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  • Friday, September 27, 2024 9:00 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


    Last week, CATA Chairman Jason Roberts, CATA President Jennifer Morand, CATA EVP Chris Konecki, along with NADA Board Member Joe Massarelli (Liberty Auto City), traveled to D.C. to attend the annual NADA Washington Conference. It was a busy, successful couple days of meetings on Capitol Hill with key legislators and/or their Chief of Staff, including Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Congressman Robin Kelly, Congressman Mike Quigley, and Senators Tammy Duckworth and Dick Durbin.

    The NADA briefed the CATA team on the key federal issues to relay to the legislators. The primary issues communicated were:

    1. FTC “Vehicle Shopping Rule” will overwhelm car buyers and small businesses with needless additional costs, paperwork (non-disclosure forms) and an overall lengthened sales process (estimated to be an additional 60-80 mins. longer than the current average time spent in a dealership). They urged members of Congress to cosponsor the FTC REDO Act to stop the flawed Vehicle Shopping Rule and avoid needlessly imposing significant burdens and costs on both the consumer and small business dealers.
    2. Legislators were made aware of the dealers’ stance on the current EPA De Facto EV Mandate which reaches too far and too fast. The EV infrastructure simply isn’t in place to require 56% of all new vehicle sales to be electric by 2032. Furthermore, the current EV prices are too high for the average consumer. The dealers are behind EVs and have already invested in EV infrastructure in their showrooms and in personnel to train them on the latest technology as it relates to sales and service, but they will sell what the market demands. And, at least for now given the lack of infrastructure and high EV prices, EVs just aren’t what the market is demanding.   

    The team did a wonderful job communicating these messages that were heard loud and clear in Washington!

  • Friday, September 27, 2024 9:00 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


    Earlier this week, Hyundai Hope On Wheels, along with Chicago Auto Show Chairwoman and Webb Auto Group Dealer Kelly Webb Roberts, presented Lurie Children's a $400,000 Hope Grant and $250,000 Hyundai Young Investigator Grant. The Hope Grant and Hyundai Young Investigator Grant were presented to Dr. Loretta Li and Dr. Kevin McNearny from Lurie Children's Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders during a check presentation and Handprint Ceremony, the signature event of Hyundai Hope On Wheels, in which local children impacted by pediatric cancer dip their hands in paint and place their handprints on a white Hyundai Hope On Wheels vehicle to commemorate their personal stories of hope.

  • Friday, September 27, 2024 9:00 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    CATA Member Dealer River Front Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram opened the first Dedicated Ram Truck Center in the Midwest. The center is set to cater exclusively to the sales, service, and customization needs of Ram Trucks and ProMaster Vans, further enhancing the dealership’s commitment to delivering specialized care and expertise for its truck and commercial van customers.

    Located at 1851 Orchard Gateway Blvd., North Aurora, IL 60542, this state-of-the-art facility is a one-stop shop designed to meet the growing demand for Ram's lineup of heavy-duty trucks and ProMaster vans, both for personal and commercial use. Whether you're in the market for a powerful Ram Truck, or the versatile ProMaster Van, the center is fully equipped with a wide inventory, dedicated service bays, and expert technicians focused solely on Ram vehicles.

    "Our new Ram Truck Center offers a truly unique experience for our customers," said Corey Spooner, General Manager of River Front Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram. "From the moment they step inside, truck and van owners will find a dedicated team of specialists who understand the needs of these vehicles. This allows us to provide a superior level of service, sales, and support that’s unmatched in the region."

  • Friday, September 27, 2024 9:00 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    For any electric vehicle owner that would like a passenger license plate on their vehicle there will be an addition $100 surcharge on the registration.

    Fees

    Random-Number License Plate Fees

    Newly acquired vehicle/first-time issuance - $316 ($165 title fee + $151 registration fee)

    Currently titled vehicle/first-time issuance - $151 registration fee

    Current plates expire within 90 days - $180

    For more information, contact Joey White at Vitu.

  • Friday, September 27, 2024 9:00 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    On September 23, NADA Dealer Stellantis Representatives, NADA Executives, NADA’s Industry Relations team and members of the Stellantis National Dealer Council met with Carlos Zarlenga, Stellantis NA COO, and other key executives to share the results of the NADA Summer Dealer Attitude Survey and discuss dealer dissatisfaction that was made public in recent weeks. 

    Key issues were market share loss, rising inventories, dealer profitability, product quality and product pricing. Executive departures and multiple rounds of layoffs were also cited as contributing to dealer dissatisfaction. Dealers recommended the brand take bold and immediate action, simplify operations, and communicate a plan for future success.

    Mr. Zarlenga listened carefully as the dealers in attendance fleshed out aspects of each concern.  He responded that current issues had developed over time and have had long term impacts. He said the brand could not ask for blind trust from dealers and must earn trust back over time.  

    What’s Next: Dealers asked for Stellantis to share a plan that will result in an improved partnership and offer hope and assurances for the future. NADA will continue to support the actions of the Stellantis dealer council and monitor dealer feedback for reactions to Stellantis’ marketplace actions. NADA will directly re-engage with Stellantis as required. 

  • Friday, September 27, 2024 9:00 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Compliance Alert: What Dealerships Need to Know About Corporate Transparency Act Reporting Requirements

    [From NADA] Under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), which went into effect on January 1, 2024, many business owners are required to file corporate transparency reports with beneficial ownership information (BOI) no later than January 1, 2025.

    The CTA reporting mandates are designed to bolster transparency and combat financial crimes. Those who fail to meet this deadline could face up to two years imprisonment and fines up to $10,000, in addition to civil penalties of up to $591 per day.

    Who needs to file:The CTA’s reporting requirements apply to “reporting companies,” which includes corporations, limited liability companies and any other entities created by the filing of a document with a secretary of state or any similar office in the U.S.

    • Filing exemptions: There are 23 categories of entities specifically exempted from the reporting requirements, including a “large operating company” exemption. A “large operating company” is an entity that (1) employs more than 20 full-time employees in the United States, (2) has an operating presence at a physical office within the United States, and (3) has filed a federal income tax or information return in the United States for the previous year demonstrating more than $5 million in gross receipts or sales.
    • Applicability to dealerships: It is likely that dealerships are exempt from the rule under the “large operating company” exemption and not required to file. However, separate corporations or limited liability companies associated with a dealership (i.e., a real estate holding company) may be required to file. Dealerships should work with an attorney or accountant familiar with their business and business structure to determine if an exemption applies and whether to file.
    • What information must be reported: A reporting company must disclose certain information about the reporting company itself, its beneficial owners and, for reporting companies formed on or after January 1, 2024, a maximum of two company applicants.”
    • How to file: Reporting companies must report beneficial ownership information electronically through FinCEN's website.

    Important deadlines: 

    • Businesses subject to the CTA and formed or registered in the U.S. before January 1, 2024, must file its initial BOI report no later than January 1, 2025.
    • Businesses subject to the CTA and formed or registered in the U.S. on or after January 1, 2024, and before January 1, 2025, must file its initial BOI report within 90 calendar days of its formation or registration becoming effective.
    • An entity subject to the CTA and formed or registered to do business in the U.S. on or after January 1, 2025, must file its initial BOI report within 30 days of its formation or registration becoming effective.

    To learn more about this reporting requirement, NADA is hosting a webinar on October 31 at 1:00 p.m. Stay tuned for more information. In the meantime, please also see the resources below.  

  • Friday, September 27, 2024 9:00 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Northwoods University is encouraging dealers to consider nominating a deserving dealer principal for a Dealer Education Award. The award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to automotive marketing education over several years.

    Key points to consider when submitting a nomination:

    • Commitment to educating future automotive professionals
    • Consistent delivery of high-quality training and mentorship
    • Lifetime of outstanding contributions to automotive and dealership educatio.
    • The nomination deadline is October 11, 2024. Nominations can be submitted via this link: www.northwood.edu/forms/dea.

    The awards breakfast will be held during the NADA Convention in New Orleans on Saturday, January 25, 2025, from 6:45 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside.

  • Friday, September 27, 2024 9:00 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    As the year draws to a close, the CATA is happy to provide a list of dealership specific records retention rules. This list is provided by CATA Allied Member Woodward & Associates. Woodward proudly serves more than 300 new car dealers across the Midwest. For more information, please contact Scott Woodward at with any questions.

    Click HERE to download the Records Retention Rules list.

  • Friday, September 27, 2024 9:00 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Thanks to the CATA’s partnership with Dynatron, DriveChicago.com is now driving service traffic to CATA dealers. DriveChicago.com recently added a NHTSA Recall Search tool that allows site visitors to check for open recalls on their vehicles. If a vehicle has a recall, then the site visitor is presented with direct links to CATA Dealer member service departments to book appointments.

    For CATA dealers, staying ahead of vehicle recalls can be challenging. Dynatron has solutions to keep dealers informed and proactive. Its MarketSmart Recall program uses the latest data to help dealerships connect with customers and turn recalls into revenue. Dynatron's data-driven approach ensures you're not just reacting to recalls but turning them into opportunities.

    Don’t let outdated OEM programs hold you back—learn how we can drive more traffic to your service bays! Explore our full article to see how Dynatron can help you streamline recall processes and boost profitability.

  • Friday, September 13, 2024 9:00 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    The Chicago Automobile Trade Association will host the third annual Chicago Drives Electric EV education and test drive event on Oct. 3-6 at CATA HQ in Oakbrook Terrace. Dealers are invited to attend a morning session on Thursday, Oct. 3 from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. This exclusive event will provide CATA Dealer members one-on-one time with the latest EVs to gather driving impressions, create content, vehicle education and more. Below is the schedule for the morning.

    Participating manufacturers for the media day include Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Fiat, Ford, GMC, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, Toyota and Volvo. You can find a full list of vehicles here.

    Thursday, Oct. 3

    • 7:30 a.m. – Media registration opens
    • 8:00 a.m. – Networking & Continental Breakfast
    • 8:30-9:00 a.m. – Get to Know the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack
    • 9:00-9:15 a.m. – EVs at the Dealership, “Where today’s car shoppers and dealers stand on electrification” presented by CDK Global
    • 9:15-10:15 a.m. – The Current State of EVs Panel Discussion & Q&A (Presented by CDK Global)
    • 10:15-10:30 a.m. – ComEd News Conference & Presentation
    • 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. – EV Test Drives & Content Creation
    • 12:00 p.m. – Boxed Lunch & Presentation by Cars.com

    Register NOW for this free event.

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