News
Greg Anderson Named President of Dealer Association
Posted on May 26, 2022 in Press Releases
Greg Anderson, Titus-Will Automotive Group, Olympia, was named 2022/2023 President of the Washington State Auto Dealers Association (WSADA) at the organization’s annual convention in May. Greg’s family has been in the automotive business going back three generations. Like so many dealers, Greg got his start in the family business at a young age working summers in the warehouse, in parts distribution, and as a delivery driver – essentially learning all the ins and outs of each department. After graduating with a Bachelors in Business and Marketing from the University of Puget Sound in 1997, Greg returned to the dealership, joining […]
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Thinking of electrifying your ride? Learn more with SIAS Spokesperson Tom Voelk
Posted on April 19, 2022 in Automotive News, Media Campaigns, Press Releases
-Seattle International Auto Show Spokesperson Tom Voelk Thinking of electrifying your ride? There are many great reasons to do it. The Pacific Northwest is rich in hydro and wind generated power. We enjoy some of the greenest and cheapest electricity on the planet. EVs don’t need oil changes or trips to the gas station. With loads of instant torque and a low center of gravity, they’re satisfying to drive. And even before gas prices rose higher than Mt. Rainier, electric vehicles were much cheaper to operate. Plus, there’s much more choice now. Automakers have woken up and offer […]
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NADA Market Beat: Supply Chain Disruptions Suppress New Light-Vehicle Sales
Posted on April 6, 2022 in NADA
By Patrick Manzi, NADA Chief Economist In March, new light-vehicle sales continued to be limited by available inventory. The month’s SAAR totaled 13.3 million units, down from 14 million in February and off 24.4% from March 2021’s SAAR of 17.6 million units. Sales fell throughout Q1 2022 as production that was already limited by scare microchips was further curtailed by global shocks from the war in Ukraine and continuing supply chain disruptions beyond microchips. Yet despite the low quarterly average sales rate of 14 million units in the first quarter, new-vehicle sales had their best quarter since Q2 2021. Supply chain […]
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WSADA EV Reference Guide now available
Posted on March 9, 2022 in Uncategorized
WSADA developed a reference guide to help dealership employees, customers, and policymakers learn about various topics related to EVs. It includes information on tax credits, federal programs, and legislation/executive orders. To review the manual, go to wsada.org/ev-manual. If there are topics you think should be added to the Guide, please email WSADA at info@wsada.org.
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Women Are the Backbone of the Auto Industry
Posted on March 9, 2022 in NADA
In honor of Women’s History Month, NADA is honoring the many women in auto retail who work every day to make dealerships a great place for women to develop a career and succeed professionally. Women like Tristan Topps of Penske Automotive Group. “There’s absolutely nothing we cannot do,” Topps said in this NADA Women Driving Auto Retail video created for Women’s History Month. “We are women. We are strong. We are powerful. We are capable and as the workforce continues to grow and evolve and diversify, we are making our places known here within this industry at every level within the dealership.” Or, […]
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NADA Market Beat: February New Light-Vehicle Sales Weakened Compared to January
Posted on March 8, 2022 in NADA
By Patrick Manzi, NADA Chief Economist New light-vehicle sales in February were down from January. The February SAAR totaled 14.1 million units, off by 6.4% from January 2022 and by 11.7% from the February 2021 SAAR of 15.9 million units. Despite this decline, the SAAR in Q1 2022 is tracking to be the highest since Q2 2021. New light-vehicle sales are expected to improve throughout the year, but will continue to be restrained by the ongoing semiconductor microchip shortage and other supply chain-related issues. We believe month-end inventory data in February 2022 will show little change from the end of January. […]
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Northwood University names this year’s Dealer’s Education Award recipients
Posted on March 2, 2022 in Awards, Press Releases
MIDLAND, Mich. — Northwood University is announcing this year’s Dealer Education Award recipients, who will be honored March 12 at the National Automobile Dealers Association Annual Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. Annually, Northwood recognizes exceptional owners and dealer principals in the automotive industry who have made noteworthy contributions to education and to their communities. “Northwood University is proud to continue the tradition of recognizing dealers from around the world with the Dealer Education Award since 1972,” said Northwood President Kent MacDonald. “This newest class of influential honorees are today’s role models for tomorrow’s automotive industry leaders.” Ralph Shaheen, president of Shaheen […]
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Governor Inslee revises end date for mask mandate, will be lifted beginning March 12
Posted on February 28, 2022 in Automotive News
Following a review of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) change to its guidance on masking based on Covid-19 hospitalizations, hospital capacity, and new cases, today Governor Inslee announced he has revised the previous (March 21) end date for the statewide mask mandate: Beginning March 1 — End of vaccine verification or negative test requirements at large public events. Beginning March 12 — Mask mandate for retail businesses including dealerships, schools, and other indoor settings including houses of worship, recreation centers, athletic facilities, and libraries is lifted. Additionally, masks will continue to be required in certain health care […]
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A glimpse into manufacturer EV plans
Posted on February 27, 2022 in Automotive News
A number of manufacturers have made exciting recent announcements about their upcoming plans in electric, hydrogen, and hybrid vehicles. BMW Group In Munich, the BMW Group has been working on hydrogen technology for more than 40 years and hydrogen fuel cell technology for more than 20 years. The goal is to use energy from hydrogen instead of high-voltage batteries to power an electric drive train. The next step in the plan is to install essential components from the hydrogen-electric drive train in the fuel cell system, which will then be installed in the BMW i Hydrogen NEXT from 2022. Hydrogen […]
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Summary of the EV Charging Action Plan Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)
Posted on January 25, 2022 in NADA
Summary of the EV Charging Action Plan Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) The recently enacted Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) authorizes up to $7.5 billion through two new programs designed to facilitate the installation of up to 500,000 electric vehicle (EV) chargers across the country. These funding programs, the key elements of which are summarized below, are being administered pursuant to the Administration’s EV Charging Action Plan. The Plan will direct monies for EV Supply Equipment (EVSE) and other charging equipment, for charging-related installation and for related activities over five years to state and local governments through […]
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NADA’s Women Driving Auto Retail Video Contest Back for 5th Year
Posted on January 10, 2022 in NADA
By Juliet Guerra, NADA Director of Media Relations NADA is excited to announce the fifth annual Women Driving Auto Retail video contest celebrating women who work in all areas of car or truck dealerships – exclusively sponsored by Stellantis Women’s Retail Network! If you’re a woman working in the auto retail industry, we want to know about your experience working inside your dealership and how your auto retail career journey began. In three minutes or less, tell other women who you are, what you do, why you love it, and why the auto retail industry is a great career path. For […]
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Who should attend NADA Show 2022? You!
Posted on December 15, 2021 in NADA, Uncategorized
By Maryann Malesardi, NADA, Senior Manager, Event Marketing The NADA Show is not just for dealers. This annual auto industry event provides the education, business solutions and networking opportunities to help managers drive success in each dealership department — and accelerate their career. Managers of all kinds attend NADA Show to find real solutions for the issues they face in every department, including employee hiring, retention and training, digital and traditional marketing, legal and regulatory updates, parts and service, and sales management. Who should attend? General managers CRM managers Sales managers BDC managers Marketing directors Pre-owned managers e-Commerce and internet sales managers Fixed-operations […]
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NADA Market Beat: Limited Vehicle Availability Continues to Impact Sales Despite Slight Inventory Increases in November
Posted on December 6, 2021 in NADA
By Patrick Manzi, NADA Chief Economist New light-vehicle sales in November came in below expectations, with a SAAR of 12.9 million units, down 19% from November 2020. Despite November’s month-to-month decline, sales through the first 11 months of the year are up by 7% compared with the same period in 2020. While November began with a slight increase in inventory levels from September’s all-time lows, limited vehicle availability continues to keep sales well below current demand. Month-end inventory in November 2021 was up by 2.9% from October 2021, but inventory could again fall a bit during the final month of the […]
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ATD Joins Partners for a Zero Emission Vehicle Future
Posted on December 3, 2021 in NADA
By Steve Bassett, Chairman, American Truck Dealers For quite some time, America’s truck dealers have been working hard toward a cleaner and more sustainable commercial transportation future. But we all know that this reality depends on sensible policies and our industry working towards a common goal when possible. In the spirit of progress, I’m proud of the decision ATD has made to officially join the Partners for a Zero Emission Vehicle Future, which includes OEMs, and the allied industry. We can’t change the future on our own. So we joined this coalition with industry, environmental and outside business organizations that are committed […]
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NADA Foundation Gives $1 Million+ to Dealership Employees After Hurricane Ida
Posted on November 18, 2021 in NADA, Uncategorized
By Juliet Guerra, NADA Director of Media Relations In late August, deadly Category 4 Hurricane Ida left devastation in Louisiana before moving to the Northeast coast of the United States including New Jersey. Thousands of residents were displaced many losing power for days or weeks, and businesses in the storm’s wake, including dealerships, were damaged or destroyed. The NADA Foundation’s Emergency Relief Fund (ERF) immediately mobilized to help their own, the employees working in dealerships whose lives were disrupted by the storm. Just this week, the ERF hit a major milestone in delivering relief to dealership employees impacted by Hurricane Ida: […]
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It’s electric inside Seattle’s auto show: Ford F-150 Lightning, BMW iX and driving Bill Gates’ Porsche
Posted on November 12, 2021 in Uncategorized
BY KURT SCHLOSSER on November 12, 2021 at 7:30 am You know progress is being made in the move toward increased production and adoption of electric vehicles when you visit an auto show and have to ask which cars and trucks are gas powered. The Seattle International Auto Show has returned to the Lumen Field Event Center with more than 350 new cars, trucks, SUVs and crossovers. A big part of the mix is the electrification of so much of it — and the fact that the stuff just looks good and is ready to perform at a level that is sure to turn heads. […]
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TIME and Ally Financial Honor Bellevue Dealer Jason Courter
Posted on November 9, 2021 in Awards, Press Releases
Jason Courter Wins National Recognition for Community Service and Industry Accomplishments (New York, NY, November 8, 2021) – The nomination of Jason Courter, dealer at Honda Auto Center of Bellevue in Bellevue, Washington, for the 2022 TIME Dealer of the Year award was announced today by TIME. Courter is one of a select group of 47 dealer nominees from across the country who will be honored at the 105th annual National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show in Las Vegas on March 11, 2022. The announcement of this year’s annual award was made by Viktoria Degtar, Global Chief Revenue Officer, TIME, and […]
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2021 Bright Future Career Fair
Posted on October 22, 2021 in Uncategorized
The Washington State Auto Dealers Association (WSADA) and the Seattle International Auto Show (SIAS) are hosting a Bright Future Career Fair. New car and truck dealers, college automotive technology programs, and the College Planning Network will meet with individuals to discuss training, employment and career opportunities, and scholarship information. In 2019, SIAS held an in-person career fair with over 400 individuals, as well as 10 dealerships, and 3 colleges. A career as a dealership employee offers a bright future with outstanding opportunities and benefits. EVENT DETAILS: Location: Seattle International Auto Show | Lumen Field Event Center Dates: Saturday, November 13 […]
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Car dealers make the Evergreen State even greener
Posted on October 16, 2021 in Automotive News
By Brad Brotherton What if I told you that the auto dealers of Washington state are on the front lines in the fight against climate change? I wouldn’t blame you if you did a double take. But I’d ask you to hear me out – to let me make the sale. Local dealerships have embraced electric vehicles as products we’re proud to sell. Fifteen years ago, that wasn’t the case. In their early days, electric vehicles were questionable in terms of quality and, for most consumers, value. Manufacturers mainly built them to satisfy government mandates, not customer desires. EVs didn’t […]
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Alan Gamblin Named 2021 ‘Dealer of the Year’
Posted on June 16, 2021 in Awards, Press Releases
June 15, 2021 – Alan Gamblin, Art Gamblin Motors, Enumclaw, received the “Robert P. Mallon Dealer of the Year” award at the Washington State Auto Dealers Association (WSADA) virtual membership meeting and award ceremony. Selected by a committee of his peers, the Association’s award recognizes Alan’s contributions to the auto industry, quality dealership operations and outstanding community service. Born in Sandpoint, Idaho, Alan moved to Enumclaw when he was 13 years old after his father bought the local Chevrolet dealership. Alan immediately started working in the family business sweeping the shop, washing cars and then, at just 15 years of […]
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Washington New Car and Truck Dealers Launch Partnership With Chargeway to Simplify the Electric Car Buying and Ownership Experience
Posted on May 10, 2021 in Press Releases
SEATTLE (May 10, 2021) — The Washington State Auto Dealers Association (WSADA) and its 294 new car and truck dealer members, who hold over 500 franchises statewide, have launched an education campaign dubbed “EV Revolution” to instruct the public and thought leaders on the role franchised dealers are playing in bringing electric vehicles to more driveways across Washington State. As part of the campaign, WSADA is pleased to announce a partnership with Chargeway, an automotive and software company that has developed a simplified digital experience for selling and using EVs. Chargeway uses colors and numbers to create a simple language […]
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NADA Market Beat: New Light Vehicle-Sales Top 18 Million Unit SAAR for Second Straight Month
Posted on May 5, 2021 in NADA
By Patrick Manzi, NADA Chief Economist April’s new light-vehicle sales saw an 18.5 million-unit SAAR—the second straight month (following a March revision) of sales above 18.0 million units and the highest monthly sales rate since July 2005 with a 20.6 million SAAR. The April 2021 SAAR is also up 112% from April 2020—which experienced the weakest sales of the pandemic—and up 12.1% from April 2019. Though pent-up demand from the pandemic played a role this April, sales were also likely pulled forward by consumers’ uncertainty about being able to find the vehicles they want in coming months. While final month-end inventory […]
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NADA Commitment to Combating Fear and Racism
Posted on April 14, 2021 in NADA
By Myra Dandridge, NADA Executive Director of External Affairs and Public Policy The last year has seen a significant spike in hate crimes against members of the Asian, Pacific Islander and Asian-American communities. The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) vehemently condemns anti-Asian violence and xenophobia, and stands in solidarity with and support of the Asian and Asian American communities. Hatred has no place in America or elsewhere. Our nation is comprised of a rich and wonderful mosaic of people from a myriad of races, ethnic cultures and diverse backgrounds. Our differences make us stronger and uniquely special. And yet, even in […]
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WSADA Bright Future Scholarship now accepting applications
Posted on April 8, 2021 in Press Releases
The Washington State Auto Dealers Association will award two (2) $3,000 scholarships to high school students enrolling and four (4) $3,000 scholarships to students currently enrolled in a Washington State automotive technology program. In addition, three (3) $3,000 scholarships will be awarded to Washington State high school seniors who are an employee of a WSADA-member dealership, or an immediate family member of a WSADA-member dealership employee, or applying to Northwood University’s Automotive Marketing and Management Program. Click here for a pdf copy of the scholarship application. Applications may be submitted online at theWashBoard.org or mailed to the College Planning Network. […]
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Peer-Reviewed Study: Dealership Competition Lowers Consumer Prices
Posted on March 24, 2021 in NADA
By Jonathan Collegio, NADA Senior Vice President of Public Affairs In automotive circles it’s a well-known fact that when local dealerships compete for customers, price competition kicks in, and the result is lower prices for consumers on new cars and trucks. But the reality experienced by local dealerships every day has now been demonstrated through data by economists T. Randolph Beard , George Ford & Lawrence J. Spiwak, who studied thousands of new car transactions in Texas. In a new study published in the journal Applied Economics, the economists: “examine[d] how the closeness of a dealer selling the same make and model of […]
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