Pub. 13 2014-2015 Issue 4

N E W J E R S E Y C O A L I T I O N O F A U T O M O T I V E R E T A I L E R S I S S U E N O . 1 , 2 0 1 5 4 new jersey auto retailer The dealership of 2015 is vastly different than the businesses founded 30 or 40 years ago. Technological advances, economic ups and downs, government regu- lations and consumer trends have all played a role in the ongoing development of the franchised automotive retail industry. It is critical that dealerships continue toevolve and incorporate the knowledge and entrepreneur- ial drive each subsequent generation brings to the dealership. There are many dealerships in New Jersey that have been led by multiple generations. Those of us in our 50’s, 60’s or 70’s, who have run our businesses for decades must look at the future through the eyes of our 20, 30 or 40-something children who will take over when we decide to step away from the day-to-day grind. This isn’t always an easy thing to do. NJ CAR wants to help ALL dealers by lend- ing a voice to the emerging leaders in our industry. TheNJCARExecutiveCommittee recently created aNextGenCommittee. The Committee is led by Chairman Richard A. DeSilva, Jr. (Liberty Subaru) and Vice Chair- man Robert J. Larson (Larson Ford, Inc.), who are also both members of the NJ CAR Executive Committee. Other members of the NextGen Committee include Liz Barlow (BarlowBuick-GMC), JimCurley (JimCurley Buick-GMC/ Kia), Breanna Datello (Action Hyundai/ Action Chevrolet), Amanda Har- tung (CherryHill Imports),MichaelMaguire (WindsorNissan), RoccoManganelli (Union Buick-GMC), Mark Miller (Miller Ford/ Lincoln/Subaru), Trent Miller (Paul Miller Audi), and Rob Sickel (Pine Belt). Dealer- ship managers or dealers, 21 to 40-years old, who are, or will likely be, dealer principals are invited to become part of this exciting new group. NextGen Committee members will discuss the business issues they grew up with and how they see the business changing now and in the future. They canexchange ideas onhow best to utilize new technologies or changes in consumer behaviors toadvance their business. They can converse about laws or regulations they would like to see modified, passed or repealed. They can even vent about their par- ents who are reluctant to try something new. Members of the NextGen Committee will also see, first hand, the importance of an in- dustryworking together toeducateour elected officials and consumers about issues that impact each and every one of our dealerships. Representatives of the NextGen Committee will attend all Board of TrusteeMeetings. NJ CAR will also work to provide members of the NextGen Committee with opportuni- ties to become politically engaged with our elected officials on both sides of the aisle. It is important for each subsequent genera- tion to develop mutually-beneficial lines of communications with our elected officials. These relationships won’t guarantee the industry gets its way on every legislative is- sue in the future, but they go a long way to ensure that our voice is heardwhen proposed legislationmay have an impact on the indus- try. NextGen participation in the political process, now and in the future, is critical to the industry’s success in protecting dealers and consumers. The future leaders of our industry will also play a crucial role promoting the many ben- efits of the franchise system. Our industry provides vigorous price competition and convenient access to warranty and recall repairs. We are also the economic lifeblood of both the State and every local community in which we operate. The younger generation will be facing a rap- idly changing customer base, who expect and demand a very specific customer experience. The very way we sell and service vehicles is already changing and the pace of change will only accelerate. I am confident this Committee will benefit the Coalition. If you’re interested in becoming in- volvedinNJCAR’sNextGenCommittee,please contact JimAppleton at 609.883.5056. Chairman’s MESSAGE | BY JOHN MANGANELLI Oh…To Be Young Again…