Volkswagen of America Invests $20 Million in 50-State Electric Vehicle Dealer Readiness Program

This program supports dealer investments in electric vehicle service centers, charging infrastructures, digital tools, and technician training. Volkswagen of America has launched a dedicated Technician Retention Program as well, to boost training, incentive, and attract talent. This nationwide dealership network is equipped to sell the Volkswagen ID.4 and future Volkswagen electronic models also.

December 16th revealed the first significant result of its nationwide Network Readiness Co-Op Program, in Herndon, VA, an investment of $20 million in sponsorship of more than 600 dealership partners to convert into regional hubs of EV experience. Reservations and sales for the all-electric ID.4 SUV climb as Volkswagen’s program seek to improve consumer access by assisting its 50-state dealership network which establishes the underlying EV infrastructure, upgrades service centers, and high-capacity chargers. The program is set to continue through June 2022, and as a result of the program, Volkswagen dealers will have added 23,490 kW of charging capacity, trained 1,260 EV service technicians, and implemented EV specialists to create e-mobility experiences across the country.

A Future Driven By Volkswagen

Scott Keogh, President, and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. have said, “it’s the consumer who will lead America’s electric vehicle revolution, and it’s our dealership partners who bring their communities into an electric vehicle, providing unmatched service and expertise. We’re dedicated to fully supporting them in this journey. With nine out of ten Volkswagen ID.4 buyers identifying as first-time EV buyers, I’ve never been more confident that the electric future is driven by Volkswagen.”

Volkswagen has also launched a dedicated EV Technician Retention Program to support dealers and boost training, give their highly skilled technicians incentives, and recruit new talent with the EV shift. The program allows Volkswagen and participating dealers to financially reward dealership technicians with a retention bonus of $2,000 per year, empowering them to gain new certifications which in turn will enhance their skillset.

“I believe with the commitment Volkswagen has put forth to electrification along with the service and support the dealer body will offer, Volkswagen will be the top choice on the consumers shopping list when looking to go electric. I am very excited for the electric future with Volkswagen”, said Tom McMenamin, Volkswagen National Dealer Chairman and Dealer Principal of Tom River Volkswagen, Tom River NJ.

The ID.4 is among the fastest-selling vehicles in Volkswagen of America’s current product portfolio to date. More than 15,000 cars have been sold, and more than 40,000 ID.4 gross reservations since its introduction on March 2021. More than 85 percent of all ID.4 buyers have also enrolled for 3 years of unlimited charging at Electrify America DC Fast Chargers across the country. Volkswagen is preparing its Chattanooga, TN facilities for the localized production of the ID.4 during 2022 with the goal to further push electric mobility in mind.

About Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Volkswagen of America, Inc. is an operating unit of Volkswagen Group of America, which is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG and is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. Volkswagen Group of America researches and develops parts and vehicle processing, marketing, and service offices, parts distribution centers, sales, and financial services. The Volkswagen Group, which has a state-of-the-art facility in Chattanooga, TN, is one of the world’s largest producers of Europe’s passenger cars.