The Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association just recently unveiled its new Center for Automotive Education & Training, a first-of-its-kind facility designed to address the vital need for trained automotive personnel.

The auto retail industry is among few industries constantly hiring, employing roughly 500,000 American workers with room for more. In the service side of the industry alone, the U.S. Department of Labor estimates an annual national shortage of 30,000 trained automotive technicians.

GNYADA Chairman Bob Fusco has called the Center “tremendously important for New York on many fronts,” helping to “prepare thousands of individuals for rewarding, high-paying jobs in the automotive service and sales industry.”

Fusco says the new energy-efficient facility will create 100 new jobs in the area and will generate an excess of $8 million in tax revenue over the next two decades.

The idea for the development began 10 years ago. GNYADA bought the 7.1 acres of land for the facility 7 years ago and broke ground 2 years ago.

“Our aim with the building’s design was to update the notion of what an automotive education facility should be. Through the innovative use of technology, contemporary materials and well-appointed details, we have created a professional environment that will enhance the learning experience for those that attend the Center,” said GNYADA president Mark Schienberg.

The $25 million, 90,000 sq. ft. facility located in Whitestone, Queens, is the first of its kind to be built by an automobile association. GNYADA funded the $25 million project, and $2 million was contributed by the New York State Legislature.

Among the Center’s many features include satellite classrooms, state-of-the-art service training areas, the latest digital teaching systems, lecture halls, a 108-seat auditorium and a 5,000 square ft. all-glass atrium, perfect for special displays and sales training in a simulated showroom.

The new facility will serve as the host site for individuals training for careers in the automotive industry as well as other dealership and automaker personnel looking to continue their education in the industry.

According to Chris Sams, public relations director for GNYADA, a number of groups will be making use of the new facility. “The Lincoln Technical Institute, a vocational group, will teach up to 1,000 students the basics of auto technicians. And Toyota has set up residency there to train technicians for its Toyota and Scion dealerships.”

Meanwhile, the added space will allow GNYADA to expand on the 100 seminars and workshops they hold each year for local dealership personnel. Workshops will be made available for all aspects of the business (sales, bookkeeping, etc.), says Sams.

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) officially ushered in the new facility during a ribbon-cutting ceremony held Halloween morning.

“You know, it’s amazing in our society that we have two separate things that ought to be brought together. We’ve a lot of people who need jobs and have a lot of talent, and we have a lot of jobs that go unfilled, and that’s a dilemma. Anything that can link those to create a pathway so people with the skills can get good paying jobs deserves a real pat on the back from our government and from our citizenry. That’s what the Center for Automotive Education and Training is doing and that’s what the Greater New York Automobile Dealer Association is doing.”

“You are not only going to be providing jobs for people, you’re providing lives for people, because a job as a technician in one of the many auto dealerships around our State is a good job, and it will bolster an individual and their family for years and years to come. It will make NY more competitive and make driving a lot better and a lot easier for all of us who drive.”

In addition to local politicians, numerous executives from the auto industry were on hand for the grand opening of the Center. Among them, BMW’s U.S. Chairman and CEO Tom Purves, also currently chairing Automotive Youth Educational Systems (AYES), a partnership in education among participating automotive manufacturers, participating dealers, and selected high schools/tech prep schools designed to encourage young people to consider careers in the auto retail industry.

“The Center for Automotive Education and Training represents a tremendous investment by the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association and really raises the bar for all trade associations across the United States for an investment in the future of our industry, the careers of the people within our industry, and the training that they will receive,” Purves said. “I’d like to congratulate the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association for being bold, taking this step, and making the investment, and actually contributing to the future careers of young people from our area. Well done to everyone involved.”

Northwood University President and CEO Dr. David Fry discussed the “tremendous” career opportunities for young people in the auto industry. “We’ve gone for years with the need for better technical people. People who can fix new kinds of automobiles and can understand the new kinds of relationships in the systems,” commented Fry. “This facility will enable you to do education and training never before possible.”

David Power III, founder of J.D. Power and Associates, praised the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association for carrying out the project, which will be host to classrooms aimed at educating automotive retail personnel.

“It’s great for the industry to have this as a prototype facility because it’s needed throughout the rest of the country,” Power said.

For more information on the new Center for Automotive Education & Training, visit the center website at www.autoEdcenter.com.


The Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association, a not-for-profit organization represents 650 franchised automobile dealerships in the metro area of New York, which sell more than 700,000 cars each year. Its members generate over $1 billion for state and local governments and employ approximately 52,000 individuals (directly and indirectly) in metro New York.