A full general session at the NIADA Convention & Expo

One unified voice for independent dealers.

NIADA is the national trade association for independent automobile dealers, working alongside state affiliates to advance, educate and promote the industry.

Become a member Meet the leadership
1946

Serving dealers since 1946

NIADA is a nonprofit trade association representing over 13,000 members throughout the nation.

Since 1946, NIADA has worked to advance, educate and promote the independent used vehicle industry.

Alongside our state affiliates, NIADA advocates on behalf of the industry at both the state and federal levels.

Dealers at the NIADA National Policy Conference

Vision

Establish and maintain the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association as the preeminent voice in the independent automobile industry.

Dealers in a full classroom session

Mission

To represent and educate independent automobile dealers and their partners, and to advocate for the industry with one unified voice while fostering transparency and trust with consumers.

Code of Ethics

First published in 1947 and revised in 1973, the Code of Ethics sets the standard for how NIADA members do business with the public, with each other and with the industry.

  • We will have a general duty of integrity, honor and fair dealing toward the general public.

  • We will comply with all city, county, state and federal laws and shall endeavor to keep ourselves informed of the laws governing our business.

  • We will not intentionally injure the business reputation of another member or competitor.

  • We will employ truth and accuracy in advertising and selling.

  • We will stand behind any guarantee given with the sale of a motor vehicle.

  • We will not perform any act which would bring disrepute to the motor vehicle industry.

  • We will expose or halt, where found, any scheme designed to deceive or defraud the automobile buying public and aid in prosecuting those guilty of such acts.

  • We will constantly strive to improve business methods to the end that the public will be better served.

  • We will encourage the American system of free enterprise.

History

NIADA was founded in 1946 to lobby for the repeal of wartime rationing of tires and auto parts. Under founding president Charlie Hillard, those restrictions were lifted by the end of 1947.

1946

  1. 1946

    The National Used Car Dealers Association (NUCDA) is formed in Chicago, Illinois.

  2. 1947

    Wartime rationing of tires and auto parts is repealed, and NUCDA publishes a used car dealer code of ethics.

  3. 1950

    For the first time, the NUCDA convention features suppliers and vendors.

  4. 1953

    NUCDA boasts more than 2,000 members.

  5. 1954

    NUCDA pushes for federal price controls to be eliminated, and succeeds.

  6. 1955

    NUCDA becomes the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA).

  7. 1956

    Five million used cars are sold this year.

  8. 1959

    More state associations begin forming and affiliating with NIADA.

  9. 1960

    Membership in NIADA costs $35.

  10. 1964

    NIADA makes the first-ever group life insurance program available to members.

  11. 1981

    NIADA's Used Car Dealer magazine makes its debut.

  12. 1985

    NIADA's national headquarters moves to Irving, Texas.

  13. 1986

    NIADA's support helps get the Truth in Mileage Act of 1986 signed by President Reagan.

  14. 1987

    NIADA reports there are between 65,000 and 75,000 used car dealers in the United States.

  15. 1994

    NIADA develops the Ring of Honor award.

  16. 1996

    NIADA celebrates its 50th anniversary, with more than 12,000 members and growing.

  17. 1997

    NIADA meets with the IRS to revise tax codes.

  18. 1998

    NIADA and the FTC publish a new version of the FTC Buyers Guide.

  19. 2000

    NIADA announces its Certified Master Dealer program.

  20. 2005

    NIADA elects its first female president.

  21. 2010

    NIADA begins a Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle program for its dealer members.

  22. 2012

    NIADA starts its Dealer 20 Groups.

  23. 2016

    NIADA's BHPH Dealer magazine publishes its inaugural issue.

  24. 2021

    NIADA celebrates its 75th anniversary as the used car market reaches an all-time high.

  25. 2025

    A federal appeals court vacates the FTC’s CARS Rule after NIADA and the Texas IADA file a brief asking the court to strike it down.

  26. Today

    NIADA represents more than 13,000 members, working alongside its state affiliates from its headquarters in Arlington, Texas.

Leadership and governance

NIADA is led by dealers, for dealers, and works alongside state associations across the country.

Board of Directors

The dealers elected to guide the association.

View the board

Leadership and staff

Officers and the NIADA team, with contact details.

Meet the team

Bylaws

How the association is organized and governed.

Read the bylaws

State affiliates

The state associations NIADA works alongside.

Find your state association

Membership starts with your state.

A voice in Washington and in your state. Member pricing on NIADA events. Savings from national partners. Training for you and your team.

Your national membership includes membership in your state association.

Become a member See why dealers join

Questions? Email membership@niada.com.