NADA Elects Iowa Dealer as 2009 Chairman
Top Priority: Reassuring Car Buyers That Credit is Available
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John P. McEleney |
SAN DIEGO – NADA has elected John P. McEleney as chairman for 2009. McEleney's election comes amid economic turmoil and concerns about access to credit.
The tight credit market has left many car buyers worried about whether they will be able to finance their purchase. Ninety-four percent of new-car purchases are financed. With the current economic troubles expected to spill over into next year, NADA's 2009 chairman views the credit issue as one of the association's top priorities.
"It's important for consumers to know that credit is available," said McEleney, who will represent the nation's 20,000 new-car and -truck dealers starting in January. "It may be a tough time for business, but it's a great time for consumers who have a stable job and solid credit scores. There are plenty of incentives that lower costs. Dealers can help find financing. And the quality of today's vehicles is the best ever," McEleney added. (more)
NADA Convention: 'Full Speed Ahead' to New Orleans in January
NEW ORLEANS — New Orleans has survived hurricanes Gustav and Ike nearly unscathed, and city officials report little to no disruption in meetings, conventions and special events. The Convention Center, Superdome and major hotels suffered only minor damage such as window breaks. There is no mid-range or long-term impact of any kind, according to the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB).
“For us, it’s full speed ahead for the NADA convention’s return to New Orleans in January,” says Steve Pitt, NADA vice president of conventions and expositions. The NADA convention returns to New Orleans on Jan. 24-27. Click here to register. (more)
NADA's 'Green Checkups' Now Offered in 50 States
New campaign shows drivers how to save gas and cut greenhouse gas emissions
High gas prices have just about everyone searching for ways to save on gas and improve fuel economy. To help motorists save money at the gas pump and, at the same time, cut greenhouse gas emissions through proper vehicle maintenance, the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) has created a checklist of Green Maintenance Tips and a new program called the Green Checkup. (
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To date, more than 650 dealerships in all 50 states have signed up to offer customers free
Green Checkups. The public can find participating dealers at NADA's
GreenDrivingUSA Web site. This year-round program focuses on maintenance checks that have the greatest effect on fuel economy, such as oil and air filters, engine performance, tire pressure and emission controls. Dealers can refer to the
Green Checkup Guidelines, which provide the estimated tech hours to perform a Green Checkup, and then
sign up here if they want to participate. (
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EPA's Energy Star Encourages Move Toward Green Dealerships NADA joined the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star Challenge in December 2006, and soon after launched an Energy Stewardship Initiative. Through NADA’s Energy Stewardship Initiative in partnership with the EPA, more than 750 dealers have taken the first step by committing to reduce their energy use by 10 percent or more annually. In 2007, NADA was recognized by EPA as the first trade group representing a national network of retailers to enter into a comprehensive partnership with the Energy Star program.
If all U.S. dealerships reduced their energy consumption by just 10 percent, they would save about $200 million in energy costs and prevent more than 1 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions every year. To support the Energy Stewardship Initiative, NADA created a brochure, A Dealer Guide to Energy Star: Putting Energy into Profits, which provides dealers with the tools to create cost-effective, retrofit and new construction projects for energy-efficient lighting, climate control and building design. (more)