Episode #1428: NADA President Mike Stanton joins us to talk about the biggest issues facing dealers through the rest of the year, plus, we look ahead to an already sold-out NADA Show floor and an Epic return to Orlando.

• NADA President Mike Stanton joined the show to lay out what’s ahead for dealers—from FTC pricing compliance and protecting the franchise system to the growing Chinese OEM threat. He also previewed NADA’s Washington Conference and an Orlando show that promises to be, quite literally, Epic.

  • FTC pricing remains front and center. NADA is working directly with the FTC as dealers adapt to the agency’s pricing guidance, with additional FAQs expected in the coming months. Stanton says the focus is much narrower than the proposed CARS Rule and believes greater pricing clarity will ultimately benefit customers and dealers.

  • Protecting the franchise model remains NADA’s north star. Stanton called out direct-sales efforts, including Volkswagen’s strategy, while emphasizing that dealers can defend their position by continually improving the customer experience. Dealers accounted for 96% of new-car sales last year, and Stanton says the goal should be 100%.

  • NADA is also focused on Chinese automakers and the Repair Act. Stanton says dealers broadly support keeping Chinese OEMs out of the U.S. in the near term, citing national-security concerns, while NADA continues opposing elements of NADA’s September Washington Conference brings dealers to Capitol Hill, with state associations coordinating meetings and NADA supplying talking points. Stanton’s message: lawmakers want to hear from the dealers employing people and generating economic activity in their districts. Stanton summed up dealers’ importance in Washington simply: “They really are our best lobbyists.”

  • NADA Show is headed back to Orlando—and demand is already strong. The exhibit floor sold out in record time with a waiting list, and the welcome reception will give attendees access to Universal’s new Epic Universe.