In 1917, approximately 30 auto dealers gathered in Washington D.C. to visit their members of Congress to fend off a proposed 5% luxury tax on automobiles.
Fast forward 105 years later, and 400 dealers and dealer association executives from across the country have gathered this week for two days of education and advocacy on the automotive retailing industry’s top legislative and regulatory issues during NADA’s 47th annual Washington Conference.
A luxury tax was not on this year’s agenda, but plenty of other issues were, including a proposed rule by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that would have massively negative implications on consumers and the vehicle sales process, LIFO accounting relief for dealers, and legislation to fight catalytic converter theft.
Tuesday, September 13, kicked off with a morning session for “Next Generation” (NextGen) dealers, followed by a lunch plenary featuring the NADA legislative team overviewing current policy priorities. Breakout sessions followed, which dove deeper into the details of those issues. Wednesday featured more educational opportunities, and throughout dealers had been encouraged to maximize their time in Washington by setting meetings with their elected representatives. Now more than ever, it is critical that federal legislators here from their constituents on the topics affecting them. The top three issues facing dealers are outlined in more detail below.
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