Here Come the Electric Luxury Vehicles!

Last week during the GCLA spring conference, the Cadillac EV team including Mark Leddy, Brad Beauchamp and James Hunter gave us a first hand look at the new electrification plan for products that fit our industry very well, including the Lyriq (a luxury cross-over), the Escalade and the all-new Hummer SUV.
Gavin Newsom announced a 2021 stimulus plan that includes $1.5 billion to boost electric and hydrogen vehicles as part of his $4.5 billion 2021 budget for economic stimulus in California.
As for rebates for purchasing “Green” vehicles, according to cleanvehiclerebate.org, “Unlike the federal tax credit, the California rebate comes in the form of cash at the point of sale or a mailed check up to eighteen months afterward.”
Here’s the rebate breakdown: 1. Plug-in hybrids get $1000 2. Battery-electric cars can get a $2000 rebate 3. Hydrogen fuel-cell cars are eligible for $4500.
Cleanvehiclerebate.org, goes on to say that, “The federal government provides a substantial tax credit for new battery electric and plug-in hybrid EVs, ranging from $2,500 - $7,500, depending on the capacity of the EV's battery.”

General Motors and its subsidiary brands like Cadillac do not sell vehicles direct. You must go through an authorized dealer. In the state of California there is a new “darling” to the GCLA community that all of our members can turn to for purchases. The 4th largest GM dealership in the country – MOTOR CITY – based in Bakersfield (and who is able to ship vehicles direct to you) was on hand as a Platinum Sponsor at our live conference. They are a one-stop-shop and are excited to do business with the GCLA members. To contact them directly, you will want to reach out to Bryan Fahsbender, commercial fleet manager, at 661-836-6722 and his email is bfahsbender@motorcitywest.com.

Now that most of you have parred down your fleets to survive the pandemic, it’s a great time to rethink your business model moving forward. I encourage you to reach out to the gang at MOTOR CITY now so that you begin to establish a long-term business relationship with them. Allow them to be involved with the rebuilding of your transportation business before you jump into to any purchase decisions.

The Cadillac presentation which focused on the fast-track that California is on concerning electric vehicles was one of the most valuable sessions we presented. It you missed it this time around, be sure to attend the GCLA fall EXPO for another update.

Let’s Move, California!