NADA's MAGUIRE PRESIDES OVER TUMULTUOUS YEAR

“To say this past year was a roller coaster ride would be an understatement,” NADA chairman Robert Maguire told conventiongoers at the opening session.

Shortly after becoming chairman, Maguire faced the death of Frank E. McCarthy, NADA’s well-respected president of 33 years. He worked with interim president Bruce Kelleher and then Phil Brady, who became president during the summer, to ensure a smooth transition.

Maguire also placed a high priority on getting dealers’ concerns heard by automakers, urging Ford to make the Blue Oval program more fair for all dealers, and discussing the Olds situation with GM. He also met with Nissan, Toyota, and DaimlerChrysler.

On the regulatory and legislative fronts, Maguire noted, NADA persuaded the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers to withdraw its opposition to mandatory binding arbitration. NADA now hopes to get its bill on the Senate floor this spring. NADA also successfully lobbied Congress to nullify an ergonomics rule.

But the effort Maguire is most proud of is NADA’s response to the tragedies of September 11. Within two days, NADA’s Charitable Foundation established the Survivors Relief Fund; to date, the fund has raised almost $1.7 million and distributed $450,000 to six charities. “This is a great tribute to the generosity and patriotism of new-car and -truck dealers around the country,” Maguire told dealers.

Also, at the request of the National Football League—and New Orleans officials—NADA switched its convention dates to keep the Super Bowl in the Crescent City.

Story From Aeexec.com NADA