Review
I wrote last time about getting a smug feeling from driving around on electric power in the PHEV. I’ve since learned that even people I know who normally have little interest in new cars ask questions about the practicalities of PHEV life. But plenty of my friends who change their cars frequently have formed opinions about electric and hybrid cars – sometimes misguided opinions.
It strikes me that there must be a great opportunity for franchised dealers and manufacturers to lead a proper consumer education initiative. Take a long-term view. Many of your customers (and staff) will be driving new powertrains in two model cycles’ time, whether or not they currently like the idea. Enlighten them. We need to start building the desire now. Persuading people to change their beliefs takes time.
The NFDA has launched the government-backed Electric Vehicle Approved (EVA) scheme, supported by OLEV and the Energy Saving Trust, to help set EV experts apart. Dealers, you should find customer
advocates too. Let them counter the criticism.
So what if I cannot get 30 miles out of town without the Outlander’s petrol engine kicking in? I know I’ll first drive almost silently past my kids’ school without pumping out more particulates for them to breathe in at playtime. And the more people that can do the same, the better.
Isn’t that worth some effort?
An award-winning journalist and editor, with two decades of experience covering the motor retail industry, and accredited by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) plus the National Council for the Training of Journalist (NCTJ)
As editor of AM since 2016, Tim is responsible for its media content, planning and production across AM's multiple channels, including the website, digital reports, webinars, social media and the editorial content of AM's events, Automotive Management Live and the AM Awards. His focus is on interviewing senior leaders of franchised dealer groups and motor manufacturer national sales companies to examine latest developments in UK motor retail.
Factsheet
Price: £39,500
Engine: 2.4-litre petrol plus electric motors
Gearbox: 4wd, automatic
Performance: 0-62mph 10.5secs, top speed 106mph
Efficiency: 139mpg
Emissions: 40.3g/km CO2