At the 2025 NADA Show in New Orleans, newly elected U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno of Ohio addressed attendees via video, sharing his vision for the automotive industry. Moreno made history as the first car dealer ever elected to the Senate. He thanked the thousands of dealers who supported his campaign, which became the most expensive non-presidential election in U.S. history, costing $550 million.
Defending the franchise model
Moreno is committed to defending the traditional franchise model, which he describes as the most effective retail distribution network in sales history. He criticizes recent moves by automakers like Volkswagen and Honda to directly compete with their own dealers by selling cars outside of their traditional franchise networks. He calls these moves “disgraceful,” and he has reached out to both companies to urge them to reconsider, emphasizing the importance of supporting the established franchise system.
Moreno is dedicated to fostering a resurgence in American automotive manufacturing through a favorable tax and regulatory environment that incentivizes companies to manufacture vehicles in the U.S. He opposes California’s influence over emissions standards and advocates for national standards that remain consistent over time, avoiding the fluctuations that can occur with each election cycle.
In addition, Moreno discusses the issue of electric vehicles (EVs), arguing that subsidies for EVs, especially for costly leased models, are unnecessary and costly for taxpayers. He proposes an orderly phase-out of these subsidies, ensuring car dealers can manage their inventory of $7 billion worth of unsold electric vehicles.
Tackling regulatory challenges for dealerships
On the regulatory front, Moreno highlights his commitment to addressing issues affecting dealerships, including the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) CARS rule, which he says causes significant challenges for dealerships. He also pledges to focus on ensuring transparency in connected vehicle technologies and preventing Chinese companies from entering the U.S. market.
Looking ahead to the Golden Age of automobiles
Overall, Moreno expresses his excitement about the auto industry’s future, noting that the “golden age” of automobiles is on the horizon. With a focus on innovation, regulation, and manufacturing, Sen. Moreno’s priorities reflect his commitment to supporting both the automotive industry and the car dealer community as they navigate evolving challenges.
"The golden age of automobiles is right around the corner." – Sen. Bernie Moreno
