What would the dealership landscape look like today if NADA hadn’t scored several major victories in Washington this year?
In a special holiday-themed episode of the Dealer Driven podcast, NADA’s legislative affairs leaders—Ivette Rivera and Michael Harrington—take listeners on an It’s a Wonderful Life–style journey through an alternate universe—one where Congress failed to act on expiring tax provisions and allowed California’s gas-car ban to take effect nationwide.
The reality would have been stark.
Without NADA’s advocacy, key tax provisions from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act would have expired at year’s end. Dealers—many of them family-owned pass-through businesses—would have lost the 20% Section 199A deduction, faced a higher top tax rate, and seen estate tax exemptions cut in half. Instead, NADA helped secure permanence for these provisions, providing long-term certainty for dealers, their employees and their customers.
The episode also revisits the successful repeal of California’s EV mandate. Had it remained in place, dealers in more than a dozen states would have been required to deliver up to 35% EVs starting in model year 2026—regardless of market demand or charging infrastructure. Thanks to bipartisan action and strong dealer grassroots engagement, Congress stepped in to stop the mandate and prevent similar bans in the future.
Looking ahead, the discussion turns to what’s next: right-to-repair legislation, catalytic converter theft, federal excise tax repeal and autonomous vehicle policy—all issues that could significantly impact dealerships in 2026 and beyond.
The takeaway is clear: policy decisions matter, and dealer voices make a difference. This episode is a timely reminder that strong advocacy doesn’t just protect dealers—it protects consumers, competition and local communities.
Listen now to hear how close the industry came to its own “Pottersville”—and why engagement has never mattered more.
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