Wednesday, 29 April 2009 10:41
As the economy has steadily worsened over the past year, international dealers have not been able to escape the recession's impact. Times are difficult for dealers of every size and every international make. As an added complication, AIADA recognizes that many of our dealer-members have financial interests in domestic as well as international dealerships.
For those dealers, like myself, with international and Chrysler or GM dealerships, the constant new coverage and hour-by-hour changes to union agreements, bankruptcy plans, and government bailouts is nerve-racking. The developments of the past 24 hours alone are likely responsible for a significant uptick in dealer blood pressure across the nation. It now seems clear any multi-franchise dealers with both domestics and international franchises can expect to feel some financial repercussions from the agreements being made between Washington and Detroit.
For most of you, this is not news. I'm sure that every dealer out there is religiously reading the industry papers, watching news reports, and pouring over AIADA's daily FirstUp newsletter, which has tracked these stories from the beginning. You know as well as I do that real and significant change is hurtling toward America's dealer body like a freight train.
While AIADA normally keeps its focus steadily on issues concerning international nameplate retailers, I wanted to address this subject that has so many of us on edge. I also want to assure you that I, along with AIADA President Cody Lusk and our Board of Directors are all staying as absolutely close to this issue as we can. We are meeting with the president's Auto Task Force, talking with Congress, and seeking every possible way to assist dealers and get our industry moving again. We're doing what we've always done, representing the interests of our members - all our members.
As the year progresses, we will keep you informed as best we can through First Up, Capitol Insight, AutoDealer magazine, and regular e-mail alerts. Until then, feel free to contact AIADA at 1-800-GO-AIADA or contact us with any questions or concerns you might have.
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