Honda's Dick Colliver; A Ture Automotive Icon

Special to The Auto Channel
By Russ Darrow
AIADA Chairman

Last week I attended Honda’s 2010 product meeting in Las Vegas. After receiving some valuable information about products, opportunities, and the current business conditions, the real highlight of the event was the passing of the Executive Vice President torch from Dick Colliver to John Mendel.

Dick had been with Honda for 16 years, making him the longest-serving leader of Manufacturer Sales in our industry at this time. He will continue on as a Senior Advisor to Honda. Those of you who have not had dealings with Dick in his various roles at Honda, and earlier Mazda, General Motors, and Chrysler, will remember him from his thoughtful keynote address at AIADA’s 2009 Annual Meeting & Luncheon in New Orleans. His willingness to speak to AIADA was no surprise to me. Over his long career, Dick has always made the time to interact with dealers, and has placed a high value on our on-the-ground insights.

And dealers have reciprocated this respect. When he was introduced near the end of Honda’s program last week, Dick received a more than four minute standing ovation, and another long standing ovation at the conclusion of his very personal and poignant remarks. Dick Colliver showed once again why he has been able to positively impact so many in this industry. That includes executives, lenders, vendors, competitors, and as I said – the dealers.  He has had a string of incredibly successful years, and has managed constant changes and upheaval to help make Honda one of the most respected brand names in America. Dick has always been all about values – with focus on people, dealers, and our customers.  He’s not only a corporate guy, but a true team guy, a true car guy, and a true people guy. Dick is a great friend of AIADA and our dealers throughout the country. 

In his speech to AIADA in January, Dick encouraged dealers to remain active within this organization, and advocate energetically on behalf of their businesses. “Uniting under AIADA gives dealers a powerful voice in Washington that is an important part of your ability to achieve the power of change,” he said. “But the best way to predict the future is to take the necessary actions to create it. In doing so, you will create your own destiny that transcends the current economic climate.” Dick has always created his own destiny, and he well deserves this and all the other accolades he is now receiving.

Dick said he’s leaving his current role with no regrets – but I know him well enough to know that he’ll never really slow down – he can’t! He has a wonderful wife, Robin, and his children and grandchildren will always keep him grounded; but I know his friends, dealers, and Honda colleagues will keep coming back to him for advice and motivation.

Dick, I join all of your friends in wishing you good health and much happiness with Robin and your family.  In the end – after corporate life – your family and your good health are all that matter, and you deserve the very best of them all.

 Russ Darrow, AIADA Chairman