Ford Dealers Fight EV Certification Program
Groups in three states file complaints over required investments, restrictions.
Dealer associations had already complained to Ford about the rules, which require dealers to invest in dealership training and upgrades costing as much as $1.2 million each and to introduce new sales standards that include non-negotiable sticker prices.
IMAGE: Ford
Ford, which already got pushback from dealers about its electric-vehicle dealer certification requirements, is now facing formal complaints by dealers in several states, Automotive News reported.
Dealers in Arkansas, Illinois and New York are challenging the automaker over the rules, which is requiring its more than 3,000 dealers to be in one of two tiers of EV offerings.
The dealers say Ford’s EV program violates franchise laws, the publication said.
Arkansas’ dealers association was the first to take action when it filed a complaint against Ford through the state motor vehicle commission in October. Then 27 dealerships in Illinois filed a similar complaint with that state’s commission last week, and four New York dealers filed a lawsuit against Ford several days earlier.
Dealer associations had already complained to Ford about the rules, which require dealers to invest in dealership training and upgrades costing as much as $1.2 million each and to introduce new sales standards that include non-negotiable sticker prices.
Automotive News reported that the lawsuit in New York could result in an automatic stay of Ford’s dealer certification program as a judge considers the matter. The suit claims the requirement that dealers invest in one of the certification tiers in order to sell EVs is unlawful. The publication said Ford said the program is “consistent with all relevant laws.”
Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today
More F&I
Own Your Outcome: F&I in the Digital Customer Journey
Finance has historically been the last step in the car-buying process, but it doesn’t have to be. The customer’s journey starts long before they arrive at the dealership, and so should F&I’s involvement.
Read More →
Tariffs Could Raise Insurance Premiums
As U.S. import tariffs affect repair costs, consumers might find it more affordable to replace a damaged vehicle, according to recent Insurify tariff analysis.
Read More →
Smaller Loans, Longer Terms
The youngest generation of car buyers is more likely to finance less expensive vehicles, more than half of generation Z consumers borrowing less than $25,000.
Read More →
New Lifetime Battery F&I Product Meant to Drive Dealer Traffic
EFG Cos. offering is intended to create lifetime auto dealer engagement with customers.
Read More →
The Psychology Behind Menus That Increase Add-On Sales
There is a science to crafting a menu that gives customers confidence in the choices presented, and moving the process outside the F&I office can further boost results.
Read More →
Why Your F&I PVR Is Misleading You
Here’s a handy checklist of the numbers to track in 2026 instead.
Read More →
Auto Consumer Anxiety Presents Opportunity
A survey of U.S. drivers found the majority are concerned about finances and the economy, but those fears make many ready to buy vehicle-protection products.
Read More →
Humble and Hungry: 12 Rules for an F&I Life
Dustin Gingerich, with a decade in the F&I business under his belt, shares his thoughts on leadership, building trust with customers, and the importance of learning and innovation.
Read More →
Focus on the Opening
F&I managers must learn as much as possible about their customers, starting before they walk into their offices. The bulk of today’s consumers expect that, and good results will follow.
Read More →
F&I Reaches for the Sky
The increasingly important profit center continued making gains in the first quarter, according to StoneEagle data, ancillary products proving more popular as consumers hold onto their buys longer.
Read More →