Next January sees a significant milestone, with the 100th anniversary of the formation of the world’s largest retail automotive association, the USA’s National Automotive Dealer Association (NADA).

This is a hugely important occasion, not just for US Dealers but for Dealers worldwide. NADA sets the bar incredibly high for organisations like AADA to follow and learn from as leaders of our industry and advocates for the interests of franchised automotive Dealers, and AADA can’t wait to celebrate with our ‘big brother’ organisation.

History

NADA was formed in 1917 when a group of 30 Dealers got together in an attempt to lower luxury car taxes, a cause with which Australian Dealers can readily empathise.
The group travelled to Washington, DC and successfully lobbied the US Government to lower the LCT from five per cent to three per cent, arguing that the automobile is a necessity of American life, not a luxury. From that group effort NADA was born and has not looked back since.

The group decided to form a permanent union to represent the nation’s 15,000 automobile Dealers. In July 1917, 130 dealers met in Chicago where they elected George Browne of Milwaukee to be NADA’s first president.

Advocacy

Over the past century NADA has represented dealerships before the US Congress and other government agencies in its chief role as an advocacy association.

It continues to have its finger on the pulse of legislation affecting the automotive retail industry, including issues such as auto finance, tax policy, vehicle commerce, fuel economy and the environment, as well as grass roots matters.

NADA also serves Dealers by following pricing trends on new and used vehicles.

Industry relations

NADA also works to improve relations and communications between Dealers and manufacturers. NADA is the Dealer’s advocate in Dealer/manufacturer relations, addressing concerns with manufacturers and distributors.

The NADA semi-annual Dealer Attitude Survey identifies areas of concern, and the results are reviewed for further action with Dealer councils and senior management at each manufacturer. Each year NADA also hosts high profile industry forums in New York City and Los Angeles, focusing on the latest issues affecting Dealers, manufacturers, suppliers, analysts, the media and others in the industry.

Consumer guide

In 1933 NADA first published its Official Used Car Guide, which has become the bible for used car buyers throughout the USA. NADA Guides provide information for consumers regarding vehicle pricing for new, used and classic cars, as well as for motorcycles, boats, recreational vehicles and manufactured homes.

In 2015 NADA sold the rights to the Guide to JD Power.

NADA regularly issues reports and press releases about the automotive market, such as analysis of the hybrid car market.
Community

In 1975 NADA established the National Automobile Dealers Charitable Foundation (NADCF). In the past 41 years NADCF has given more than $US9 million to various groups and organisations. NADA has also established numerous fund and grant programs to help communities.

Convention

The world’s largest gathering of auto industry professionals is attended by more than 20,000 people. The 2017 event will be held from January 26 to 29 in New Orleans. AADA will run its annual study tour to the world’s largest auto industry convention and we can’t wait to get over there and get involved.

There is no better city in the world in which to celebrate than New Orleans, with its Mardi Gras atmosphere, legendary music scene and eclectic mix of people and cultures.
As usual, AADA has put together an exciting program for this business-centric tour, with a little relaxation time set aside to enjoy being in one of the world’s great party cities.
Delegates will also enjoy an exclusive range of premium add-on benefits that no other organisation can match.

Official NADA 100 Year celebration party

Join delegates from all over the world in celebrating 100 years of the world’s largest auto industry association. Held at the fabulous Mardi Gras World, with special guest band Foreigner, this is a chance to network or just let your hair down and enjoy the ‘all you can drink, all you can eat’ buffet. All transportation provided.

AADA international industry relations dinner

For the third year AADA will play host to this acclaimed gathering of leading industry figures from the International Dealer Association Working Group.

Special guest speaker will be none other than NADA chairman Jeff Carlson, a man with more than 40 years of experience in the automotive business, including owning Ford and Subaru dealerships.

Galatoire’s Restaurant is a Bourbon Street institution dating back to 1905. Specialising in French Creole cuisine, the restaurant is still run by the fourth-generation descendants of founder Jean Galatoire. In 2004 esteemed culinary organisation, the James Beard Foundation, lauded Galatoire’s as the ‘outstanding restaurant’ in the USA.

Enjoy the magnificent food, fine wine and outstanding company and take the chance to pick the brains of some of the leading minds in the retail automotive world.

Be a part of it

If you care about your industry and want to be the best Dealer you can be, there is no excuse to miss this incredible occasion. With hundreds of exhibitors, thousands of Dealers and some of the world’s leading business and automotive speakers as well as world-class entertainment, this is a must-attend event. Book your place today and join us in New Orleans!