Upstart electric vehicle maker Coda Automotive has inked franchise deals with two California dealerships and is looking for more retail outlets to sell its zero-emissions Sedan EV.
Key management changes had Coda’s future on uncertain ground just a few months ago, but the California-based electric vehicle maker is moving forward with the launch of its Sedan model. The Sedan will be initial sold through two dealerships in California, but the company is looking to add additional dealerships that “are pro-green†and “believe that electric vehicles are coming.â€
Of course Coda will also use more quantitative qualifications, including market potential and dealership volume. The later will be key to early adopters of the Coda brand as the Sedan is expected to sell in small quantities.
Coda’s first two dealerships – Marvin K. Brown Auto Center in San Diego and Del Grande Dealer Group in San Jose – are both multiline dealerships.
Coda originally intended to setup company-owned retail outlets, but has since scrapped that plan. Coda will, however, setup “experience centers” in high-traffic areas such as malls. The centers won’t sell vehicles but rather inform the general public of the advantages of electric vehicles and, in particular, the Coda Sedan.
“Their purpose is to educate people on electric vehicles,” Coda CEO Phil Murtaugh told Automotive News. “We’re not pushing sales out of the centers.”
Coda will begin deliveries of its 125-mile range Sedan later this month. That model retails from $38,145, and the company will also offer a 150-mile version for $40,795.
Coda isn’t releasing any sales forecasts, but the company hopes to award 40 franchises in the United States and Canada by the end of 2012.
