Virginia Automobile Dealers Association (VADA)

Our partners and friends at Cox Automotive Inc. are running their Cox Conserves Heroes campaign. Know a good environmental hero in your Virginia neighborhood? The Cox Conserves Heroes program is dedicated to recognizing environmental heroes in the community who passionately contribute to reducing carbon and water usage, minimizing landfill waste, and making a positive impact on our planet. The finalists in each category (Adult, Youth and Nonprofit) have a chance to win up to $30,000 for the environmental nonprofit of their choice from the James M. Cox Foundation. The Foundation will donate a total of $150,000 to nine environmental nonprofits that are selected by the top three finalists in each category. > 1st place winners: $30,000 each  > 2nd place winners: $15,000 each  > 3rd place winners: $5,000 each Nominate your local hero by Aug. 29 at www.CoxConservesHeroes.com.

The automotive industry is undergoing a rapid digital transformation. From inventory management to customer relationship management, technology is the backbone of modern dealerships. However, with increased reliance on digital systems comes heightened cybersecurity risks. Check out this post from VADA partner Hireology on how your employer branding and hiring practices can directly impact your dealership's resilience and security.

As the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles marks its 100th anniversary, its employees are excited to invite you to join them to celebrate this momentous occasion. DMV’s “Through the Decades: DMV Classic Car Show” will showcase the evolution of automotive history, from vintage classics to modern marvels. The car show will take place Saturday, August 3, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at DMV headquarters, 2300 W. Broad Street, Richmond. Bring your family and friends for a day filled with dazzling cars, fun activities, music and great food to celebrate a century of service, partnerships and community. Presented in partnership with the Colonial Rod Club, the event will benefit Make a Wish Greater Virginia to fulfill the wish of 17-year-old Wyatt from Front Royal. Wyatt, who was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL), a type of cancer affecting the blood and bone marrow, has a passion for working on cars and dreams of going on a car parts shopping spree. His love for cars aligns perfectly with our goal of reconnecting Virginians with their love for driving. Join DMV to celebrate 100 years while supporting a worthy cause! 

While some dealers may find that they are exempt from the new Corporate Transparency Act, exemption status can change, so dealers should be ready to comply. Ensure your compliance with this review from VADA Legal Counsel Barrie Charapp Beaty.

When the CARS Act was first promulgated, the effective date was July 30, 2024. However, the FTC has since stayed that effective date after the National Auto Dealers Association and the Texas Auto Dealers Association filed a Petition for Review of the Review and a Motion to Stay the Rule. Here's what you need to know from VADA Legal Counsel Barrie Charapp Beaty. https://lnkd.in/eYjzvccR

If you missed out on this year's #ASOTUCON in May, don't worry! Organizers have uploaded all of the recaps you need from this year's event in one place – their YouTube channel. Numerous Virginia dealers not only attended, but were featured speakers. Check out the playlist featuring some of the most brilliant and bold minds in the automotive industry today.

As EV popularity grows and numbers increase, more of them will visit service departments and land on pre-owned lots. Ultimately, these "large format" EV batteries will need to repair or replacement. Thus, dealerships must be prepared for their safe handling and storage, according to VADA partner Zurich Insurance. In a new report, Zurich shares guidance to help protect dealer property from fire damage and more.

VADA partner ACV Auctions has issued a trend report highlighting challenges dealers face in the months ahead (along with solutions to them), including: pricing pressures, declining value of used vehicles, talent acquisition and retention, and more.

Compliance Corner: While you cannot control some matters, like the standard terms of your dealer sales and service agreement, you can pay attention to some issues and protect your rights with your franchisor. Here's what you need to know, and a handy checklist, from VADA Legal Counsel Barrie Charapp Beaty.

According to a report from VADA partner Hireology, 93% of dealerships have been ghosted for an interview in the last year. With a lack of qualified applicants being the top problem dealers face in filling roles, something's got to give. Access "The Ultimate Interview Guide for Dealers" to combat those pesky ghosts and hire better.