McLEAN, Va. -

A few members of the National Automobile Dealers Association’s leadership met with the board of directors and management staff of General Motors last week, the first time that NADA has ever been asked to address an automaker’s board, the association said Friday.

Calling GM’s board “receptive” to the concerns of dealers, NADA chairman David Westcott talked with the OEM about some of the more pressing issues for dealers and the auto industry

Among the topics on which he briefed the board were the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s recent actions, how greenhouse gas and fuel economy stipulations impact vehicle affordability, intellectual property and data security, facility improvement programs and stair-step incentives.

“GM’s board was very receptive to hear our issues,” Westcott said. “It was a great opportunity to meet with GM and further our relationship to work together on common goals.”

Westcott was joined by NADA president Peter Welch and Mark Scarpelli, director/GM line representative.

Welch emphasized NADA’s purpose and how it serves as the voice of the dealer, while also stressing the need for the industry to work closer together.

Meanwhile, Scarpelli discussed his experience as a Chevrolet dealer and recapped the most recent GM Dealer Attitude Survey from NADA.

NADA’s representatives took questions from GM board members after the presentations.

When asked for comments by Auto Remarketing, a spokesperson for the automaker said that it is not GM’s practice to discuss its internal board of directors meetings.  

“Of course, having strong relationships with our dealers is always a priority, especially as we embark on one of the most aggressive car and truck launches in our history,” the GM spokesperson said in an email. “We look forward to working with our dealers and NADA to help ensure the customer retail experience matches the great cars and trucks we are building.”

 

Joe Overby can be reached at joverby@autoremarketing.com. Continue the conversation with Auto Remarketing on both LinkedIn and Twitter.