Volkswagen of America, Inc. unveiled preliminary results of its nationwide Network Readiness Co-Op Program to support 600 dealerships to transform into regional EV hubs. 

Volkswagen’s program aims to help its 50-state dealership network establish the needed underlying EV infrastructure, such as upgraded service centers and high-capacity chargers. Volkswagen said in a press announcement that its dealers have already added 23,490 kW of charging capacity, trained more than 1,260 EV service technicians, and implemented dedicated EV Specialists to create e-mobility centric consumer experiences across the country. The program will continue through June 2022. 

“It’s the consumer who will lead America’s electric vehicle revolution”, said Scott Keogh, president and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “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 10 Volkswagen ID.4 buyers identifying as first-time EV buyers, I’ve never been more confident that the electric future is driven by Volkswagen.”

In addition, Volkswagen has launched an EV Technician Retention Program to support dealers to boost training, incentivize technicians, and recruit new talent equipped at addressing the EV shift. The program enables participating dealers to reward their technicians with a retention bonus of $2,000 per year, empowering them to gain specialized certifications, and build up comprehensive expertise for the ID.4 and all VW electric models, according to Volkwsagen.

“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 consumers shopping list when looking to go electric”, added Tom McMenamin, Volkswagen National dealer chairman and dealer principal of Toms River Volkswagen, Toms River, NJ. “I am very excited for the electric future with Volkswagen.”