Former VADA Chair Liza Borches Named Virginia’s 2027 TIME Dealer of the Year Nominee
Former VADA Board Chair Liza Borches is one of 48 dealers nationwide nominated for the 2027 TIME Dealer of the Year award, recognized for employee ownership and community impact.
Koons gives $30 Million to Dealer-Centric Northwood University
Koons, who sold to Asbury in 2023, committed millions for residential facilities, automotive education, and scholarships.
In The Room
For Eley Duke III, leading Virginia’s franchised auto dealers is the latest chapter in a family story that has always been about showing up.
AI is already in your dealership. It’s time to catch up
Customers aren’t waiting for us to figure out AI — they’re already using it. You need to prepare for the new reality.
Dealers Shifting Gears for Good: September
Virginia’s auto dealers aren’t just selling cars, they’re investing in the Commonwealth.
Barrie: FTC Crackdown on Deceptive Pricing Practices: What this Means for Auto Dealers
September 21, 2026 By Barrie Charapp Beaty Charapp & Weiss, LLP bbeaty@cwattorneys.com On August 19, 2026, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the State of Connecticut secured a $4 million settlement with Chase Nissan LLC,
Barrie: An Open Letter to Manufacturers
As you are aware, in March 2026, the FTC issued a warning to every dealer in the nation that the price advertised must include all fees but for government fees. On September 15,
2026, the FTC confirmed that not only the dealers are responsible, but the manufacturers.
Barrie: Dealers Need to be Training… Consistently and Often
Dealers constantly face the challenge of managing and training employees to work steadily and uniformly to reach the dealership’s goals. Employees may resist mandated training, but ignoring the need for such consistent efforts, especially on compliance, can be costly.
Barrie: With Aftermarket Products, Does the Vehicle Warranty Still Apply?
In the age of AI, consumers have looked to the internet to make certain claims against dealers. So there has become an uptick in questions around whether certain aftermarket products void vehicle warranties.
Dealers Shifting Gears for Good: August
As summer draws to a close across the Commonwealth, Virginia’s auto dealers continue to show their communities that their commitment runs deeper than the sale. From bringing comfort to young patients and strengthening local nonprofits
A fair shot at the American dream
Everyone deserves the opportunity to succeed in this business. And the more our dealerships reflect the people and communities they serve, the stronger our industry will be.
Barrie: Dealer Myths
Occasionally, we discuss dealership myths — things that “everyone knows”, even though they may not be true. Here are some you should consider.
Barrie: Insurance Coverages: Do You Have Proper Coverage for Everyday Issues?
Understanding and maintaining adequate insurance coverage is not merely the best practice; it is a critical component of sound management and compliance.
Barrie: Buyers Guides and FTC Used Car Rule Compliance
The original Used Car Rule was promulgated by the Federal Trade Commission in 1985. While there are few dealership employees who were active before the Rule was put in place, there is still some confusion surrounding the completion of the buyers guide. This was caused in part in early 2017 when the Rule was revised, and the buyers guide was redesigned.
Barrie: Credit Card Downpayments are Not Cash Downpayments
For years, it was old adage that the finance sources either did not permit or limited the amount of downpayment that consumers could put on a credit card for motor vehicle purchased that were financed. Times have changed. With the average cost of new motor vehicles around $50,000, making monthly payments affordable has become a real numbers game.
Dealers Shifting Gears for Good: July
As summer continues across the Commonwealth, Virginia’s auto dealers are keeping their communities at the heart of everything they do. From supporting children’s health and fighting food insecurity to investing in local students and bringing
Virginia’s EV market slows as buyers weigh cost, convenience.
Virginia remains one of the nation’s stronger markets for electric vehicles, but new data suggests consumers are taking a more measured approach to buying them as affordability, charging convenience and the end of federal purchase incentives reshape the market.
The future belongs to dealers who never stop evolving
Don has a few takeaways from this year’s Annual Convention. Most notably: Auto retail isn’t going back to the way it was.
Dealers Shifting Gears for Good: June
As summer arrives across the Commonwealth, Virginia’s auto dealers continue to demonstrate that community commitment extends far beyond the showroom. From supporting food security and promoting public health to advocating for mental wellness and animal
Kevin Tynan returns to VADA ’26 with an economic outlook
A convention favorite, Kevin Tynan takes a look at the automotive retail market economics — for better or worse.
