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On the Move-June 10, 2014

MADA's Convention is Just Around the Corner!

We look forward to seeing our members in two weeks at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort for our 2014 Summer Business Convention! The agenda is set and the speakers are busily preparing for what promises to be an informative event.

Single-day registration is now open for both Monday and Tuesday's morning sessions with breakfast included at $50.00 per person. If you would like to attend for a single day, please download the registration form and return it to MADA at 410.269.1549.

Registration for the full convention is still open! Please contact Ethel Biensach at the Association office, 800.526.7423, to make a room reservation.

See you in two weeks; safe travels!

Thompson Hyundai Celebrates Opening of New Store

MADA extends hearty congratulations to Tommie Thompson and Thompson Hyundai on the recent opening of their new complex on Merritt Boulevard in Dundalk, MD! Decked out in tuxedos, Tommie and other staff unveiled the all new 2014 AWD Genesis to much fanfare. Guests enjoyed a lovely evening with cocktails as they perused the new facility and checked out the latest models from Hyundai.

L-R: Tommie Thompson, Dealer Principle; Frank Bolling, Sales Professional; Damon McFadden, Sales Professional; and Gary Cramer, General Manager

The new dealership as seen from Merritt Blvd.

L to R: Sheila Verardi, Tommie Thompson, and Gloria McJilton

Welcome New Endorsed Service Provider-ARMADA Dealer Solutions

MADA announces our recent partnership with ARMADA Dealer Solutions, the industry leader specializing in retail warranty reimbursement submissions. ARMADA now has over 600 approvals with 24 manufacturers in 28 states. They have contributed key language to recently passed legislation in four states - including our own here in Maryland. MADA has witnessed, firsthand, ARMADA's dedication to supporting dealers in achieving best-in-class uplift results. We are excited to announce our partnership with them and are confident that ARMADA will prove themselves an extremely valuable resource for our members.

The goal of ARMADA's fully outsourced solution is to bring the best value proposition possible to the marketplace with the least possible disruption to their dealer clients and staff, through their combination of:

The industry's only true mark-up and labor rate optimization software
Dedicated resources, including Audit, IT, Project Facilitation and Legal
A turn-key solution - unlike others, Armada performs ALL the work
Superior knowledge of the law
Proprietary data management and audit methods specific to the submission process
Inside knowledge of manufacturer protocols

Perhaps most importantly, should factory push-back occur, ARMADA has a remarkable track record of facilitating favorable resolutions on behalf of their dealer clients without resorting to "legal means". The ARMADA approach is to cooperate with the manufacturers, within reason, and avoid confrontation; this is their primary business model, unlike some others in the marketplace.

Bottom line? They have walked in your shoes with over 250 years of combined "retail automotive" experience; they understand the inside workings of a car dealership, and just as important, they respect the nuances and sensitivities of the factory-dealer relationship. You can trust them to keep your best interest at heart.

We want every one of our members who elect to pursue this new opportunity to have the best possible results. It is important for our members to understand that, just because the new law provides a clear blueprint for a retail submission - THERE ARE STILL MANY OPPORTUNITIES FOR FAILURE. We have partnered with ARMADA to help you avoid costly mistakes. Attempting this on your own, or doing it with other vendors that simply do not have the full suite of tools necessary to achieve the best results, will cost you much more in the long run. PLEASE take the time to carefully read the attached information to help you make the educated decision that is best for your company.

New Law Eliminates Federal Red Tape from New Car Sales

NADA recently announced that auto dealers will no longer have to fill out a form certifying that a new vehicle complies with the Clean Air Act prior to the sale.

H.R. 724, which was supported by the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), was signed into law yesterday by the president. The bill eliminates an obsolete federal mandate passed in 1977.

"All new vehicles delivered to dealerships from the factory are already compliant with federal emissions regulations," said NADA Chairman Forrest McConnell, III. "The form was unnecessary, and we're glad it's gone."

McConnell, a Honda/Acura dealer in Montgomery, Ala., added that the certification information is printed on a sticker under the vehicle's hood and provided in the owner's manual and automaker websites-making the additional dealer form redundant.

Passage of the new law is part of a larger NADA effort to reduce outdated and unnecessary federal regulations on auto retailers. In 2013, at NADA's urging, Congress eliminated the requirement that dealers to provide their customers with a booklet on the estimated insurance costs for new vehicles. Consumers can find more accurate insurance information online or by phone.

Employer Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Responsibilities

Employers today face a complex assortment of safety requirements that necessitate active and on-going management review. One of the more commonly misunderstood issues is the requirement to provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to employees. A proper PPE Program is essential to both employee safety and to satisfy regulatory requirements. PPE is defined by OSHA as "equipment worn to minimize exposure to a variety of hazards. Examples of PPE include such items as gloves, foot and eye protection, protective hearing devices (earplugs, muffs) hard hats, respirators, and full body suits." While some employers assume that employees are responsible for protecting themselves, OSHA requires the employer to perform specific activities including:

Perform a PPE Hazard Assessment to identify hazards associated with the types of jobs performed and determine required Personal Protective Equipment.
Provide, maintain, and train employees on proper PPE use.
Periodically review, update, and evaluate the effectiveness of the PPE program.

To read the rest of this timely article, please download it by Clicking Here.

This article is provided by KPA, a recommended partner of your Association providing Environment & Safety services for Auto, Agricultural /Heavy Equipment, Motorcycle, RV, and Truck Dealers. If you have additional questions, please contact KPA at info@kpaonline.com or 800.853.9659.

New Webinars Announced from DealersEdge

#1: Fixed Operations Pay Plans...The Five Reasons Some Work While Others Fail

Date/Time: Thursday, June 12 at 1pm Eastern

Presenter: Rob Campbell of the Mironov Group

Cost: $149.00 per person

The continued fast-pace of change in the service and parts business has pushed fixed ops directors to come up with new ideas on how to use pay plans to motivate. Rob Campbell, of the Mironov Group, joins us with a frank discussion of new approaches and plans for compensation of key service and parts employees. This webinar will cover the following:

New applications of the "flat rate" pay system for techs
What pay plans top-performing dealerships use in fixed ops
How to combat "cost of sales" cutting into your labor gross retention
Are parts advisors part of the fixed ops team or not?
Where does CSI fit into pay plan design?

#2: Driving Dealership Profit - Five Key Factors Holding You Back...and How to Fix Them Now!

Date/Time: Thursday, June 19 at 1pm Eastern

Presenter: Sandi Jerome

Cost: $149.00 per person

Based on Sandi's vast experience, most dealership managers focus on surface numbers and results for an indication of how well their departments are performing. Her experience also shows that if your managers focused on achieving better performance in just five areas, profits would soar. Visit with Sandi and learn the five areas of "low hanging fruit" that can help each department experience remarkable profit improvements. This webinar will cover the following:

How Lack of Productivity Limits your Growth
Rethinking Gross Profit
Why every dealership needs to rethink their Internal Controls to limit loss
Tools for improved departmental expense control
A Five Step Process to Maximize Profits in All Departments and for the Entire Store

Click Here to Register Today!

Maryland Automobile Dealers Association
7 State Circle, Suite 301
Annapolis, MD 21401
(800) 526.7423 (Toll-free)
(410) 269.1549 (Fax)

www.mdauto.org