Dealer franchise meetings, workshops and an auction to benefit the National Automotive Dealers Association (NADA) Foundation were all prominent features of the third day of events at the annual NADA show in Las Vegas.
On Sunday, Feb. 16, thousands of attendees heard several big announcements – like that of the 2020 Dealer of the Year at the American Truck Dealers (ATD) Show, and the transition of the ATD chairs with Steve Bassett taking the role from 2019 Chair Jodi Teuton. Bassett served as vice chair in 2019.
In his speech, Bassett outlined the goals he wants to achieve in his two-year term, and his platform for ATD.
“We’re living in a time where trucks are being outfitted with new power sources," said Bassett. "New technology leads to new laws, which lead to more regulations. The good news is our dealer model will remain stable. We will continue to sell internal combustion engines well into the future.”
He also encouraged dealers to look for issues that might force changes in the future.
“We, as ATD members, must look down the road — far, far down the road," Bassett said. "We need to spot trouble before it starts, and we need to do what it takes to get the job done. Let’s start by looking at the issues that are directly in our headlights.”
This year’s honoree of the 2020 Truck Dealer of the Year was Oscar Horton, CEO of Sun State International Trucks in Tampa, Florida. Susan Moffitt of Moffitt Automotive in Shreveport, Louisiana was named the Time Dealer of the Year.
Another event was the KAR Global Auction, which raises funds for the NADA Foundation and Canine Companions for Independence. The auction featured a variety of prizes, including an “Epic Experience” at the Indianapolis 500. This year’s auction raised $97,000 for these organizations.
Educational sessions included roundtable discussions on topics such as "Aligning Dealerships' Digital Messaging" and "Reducing Dealership Expenses." There was also an optional ticketed event that focused on "Women Driving Auto Retail."
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