All dealers want to maintain cordial working relationships with their franchisors. They do not want to antagonize their “partner.” Unfortunately, for franchisors, the “partnership” often lasts only as long as the willingness of a dealer to do what the factory says. Like any good relationship, the franchisor/franchisee one should be based on mutual respect. A
Constantly on Guard
One significant challenge to dealers is managing employees to steadily and uniformly work to reach your goals. Employees will resist mandated uniform requirements, but ignoring the need for consistent efforts, especially on compliance, can be costly. Recently, the United States Department of Justice sued a Maryland used car dealership claiming it engaged in illegal lending
Remember: Your Franchisor Is a Supplier
We have written extensively about protecting your dealership when contracting with suppliers. Some dealers may not view their franchisors as suppliers, but they are if programs are offered, not mandated. You cannot negotiate the standard terms of your dealer sales and service agreement. However, if a program is “voluntary” (we understand we must use this
Congratulations to William Farrell, 2020 TIME Dealer of the Year award nominee
Time and Ally Financial Honor Roanoke Dealer William Farrell Wins National Recognition for Community Service and Industry Accomplishments at NADA Show (New York, NY, October 21, 2019) – The nomination of William Farrell, dealer principal at Berglund Automotive in Roanoke, Virginia, for the 2020 TIME Dealer of the Year award was announced today by TIME. Farrell
Virginia Dealers, VADA Attend 2019 NADA Washington, D.C. Conference
From left to right: Mike Suttle of Suttle Motors, U.S. Congressman Ben Cline, Bill Carrico (VADA Field Rep), Pete Kesterson (General Manager, Don Beyer Volvo), Patty Suttle (Mike’s wife) Several members of our dealer community joined the VADA team last month at the National Automobile Dealers Association’s annual Washington Conference. This two-day event helps educate
Dealers Travel to D.C. to Support Virginia Legislative Black Caucus
Late last month, members of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus and the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland gathered for a shared fundraiser in Washington, D.C. Joining the crowd were Congressman Bobby Scott (D) of Virginia, Congressman Andrew Brown (D) of Maryland, former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe, and VADA members and staff. Many thanks to Dan
Form I-9 Not Really Expiring
Form I-9 is an employment eligibility verification document that employers use to confirm an individual’s identity and right to work in the U.S. There have been numerous versions of Form I-9. It is important that you use the most current version containing the following designator: Rev. 07/17/2017N. What may be confusing is that this form
Review Your Employee Handbook
If you are an employer confused about the federal government’s position on handbook provisions requiring civility and professional behavior by employees in internet and social media posts, you are not alone. Common sense suggests business-like behavior should be encouraged. But the National Labor Relations Board has not always agreed. Under the Obama administration, the EEOC
Get A Release
Last month, we examined whether a release a dealership receives is effective. As we discussed, a release is a contract. It requires offer, acceptance, and consideration. If you are going to give something of value you do not already owe, make sure it resolves the matter. Get a release so that the customer cannot take
VADA Expands Preferred Endorsement of Dealertrack Registration and Title Solutions
Dealertrack’s Accelerated Title solution gives Virginia dealers faster vehicle payoff and title release on top of existing expedited registration and title processing Virginia dealers have access to a new tool that will continue to improve daily efficiency and bring a modern, streamlined and electronic registration and title process, as VADA has expanded its preferred endorsement