Pub. 7 2017 Issue 3

6 AUTOMOBILE DEALER NEWS ILLINOIS www.illinoisdealers.com Chairman Mr. Jack Schmitt / 618.628.2500 Jack Schmitt Chevrolet 127 Regency Park Dr., O Fallon, IL 62269 Vice Chairman Mr. Dan Roesch / 630.834.8000 Larry Roesch Chrysler-Jeep 200 West Grand Avenue Elmhurst, IL 60126 Treasurer Mr. Pat Manning / 815.756.6325 Brad Manning Ford 402 Manning Dr., Dekalb, IL 60115 Secretary Mr. Michael Ettleson / 708.579.5000 Ettleson Cadillac-Buick-GMC, Inc. 6201 S. LaGrange Road., Hodgkins, IL 60525-4140 President Peter J. Sander / 217.753.0220 Illinois Automobile Dealers Association 300 W. Edwards, P.O. Box 3045, Springfield, IL 62708 Illinois Automobile Dealers Association 300 West Edwards Street, Springfield, IL 62708 T 217.753.0220 • F 217.753.3424 www.IllinoisDealers.com 2017 OFFICERS IADA PRESIDENT’SMessage | BY PETER J. SANDER Spring Busy Time for Legislative Activities I ADA is pleased to report that it has been a busy spring for the associa- tion legislatively. Our annual lobby day on May 16th attracted some sixty-five people who attended the luncheon and over 200 dealers, legislators and legislative staffers who attended the Legislative Reception/BBQ held at the IADA offices overlooking the State Capitol. Speakers at the event included: IADA Chairman Jack Schmitt, O’Fallon; Sen- ate Transportation Chairman Marty Sandoval (D) Cicero; Rutt Bridges, who spoke on the potential disruptive im- pact autonomous cars could have in the future, and Jamie Auffenberg, NADA Director who updated everyone on the latest legislative and regulatory issues pending in Washington. IADA Chairman Jack Schmitt ex- pressed how important grassroots lob- bying activities by dealers are to IADA’s success in the Legislature, especially with respect to the current franchised new car dealer model. The current franchised new car dealer model has benefited consum- ers, manufacturers and local communi- ties for nearly a century. It is supported by both dealers and factories – as the best and most efficient way to buy, sell, service and finance cars in the market- place. He shared that never has there been a better time to advocate on behalf of the franchised system. Our industry continues to face many issues such as: •Manufacturer incentive programs •Two-tier pricing •Manufacturer and Tesla direct sales •Recall Issues All of these issues continue to erode consumer confidence and tear at the heart of the dealer franchise system. Your grassroots involvement can and will make a difference! IADA would like to thank dealers and their employees for their calls, e-mails and notes to their legislators on this issue. Since the legislative conference, IADA-sponsored legislation to update the Motor Vehicle Franchise Act, Senate Bill 1687, passed out of the General Assembly and is sitting on the Governor’s desk for Governor Rauner to act upon. Senate Bill 1687 provides for several important changes to the Illinois Motor Vehicle Franchise Act that are needed to assist in balancing the power between the auto manufacturer and the franchised dealer. In addition, we are pleased to share that HB 1560 passed out of the General Assembly and was quickly signed by Governor Rauner. The bill provides for several changes to the recently enacted Used Vehicle Implied Warranty of Mer- chantability legislation, which will be beneficial to dealers in complying with the new law that became effective on July 1, 2017. IADA hosted a successful webi- nar, Used Vehicle Implied Warranty of Merchantability, on June 27th with over 200 dealers/staff in attendance.  Sincerely, Pete Sander IADA President