New training course addresses differences between electric vehicles
and internal combustion vehicles, offers sales professionals best practices
for every step of today’s electric vehicle purchase journey
ATLANTA, June 6, 2023 – Assurant, Inc. (NYSE: AIZ), a leading global business services company that supports, protects, and connects major consumer purchases like automobiles, introduces a comprehensive new electric vehicle (EV) sales training course, EV Sales Professional’s Blueprint, from the Automotive Training Academy by Assurant.This training addresses the fundamental differences between EVs and traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and gives sales professionals the tools to grow their sales expertise ahead of the coming wave of EVs.
This new training course covers a wide range of topics that today’s retail sales professionals will need – not only to sell EVs successfully, but to counsel customers about the key differences between EVs and ICE vehicles as they consider embracing the EV lifestyle. General course topics include:
- The Consumer Shift to EVs – with nearly 45% of buyers open to buying an EV
- EV Basics: What are BEVs, HEVs and PHEVs? How do they differ?
- Affordability: Understanding fuel and maintenance costs of EVs
- EV Charging Levels: What’s best for each situation – Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3?
- Range and Batteries: Understanding and maximizing range, optimizing battery charging
“While there are many similarities between selling EVs and ICE vehicles, the most pronounced difference is communication between the customer and sales associate. The ownership experience is very different, making this EV-specific sales training program an essential tool for teaching how to properly consult the EV customer,” said Sean Browning, National Vice President, Assurant Dealer Services Development & Training. “Automotive retail has ideally involved advising as well as selling; understanding the needs of the EV buyer brings the dealer’s role as counselor to an entirely new level.”
After completing this course, retail sales professionals will be able to:
- Define the various types of electric vehicles
- Identify ownership aspects of EVs, including affordability, charging levels, range and batteries
- Communicate effectively with EV customers
- Address concerns of the EV customer
- Provide an effective ownership experience
- Demonstrate the benefits of an EV
- Demonstrate presentation skills to maximize EV profit opportunities
Browning added, “Just as ‘early adopter’ EV shoppers will have a better buying experience when they are well-informed, retail sales professionals who learn about and embrace the new technology and paradigm shifts in selling EVs will set themselves up for success by being able to effectively counsel their customers.”
The Automotive Training Academy by Assurant provides comprehensive training for automotive professionals in all areas of the dealership. Through a combination of flexible training options that include in-dealership, in-classroom and virtual learning platforms, professionals will gain the knowledge and tools needed to succeed in today’s automotive market. A team of experienced retail automotive trainers delivers hands-on, realistic training that leads to mastery of the course material so that new techniques and processes can be immediately implemented upon return to the dealership.
About Assurant Global Automotive
Assurant Global Automotive is a leading global solutions provider in the automobile and commercial equipment industries. Automotive industry partners span manufacturers, large group and independent dealers, agents, third-party administrators, financial institutions, insurance providers, and vehicle technology companies. With over 50 years of automotive industry experience, Assurant protects 54 million motor vehicles in 19 countries by providing innovative solutions like vehicle service contracts, guaranteed asset protection, and ancillary products, while providing dealer performance management and training, participation options, and more. Assurant Global Automotive is also a market leader in protection products for the commercial equipment industry, with more than 30 years of equipment protection expertise. Assurant provides a full suite of protection products and services for equipment dealers and financial institutions supporting commercial equipment. These include extended service protection plans, physical damage protection, guaranteed asset protection, automatic insurance, portfolio protection, insurance tracking services and more
About Assurant
Assurant, Inc. (NYSE: AIZ) is a leading global business services company that supports, protects and connects major consumer purchases. A Fortune 500 company with a presence in 21 countries, Assurant supports the advancement of the connected world by partnering with the world’s leading brands to develop innovative solutions and to deliver an enhanced customer experience through mobile device solutions, extended service contracts, vehicle protection services, renters insurance, lender-placed insurance products and other products. Learn more at assurant.com or on Twitter @Assurant.
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Media Contact:
David Biss
973.953.0721
[email protected]