Buick dealers must invest $300,000 to $400,000 to sell and distribute the OEM’s EV lineup.
IMAGE: Buick
Buick has announced it will require dealers to invest in tooling, training and other electric vehicle (EV) equipment to sell and distribute its EVs.
The average cost to dealers will be between $300,000 to $400,000, depending on the store.
“We see Buick’s dealer network [of 2,000 dealers] as a business advantage, and they will remain a critical part of the retail and relationship chain with customers,” Buick spokesperson Sean Poppitt said in a statement.
Buick previously announced plans to have a 100% electric vehicle lineup by 2030. The automaker also noted it will not introduce new gasoline-powered vehicles after 2024.
Dealerships that are uninterested in making the investment to sell EVs can opt for a buyout, similar to the option offered to Cadillac dealers in 2020.
Buick is among the legacy auto manufacturers committing to an EV future. The automaker understands its dealer network is critical to its success as an EV manufacturer and to mass-market adoption of EVs.
To effectively sell EVs, dealerships must provide consumers with electric education, financing options and EV service options.
