A Message from VADA President and CEO Don Hall February 2023 It came as a pleasant surprise when the headline from the Richmond Times-Dispatch landed in our inboxes and phone screens a few days ago: “First bill passes both General Assembly chambers.” Of the thousands of bills introduced in 2023, it was indeed the Virginia
A great customer experience begins with the people who serve them
A Message from VADA President and CEO Don Hall April 2023 I always smirk whenever a recent automobile buyer is asked: “Did you get a great deal?” To which I respond: Are you happy with what you bought? Did you enjoy the buying experience? If the answers are “Yes,” then yes, you got an incredible
On warranty and recall pay, Virginia dealers have protections
A Message from VADA President and CEO Don Hall March 2023 I talk a lot in this column about VADA advocacy on bills that are visible to the industry and public — EV incentives, adopting California emissions standards to spur EV supply and adoption, and of course, our groundbreaking 2023 legislation to strengthen the franchise system.
Why Virginia will lead from the front to protect the franchise system
A Message from VADA President and CEO Don Hall October 2022 A large Virginia dealer, whom I respect very much, recently told me that if his manufacturer shifted to an “agency” model — whereby the dealer no longer holds inventory and simply takes a cut for final sale delivery— he’d take the deal. “If I can be
A Year-End Drive, A Short Break, And a Big ’23 Ahead
A Message from VADA President and CEO Don Hall December 2022 As we reach the holidays, as I have encouraged staff, my hope is that you will all take time off to reflect on the year, be with your family and friends, and start the new year off fresh. Over the last two weeks, I
Giving Thanks — and Giving Back
A Message from VADA President and CEO Don Hall November 2022 As we pause for the Thanksgiving holiday, I like to remind our dealer community to stop and reflect on the things we are grateful for. Be sure to take a moment over the next week to thank your people, your partners and spouses, children,
Dealertrack: Protect revenue by eliminating costs
September 2022 Even the most routine vehicle sale requires the completion and submission of numerous forms. Postage and shipping charges to get the right documents into the hands of lenders and DMVs add up fast. And then there’s the hidden expenses of copier ink, toner, and purchasing and maintaining printers, copiers, and fax machines.
Speaking of Adverse Action Notices….
Sept. 18, 2022 By Michael G. Charapp Charapp & Weiss LLP Adverse action notices are not just for consumers denied credit. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) also requires consent to run credit reports on job applicants and employees, with notification to applicants and employees if these reports lead to an adverse employment decision.
Mythbusters: A Dealer May Rely on an Adverse Action Notice Sent by a Finance Source
Sept. 18, 2022 By Michael G. Charapp Charapp & Weiss LLP Some myths return on a delayed schedule like cicadas emerging every seven years. One we have seen resurrected on more than one occasion concerns adverse action notices for consumer credit applicants. Once again, there seems to be a myth spreading that a dealer
When Can a Dealer Obtain a Credit Report on a Consumer Seeking Credit?
Sept. 18, 2022 By Michael G. Charapp Charapp & Weiss LLP While we are discussing consumer reports, we should also take a moment to remind dealers of the circumstances under which they can access a credit report of a consumer seeking credit to purchase a vehicle from the dealership. Under the Fair Credit Reporting