Author: Automotive News n Feed

A look at some of the parties at NADA conventions past. All photos by Joe Wilssens

NADA’s convention and exposition this month will kick off the celebration of the association’s 100th anniversary. New Orleans is hosting the annual convention for the 12th time since 1973.

When Harold Wells became NADA chairman in 2000, he’d already been in the thick of the fight against company stores. And new issues loomed for the General Motors and Chrysler dealer from Whiteville, N.C.: dealer consolidation and Internet sales.

NADA is made up of mostly standalone dealers that long ago realized they were much stronger together. This industry association is one of the most powerful groups in America. It gives us great pleasure to congratulate NADA as its odometer hits 100!

Of all the dealers who have volunteered to head NADA over the past century, Fred W.A. Vesper stands out.

In February 2008, I began my term as NADA chairman. Mention that year to people in the auto industry, and their facial expressions will reveal the challenges it presented.

When President George W. Bush signed the Motor Vehicle Franchise Contract Arbitration Fairness Act into law in 2002 after years of legal wrangling, NADA called it ‘the biggest legislative victory for NADA in at least 50 years.’

Many Congressmen can say they have business experience. But only a handful can say they have dealership experience. Here’s a listing of some of the dealers-turned-politicians, past and present.

From 2001-12, Phillip D. Brady served as president of NADA. Each year was eventful. In this column, he recalls some of the highlights.

There is little doubt that the yearly NADA conclave serves as a family reunion for the retail side of the auto business. At NADA, you see people you don’t see anywhere else.