Dear KADA Members,
The past year has proven, once again, the perseverance and resiliency of car dealers and the automotive industry. As the effects of the pandemic have slowly begun to wear off, we are still faced with the demands of an ever-changing market and the fear of an oncoming recession. Despite these challenges, automotive sales continue to grow and are expected to rise throughout 2023. From an association perspective, we have also grown in both dealer membership and in allied partnerships.
With new demands in the market, such as the surge in electric vehicles, we are experiencing ongoing threats to our franchise system. As your association, it is our job to protect your interests and your business, which is why this Legislative Session was particularly important.
We focused on House Bill 150 and Senate Bill 163, both of which were met with success. SB 163 prohibits manufacturer direct sales and requires retail reservations to be assigned to dealers. It also expressly provides that military members are not required to have a Kentucky driver’s license to register a vehicle in Kentucky. HB 150 ensures that franchise dealer rights are even further protected. These important pieces of legislation will benefit our industry for hopefully years to come.
Looking ahead, we are anxiously awaiting the introduction of electronic titling and registration, which should be available at the beginning of next year. This is a significant step forward for our industry in the state of Kentucky, and we are proud to be at the forefront of this important improvement.
Your Kentucky Auto Dealers Association is here to support your business in a multitude of ways. Aside from advocating on your behalf, we are here to provide you with educational opportunities, the best in automotive products and services offered by our partner programs, networking events, the latest news, and more. We encourage you to take advantage of all the resources available to you, and please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.
We will continue to work hard to represent and support the car dealers in Kentucky, and we look forward to a successful and prosperous 2023!
Jason Wilson
