Why the Virginia Automobile Dealers Association is embracing the arrival of EVs

Virginia lawmakers recently imposed the adoption of California’s vehicle emission standards. The Virginia Automobile Dealers Association (VADA) is supporting this legislation after initially opposing this measure and asking lawmakers to delay action on emissions rules until 2022. Today, we welcomed Don Hall, President and CEO of VADA, to the show to discuss these emissions rules and how they impact dealers.

Hall begins the conversation by talking about the arrival of EVs. VADA embraced becoming part of the solution when new legislation was introduced to help cut down on carbon emissions. Despite EVs only making up 3% of the market, Hall says that dealers understand that EVs will play a major role in the industry. As new models continue to roll out, dealers in the state of Virginia are being encouraged to get excited about selling EVs. Hall says that dealers in the state have really bought into the message from the association.

“This is an opportunity for us to reinvent ourselves,” said Hall. “both in how we sell and how we deliver and what we sell and what we deliver. EVs are part of that, so let’s get with the program.”

Hall says that it will take a long time to turn over the entirety of gas-powered vehicles in the U.S. Hall makes it clear that the arrival of EVs doesn’t mean the end of new and used-car dealers. While many electric vehicle manufacturers boast about their sales and service experience, dealerships will still be needed to sell and service vehicles. 

Hall closes by encouraging dealers to embrace the future of the industry. The customers always win, and dealers must be willing to meet the ever changing needs of their customers. Dealers have an incredible opportunity to leave a lasting legacy by embracing EVs and selling them to the best of their ability.

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