February 11, 2025

NJ CAR was founded in 1918, and in the last 107 years, it has continued to grow and evolve lock-step with the auto retailing industry it represents. With the retirement of Jim Appleton in November, after 27 years at the Coalition’s helm, we were incredibly lucky to recruit Laura Perrotta to join the organization as its new President.

The following is the latest on some of the major issues being addressed by NADA. Please don’t hesitate to contact me at rdesilva@libertycarsnj.com if you have any questions.

The Charge Up+ income-based, electric vehicle (EV) incentive launched in November 2024. As of the date of publication, the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) has approved more than 2,150 Charge Up+ applications from potential buyers and nearly 1,200 have been redeemed (55%), with the other 974 not yet redeemed.

NJ CAR President Laura Perrotta, as well as Coalition members Frank Pezzolla (Frank’s Truck Center), Douglas Hoover (Hoover Truck & Bus Centers), Romolo Gabrielli (Gabrielli Kenworth of New Jersey), Joseph Cambria (Cambria Truck Center), Spencer Campbell (Campbell Supply Company), and Jack Licata (North Jersey Truck Center) testified in front of the Assembly Transportation Committee in December in support of Bill A4967: Legislation that would delay implementation of the Advanced Clean Truck (ACT) Rule for two years. Laura, Frank, Douglas, Romolo, Joseph, Spencer, and Jack focused on the economic challenges, operational limitations, and other negative impacts implementing ACT will have on New Jersey auto retailers, their customers, and the entire Garden State economy.

Data protection and cybersecurity are a growing concern for companies — particularly dealerships. The following is a summary of the three data protection laws that went into effect or were enacted in 2024.

NADA PAC helps to elect qualified individuals to Congress who understand the needs of new car and truck dealers.

NJ CAR appreciates the support of the 382 dealers who contributed to CAR-PAC, the Coalition’s political action committee, between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024.

New Jersey auto dealers care about their communities. From supporting and fundraising for local charities to engaging with elected officials at a grassroots level — they do it all! Giving back is a way of life for them, and New Jersey is better because of it.

The following data demonstrates that New Jersey’s franchised dealers are the engine driving the state’s economy.

DEALERSHIPS ARE IMPORTANT –
New Jersey’s 520 dealerships are critical to hundreds of municipalities in ALL 20 counties and ALL 40 legislative districts. They represent a $43 billion industry, directly employing 37,500 individuals and supporting another 35,250 jobs while contributing millions of dollars to hundreds of charities.