NADA Chairman: ‘We Have a Huge Affordability Issue’

... we have a huge affordability issue for new vehicles. We need to make sure new vehicles, especially with all the new technology and safety features that are being added to them, remain affordable for all of our customers. The affordability issue really permeates everything we do...The affordability issue really comes into play here. We have to work with each one of our manufacturers to make sure we have those entry-level, affordable vehicles regardless of what they’re called. Because having those vehicles is so critical to bringing first-time customers into our family and being able to grow alongside them as they advance in their careers, have families and need to step-up to other vehicles.

Jan. 23, 2019; Texan Charlie Gilchrist, the incoming 2019 chairman of the National Automobile Dealers Assn., started in the business as a controller for a heavy-truck store.

He now is president of Gilchrist Automotive. Covering the Dallas-Ft. Worth metroplex, the dealer group consists of outlets representing Ford, Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Nissan, Volkswagen, Mitsubishi and Chrysler, Dodge, Ram and Jeep.

In a Wards Q&A, Gilchrist discusses industry issues, vehicle affordability, his plans as NADA chairman, his take on some of the brands he represents, EV sales, doing business in Texas and learning from mistakes.

Complete Interview: HERE