Legislative Priorities

NYSADA’s Gold Club leads the way in promoting franchised new vehicle dealers interests in Albany. Every year, Gold Club members meet with key legislative/regulatory leaders, often in informal settings in which Gold Club members are able to sit with those leaders and explain to them the many challenges faced by New York’s franchised dealers. Last years’ highlights included Gold Club members meeting with Governor Kathy Hochul, State Attorney General Letitia James, Senate Majority Leader Andrea StewartCousins, Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris, and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie. Many Gold Club members also met individually with members of the State Senate and Assembly throughout the State. The interaction Gold Club members have with our State’s leaders is invaluable in assuring that those leaders have a solid understanding of our industry.

2022 presented strong challenges for NYSADA, challenges that will continue into 2023. The franchise model is under attack. Led by Tesla, and joined by Lucid and Rivian, ongoing efforts are being made to kick franchised dealers, and all the benefits you bring, to the curb. Those manufacturers continue their push for direct sales. The established manufacturers, while paying lip service to the franchised system, continue to float alternatives, now the ”agency” model. And, of course, there are the problems with brokers.

In the face of these challenges, franchised dealers are bringing electric vehicles to their customers. Franchised dealers must be a part of the transportation solution. 2022-2023 Legislative Priorities All these challenges underscore the importance of the Gold Club. Gold Club members have an annual $300 allotment, giving them the opportunity to attend an event for their local Senator or Assemblymember. This may include hosting an event at your dealership to have your legislator tour your business. This may be the only opportunity for a face-to-face interaction during the year. Getting this facetime is crucial. Issues and points of view will be understood; more knowledge means better government.

In Albany, NYSADA must affirmatively advocate for legislation that addresses the needs of dealers and defend against legislation that would negatively affect its members. NYSADA must be constantly vigilant to the attacks on new car and truck dealers that rear themselves every legislative session. In 2023, as in past years, NYSADA will carefully review each bill introduction and voice support or opposition to ensure the continued viability of our franchised dealers.

In addition to NYSADA’s ongoing lobbying efforts in the Senate and Assembly, NYSADA advocates for dealer interests with state agencies including the Departments of Motor Vehicles, Taxation, Transportation, Financial Services, Labor, Environmental Conservation and the Attorney General’s office. Whether the issue is assuring fair compensation for dealers, balance in the franchise relationship or the prevention of unwarranted interference in the sales process, NYSADA is in the forefront representing dealers’ interest. Being located directly across the street from the New York State Capitol facilitates NYSADA’s continual advocacy for its members within the halls of government