Immediately after the National Automobile Dealer Association wrapped up NADA Show 2023, the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association made a major move.

 

On Monday morning, NIADA and Buckeye Dealership Consulting announced an integration of the NIADA 20 Groups with Buckeye’s Dealer Performance Groups.

 

According to a news release, all existing Dealer Performance Groups, including those focusing on retail, buy-here, pay-here, service and finance, will move under the leadership of NIADA’s Dealer 20 Group program.

 

“This is a significant step in executing a vision shared by both NIADA and Buckeye of a unified industry in support of the independent used car dealer. We’re very excited about the strength the Dealer Performance Groups’ portfolio adds to our Dealer 20 Group program,” NIADA interim CEO Melanie Wilson said in the news release.

 

“This is the first of many steps in expanding our 20 Groups to better serve our dealers,” continued Wilson, who also recently appeared on the Auto Remarketing Podcast.

 

Buckeye owner and CEO Robert Fox Sr. agreed the move will benefit all independent dealers and the industry as a whole.

 

“Buckeye invested significant effort and resources into building a strong Dealer Performance Group program based on feedback dealers provided,” Fox said. “With a strong program, combining DPG with the NIADA 20 Group program makes both stronger, for we are truly better together.”

 

Fox worked closely with NIADA president Scott Allen to come to this agreement.

 

“This is really great news for the industry to bring everyone together. I couldn’t agree with my good friend Rob more, ‘We are truly better together,’” Allen said.

 

NIADA 20 Groups brings dealers of all sizes and business models together with other like- minded dealers to exchange ideas, identify best practices, resolve challenges and discover hidden opportunities. Buckeye will continue to support those efforts.