Empowering electric mobility: A case of market expansion and transformation

Empowering electric mobility: A case of market expansion and transformation

Fast facts

An emerging electric vehicle (EV) charging service provider

With plans to enter new markets, they needed to fully understand the regulatory requirements and local market dynamics and develop a successful expansion strategy. 

European markets

A go-to-market strategy and sales prospecting approach for identifying and engaging with potential customers, as well as utilizing MSX’s infrastructure and existing industry knowledge.

 

Navigating a strategic shift

An established electric vehicle (EV) charging service provider found success in Germany, France, Spain, and Italy. Pioneering an innovative model focused on off-grid infrastructure as a service, they are set to transform the European landscape with revolutionary mobile fast charging solutions.

In their pursuit of control across other European markets, they teamed up with MSX for dedicated support in shaping and executing a robust go-to-market strategy in a bid to win sustainable electric mobility dominance.

Having been operating previously in parts of France, Italy, and Spain, an EV charging service provider launched their services in Munich and Berlin in 2022. They offer an off-grid mobile charging service comprising a mobile unit that provides fast charging on the road. In 2024, they plan to launch an innovative battery storage system with DC/AC charging capabilities, developed by its own hardware and software engineers. Their goal, with these two solutions, is to help promote the transition to electric mobility in Europe.

However, they are changing their approach from energy delivery and mobile charging to a Charging Point Operator (CPO). As a CPO, they will be responsible for producing and delivering not only the batteries and the mobile charging services, but also managing the overall infrastructure, installation, and payment function, creating new opportunities with new potential customers.

As they plan to expand their operations and enter new markets, it’s vital they fully understand the regulatory requirements and local market dynamics and conduct a competitor analysis that enables them to make informed decisions and develop successful expansion strategies.

Once this strategy is defined, they must then launch their products and services in a way that maximizes market penetration, revenue generation, and brand awareness while defining their market entry strategy. Other important factors which must also be considered are identifying and defining their target customers, developing a pricing structure, and assessing the scalability and growth potential in new markets.

In 2023, they commissioned MSX to support in developing their business, by setting up a dedicated organization to oversee market research, feasibility studies, and operational setup, as well as utilizing MSX’s infrastructure and existing industry knowledge, including those with international Urban Mobility representants.

Scaling and building relationships

Using our competencies and experience, MSX developed a go-to-market strategy, designed to broaden our clients’ geographical coverage and introduce new customers.

This, along with an expertly crafted sales prospecting approach for identifying and engaging with potential customers would help them define the best customers or commercial entities to target based on the products that are applicable to them.

The solution enabled our client to grow their business development pipeline, build relationships, increase conversion rates, and expand into new markets. MSX established a specialized dedicated Business Development Team that included a dynamic salesforce and an Operational Solutions Manager (OSM). The OSM would oversee the relationship between the client and MSX, managing the sales team, and addressing any additional support requests from the MSX organization.

The OSM and salesforce collaboratively devised a strategy to attract potential customers’ attention, identifying both quick wins and long-term business opportunities. Their plan involved securing appointments and winning new business. Additionally, they aimed to create customized information and marketing materials for effective business development and seamless implementation of our client’s solutions.

Outcome: Accelerating competence, confidence, and compliance

The program achieved significant customer reach in Germany, connecting with over 400 contacts.

This improved the company’s brand awareness and visibility in the German market. Additionally, the development of a comprehensive overview of their product portfolio, complete with compelling commercial arguments, empowered the sales teams to approach a high volume of potential leads. The attractive product catalog played a pivotal role in showcasing their offerings.

The continuous refinement of the business focus ensures alignment with market needs and evolving trends. Clearly defining client requirements for the hardware selling proposition is crucial. Collecting and sharing relevant information allows for a more targeted sales approach. Market feedback provided insights into what worked well and areas for improvement.

Overall, our client’s solutions have gained interest from various sectors, including company fleets, road assistance providers, insurance companies, and fuel stations. As charging infrastructure continues to evolve, our client is now well-positioned to capitalize on these opportunities.

Net savings of

0

on travel expenses

Reduced lead time from

0 -3

months

Connected with over

0

contacts expanding market presence

Open doors to key players and system providers in the

EV-charging business

Detailed product catalog  

enabled sales teams to engage potential leads

To find out how MSX can help expand your business, visit:

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Boosting EV sales confidence: MSX EV Dealer coaching sparks capability growth

Boosting EV sales confidence: MSX EV Dealer coaching sparks capability growth

Fast facts

A multinational automotive manufacturer’s European Dealer Network

Prepare dealers for the huge rise in electrification in the automotive industry in general, to re-confirm the OEM’s EV sales strategy, dealer processes, dealer supporting tools, and to fully utilize the respective dealer’s EV vehicle sales potential.

Up to 350 dealers across 16 European markets

A modular EV Sales Coaching Program introduced remote coaching, online showroom, and an increase to the number of face-to-face visits across Europe.

Challenge: Overcoming EV adoption barriers in Europe

A major multinational automotive manufacturer, who is considered one of the most advanced OEMs in this space in terms of their product platforms and technology, were facing a number of barriers to their wide-scale adoption of EVs and needed a program that would build the confidence and competence amongst the dealer network to achieve the brand’s EV sales and growth ambitions.

With the industry’s move towards electric vehicles (EVs), dealer networks across Europe need to strengthen their conviction, confidence and competence to sell EVs to prospective customers.

These challenges included dealer staff commitment to EV sales, and the limited capability of dealer staff to offer the information, guidance and reassurance sought by customers in the consideration and purchase process.

Amid mounting pressure, global OEMs are investing significantly in their transition to EV production worldwide. The success of this particular OEM in Europe hinged heavily on securing a dominant market position within the EV segment, despite fierce competition from established OEMs, Chinese manufacturers, and traditional automakers.

Solution: Strategies for accelerating EV sales

MSX, with its rich history of partnering with the OEM on various important initiatives across Europe, developed the EV Dealer Coaching initiative, which is centrally created at European HQ level, customized for individual markets, and delivered locally across key European markets.

The initiative aims to optimize EV sales for the OEM through their dealer network and encompasses various strategic activities to assess the confidence and competence of dealer staff to sell EVs, and to enhance the readiness of dealerships to embrace EVs and effectively communicate with customers. The primary objectives include ensuring the dealer management mindset is aligned with EV sales goals, establishing EV expertise within the organization, refining the test drive process, improving product presentation and service, and ensuring a memorable handover experience.

On-site analysis and coaching form the initial phase, focusing on quick wins such as setting KPIs and establishing key actions for dealers. Regional managers play a crucial role in overseeing further activities post-coaching. Follow-up and remote sessions are conducted to validate progress, prepare for coaching sessions, and adjust strategies as needed. Remote coaching sessions involve reviewing previous tasks, assessing KPIs, and setting new tasks, with outcomes shared among stakeholders.

On-site reviews serve to maintain relationships, assess progress, identify roadblocks, and agree on actions to overcome challenges. The final phase involves reviewing achievements, ensuring sustainability of changes, and agreeing on further tasks. Throughout each phase, agendas are shared in advance, and outcomes are communicated via email with dealers, regional managers, and the market, ensuring transparency and accountability in the optimization process.

Outcome: Accelerating competence, confidence, and compliance​

This comprehensive coaching program has demonstrated remarkable success and resulted in significant improvements in dealer confidence and compliance. Our strategic approach focused on uplifting underperformers and aligning new dealers with industry standards, providing access to a pan-European network of local market experts. This level of expertise ensured a tailored and effective approach that not only strengthened dealership performance but also addressed market needs.

 

The program’s success was driven by the implementation of individual dealer coaching, facilitated by a dealer self-rating mechanism that enabled self-reflection and acceptance of potential gaps in knowledge. Compliance checks against EV standards and sales processes reinforced coaching objectives, ensuring a targeted and impactful intervention. In addition, local marketing campaigns generated leads, particularly leveraging the growing interest in sustainable energy solutions such as solar panels. Real-time analysis and improvement of test drive data, coupled with customer feedback mechanisms, further enhanced the program’s effectiveness.

 

The results speak volumes, with dealer confidence in selling EVs increasing by a remarkable 16.5%. Similarly, confidence in being EV ready surged by 16.3%. Dealer compliance along the EV customer pipeline experienced a substantial 32% increase. And compliance in customer engagement saw an impressive 62% rise. These outcomes demonstrate the transformative impact of MSX’s EV Sales Coaching Program, not only in enhancing dealer capabilities but also in driving customer-centric practices across the dealership network.

Find out how MSX can improve EV confidence and compliance throughout your dealer network:

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