spot_img
Dealers' #1 source for auto industry news, content, coaching & analysis

FADA President Ted Smith discusses challenges and advocacy efforts for 2024-2025

As you know, dealer state associations tirelessly advocate for their members. In response to recent challenges to franchise laws, the Florida Automobile Dealers Association is ramping up its efforts. Joining us on the latest episode of Inside Automotive is Ted Smith, President of the Florida Automobile Dealers Association to discuss their plans. 

Key Takeaways 

1. Ted Smith highlights the increasing pressure from OEMs challenging state franchise laws. He underscores that some OEMs, through their programs and policies, allegedly violate these laws, which is a significant concern for dealers. Smith cites issues such as Ford’s EV program and allocation models as examples of potential violations.

2. The interview emphasizes the crucial role of state associations like the Florida Automobile Dealers Association (FADA) in advocating for dealers. Smith argues that these associations are essential in defending the franchise system and ensuring that laws protecting dealers and consumers are enforced. He calls for more statutory support to empower associations to take legal action against OEMs when necessary.

3. Smith points out the substantial economic contributions of car dealers to the state, including employment and tax revenue. He argues that maintaining a fair and competitive franchise system is not only about protecting dealers but also about safeguarding significant economic interests and ensuring consumer protection.

4. The interview reveals a reluctance among dealers to confront OEMs directly due to fear of retaliation or damaging their business relationships. Smith stresses the need for a collective effort through the association to address these challenges, as individual dealers are often hesitant to take on powerful manufacturers alone.

5. Nevertheless, Smith calls on dealers to become more active in legislative advocacy. He encourages them to engage with their local legislators to support laws that would allow trade associations to take action against OEMs’ illegal practices. He emphasizes that dealer involvement is critical to securing statutory changes that can provide a regulatory check on OEMs.

“The franchise system is there, again, to ultimately protect the consumer. So when an OEM violates a franchise law in Florida, who do we look to to bring corrective action? Who's going to bring the challenge to the OEM's potential violation of law? I think it has to be the trade association.” – Ted Smith

Stay up to date on exclusive content from CBT News by following us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Don’t miss out! Subscribe to our free newsletter to receive all the latest news, insight and trends impacting the automotive industry.

CBT News is part of the JBF Business Media family.

Jaelyn Campbell
Jaelyn Campbell
Jaelyn Campbell is a staff writer/reporter for CBT News. She is a recent honors cum laude graduate with a BFA in Mass Media from Valdosta State University. Jaelyn is an enthusiastic creator with more than four years of experience in corporate communications, editing, broadcasting, and writing. Her articles in The Spectator, her hometown newspaper, changed how people perceive virtual reality. She connects her readers to the facts while providing them a voice to understand the challenges of being an entrepreneur in the digital world.

Related Articles

Latest Articles

From our Publishing Partners