Volkswagen’s Network Readiness Co-Op Program Yields Results as Automaker Electrifies America
Volkswagen of America is eager to show that its nationwide Network Readiness Co-Op Program is already yielding its first major results. The automaker announced earlier this year (2021) its investment of $20 million to transform its network of more than 600 dealerships into regional hubs of EV experience. As sales for the all-new and all-electric Volkswagen ID.4 continue to climb, the brand finds itself looking to enhance the consumer experience. This latest program is the perfect way to hone in on the EV transition as Volkswagen seeks to enhance consumer EV access while it aids its 50-state dealership network to get acquainted with EV infrastructure. Consumers can expect upgraded service centers and high-capacity chargers throughout all dealerships across the country. As of now (Dec. 2021), Volkswagen has trained more than 1,260 EV service technicians, added more than 23,490 kW of charging capacity, and even implemented EV Specialists that are tasked with creating a uniform e-mobility centric consumer experience.
“It’s the consumer who will lead America’s electric vehicle revolution. And it’s our dealership partners who bring their communities into electric vehicles, providing unmatched service and expertise. We’re dedicated to fully support 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,” said Scott Keogh, President and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
Volkswagen even went as far as launching a dedicated EV Technician Retention Program as dealers transition to electric vehicles as well. This program boosts training, recruits new talent, and incentivizes highly skilled technicians in order to keep them on board. By investing in its people Volkswagen is investing in its product and consumers all at the same time. Dealership technicians in participating dealers can be eligible for a retention bonus at the end of the year, empowering employees to strive to enhance their skill sets all while building comprehensive expertise about Volkswagen’s latest hit: the ID.4. Given that EVs will share platforms, it’s not farfetched to think that this program is building up expertise in all the Volkswagen electric models that are yet to come.
To date, the Volkswagen ID.4 is one of the fastest-selling models in Volkswagen of America’s current lineup. With more than 15,000 models on the road, and an excess of 40,000 ID.4 reservations since its debut in March of 2021, it looks like this model is here to stay. Consumer interest in the model is not only buoyed by aesthetics and practicality, as Volkswagen offers plenty of perks when getting behind the wheel of the ID.4. More than 85 percent of all Volkswagen ID.4 buyers are now enrolled in the automaker’s complimentary three years of unlimited charging courtesy of Electrify America. Drivers have officially charged more than 22 million miles on their ID.4 vehicles across Electrify America stations. To meet consumer demand, Volkswagen is readying its Chattanooga, TN assembly plant for the localized production of the ID.4. Volkswagen’s goal remains the same: further electric mobility for the consumer; the simpler, the better.
Build and reserve your very own Volkswagen ID.4 at Sunrise Volkswagen of Fort Pierce today! Follow Volkswagen of Fort Pierce on social media to stay up to date with the latest VW news and offers.