MADA's lobbying team is now in the second half of the 2011 Session of the Maryland General Assembly.  During the first 45 days, MADA introduced legislation to allow dealers to issue temporary tags to vehicle buyers with an existing insurance violation.  That legislation has been heard in the House of Delegates.  The Senate hearing is scheduled for the 10th of March.  MADA has met with any individual legislator who has expressed concern over uninsured drivers in order to assure them that dealers always verify valid insurance at the time of sale.  This legislation will pass before session ends and MADA hopes to make it an emergency bill so that it becomes effective upon the Governor's signature.  MADA also voiced its support for the Governor's electric vehicle infrastructure bills in order to encourage the development of electric charging stations and the purchase of electric vehicles.

The major projects facing MADA as the session heads to Sine Die remain the Maryland budget and transportation funding proposals.  MADA is closely watching the ever changing budget as the Department of Budget and Management may attempt to place restrictions on vehicle registrations when unpaid state taxes are also an issue.  Originally, the budget would not allow a vehicle buyer to either obtain a new or renew an existing registration if the vehicle buyer maintains unpaid taxes.  MADA was successful in getting the Department to drop the restriction on new registrations, thereby allowing dealers to continue issuing new vehicles without more red flags.  Currently, the budget only prevents a registration from being renewed if unpaid taxes exist.  MADA will watch the budget closely as things often change at the last minute.

Finally, a major transportation funding bill has been introduced in both Chambers.  This bill raises the gas tax by a dime and increases registration fees by 50 percent.  Currently, there is no language threatening the trade-difference.  MADA has heard whispers around Annapolis by some parties wanting to remove the trade-difference credit, but we initiated a pre-emptive strike.  In February, MADA published a pro trade-difference article in the Maryland Gazette political section.  Furthermore, MADA is educating legislators everyday about the value the trade-difference credit represents to their constituents and the State economy.  Legislators recognize that car sales are climbing and any deterrent will thwart economic growth.

MADA expects all members to get engaged in the political process when the time is right.  MADA is seeking a cap removal of the dealer processing charge during the final days, and dealer input will be vital when needed.  We will continue to update our members as new information becomes available or when we seek your support on State Circle. 

Maryland Auto Dealers Association is pleased to introduce CrystalNet's eRoute service CRM application.  You will be amazed at what this service management program can do for your dealership!  Based on the retention rates of dentists, and designed by dealers and dealership personnel, this extremely comprehensive program will send your customers away with the next appointment already made, reducing phone calls to service advisors by a third or more.  Best of all, and unique to this program, the appointments are made based on a particular driver's habits and mileage, not on a one-size-fits-all date or miles.  This frees up the service advisorsto do more of what they should be doing.

The program allows you to automatically book six or more months out, balances the work load, ties into the inspection sheet, allows tracking of each individual advisor, team or department, coordinates with parts, and lets the customer track the work on line.  The dealer saves in advertising as well, by drastically reducing the cost of mailing coupons and other promotions.  You will see costs go down, retention rates go up, and overall customer satisfaction with service improve.

The following two videos provide an overview of some of the features and functionalities of CrystalNet's capabilities:

CrystalNet's eRoute Overview

(7-minute video)

CrystalClear Direct Marketing Overview (5-minute video)

For more information, please contact Sharon Bragg at (434) 981-7149 or sbragg@crystalnetsolutions.net.

On February 22, NADA filed comments with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) opposing its proposal to require dealerships to post a notice on rights under the National Labor Relations Act.

The key concerns noted by NADA were:

1. The NLRB isn't authorized to generally mandate such a poster.

2. Dealerships should not be burdened with yet another poster mandate, especially given the massive cumulative federal, state and local regulatory burdens they already shoulder.

3. Useful information on the NLRB/NLRA is already available to dealerships and their employees on the NLRB's website and elsewhere.

4. Contrary to the NLRB's historical role as a neutral arbiter, the proposed poster is unfairly biased in favor of unionization.

The NLRB is expected to decide later this year whether to move forward with its proposal.

Immediate Past Chairman, Sam Weaver, Jr. was honored in February at the 2011 NADA Convention and Expo.  Mr. Weaver was one of seven dealers recognized by Northwood University from across the United States and The Netherlands with its annual Dealer Education Awards. Recipients of the award were recognized for their individual contributions and efforts to improve education at all levels.

Since 1972, Northwood has recognized individuals in the automotive marketing field who have made noteworthy contributions to public or private education inside or outside of the industry.

"We have been recognizing outstanding dealers for 40 years and there has never been a time when their contributions have meant more to their communities than they do today," said Keith A. Pretty, president of Northwood University. "These leaders have made outstanding sacrifices of time and resources. We are proud of all the Dealer Education Award winners and commend them for their leadership.

Congratulations Sam on this distinct recognition!  On behalf of all of our members, MADA is proud to have someone of your caliber as a member and a leader in our Association. 

June 26-29, 2011 - MADA/VADA Family Convention, Williamsburg, VA