FCA US, LLC Dealers Get Ready For The Move Towards Electrification.

Stellantis (FCA US, LLC) and its American dealer network are looking forward as the automotive industry moves toward electrification.

With its 2,600-plus dealer body, the automaker is focused on the dealership transition to electric vehicles (EVs) sales and service, offering consulting and on-site evaluation of EV integration needs within every area of the dealership model.

“As we accelerate the drive toward electrification, Stellantis is in full-execution mode with an electrification strategy designed specifically to address the needs of our dealership network,” said Phil Langley, Head of Network Development, FCA – North America. “We are working lockstep with our national dealer council to develop and support their long-term plans during this industry-changing transition. From business operations and inventory management to service centers and employee culture, our goal is to work directly with our dealers to best prepare for, be successful in and address any challenges they may face as the automotive industry continues to move toward electrification.”

FCA US, LLC is also partnering with Michigan-based Future Energy to offer individual, comprehensive evaluation and EV series to the dealer network.

“Stellantis is demonstrating their commitment to their dealer network and supporting brand EV readiness by partnering with Future Energy to build a program to help their dealers prepare for the disruption of electrification and to develop a thoughtful approach to help their dealer network modify their business processes,” said Sam DiNello, CEO of Future Energy. “Never has there been a time when the automotive, utility, energy, and other technology industries needed to align to be successful in this emerging market.”   

To date, nearly 70% of dealers are in the process of assessing their individual readiness.
 
The comprehensive evaluations include:  

• Identifying energy requirements, electrical infrastructure changes, and necessary utility service upgrades  
• Educating dealership staff on the short- and long-term operational impacts to their business purpose, people, place, and processes resulting from EV integration and reviewing the technology solutions for EV charging and energy management  
• Calculating charging needs to support different areas of their business and locate ideal installation areas for EV charging stations inside and outside the building to address business flow challenges   
• Discovering all applicable financial incentive programs to assist with EV integration costs

Future Energy is also offering Stellantis dealerships EV integration services, including:  

• Guidance through the financial assistance application process to obtain project funding support to offset EV integration costs  
• Coordination of all construction, logistics, networking, and commissioning to install and activate EV charging stations across the necessary areas of their business  
• Technology solutions and infrastructure to measure and manage the energy use across their entire business, in real-time, including monitoring and automation to make better decisions and reduce energy costs  
• Staff training regarding business operational changes, sales strategies, and EV hardware maintenance and usage  
• Ongoing customer support, including maintenance and warranty programs for integrated infrastructure and hardware   

The automaker is setting the course for 100% of sales in Europe and 50% of sales in the United States to be battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) by the end of this decade. The company plans to have more than 75 BEVs globally and reach global annual BEV sales of 5 million vehicles by 2030. In the U.S., the company plans to offer more than 25 BEVs by 2030.