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On the Move - February 18, 2016

Legislative Updates from State Circle

The 2016 Legislative Session is underway in Annapolis, and MADA is on the front line of a number of important issues impacting the automobile dealer industry.

Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) Disclosures

MADA introduced legislation that would allow dealers to notify customers of any and all TSB, recall or other manufacturer technical guidelines that are provided to dealers. This legislation also allows dealers to fix these issues when a customer car is in service even if the customer did not bring the vehicle in for that specific reason. Under this law, a manufacturer cannot retaliate against a dealer or employee or remove any incentive for a dealer's action. This law has support of the Maryland Attorney General's office.

Recall Disclosures

MADA introduced language mandating a dealer provide a consumer disclosure at time of sale of any recalls that cannot be fixed at time of sale because the recall remedy is not available or the dealer does not hold the franchise to fix the recall. MADA emphasizes this practice be completed now as a best practice, but creation of a state law is intended to supersede any stop-sale issued by a manufacturer on vehicles the dealer is not able to fix. A dealer must always fix any vehicle in inventory with a recall if the dealer holds the franchise and the remedy to fix is available at the time of sale. In addition to this disclosure, MADA is preparing an amendment that will compensate a dealer for any used car inventory that is grounded as a result of a manufacturer stop-sale.

Trade-in on Leases

MADA introduced legislation to clarify that all lease trade-in transactions are eligible for tax credit no matter the leasing company or whether the next car is a lease or not. This law should make all trade-ins eligible for tax credit.

Bank Payments for Finance Contracts

MADA introduced legislation which will require that banks agree to buy a dealer arranged finance contract within two days from approval of that contract. This bill intends to create a uniform standard for all banks compensating dealers in Maryland to provide dealer capital in a much more streamlined fashion. MADA is working with the MD Bankers Association on compromise legislation to benefit the industry.

Auto Show a Hit!

We hope that you attended and enjoyed the 2016 Motor Trend International Auto Show-Baltimore which ran from February 4-7. This year's show featured over 500 vehicles from a wide range of popular manufacturers.

Once again, the Ride-and-Drive's were a popular opportunity amongst all attendees. Chrysler returned again with 10 models available for test drives from Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, and Ram. Ford returned this year as a Ride-and-Drive sponsor featuring their popular models like the Escape and Explorer. New to the auto show test drive experience this year was Toyota.

Special car collections were also a hit feature of the 2015 auto show. Old classics courtesy of the Antique Automobile Club of America. DuPont Registry Live was present complete with their collection of high-end luxury vehicles.

MADA thanks everyone for attending this year's Auto Show and we look forward to sharing the latest and greatest with you next year!

MADA Congratulates Paige Boyle

MADA would like to recognize and congratulate Paige Boyle of Boyle Buick GMC in Harford County on her nomination as a finalist for the ATHENA Leadership Award. For the past 14 years, Harford County has presented the ATHENA Leadership Award to a community leader who has achieved excellence in their business or profession; serves the community; and, most importantly, assists women in achieving their full professional leadership potential. Paige is one of eight finalists for the award, the winner of which will be announced on March 4th.

The daughter of former MADA chairman, Chuck Boyle, Paige joined the three-generation family business, Boyle Buick GMC, in 2010 as Director of Marketing & Customer Relations. She focuses on implementing digital and social media strategies to assure the business's success through the changing times and changing demographics of today's car buyer. She is responsible for the entire marketing and advertising for the company which has seen an increase in sales in each of the last five years.

Paige has been responsible for involving Boyle Buick GMC in some of the grass roots initiatives in the County to provide community support. Events include the Harford County Wine Festival, Aberdeen Ironbirds events, the Maryland State Barbeque Bash, Bel Air First Fridays, and the Senior Expo. She is presently the Chair of the United Way of Central Maryland Harford County Partnership Board and a member of the Board of Directors.

As a wife and mother of three, balancing life and work can be challenging but she feels it is important that her daughters learn that women can have careers, be mothers, and do whatever they put their minds to.

Please join us in congratulating Paige!

Email Solicitation Scam Alert

California-based company Dealer Marketing Solutions has sent emails to dealers with "NADA Digital Dealer Marketing" in the "From" section of the email header. NADA has no connection or relationship with this company, and there is no department within NADA by that name. NADA has asked the company to stop sending mislabeled emails or any other advertising that suggests they have a connection with NADA.

Dues Payment Reminder

MADA thanks those dealers and associate members who have already paid their 2016 dues. If you have not paid your 2016 dues, a third invoice has been sent. REMEMBER, if your dues are not current your membership will be put on hold and you will discontinue receiving any of the benefits or communications sent to you as a member.

It is vitally important that all members remit their MADA dues as quickly as possible so that we can continue speaking with "one voice" in Annapolis.

MD Teachers of the Year Celebrated in Annapolis

Courtesy of MADA, this year's Teachers of the Year, enjoyed a day in Annapolis and a luncheon in their honor. Association President, Peter Kitzmiller, welcomed the teachers at their luncheon, held at the historic Maryland Inn. He thanked them for their dedication to public education.

During the day, each of the 24 teachers had the opportunity to meet with their local delegates and State senators. As a group, they were welcomed and received by the General Assembly. Each teacher also received a poster, provided by MADA, celebrating their distinction as being chosen a Teacher of the Year nominee.

As a presenting sponsor of the Maryland Teacher of the Year Program, MADA is proud to support our teachers and to recognize the very best in Maryland!

American Fidelity Has a New Look

MADA endorsed service provider, American Fidelity, recently launched a new brand and a new look! As business in America is rapidly changing, American Fidelity is here to provide a different opinion. While many companies may offer a one-size-fits all approach, American Fidelity has a deep understanding of the unique needs of professionals in our industry.

As a specialist with over 50 years' experience serving more than one million customers nationwide with everything from supplemental benefits, to Section 125 Plans and Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act guidance, American Fidelity is always seeking new ways to help your employees, and you. Their new logo and brand statement were developed to reflect this difference.

MADA invites you to learn more and to take advantage of even greater services by visiting their website. You may also contact Al Scrimger in the Association office for further information at 800.526.7423.

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

www.mdauto.org