NADA annual highlights.
In 2018, NADA was active on many fronts, including several legislative and regulatory actions that have had a powerful impact on dealers and their stores. Here’s a look at just some of the initiatives and projects NADA has focused on to benefit dealers.
JANUARY
Chinese automaker GAC Motor announces it will exhibit and recruit dealers at 2018 NADA Show in March. NADA spearheads an effort to get Defense Department to withdraw its flawed interpretation of the Military Lending Act (MLA), which effectively prevented dealers from offering GAP and other credit-related products to certain members of the military and their dependents.
FEBRUARY
NADA releases dynamic new mobile app, with workshops, events and exhibitor listings for next month’s NADA and ATD shows.
NADA runs full-page advertorial in Automotive News on “The Reality of EVs.”
MARCH
NADA and ATD shows held in Las Vegas. Michigan dealer Wes Lutz becomes NADA chairman. Louisiana dealer Jodie Teuton becomes ATD chairwoman.
Future opportunities of autonomous vehicles highlighted during NADA and ATD shows, including a major address to attendees by Waymo CEO John Krafcik, AutoNation Chairman and CEO Mike Jackson, and NADA President and CEO Peter Welch.
NADA donates $50,000 to benefit service members at Nellis Air Force Base near Las Vegas.
NADA launches Professional Series educational program for dealership department managers.
After protecting full deductibility of floor plan financing and other important tax provisions vital to dealers, NADA releases A Dealer Guide to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (to help dealers navigate 2018 tax changes) and A Dealer Guide to Federal Truth in Lending Requirements.
ATD releases Commercial Truck Dealer Future Landscape study to help dealers understand how new driving technology and government mandates will affect them over the next decade.
Annual NADA/J.D. Power Automotive Forum in New York City features top auto execs from Cadillac and Toyota.
NADA-commissioned study shows consumers overwhelmingly see personal vehicle ownership as key to future mobility.
NADA Data—annual profile of new-car dealerships—reports that employment at new-vehicle dealerships hit a record 1,135,700 workers in 2017.
Addressing attendees. NADA Chairman Wes Lutz (right) and ATD Chairwoman Jodie Teuton at the NADA and ATD shows in 2018. Topics ranged from policy issues to digital engagement.
APRIL
ATD Data—annual profile of new-truck dealerships—shows employment at commercial truck dealerships up 12.3 percent to 145,300 workers in 2017 (highest in six years).
NADA helps obtain Supreme Court decision upholding longtime exemption of dealership service advisors from overtime pay.
Citing a need to focus on smart fuel-economy standards that maintain vehicle affordability, NADA supports EPA announcement to revise greenhouse-gas standards for MY 2021-2026 vehicles.
NADA releases A Dealer Guide to OSHA’s Walking-Working Surfaces Rule.
NADA runs full-page advertorial in Automotive News on the benefits of personal vehicle ownership.
MAY
Congress passes, and the president signs, a resolution nullifying CFPB’s flawed auto guidance—the adoption of which had been the subject of extensive criticism from dealers, state and metro dealer associations, and NADA over the past five years.
When Commerce Department begins looking into possible 25 percent tariff on imported vehicles, NADA explains that the tax would raise prices, limit customer choice and reduce demand for new vehicles.
JUNE
Sen. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) introduces a Senate bill to repeal the federal excise tax on heavy-duty trucks. ATD strongly supports this legislation.
ATD hosts Washington, D.C., fly-in for truck dealers, who meet with members of Congress to support repeal of federal excise tax (FET) on heavy-duty trucks.
NADA Chairman Wes Lutz urges administration to address trade concerns without auto tariffs.
NADA runs full-page advertorial in Automotive News reiterating dealers’ commitment to fair credit and highlighting the NADA/AIADA/NAMAD fair credit compliance program.
To promote dealership careers, NADA releases My Dealership Creates Jobs video on MyDealership.org.
JULY
NADA President and CEO Peter Welch testifies before Commerce Department, citing new study by Center for Automotive Research that says across-the-board 25 percent tariff on autos and auto parts will increase the price of typical vehicle by $4,400, reduce vehicle production by 2 million units and eliminate 10 percent of dealership jobs.
NADA runs full-page advertorial in Automotive News: ”How Auto Tariffs Pose a Risk to Every Dealer.”
Wall Street Journal runs full-page ad from automakers, NADA and other industry groups urging President Trump to rethink his auto-tariff proposal.
NADA reminds dealers to adhere to recently revised Used Car Rule after FTC issues results of nationwide “compliance sweep” of dealerships.
Through first half of 2018, NADA says dealership employment increased 0.8 percent and payrolls—at $65.3 billion—were up 2.2 percent from the year-ago period.
AUGUST
NADA Foundation discusses its new Workforce Initiative at White House.
NADA refutes inaccurate, misleading NPR report on Voluntary Protection Products.
Highlighting how dealerships create jobs and give back to their communities, NADA releases My Dealership Is Local video on MyDealership.org.
After several years of urging by NADA, EPA issues helpful guidance for undeployed airbag modules and inflators.
SEPTEMBER
More than 400 dealers and association executives attend NADA’s annual Washington Conference to meet with members of Congress and hear from Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney, Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), Rep. John Delaney (D-Md.), Rep Kurt Schrader (D-Ore.) and Rep Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.).
NADA and ATD officials attend White House Economic Summit on economic, trade, tax and trade policies.
After Hurricane Florence in September (and then Hurricane Michael in October), NADA Foundation begins donating more than $500,000 to dealership employees and their families.
Active on all fronts. The impressive roster of speakers at the 2018 Washington Conference included Mick Mulvaney, above, director of the Office of Management and Budget. Meanwhile, the NADA Foundation assisted dealership employees following devastation from two hurricanes and the California wildfires.
OCTOBER
Following the hurricanes, NADA offers 10 inspection tips to detect flood-damaged vehicles.
In remarks to Automotive Press Association in Detroit, NADA Chairman Wes Lutz explains studies showing personal vehicle ownership is less expensive and safer—and provides more freedom, flexibility, convenience and control—than ride-hailing and self-driving vehicles.
NADA files extensive comments with NHTSA and EPA emphasizing the need to issue new or revised CAFE/GHG rules for MY 2021-2026 vehicles.
NADA runs full-page advertorial in Automotive News on vehicle affordability and fuel economy.
NADA’s move from its 43-year-old headquarters in Tysons, Va., to a nearby high-tech, LEED-certified building results in reduced operating costs, faster responses to members and more personalized training for Academy students.
NOVEMBER
NADA joins other business leaders at White House to discuss enhanced career opportunities for students and workers.
ATD campaign urges Congress to repeal the federal excise tax as part of a likely infrastructure bill next year.
As part of continual efforts through the year, NADA sends letter to Defense Department pushing for an MLA solution.
NADA Foundation supports dealership employees after wildfires in California.
DECEMBER
Despite some economic headwinds this year, NADA forecasts remain on track for solid 17 million new-vehicle sales.
NADA PAC receives $2 million-plus in annual contributions.
NADA completes more than a dozen presentations nationwide to analysts and transportation policymakers about the enduring value of personal vehicle ownership.
NADA runs full-page, high-profile advertorial in Automotive News addressing unfair automaker stair-step programs.
NADA ends 2018 with nearly 16,500 members, its 17th consecutive year with upwards of 90 percent membership penetration.
