Convention to host 21 automaker franchise meetings at critical time for the industry
McLean, Va. (Dec. 19, 2008) – Now that U.S. automakers will receive emergency bridge loans, attention has shifted to the National Automobile Dealers Association Convention in New Orleans next month when dealers will have an opportunity to meet face-to-face with the top leadership of the auto manufacturers. NADA’s Industry Relations Group has announced that 21 separate manufacturer franchise meetings have been confirmed at the convention.
To handle what is expected to be a renewed interest in the convention, NADA has extended online registration until 3 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 5.
“NADA is pleased that nearly all of the automakers’ CEOs and presidents plan to attend these important meetings,” said Annette Sykora, NADA chairman. General Motors’ Rick Wagoner, Toyota’s Jim Lentz, Chrysler’s Jim Press and Ford’s Alan Mulally are all planning to attend. Mulally will deliver the keynote industry address at the convention’s opening session on Saturday, Jan. 24.
“There could not be a more important time for a dealer to attend an NADA convention and hear directly from their manufacturer,” Sykora said. “Franchise meetings offer dealers the opportunity to hear from NADA, dealer councils and the automaker’s leadership, as well as ask questions of their manufacturers directly.
“These meetings come at a critical time,” Sykora said. “Automotive retailing is going through historic changes, and there is no better place for dealers to meet and discuss the future of their industry than at the NADA convention.”
Pre-registration and housing for the 2009 NADA Convention & Exposition Jan. 24-27 can be completed—online only—until 3 p.m. EST, Monday, Jan. 5. (All registrations and housing reservations must be processed online. Fax registrations will not be accepted. After Jan. 5, dealers will have to register on site in New Orleans. If changes need to be made to hotel reservations, Experient can be contacted until Jan. 5 at (800) 974-3084. After Jan. 12, dealers will have to contact hotels directly to make changes.)
Information, registration and a complete list of scheduled franchise meetings can be found by visiting www.nada.org/convention.
NADA, founded in 1917 and based in McLean, Va., represents about 19,700 new-car and truck dealers holding nearly 43,000 separate franchises, both domestic and international.
Contacts:
David Hyatt
Vice President
NADA Public Affairs
(703) 821-7120
dhyatt@nada.org
Charles Cyrill
Public Relations Director
NADA Public Affairs
(703) 821-7121
ccyrill@nada.org