North Hills Auto Dealer Elected as 2006 CMCDA Chairman

Four New Board Directors Installed

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Jan. 17 -- The California Motor Car Dealers Association (CMCDA) announced that Bert Boeckmann is the 2006 Chairman of CMCDA. Boeckmann is president of Galpin Ford in North Hills. In addition, CMCDA installed four new Directors at the recent Board of Directors meeting in Sacramento.

Boeckmann began his career selling automobiles at Galpin Ford in 1953, while a student at USC. By 1957, at age 26, he was general manager of the company. In 1964 he was president and CEO and by 1968 he was sole owner of Galpin Motors.

Boeckmann's leadership has brought Galpin Ford to the enviable position of number one in the world in Ford Car and Truck Sales, a ranking he has held for 15 consecutive years. Along with Ford, the Galpin family of franchises is now comprised of Jaguar (number one in sales, USA), Lincoln, Mercury, Saturn, Mazda, Volvo and Aston Martin. The newest Galpin innovation -- Galpin Auto Sports -- opens in early 2006.

Boeckmann has long contributed to his community, as demonstrated by his nearly 17 years as a Los Angeles Police Commissioner, donating hours of volunteer time, business expertise, and philanthropic support.

"I look forward to working together with my fellow dealers and directors to continue the momentum that has brought CMCDA to the forefront of the state's automotive industry," said Bert Boeckmann, chairman of CMCDA. "In addition, there are a lot of important issues affecting our industry in 2006 such as shifts in customer buying habits brought by higher gas prices and longer commutes, and continued factory programs that set or restrict our prices."

CMCDA's four newly installed Directors include: Cheryl Bedford, Sunset Auto Center; Robert Branzuela, Veracom Mitsubishi; Jerry Heuer, Newport Auto Center; and Fritz Hitchcock, Puente Hills Ford.

CMCDA's existing Officers include: Peter Hoffman, vice-chairman, Sierra Auto Cars, Inc.; Denny FitzPatrick, secretary/treasurer, Fitzpatrick Chevrolet Buick & Hummer; Ed Fitzpatrick, immediate past chairman, Valley BMW; and Peter Welch, president of CMCDA.

About CMCDA

The California Motor Car Dealers Association (CMCDA) is the largest statewide trade association that represents the interests of more than 1,400 franchised new car dealer members in the nation. For more information, visit CMCDA's Web site: www.cmcda.org.