No one knows the used vehicle industry better than the dealers working the lots each day.
In September, those dealers will head to Washington, D.C., to speak with legislators and federal agencies on the state of the industry during the NIADA Policy Conference.
This year’s Policy Conference is Sept. 23-25 at the Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City. Registration is open at niada.com/policyconference.
Aug. 13 is the deadline to register for the Policy Conference and to book a hotel room. Rooms are limited.
The early deadline also allows NIADA staff time to schedule meetings with lawmakers from dealers’ home districts.
Last year, dealers held more than 100 meetings with members of Congress and their staff, discussing issues important to the industry.
At this year’s conference, dealers will be discussing right to repair and the Federal Trade Commission’s Combatting Auto Retail Scams (CARS) rule with senators and representatives.
Previously NIADA supported the REPAIR Act, which was introduced to Congress in past sessions. The legislation would have ensured consumers had access to data relating to their motor vehicles, critical repair information, tools, and provide them choices for the maintenance, service and repair of their motor vehicles.
With 70 percent of auto repairs made at independent auto shops, not having access to critical data needed to make repairs puts independent auto dealers at a competitive disadvantage. The REPAIR Act would ensure that there is an even playing field between large dealerships and independent dealerships and consumers can choose where they can have their car, truck or SUV repaired.
The FTC has a stay on its CARS rule, which has been challenged in federal court by the NADA and Texas ADA. NIADA and Texas IADA filed an amicus brief asking the court to vacate the rule. Oral arguments are slated to take place in October.
The CARS rule, which was to take effect July 30, 2024, would require automobile dealers to provide consumers with an offering price, disclose all optional add-ons and give information about total payment when discussing the monthly payment. Dealers must also get consumers’ “expressed, informed” consent for any charges as part of the vehicle purchase. The FTC rule scrutinizes add-ons, which are part of the vehicle purchase.
The U.S. House of Representatives subcommittee in June voted to withhold funding for enforcement of the rule by the FTC.
The policy conference will also include information from federal agencies and regulation updates. Instead of general sessions with members of the FTC, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and other agencies, groups of dealers will hold meetings and then give a report during the conference.
NIADA CEO Jeff Martin said the approach will help build relationships with the agencies and allow dealers an opportunity to provide information about the industry.
“It’ll redirect the narrative, going to their office and talking about the industry,” Martin said.
The popular PAC dinner will return with regions competing for the PAC Cup by raising the most money for the NIADA PAC. The NIADA PAC supports candidates who understand issues facing independent automobile dealers in our nation’s capital.
Registration at niada.com/policyconference.
