The automotive retail industry in New Jersey is constantly evolving. Dealers are navigating changing consumer expectations, emerging technologies, workforce challenges, increasing regulatory requirements, and ongoing legislative issues that directly impact their businesses. Through it all, one thing remains constant — NJ CAR. We are committed to protecting, supporting, and strengthening New Jersey’s franchised dealers.

Most members recognize NJ CAR for our advocacy efforts in Trenton, but the value of our work extends far beyond our work in the Statehouse. Every day, our team works to be an indispensable resource for our members, helping them operate more efficiently, remain compliant, address challenges, and prepare for the future.

Protecting Your Business

The heart of NJ CAR’s mission is advocacy. Our Government Affairs, Legal, and Communications teams make sure the interests of New Jersey’s franchised new car and truck dealers are top-of-mind for our elected officials, regulators, and decision-makers. Whether it’s fighting harmful legislation, monitoring regulatory changes, or educating policymakers on the importance of our industry, NJ CAR is committed to ensuring the dealer perspective is heard.

More Than Advocacy

Beyond advocacy, membership in NJ CAR offers so much more. The Coalition works hard to keep dealers informed by offering educational opportunities, connecting them with industry experts, and introducing companies that understand their unique needs. Whether you’re looking for operational efficiencies, compliance solutions, workforce development, cybersecurity resources, or educational programming, NJ CAR continually evaluates opportunities that can benefit our members.

Every potential provider and affiliate is carefully reviewed before they’re introduced to dealers. We know our members trust us to present them with organizations that understand the industry and can address dealer issues with meaningful solutions. We will always perform our due diligence to ensure these relationships align with our mission of serving dealers first.

Building Relationships: One Dealership at a Time

There’s no substitute for face-to-face conversations with dealer principals, general managers, or department leads and hearing firsthand what their businesses are experiencing. Those conversations shape the programs we develop, the education we provide, and the partnerships we pursue. Dealership visits by NJ CAR staff are not about making a sales pitch. They’re about listening.

We want to understand what’s working, identify existing challenges, note dealer concerns, and ask dealers what they believe NJ CAR could do to help. Whether we visit a dealership, meet at an event, exchange emails, or speak on the phone, our objective is always the same: listen, connect, and advocate.

As NJ CAR’s Member Advocate, I serve as a liaison between dealers and the Coalition. I take note of the issues facing our members — technology and operational challenges; concerns with staffing; legislation and regulations — and cite any other areas where members need support. I bring those conversations back to my colleagues so we can best serve our members. We want dealers to feel comfortable reaching out as their input shapes our strategic direction.

Investing in the Future

The future of our industry depends on developing the next generation of leaders and technicians. Programs like NextGen bring together emerging dealership professionals to build relationships, share ideas, and develop leadership skills that will benefit the industry for years to come. Likewise, NJ CAR remains committed to supporting technician recruitment and workforce development through initiatives like our Technician Advancement Program (TAP). As we invest in people, they will invest in the future of automotive retail.

Learn and Engage with NJ CAR

Throughout the year, our Roadshows, Annual Meeting, webinars, and educational events provide members with timely information regarding legislative updates, compliance issues, best practices, emerging technologies, and industry trends. These events are opportunities for dealers and their employees to network with other industry professionals, exchange ideas, ask questions, and build relationships with industry experts and organizations.

They also give NJ CAR staff opportunities to interact directly with our members to help ensure the Coalition continues to address their most important issues. Staying informed and connected in a constantly evolving world has never been more important.

We’re Stronger Together

NJ CAR exists because of its members. Every legislative victory, educational program, networking event, and member resource is designed with one goal in mind: helping New Jersey’s franchised dealers succeed. At its core, our vision has remained the same since 1918: Protect the franchise system, advocate for dealers, provide valuable resources, and build meaningful relationships.

Your feedback matters, and your experience helps NJ CAR better understand how we can continue delivering value to you and your team. Together, we can continue strengthening the voice of New Jersey’s franchised automotive retailers.

Let’s Connect

If you have a question, concern, suggestion, or simply want to discuss what is happening at your dealership, I want to hear from you. Please stop by one of our upcoming events, email me, call me, or invite me to visit your dealership. I welcome the opportunity to learn more about your business, hear your perspective, and discuss all that NJ CAR has to offer.