Traditional car dealerships have long been the cornerstone of the automotive sales market, serving as intermediaries between manufacturers and consumers. Historically, dealerships purchase vehicles at wholesale prices from manufacturers and sell them at retail prices, generating profit through margins, financing and aftersales services like maintenance and parts. The model has provided customers with access to physical locations where they can view, test drive and purchase vehicles while offering post-sale support such as repairs and servicing.
However, the automotive landscape is evolving rapidly with the rise of EVs and digital sales channels. EVs present unique challenges and opportunities for dealerships. On one hand, EVs require less maintenance—up to 50% fewer servicing needs compared to internal combustion engine vehicles—which could reduce service revenue streams for dealers.
On the other hand, the complexity of EV technology positions dealerships as trusted hubs for servicing and repairs due to their expertise and consumer trust in branded networks.
Today, many are investing in online platforms to complement physical showrooms, ensuring customers can research and purchase vehicles seamlessly. Dealers are further exploring new revenue streams, such as multi-brand used car showrooms or partnerships with emerging EV brands.
In this transformative era, dealerships must balance their traditional strengths—customer relationships and localised presence—with innovation to remain relevant in the changing mobility market.
EV Magazine explores the top 10 dealerships and their business model this week.
10 | NIO Houses
- CEO: William Li
- Total dealerships: 183
- First dealership opened: 2017
NIO Houses redefines the traditional dealership model, blending EV showrooms with community-driven experiences. Unlike conventional dealerships, these spaces focus on brand engagement rather than direct sales.
Each NIO House features a public showroom, VIP lounge, event areas and lifestyle amenities, fostering customer loyalty. Showcasing models like the ET7 and ES8, NIO expands with sub-brands like Onvo. Architectural innovation, including automated walls, enhances their futuristic appeal. With locations in China and globally, such as Oslo, NIO Houses drive 20% of sales through referrals, positioning themselves as experiential hubs rather than mere retail outlets in the evolving EV market.
9 | Tesla Stores
- CEO: Elon Musk
- Total dealerships: 1,350
- First dealership opened: 2008
Tesla's dealership model departs from tradition. Instead of franchised dealerships, company-owned Tesla Stores operate. These stores serve as retail and educational hubs, showcasing Tesla's electric lineup, including the Model S, Model 3 and Cybertruck.
Unlike conventional dealers, Tesla sells directly to consumers, maintaining control over pricing and customer experience. Stores emphasise education, featuring interactive displays and knowledgeable staff. With a strong online sales presence, Tesla streamlines purchasing and offers remote service options.
Positioned in high-traffic urban areas, Tesla Stores foster community engagement and sustainability, while the Supercharger network enhances EV ownership convenience and long-distance travel viability.
8 | BMW Group
- Head of Global sales: Jochen Goller
- Total dealerships: 3,500
- First dealership opened: 1975
BMW Group operates through a global network of authorised dealerships, specialising in luxury and performance vehicles, including an expanding lineup of electric models. Dealerships showcase BMW's electric range, such as the i4, iX and i7, alongside MINI's Cooper SE and future electric M models.
Unlike direct-to-consumer brands, BMW maintains a dealer-based model emphasising premium service, expert guidance and personalised customisation.
Advanced technologies like iDrive, xDrive and driver assistance systems enhance the customer experience. With BEV sales rising 22.6% in 2024, BMW dealerships are pivotal in delivering high-performance EVs while maintaining premium service and brand exclusivity.
7 | Audi e-tron
- Head of Global sales: Marco Schubert
- Total showrooms: 1,800
- First dealership opened: 2018
Audi operates a global network of e-tron specialist dealerships alongside its traditional Audi Centres, catering to the growing demand for EVs. These dealerships exclusively retail Audi's EV range, including the Q4 e-tron, Q6 e-tron and e-tron GT, alongside plug-in hybrid models.
Equipped with EV-certified infrastructure, they feature fast charging stations and trained specialists for seamless service. UK dealerships offer fixed online pricing, home charger incentives and extensive EV financing options. With advanced technology like augmented reality HUDs and regenerative braking, Audi's e-tron dealerships provide a premium, technology-driven experience, reinforcing the brand's commitment to electrification and sustainable mobility.
6 | Hyundai Motor Group
- Head of Global sales: José Muñoz
- Total dealerships: 5,000+
- First dealership opened: 1986
Hyundai operates a global network of authorised dealerships, integrating electric models into mainstream showrooms rather than adopting separate EV branding. Its electric range includes the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6 and Kona Electric, offering rapid charging, long-range capability and performance variants.
Hyundai is modernising its dealership infrastructure, upgrading facilities for a premium retail experience while ensuring accessibility. Its 800V charging architecture enables ultra-fast recharging and sustainability remains a priority through eco-conscious design.
With transparent pricing, digital sales integration and government-backed incentives in key markets, Hyundai's dealer network supports its global electrification strategy while maintaining a customer-focused approach.
5 | Mercedes Benz
- Member of the board responsible for Sales and Marketing: Britta Seeger
- Total dealerships: 6,500+
- First dealership opened: 1953
Mercedes-Benz operates a global network of authorised dealerships, adopting a unified branding approach across markets. Its EV portfolio includes the EQA, EQE and flagship EQS, alongside upcoming models like the 2025 CLA EV.
Dealerships offer a premium retail experience, featuring high-end interiors, MBUX AI-driven infotainment and bespoke cabin customisation. Electrification is supported through fast-charging capabilities, plug-and-charge convenience and EVA-certified staff for expert guidance.
A direct sales model with fixed pricing is expanding in key markets. By integrating luxury with cutting-edge EV technology, Mercedes-Benz dealerships uphold the brand's heritage while driving the transition to sustainable mobility.
4 | Ford Motor Company
- Global Chief Marketing Officer: Lisa Materazzo
- Total showrooms: 10,000+
- First dealership opened: 1903
Ford operates a global network of authorised dealerships, integrating electric and hybrid models into mainstream showrooms without a distinct EV sub-brand. Its electric lineup includes the Mustang Mach-E, Explorer EV and E-Transit van, alongside hybrid variants like the Puma Gen-E and Kuga PHEV.
Ford will transition to an agency model in 2025, reducing its UK dealer network while shifting to fixed pricing and direct sales. EV-certified hubs will enhance service quality, offering fast charging, seamless billing and certified pre-owned EVs. Balancing electrification with streamlined retail, Ford's evolving dealership strategy reflects its commitment to a digital-first, customer-centric future.
3 | Nissan
- Chief Performance Officer: Guillaume Cartier
- Total dealerships: 10,000+
- First dealership opened: 1958
Nissan operates a global network of authorised dealerships, integrating EVs alongside traditional models. Its EV lineup includes the Nissan Leaf, a pioneering mass-market EV and the Ariya, a premium electric SUV with advanced e-4ORCE AWD. Future models, including an electric Juke and next-generation Leaf, will expand its EV portfolio.
Nissan is modernising its dealerships, enhancing digital sales and electrification infrastructure while maintaining its traditional dealer partnerships. EV benefits include rapid charging, sustainability-focused design and certified dealer support. By balancing innovation with retailer collaboration, Nissan's dealerships play a key role in the brand's global electrification strategy.
2 | General Motors
- Head of Global Sales: Rory Harvey
- Total showrooms: 11,600
- First dealership opened: 1910
General Motors (GM) operates through a global network of authorised dealerships, adapting its branding and sales approach to regional markets. For example, Vauxhall is GM's primary retail brand in the United Kingdom, while specialist importers handle premium and utility models such as Cadillac and GMC.
GM's electric vehicle lineup includes the Chevrolet Blazer EV, Equinox EV and Silverado EV, alongside luxury models like the Cadillac Lyriq and Celestiq. Dealerships have embraced electrification, offering certified used EVs and dedicated servicing facilities. With direct online sales, fixed pricing and home delivery, GM's evolving dealership model reflects a modern, customer-centric approach to EV retail.
1 | Volkswagen Group
- Head of Global Expansion: Dirk Große-Loheide
- Total dealerships: 17,000+
- First dealership opened: 1953
Volkswagen Group operates a global network of authorised dealerships, adapting its branding and sales strategies to regional markets. For example, in the UK, brands such as Volkswagen, Audi, Škoda and CUPRA are sold through established dealer networks like Marshall Volkswagen. The group's EV lineup spans multiple segments, from the compact Volkswagen ID.3 to the luxury Audi e-tron GT, alongside practical models like the Škoda Enyaq iV and performance-oriented CUPRA Born.
Volkswagen's Modular Electric Drive Matrix (MEB) platform underpins many of its EVs, offering scalable battery options and fast charging capabilities. The group's dealership model has evolved to incorporate direct online sales and fixed pricing in select markets, with UK retailers embracing the agency model. EVA-certified dealerships ensure specialist EV training. At the same time, sustainability initiatives such as carbon-neutral production and recycled materials reinforce Volkswagen's commitment to eco-friendly mobility.
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