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 7 new jersey auto retailer W W W . N J C A R . O R G Another NADA Convention for the Ages If there’s any industry that’s rooted in re- silience and progress, it’s the retail-auto industry. Over the past several years, America’s new- car dealers have survived many challenges and have a lot to be proud of today. Last year, the nation’s franchised auto dealers sold 16.4 million new cars and light trucks and generated more than $13 billion in taxes. Dealers prove their worth every day, and car buyers benefit from the automotive franchise network because it is the best and most efficient method of bringing new vehicles to the driving public. This year, NADA’s forecast calls for sales of more than 16.9 million new vehicles. Last month, NADA hosted a successful convention and exposition in the great city of San Francisco. And, in case you missed it, I asked my fellow dealers a pivotal ques- tion: When was the best time to be a car dealer? The thousands of dealers and dealership employees in attendance at the convention already knew the answer to that question. Today is the best time to be a car dealer. That was evident by 26 dealer-manufac- turer franchise meetings; 66 educational workshops offered; a sold out Expo floor with 570 companies showcasing the lat- est and greatest products; and numerous networking events. We’re already gearingup for the 2016NADA convention in Las Vegas, which runs Thurs- day, March 31 through Sunday, April 3. But today also comes with challenges. Be- tween government guidance that threatens the consumer benefits of dealer-assisted financing and misinformation about the franchise system, we will continue to expe- rience serious challenges to our businesses. When it comes to solutions, NADA is working hard to be a catalyst for progress and positive change. We will continue to show the policymakers and the public that, through competition, the dealer franchise system benefits consumers, manufacturers and local communities alike. We will continue to show that dealers are advocates for their customers, whether they need service for warranty or recalls or assis- tance with financing. And we will continue to guide franchised dealers through a host of issues—from the security of dealer and customer data to dealing with future regu- latory challenges and tax burdens. Nomatter the obstacles ahead, NADA is the first line of defense for new-car dealers and a strong voice for dealers inWashington, DC. [The preceding was Commentary authored by current NADA Chairman Bill Fox.] NADA Director’s MESSAGE | BY MARCY H. MAGUIRE NADA Director’s Message Directors’s Message  continued on page 9