New Car Dealers Rev Up for NADA Convention in Las Vegas

Expo floor sold out with 570 companies exhibiting at convention center

LAS VEGAS--Jan. 31, 2012: More than 20,000 new-car dealers, automaker executives and exhibitors --including 1,500 dealers from 36 countries --are expected to attend the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Convention & Expo in Las Vegas Feb. 3-6.

New-car dealers will have an opportunity to meet face-to-face with top automaker executives at 26 franchise meetings to discuss their marketing plans, outlook for sales and product launches.

More than 100 workshops sessions will be offered for dealers to learn ways to improve their business operations. New-car dealers can also shop the expo floor with more than 570 companies showcasing their latest products and services.

Here are some convention highlights:

Dealers to Discuss Federal Policy Issues and Consumer Benefits of Dealer-Assisted Financing at AFSA Conference on Thursday, Feb. 2

Continuing a longstanding tradition, NADA will participate in the Vehicle Finance Conference and Expo hosted by the American Financial Services Association. The "NADA Leadership Panel: Top Issues for Dealers in 2012," held from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 2, at the Bellagio, will include a wide-ranging discussion on the consumer benefits of dealer-assisted financing, economic uncertainty and the challenges dealers face from federal policy changes and over-regulation. The panelists are new-car dealers William P. Underriner, 2012 NADA chairman (Montana); David W. Westcott, 2012 NADA Vice Chairman (North Carolina); Don Chalmers, chairman of NADA's government relations committee (New Mexico) and Gary H. Reynolds, chairman of NADA's regulatory affairs committee (Connecticut).

Automakers and Dealers to Discuss Retailing at J.D. Power Roundtable on Friday, Feb. 3

NADA Chairman Stephen W. Wade, a new-car dealer in Utah and California, joins a 4 p.m. panel discussion at J.D. Power and Associates' International Automotive Roundtable at the Wynn Las Vegas on Friday, Feb. 3. The automaker panelists are Alan Batey, vice president of General Motors' Chevrolet division; Reid Bigland, head of the Dodge brand; and Dave Zuchowski, Hyundai Motor America's executive vice president of national sales. NADA President Phil Brady will make closing remarks.

NADA Announces Findings of First-Ever Factory Image Study on Saturday, Feb. 4

NADA will announce on the findings of a fact-based, objective study that focuses on the cost effectiveness of factory image programs during a 9 a.m. press conference on Saturday, Feb. 4, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Glenn Mercer, a well-known industry analyst who conducted the study, will present the findings and answer questions. This is the first study of its kind to take an in-depth look at manufacturer programs that require new-car dealers to invest billions of dollars in facility upgrades.

NADA Chief Economist to Provide Outlook for New Car Sales on Saturday, Feb. 4

NADA Chief Economist Paul Taylor will deliver his 2012 sales forecast and economic outlook for new cars and light trucks, including a regional analysis, during a 10 a.m. press conference on Saturday, Feb. 4, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

NADA Used Car Guide Analyst to Discuss New and Used Vehicle Price Trends on Saturday, Feb. 4

Jonathan Banks, senior analyst with the NADA Used Car Guide, will discuss where transaction prices are headed this year for both new and used vehicles during a 10 a.m. press conference on Saturday, Feb. 4, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Banks will also discuss the primary market factors that led to record high used-vehicle prices in 2011 and how that will affect prices this year.

Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne to Provide Keynote Address on Saturday, Feb. 4

Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne and 2011 NADA Chairman Stephen W. Wade are the keynote industry speakers on Saturday, Feb. 4. Among other topics, Wade will discuss the findings of a factory image study that looks at the cost effectiveness of dealership facility upgrades.

National TIME Dealer of the Year Announced Saturday, Feb. 4

The winner and four finalists of the 2012 national TIME Dealer of the Year award will be announced on Saturday, Feb. 4, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The award recognizes the nation's top new-car dealers across America for their business leadership and commitment to community. Fifty dealers were nominated for the award. The TIME Dealer of the Year program, heading into its 43rd year, is one of the auto industry's most prestigious awards for new-car dealers. It's produced in cooperation with NADA. Ally is the exclusive sponsor.

2012 NADA Chairman to Discuss Proposed Fuel Economy Rules on Monday, Feb. 6

Incoming NADA Chairman William P. Underriner, a new-car dealer in Montana, will provide the keynote address on Monday, Feb. 6, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Underriner will stress the importance of vehicle affordability for car buyers in the debate over fuel economy standards for model years 2017-2025.

NADA's 95th annual convention runs Friday, Feb. 3, to Monday, Feb. 6, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. For more information, visit NADA Convention and Expo.

The NADA Story

The NADA story began in 1917 when 30 auto dealers traveled to the nation's capital to convince Congress not to impose a luxury tax on the automobile. They successfully argued that the automobile is a necessity of American life, not a luxury. From that experience was born the National Automobile Dealers Association. Today, NADA represents nearly 16,000 new-car and -truck dealerships with 32,500 franchises, both domestic and international. For more information, visit NADA.