How Dealer Associations Help Navigate Compliance Changes with Laura Perrotta

June 24
7 mins

Episode Description

Compliance changes can create uncertainty for dealerships of every size. Laura Perrotta, President of NJ CAR, explains how dealer associations help retailers navigate evolving regulations, access trusted resources, and stay informed when new compliance questions arise.

Special thanks to Force Marketing for making our coverage of the CBT News Auto Leadership Summit on Fair Pricing & Compliance possible. Learn more at https://www.forcemktg.com/

When compliance questions arise, where do dealers turn for answers?

In this conversation, Laura Perrotta shares how dealer associations play a critical role in helping retailers understand changing regulations, interpret new guidance, and implement best practices across their organizations. As President of NJ CAR, she works closely with dealers throughout New Jersey and has seen firsthand how demand for compliance education and support has accelerated in recent months.

The discussion explores some of the most common questions dealers are asking, particularly around pricing disclosures, doc fees, and the evolving expectations surrounding transparency. While New Jersey dealers have long operated under some of the country's stricter advertising and compliance requirements, recent FTC actions have elevated the importance of ensuring dealership practices align with both state and federal expectations.

Perrotta explains that one of the most important functions of a dealer association is serving as a trusted information resource. From compliance guidance and educational webinars to industry partnerships and expert-led training, associations help dealers quickly access the information they need to make informed decisions.

The conversation also highlights the value of compliance-focused peer groups and roundtables. By bringing together compliance officers, CFOs, dealership leaders, and industry experts, associations create opportunities for dealers to learn from one another and share best practices across organizations.

Beyond compliance, Perrotta discusses how stronger dealer engagement often leads to broader industry collaboration. Whether advocating for legislation, supporting workforce initiatives, or helping dealers respond to emerging challenges, associations serve as a critical connection point between retailers, policymakers, and industry partners.

For dealers seeking clarity in an increasingly complex regulatory environment, this episode offers a valuable look at the resources, education, and support systems available through dealer associations.

00:00 – Why compliance has become a top concern for dealers

00:25 – What brought NJ CAR to the summit

00:50 – The biggest compliance questions dealers are asking

01:05 – Doc fees, pricing transparency, and FTC guidance

01:27 – How New Jersey's compliance rules compare to federal requirements

01:43 – The impact of FTC warning letters on dealer behavior

02:19 – Why compliance is replacing fine-print marketing tactics

02:58 – The growing value of dealer associations during regulatory change

03:31 – Becoming the information clearinghouse for dealers

04:02 – Compliance resources, audits, and industry partners

04:25 – Educational programs and compliance training opportunities

05:05 – Inside NJ CAR's compliance-focused peer groups

05:52 – How compliance leaders influence dozens of dealership rooftops

06:25 – The power of collaboration across the dealer community

06:54 – Why dealer engagement strengthens advocacy efforts

07:14 – Final thoughts on education, compliance, and industry support

Laura Perrotta:

NJ CAR: https://www.njcar.org

Check out more of our CBT News Auto Leadership Summit content: https://daily.asotu.com/t/ftc-summit

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