OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NEW JERSEY COALITION OF AUTOMOTIVE RETAILERS
On September 11th, Governor Murphy signed the “Motor Vehicle Open Recall Notice and Fair Compensation Act” (S3309/A4380). This new law, which goes into effect on April 1, 2026, is a big win for New Jersey dealers, their employees, and our consumers, but it wasn’t an easy process to get to the Governor’s desk.
Let’s Celebrate Advancing Safety and Fair Pay Read More »
We’ve all heard the adage that “politics makes strange bedfellows”, and Governor Murphy proved it when he introduced his proposed 2026 budget. In his proposal, the Governor included several sales tax proposals to increase State revenues, and numerous groups pushed back to oppose the increases. One proposed option to increase State revenue was to eliminate the trade-in credit for new car sales. Dealers, OEMs, electric vehicle (EV), and environmental advocates — not normally on the same side of many issues — banded together to oppose the elimination.
Of significant value to auto dealers are the form agreements, such as retail purchase agreements and retail lease agreements (collectively, “Buyer’s Orders”), generated by their dealer management system (DMS) software. Buyer’s Orders generated by DMS software often vary by state and contain state-specific statutory references, which create the reasonable expectation that those Buyer’s Orders comply with the laws of the state in which they are intended to be used. This expectation is reinforced if the DMS vendor controls the forms of the Buyer’s Order, and the dealer is not at liberty to revise them without the approval and, perhaps intervention of the DMS vendor.
Assuring DMS-Generated Contracts Comply with Law Who Bears the Risk?
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The Technician Advancement Program (TAP), powered by NJ CAR, is more than just an educational initiative; it’s a statewide movement to address the urgent need for skilled automotive technicians while providing individuals with a clear, supported pathway into a rewarding career. With the success of our initial camps, TAP is poised to grow significantly in the coming months. We are excited to share what the future holds, thank the dealerships stepping up to host bootcamps, and highlight the powerful stories of students already benefiting from this program.
The Future of TAP Bootcamps Across New Jersey Read More »
The Technician Advancement Program (TAP) pilot has provided invaluable insights into how to create a sustainable, scalable, and impactful pre-apprenticeship initiative for aspiring automotive technicians in New Jersey. As we reflect on this foundational phase, several key pillars have emerged: specialized instruction, strategic dealership partnerships, digital outreach, community engagement, and securing external funding to support long-term growth.
Reflections on the TAP Pilot Building a Stronger Pathway for Automotive Technicians
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From the start of the new year, 2025 required that NJ CAR rev up its forces to achieve success in our two hottest priorities! The beginning of the year was hectic. While the new year highlighted how federal and state policies impact our dealers, it did not reveal an easy path to victory for our members. Navigating the federal and state legislative processes to produce solutions was demanding, but NJ CAR engaged and was part of the solution at both levels.
CRA Repeals and Recall Legislation Updates Read More »
It’s remarkable how fast 2025 has gone by, filled with impactful developments that affect the auto industry nationally and locally. As I reflect on the many accomplishments of NJ CAR during the past year, I feel a sense of pride because of the important passage of one of the most comprehensive warranty labor time laws in the United States.
