles maintained and repaired, highlighting potential challenges in customer support during a period of strategic change for the nascent EV maker.