The National Automobile Dealers Association and its dealers reached major milestones in what has been one of the most complex times in our industry’s history. Franchised dealers around the nation remain resilient despite a global pandemic, volatile market conditions, the evolution of EV technology, and an onslaught of challenges coming out of the nation’s capital. NADA has been proudly holding the front lines and we couldn’t do it without the support and engagement of tireless dealer bodies like the Kentucky Automobile Dealers Association. As we look toward the year ahead, we must continue to gain ground on our most critical issues of 2022.
In March, NADA returned to its live Show in Las Vegas — our association’s first in-person reunion in two years since the pandemic began. NADA Show 2022 was a resounding success, bringing four days of renowned programming, five-star education, networking opportunities, make meetings and live performances to thousands of dealers and industry allies. I couldn’t be prouder to lead the exceptional team that worked so hard to produce a live show.
NADA is working harder than ever. We are on a path to an electric future and dealers are essential to this evolution. NADA’s message is loud and clear: Dealers are ALL IN on EVs! We are providing the tools, partnerships, and resources to tackle the most significant transformation in our industry’s history: bringing an electric future to the driving public. From the beginning, NADA has actively promoted the competitive advantages of the dealer franchise model when it comes to selling electric vehicles. Our goal is to present a solution to the government for its ambitions to scale EVs, especially as EVs go beyond luxury and into the mainstream. NADA will continue to examine the internal and external challenges along the path to electrification; the motivations for prospective EV buyers; and how dealerships can best prepare for EV sales through a data-driven approach.
NADA, in fact, has announced a new program — in partnership with the Center for Sustainable Energy and Plug In America — to enhance EV education at franchised dealerships nationwide. Our goal is to prepare dealers and their employees for the widespread adoption of EVs. The EV training program is an online, interactive model that is designed to complement OEM model-specific training and serves as a brand-agonistic review of essential content that sales staff need to communicate with customers and efficiently close EV sales. It’s supported by the Alliance for Automotive|Innovation. By bringing these two EV-focused powerhouse organizations together with NADA, we will educate dealers and help accelerate the mass market adoption of EVs.
Throughout the year, NADA will continue to advocate for the interests of all dealers whether it’s the battle against harmful taxes, harmful stairstep programs, or overly broad regulations that lead to impractical policies. But NADA needs the participation and engagement of dealers everywhere, and we need your voice more than ever. We cannot leave the fate of our great industry in the hands of others. Visit the NADA and ATD websites often and stay up to date on the latest issues and highlights. Get to know your metro or state association executive as they are the boots on the ground. And stay in touch with NADA throughout the year.
NADA is proud to support and advocate for franchised dealers nationwide! We have accomplished so much thanks to our grassroots and amazing work with dealer associations like KADA. I’m excited to continue our work together and for the bright future that lies ahead!
