NADA Chief Economist Estimates Clunker Cost Per Incremental Vehicle Sold at Around $4,600
Describes Edmunds.com Clunker estimate of $24,000 as 'overstated and misleading'
McLEAN, Va., Nov. 3 – After a thorough review of the Cash for Clunkers program, NADA Chief Economist Dr. Paul Taylor determined that the cost of each incremental vehicle sold was around $4,587. An incremental sale is a sale that would not otherwise have occurred without the Clunkers program.
His findings bring into serious question the methodology behind the $24,000 estimate promoted last week by the car-buying Web site Edmunds.com. (Read more)
Lawmakers Pass Amendment to Exclude Auto Dealers from New Federal Agency
WASHINGTON, Oct. 22 — The House Financial Services Committee approved a key amendment, 47-21, to keep automobile dealers under the already effective federal and state laws which govern vehicle financing.
The amendment, sponsored by Rep. John Campbell, R-Calif., will not subject auto retailers to the regulations of the proposed Consumer Financial Protection Agency (CFPA), but will continue the full range of consumer protection rules of the Federal Reserve, the Federal Trade Commission and state laws.
NADA led a grassroots campaign in support of the Campbell Amendment. The bill still has a number of hurdles to overcome before reaching the White House for final approval. (Read more)
NADA Testifies in Support of a Single National Fuel Economy Standard
NEW YORK, Oct. 23 – NADA, at a hearing on Friday, urged the federal agencies in charge of finalizing fuel economy and greenhouse gas rules for motor vehicles to work toward a unified and consistent single, national standard that clearly rejects the “flawed patchwork” approach adopted by a state air resources board in California.
Testifying on behalf of auto dealers, Forrest McConnell, chairman of NADA’s regulatory affairs committee, told officials from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that “a single, national standard is essential and must set only feasible and affordable mandates.” (Read more)
FTC Again Delays Enforcement of Red Flags Rule
On Oct. 30, the Federal Trade Commission announced that it is delaying its enforcement of the Red Flags Rule until June 1, 2010. For more information, see the FTC Press Release at http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/10/redflags.shtm.
Industry Leaders to Discuss the Future of Auto Retailing at NADA Convention
Keynote speakers: Volkswagen’s Stefan Jacoby and energy activist T. Boone Pickens, NADA’s John McEleney and Ed Tonkin, AutoNation’s Mike Jackson and adventurer Alison Levine
McLEAN, Va., Oct. 13 – Industry leaders will discuss the future of auto retailing at NADA's 93rd annual Convention & Expo in Orlando, Feb. 13-15. “Each of our speakers brings a unique perspective on auto retailing and in particular how energy issues are shaping the vehicles that will be built and sold,” says Brian Hamilton, chairman of NADA's convention committee. “As the industry begins to slowly come back from a very challenging year, we can all benefit from hearing what these innovative leaders have to say about the future of the auto industry.” (Read more)
NADA Pleased With GM's Participation in 2010 Convention
Click here to register for NADA's 2010 convention in Orlando. 
Dealers Unite on Dealer Rights Proposal
All of the major dealer groups have united behind a common proposal to restore dealer rights. That includes NADA, ATAE (the organization that represents automotive trade association executives), NAMAD (National Association of Minority Automotive Dealers) and CRDR (the Committee to Restore Dealer Rights).
“We are pleased that all of the dealer groups are now on the same page,” says NADA Chairman John McEleney. (Continued)
TIME Magazine Launches New Site for Dealer of the Year
TIME Magazine, NADA's partner in sponsoring the annual Dealer of the Year award, has launched an interactive Web site to accept nominations for the 2010 award, to be presented at NADA's Convention & Exposition in Orlando in February.
"We are excited to bring NADA and its members a streamlined, user-friendly new Web site, which will make the nominating process even easier," says Robin Bigelli, TIME's Dealer of the Year program director. The new Web site is at https://www.timedealeroftheyear.com. Anyone with questions about the program may contact Bigelli at robin@timedealeroftheyear.com or (212) 522-0346. (Read more)