Hundreds of America’s franchised dealers convened at the Capital Hilton in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday for NADA’s 51st Washington Conference, continuing a half-century tradition of advocating for Main Street dealers. The two-day conference brings dealers together with lawmakers, regulators and association leaders to discuss policies affecting the auto retail industry.

Tuesday kicked off with NADA’s NextGen program, giving young dealers, managers and successors a closer look at federal advocacy and the importance of having a seat at the table. NADA President and CEO Mike Stanton emphasized the impact of direct dealer engagement here in Washington and at home, while Rep. Erin Houchin (R-Ind.) shared what she and her colleagues want to hear from dealers.

“I’m so pleased you’re a part of the NextGen program because you are the next generation of people who will be making Hill visits to your members of Congress to talk to us about these issues that impact you,” Houchin said. “I rely on you to tell us what we need to know.”

Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) kicked off the Inside Washington Luncheon and Briefing with a candid address. The 30-year General Motors executive and automotive industry advocate who grew up with — and still has — family in the auto dealership business, is cosponsoring bipartisan legislation to keep Chinese vehicles out of the U.S. market.

“I want America to be first, to compete on a level playing field, to be the leader in safety, and to create good-paying jobs right here at home. I will never give up our leadership to China or any other country in the world,” Dingell said, which garnered a rousing applause. “There’s perhaps no greater threat to those goals right now than the rise of China in its attempt to infiltrate our auto industry, which poses a very serious threat to our economy and our national security.”

Before heading to Capitol Hill, dealers were briefed by NADA’s Public Policy team—Paul Metrey, Ivette Rivera and Michael Harrington—on the association’s top legislative priorities of the day: 

• The Connected Vehicle Security Act to keep Chinese OEMs out of the U.S. market.
• The so-called “Right to Repair” Act bill would primarily benefit insurers and aftermarket manufacturers and raise significant privacy concerns.
• The PART Act addressing catalytic converter theft.

Each issue’s complexities, arguments and established common ground was spelled out so dealers could most effectively discuss the matters with their lawmakers over the next two days.

For more than five decades, the Washington Conference has helped educate, guide and focus dealers looking to help shape the policies affecting their businesses.