Page 21 - BusinessWest April 1, 2024

“Once people are in the EVs, they’re going to buy another EV. I love the EV. That’s my next purchase.”
I don’t need to have a big engine, I’m going to use it mostly for my family, some landscaping on the weekends, just around the house’ ... I have that. So that purchaser who isn’t incredibly specific about their needs can walk in and be serviced pretty quickly. But that business owner that only wants the white truck for their company? That can be tough.”
The used-car market has continued to favor sellers, Pion added, “and I think it’s created a desire in some people to keep their vehicles longer. In the service department, we definitely see larger repair bills than we have in the past because people are keeping their vehicles longer.”
Another big shift in auto sales continues to be the proliferation of electric vehicles (EVs), a trend that TommyCar has embraced.
“We’ve been a strong electric-vehicle dealer and continue to
be one of the top electric-vehicle dealers,” Cosenzi said. “Electric vehicles are more affordable than ever, thanks to federal and state rebates, along with manufacturer incentives.”
While some new EVs, like the Volvo EX90 and EX30 models, require pre-orders due to their popularity and limited availability, others can easily be found on lots, including the Volkswagen ID.4, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and 6, and Nissan Ariya.
Marcotte Ford boasts three EVs — the Mach-E, the F-150 Light- ning, and the E-Transit — and “they’re bringing a different shopper than we normally see, with different trade-ins. So it’s bringing a new face, a new customer, into the dealership,” Marcotte said. This evo- lution is also why the dealership installed four high-speed EV char- gers on its lot last year.
“We see people from all over New England coming through here on the weekends. They’ll charge up before going skiing,” he said. “Our employees, if they buy, can charge right here. Customers can come here to charge.”
Marcotte said EV adoption is still increasing, but not as quickly as before, and Ford has changed its production level based on that trend, but the company still envisions a strong future for electrics.
“Once people are in the EVs, they’re going to buy another EV. I love the EV. That’s my next purchase,” he told BusinessWest, noting that some drivers are more comfortable driving hybrid vehicles first,
Carla Cosenzi says interest-rate incentives, the return of healthy inventory levels, and solid options in electric vehicles have all boosted sales.
and many of those will eventually move to all-electric as well. “So it’s good we can offer every option to customers.”
Many drivers, he added, are waiting to feel more confident about charging stations becoming more widespread. “So once there’s more infrastructure, I think that anxiety will go away a little bit.”
Whether they’re buying electric, hybrid, or traditional vehicles, today’s drivers tend to be interested in certain bells and whistles, Cosenzi said.
“Customers are
seeking vehicles with
advanced high-tech Cars features such as adap-
Continued on page 42
>>
Get ready for spring with a new set of tires, and support a great cause!
You’ll always find unbeatable tire prices at Balise. And this month, your new set of tires will help support Square One and local youth development in the Springfield area.
Square One’s range of family-friendly education and support services include early education centers, after-school care, and parent education.
For more information or to make a donation, visit baliseauto.com
BusinessWest
<< AUTO SALES >>
APRIL 1, 2024 21