88% of Metro NY Auto Dealers Contribute to Charities This Holiday Season

Local Dealers Donated More Than $12 Million in 2003

WHITESTONE, N.Y., Dec. 16 -- Automobile dealers in metro New York donated more than $12 million to charitable organizations in 2003, and a staggering 88% will make contributions during this holiday season according to the Economic Impact Report to be published by the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association (GNYADA).

Based on a study of 432 automobile dealerships representing 650 franchises in the Greater New York Metro area, the average dealership contributed more than $28,000 in 2003 to local and national charities. Dealer-supported programs include many national institutions such as United Way, American Red Cross, Ronald McDonald House, the NADA Charitable Fund, and many others. Additionally, dealers help support local organizations within their communities by donating training equipment to local schools, contributing funds, providing volunteer services through dealership personnel and running toy drives for underprivileged children.

"Since the beginning of the automobile industry, dealers have played an integral part in their local communities," said GNYADA president Mark Schienberg. "Over the years they have made financial contributions to a wide range of causes, donated time and resources to educational programs, and this year we're proud to discover that 88% of dealers in metro New York will give this holiday season."

  Charitable Summary
  $12 Million     Total annual dealership contributions to charitable causes
  $28,000         Average dealership contribution to charitable causes
  88%             Dealers making donations this holiday season

GNYADA, a not-for-profit organization representing auto dealers, makes charitable contributions on behalf of its members and the auto industry. In 2003 the Association donated $75,000 to local charities.

In addition to the charitable contributions, the 2003 Economic Impact Report reveals that Greater New York automobile dealers provide more than 55,000 jobs (directly and indirectly) in the area and generate $1.27 billion in state and local taxes.

The Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association represents nearly 650 automobile franchises in the metro area of New York, selling more than 700,000 new and used cars each year. GNYADA organizes the New York International Automobile Show -- the largest auto show in North America -- each spring in Manhattan's Jacob Javits Convention Center.