Let our customer's voices be heard: 3,900 Auto Dealers Warn EV Demand Crumbling

EV Voice of the Customer ^ | 11/29/2023

[SeekAndFind]

In just three weeks, 3,882 dealerships reflecting the voice of our customers, representing all major vehicle manufacturing brands spanning 50 states, called on the President of the United States to tap the brakes on the proposed Electric Vehicle Mandate. Below is the letter and list of the dealerships that signed.

A Letter to the President Dear Mr. President,

We are auto dealers from across the country who collectively sell every major brand in the U.S. We are small businesses employing thousands of Americans. We are deeply committed to the customers we serve and the communities where we operate, which is why we are asking you to slow down your proposed regulations mandating battery electric vehicle (BEV) production and distribution.

Your Administration has proposed regulations that would essentially mandate a dramatic shift to battery electric vehicles (BEVs), increasing year after year until 2032, when two out of every three vehicles sold in America would have to be battery electric.

Currently, there are many excellent battery electric vehicles available for consumers to purchase. These vehicles are ideal for many people, and we believe their appeal will grow over time. The reality, however, is that electric vehicle demand today is not keeping up with the large influx of BEVs arriving at our dealerships prompted by the current regulations. BEVs are stacking up on our lots.

Last year, there was a lot of hope and hype about EVs. Early adopters formed an initial line and were ready to buy these vehicles as soon as we had them to sell. But that enthusiasm has stalled. Today, the supply of unsold BEVs is surging, as they are not selling nearly as fast as they are arriving at our dealerships -- even with deep price cuts, manufacturer incentives, and generous government incentives.

While the goals of the regulations are admirable, they require consumer acceptance to become a reality. With each passing day, it becomes more apparent that this attempted electric vehicle mandate is unrealistic based on current and forecasted customer demand. Already, electric vehicles are stacking up on our lots which is our best indicator of customer demand in the marketplace.

Mr. President, no government agency, no think tank, and no polling firm knows more about the automobile customer than us. We talk to customers every day. As retail automotive dealerships, we are agnostic as to what we sell. Our business is to provide customers with vehicles that meet the needs of their budgets and lifestyles.

Some customers are in the market for electric vehicles, and we are thrilled to sell them. But the majority of customers are simply not ready to make the change. They are concerned about BEVs being unaffordable. Many do not have garages for home charging or easy access to public charging stations. Customers are also concerned about the loss of driving range in cold or hot weather. Some have long daily commutes and don’t have the extra time to charge the battery. Truck buyers are especially put off by the dramatic loss of range when towing. Today’s current technology is not adequate to support the needs of the majority of our consumers.

Many of these challenges can and will be addressed by our manufacturers, but many of these challenges are outside of their control. Reliable charging networks, electric grid stability, sourcing of materials, and many other issues need time to resolve. And finally, many people just want to make their own choice about what vehicle is right for them.

Mr. President, it is time to tap the brakes on the unrealistic government electric vehicle mandate. Allow time for the battery technology to advance. Allow time to make BEVs more affordable. Allow time to develop domestic sources for the minerals to make batteries. Allow time for the charging infrastructure to be built and prove reliable. And most of all, allow time for the American consumer to get comfortable with the technology and make the choice to buy an electric vehicle.

Sincerely, Supporting Dealerships

DOWNLOAD LIST OF SUPPORTING DEALERSHIPS

[gibsonguy]

These greedy bastards cut a deal with Biden”

Not the dealers. I’ve talked with some and they hate Biden. There’s
something like 92,000 unsold EV’s in dealer lots and it’s killing them. The car makers are another story they got in bed with Traitor Joe and now they are screwed.

[dznutz]

It was a very dark day in our country when Bathhouse Barry appointed Mary Barra CEO of GM.

[roadcat]

I want a spring powered car. One you wind up at home, maybe by a wind tower, and then drive it all day until the spring winds down... Of course it’d have to have a regulator or some sort and one hell of a good breaking system...maybe the breaks are another spring getting wound up?

The solution is readily available on electric bicycles. Pedal assist. Put a bicycle pedal fixture in your spring powered car. Pedaling increases your range. When the spring winds down, pedal to wind it back up. Side benefit is Popeye-like leg muscles.

[Worldtraveler once upon a time]

Correct. It was a giveaway to the UAW followed by her appointment. Ans then she dutifully pushed the “green” EV line....

[dznutz]

Only the Magic Mulatto could have gotten away with a stunt like that.

[frank ballenger]

After the next election there will be no reason to allow the peasants (us) any freedom of choice for vehicles. The commie government will demand which vehicle each of us can have until full public transportation use is mandated.