The National Automobile Dealers Association rolled out a new “Get The Facts” initiative on Monday aimed at informing the media, opinion leaders and consumers about the numerous benefits of America’s franchised dealer network through a website and variety of multimedia resources.

The centerpiece of the project is a two and a half minute animated video detailing the benefits of the franchised dealer system.

Other resources include a 30-second video, a fact sheet on the consumer benefits of dealers, a longer informative FAQ, a document explaining the reasons for state franchise laws, an infographic and other materials.

On Tuesday, NADA will release a new report by auto industry analyst Maryann Keller on the consumer benefits of the dealer franchise system.

“Franchised new-car dealers provide the best, most efficient and most cost-effective way to sell and distribute new cars in America, and we’re proud of our businesses and business model,” NADA president Peter Welch said.

“NADA’s efforts will set the record straight about the benefits of the dealer franchise network for consumers, manufacturers and local communities everywhere,” Welch continued. “New-car dealers provide the best and most efficient way to buy and sell cars for both consumers and manufacturers, despite the misinformation and misconceptions that have surfaced over the last several months.”

NADA has presented the materials to state and metro dealer associations as well as individual dealers across the country, and is encouraging them to co-brand the materials and present them on their own websites.

“Franchised new-car dealers benefit consumers through price competition, accountability on warranty and safety recall issues, and provide enormous economic benefits to local communities across the country,” Welch said. “The dealer franchise network is supported by automakers as the best and most efficient way to buy, sell and service cars in the marketplace.”

The “Get The Facts” initiative highlights four central benefits of franchised dealers, which include:

1. Price Competition: Franchised dealers compete fiercely for business and drive consumer prices down.

2. Consumer Safety: Franchised dealers take the side of consumers in warranty and safety recall situations.

3. Local Economic Benefits: Franchised dealers create well-paying local jobs and generate significant tax revenue that have a huge impact on local economies.

4. Added Value: Franchised dealers simplify an otherwise complex car-buying experience.

NADA pointed out there are 17,700 franchised dealerships with nearly 32,000 domestic and international franchises that employ more than 1 million people in the U.S.

For more information, visit www.nada.org/GetTheFacts or watch the video below.