MCLEAN, Va. (July 29, 2010) - NADA DATA 2010, the comprehensive look at auto retailing published each year by the National Automobile Dealers Association, confirms that, despite 2009 being a tough year, auto dealerships remain a significant employer in thousands of communities around the country.

“The payroll for all new-car dealerships was nearly $44 billion, and represented about 13 percent of the nation's total retail payroll,” says Paul Taylor, NADA chief economist. “New-car and -truck dealers are significant contributors to their local economies, tax bases and civic and charitable organizations.”

New-car and -truck dealerships on average employed 49 people with an annual payroll of about $2.4 million in 2009, according to the report.

Taylor says the recent recession caused a drop in revenue from service and parts, as well as new-car sales in 2009.