These courses consist of 1, 2 or 3-day instructor-led classroom education focused on the topic selected. The NADA Academy instructor is a subject matter expert and is certified by the Association for Talent Development. The subject-matter expert will gain the participants’ attention and assess prior knowledge through questions, discussion and activities. The content is delivered using the best methods for adult learners and regularly uses both a PowerPoint and participant workbook. While presenting, the instructor uses multiple examples and will engage participants through creative, interactive whole group, small group and individual activities and discussions which will cater to the needs of a diverse audience of learners while constantly providing developmental feedback.
NADA is the dealer’s best advocate in dealer-manufacturer relations, addressing concerns with manufacturers and distributors.
Twice each year, NADA delivers the results of its semiannual Dealer Attitude Survey to each manufacturer to discuss the positives and negatives of manufacturer performance and initiatives, including incentive programs.
NADA also hosts two annual industry forums—in New York City and Los Angeles—that focus on the latest issues affecting dealers, manufacturers, suppliers and others in the industry. NADA also partners with international dealership associations to stay up to date on international trends in auto retailing—from Europe to Asia to Brazil.
Key economic reports, including NADA Data and ATD Data (annual financial profiles of new-car and -truck dealerships), an annual NADA economic forecast, quarterly economic briefings and the Dealership Workforce Study, place NADA at the forefront of industry information.
Local dealerships benefit consumers, manufacturers and local communities alike. Consumers benefit when dealerships compete on pricing and service. Manufacturers benefit through low-cost and efficient distribution for their products. And local communities benefit from the massive tax revenue and good-paying jobs provided by local dealerships.
NADA promotes these benefits to media, opinion leaders and the general public through media relations, videos, and digital media channels like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. NADA’s chairman gives an annual address to auto writers each year in Detroit to champion the franchise system. And recently, NADA’s efforts helped make preserving dealer-assisted financing a major cause of The Wall Street Journal.
Nowhere is this more evident than in digital media. In 2017, NADA launched the MyDealership initiative to promote dealerships with videos of real consumers and dealership employees who benefited from the price competition and jobs provided by local dealerships. Dozens of state and local dealer associations and dealership groups have begun using the initiative. Make it part of your community relations efforts with the materials available at mydealership.org/toolkit.
The NADA Foundation—begun in 1975—has created programs to benefit the public and promote initiatives sponsored by franchised dealers.
- The Ambassador Program distributes hundreds of thousands of dollars each year in grants to local charities.
- The Emergency Relief Program has distributed millions of dollars to dealership employees and their families affected by disasters, including hurricanes, major storms and floods.
- A program to promote the benefits of dealership jobs in local communities—including jobs in sales, service and management—will be launched soon.
- Tax-deductible donations to the foundation are available at nadafoundation.org.
NADA and ATD Academy: Investing in your Legacy
The Academy turns dealers and managers into world-class leaders in their stores and communities. Held at NADA headquarters in metropolitan Washington, Academy classes are combined with critical, hands-on experience back in the store. Students gain complete mastery of financial management, fixed operations for parts and service, variable operations for new and used vehicles, and business management. To hone a specific area of expertise, dealership managers can participate in seminars or earn Academy certificates by attending individual classes alongside Academy students.