Efficiency Vermont’s Efficiency Excellence Network (EEN)
Interview with Shannon Garvey, General Manager and Owner of Garvey Nissan
Shannon Garvey
G.E.T. Staff
G.E.T.: What is your title, role and how did you get started in this industry?
Shannon Garvey: I am the General Manager of Garvey Nissan in Clarendon, Vermont. Recently, my sister and I became owners with my father, so it is very much a family business! I got started in this industry by a great opportunity to work for Hyundai Capital in South Korea ten years ago. I immersed myself in the culture and brand then came home to work for my father’s store in Queensbury, NY. I started as a title clerk and worked my way through most positions in the dealership until I was finally ready to manage a store.
When was your company started?
SG: Garvey Nissan was established in 2015, but my father has been in the automobile business since 1978 when he purchased his first store, so almost 45 years!
How many dealerships does your company own?
SG: Our business, Drive Garvey, owns three dealerships: Garvey Nissan in Claredon, VT and Garvey Hyundai and Garvey Genesis of Queensbury, NY.
About how may customers do you serve per year?
SG: We serve thousands of customers between new and used car sales, auto part sales, and servicing all makes and models from New York to Vermont and the surrounding states. We have seen an increase of out of state customers in the past year due to never selling over MSRP and our award- winning customer satisfaction ratings.
How long have you been selling electric vehicles?
SG: We became certified to sell electric vehicles in 2015, so seven years.
What percentage of customers come in looking for an electric vehicle? How has this changed over the past five years?
SG: About 10% of our customers come in looking for an electric vehicle (EV). Year over year we see more customers inquiring about EV’s to satisfy curiosity, learning and gaining knowledge about how the change to electric would fit their lifestyle, furthermore, with the increasing range and capabilities for charging, more are feeling confident with the switch from gas to electric. Let’s not forget about the incentives, too, making the switch financially more comfortable. The market in the past five years has dramatically changed for EV’s. In the beginning of 2020, we went from always having a few EV’s in stock to now selling EV’s sight-unseen in our pipeline. We are now taking reservations for the long awaited Nissan ARIYA which hits the lots this fall and comes with an AWD option, which will be a great for those with that need here in Vermont.
How long have you been a member of the EEN? Are there customer benefits to you being an EEN member?
SG: Garvey Nissan partnered with Efficiency Vermont this year! There have been many benefits to this partnership, but the most important reason is to show our community and customers our commitment and support.
What are some questions you recommend customers ask when looking to purchase an electric vehicle?
SG: Ask about incentives and understand what you qualify for. There are even incentives for preowned EV’s. Understanding your own driving habits and how that will effect your battery life, where and how far you travel, charging capabilities and charging locations. We encourage customers to ask about maintaining the EV as well and understanding the cost savings. We are here to guide you through that process.
Anything else you’d like to tell us about being an electric vehicle dealer?
SG: It has been an exciting journey to see the demand increase over the last few years and are proud to be able to support those who are energy conscious. We have welcomed many happy new customers to the Nissan and Hyundai brand who previously never considered it. With many new EV models coming to our lots soon, we are excited to continue to support this community. Also, with the support of EEN and Green Mountain Power, we are happy to announce we will have a new fast charging station installed this fall by the entrance of Garvey Nissan!
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