Vogler Ford, a new and used Ford Lincoln dealer located in Carbondale, Illinois, may soon be the first car dealership in Southern Illinois to sell all-electric vehicles.
The dealership announced on social media this month that they are currently taking reservations for the all-electric Mustang Mach-E. The Mustang Mach-E is an all-new, all-electric crossover with a projected range of up to 300 miles. Although the Mach-E isn’t scheduled to be released until late 2020, customers who are interested in purchasing the vehicle can place a reservation now to ensure that one will be available for them upon release. This may be especially important because the first edition model has already sold out. But the regular edition models of the vehicle with similar features (minus the “first edition” status) are still available for reservation at participating dealerships, including Vogler Ford.
Other dealerships in the region are also looking to add electric vehicle options. The general manager of Marion Volkswagen, Ashlee Church, stated on social media that their store and others in the VW network will begin facility assessments in the first quarter of 2020 in preparation for all-electric vehicle rollout nationwide. From that point, each store will work with VW to determine the facility upgrades required to sell and service EVs — a long list including charging stations, equipment upgrades, tool purchases, new training, the addition of an additional staff member, showroom upgrades, & even new exterior signage. Most VW stores will need to invest about $75k to make all of the upgrades. Depending on the results of the facilities assessments, Marion Volkswagen may or may not also offer electric vehicles in time for the 2020 season. While Vogler Ford appears to be the first in the region to offer EV reservations, it remains to be seen whether or not Marion Volkswagen will also be selling EVs in 2020.
Vogler Ford was established in 1923. They are the only car dealership in Southern Illinois operating on solar power, along with their 4 NAPA stores in Murphysboro, Carbondale, Herrin, and Marion, as well as their parts warehouse just East of Carbondale.
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