Bill Fox, newly-crowned NADA Chairman, delivered a popular and spirited message to dealers in his introductory address to a jam-packed session at the NADA Convention & Expo in San Francisco.
Fox, who represented New York’s franchised new car dealers on the NADA board of directors, took the reins from outgoing Chairman Forrest McConnell.
“The best time to be a car dealer is now,” said Fox, to rousing applause from the dealers in attendance. “We can actually shape the future of this industry — for all of us, but more importantly for the next generation of dealers.”
Bill Fox, NADA’s new Chairman delivered a pro-dealer speech at the 2015 NADA Convention & Expo in San Francisco.
Fox took direct aim at what he called the industry’s “critics” who argue that the driving public doesn’t need dealers, and that the franchise system isn’t competitive enough and good for consumers.
“Let me tell you one thing, the only person who doesn’t think car dealers aren’t competitive and won’t change is someone who knows nothing about this business,” he said, resulting in more applause.
Fox said the auto industry has been at the forefront of change for more than 100 years, and has always adapted and evolved to better serve customers, even in the face of change and tough times.
“We survived all of that because we are the leaders of change — not the followers of change,” said Fox.
Fox also responded strongly to suggestions that the automotive franchise system isn’t the best way to serve customers. “Dealers are fierce competitors that drive costs down,” he said. He pulled no punches in describing the people who complain about state franchise laws as people who don’t understand the business.
Take away dealers, take away competition, and consumers will pay more for their vehicles, he said.
It’s not nostalgia that has helped the dealers survive — it’s innovation and their ability to adapt, he said. Adapting to the Internet, adapting to the demands to involve consumers in the sales process and adapting to the changing regulatory environments. “When our franchise system is challenged, why not defend it?” he asked.
He said dealers, through NADA, need to work together to represent the interest of more than 17,000 dealers, and build a strong foundation for the future.
Funny man Jay Leno, a huge car buff, entertained dealers and shared his passion for vehicles.
After Fox had delivered his address, Jay Leno, comedian and former host of the Tonight Show, lightened up the mood by cracking jokes about electric cars and gas prices, as well as taking some jabs at cats.
Leno, who has been a huge car buff for years, kicked off his presentation by showing a video that depicted NADA executive members touring his famous automobile collection.
