In his first address to the membership, NIADA President Don Griffin presented a challenge to his fellow dealers.
Griffin, the CEO and founder of CarHop in Minneapolis, Minnesota, asked dealers “to step up” to redouble their efforts in compliance, advocacy and education Tuesday at the NIADA Convention and Expo’s packed opening General Session. More than 800 dealers attended this year’s NIADA Convention.
“I’m challenging each of you to step up. Step up for your customers, by learning best practices or becoming a compliance superstar here,” Griffin said. “Step up for your business by joining a 20 group, taking a class to supercharge your marketing or take your service department to the next level. Step up for your industry by attending the Policy Conference, giving to the PAC, talking to legislators, or getting involved in your state association.
“With over 13,000 members, NIADA is the voice for dealers, the resource for your questions, the place to learn to grow your business and support the industry.”
Griffin brings more than 30 years of experience in the automotive industry to his new role as the president of the association.
He’s seen the swings in the regulatory environment in the past three decades, including under the current administration. He noted the need for the industry to explain to lawmakers and regulators how it works to help customers with limited options obtain vital transportation.
“D.C. regulators may be temporarily sidelined, but state regulators will fill that void, making it even harder to comply with a patchwork of laws,” Griffin said. “That’s why we need to continue outreach to regulators and legislators to highlight how Independent and BHPH dealers employ moms and dads, sponsor little league teams, and keep America moving.”
Before Griffin addressed dealers, Chairman of the Board Michael Darrow highlighted the accomplishments of the association in the past year during his tenure as president. NIADA revamped the 20 Groups program with new moderators, conducted education classes in the states and is planning an August launch of the Certified Master Dealer program. The association hired the lobby firm Hance Scarborough and announced the addition of Director of Government Relations and Compliance Patrick O’Brien.
“I want to share with you the most rewarding aspect of this past year, it was traveling the country and getting to meet you,” Darrow said. “The vast majority of our peers are the fabric of their communities – good, decent, hardworking entrepreneurs! Thank you for the hospitality you have shown me. I have been humbled by your support! Thank you for the opportunity to serve you!”
NIADA Director of Education Brent Carmichael and Mark Strand, Senior Director of Economic Industry Insights at Cox Automotive provided an industry update for dealers.
Strand pointed out the average age for vehicles on the road are at 12.8 years and the market remains undersupplied by 8 million vehicles. He added that high prices in the new vehicle market is increasing interest in the used market. Economic pressures are also increasing the percentage of subprime consumers.
Carmichael added that dealers are facing increased reconditioning costs but have seen a small increase in gross per vehicle of 2.2 percent or $42.
