In today’s episode of Inside Automotive, Jim Appleton and Laura Perrotta of the New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers (NJ CAR) join us to discuss the evolution of NJ CAR and their vision for dealers in the state.
Appleton, the organization’s president since 1997, is stepping down after nearly three decades of leadership and passing the torch to Perrotta. Perrotta is a seasoned government affairs professional with extensive experience in the automotive and transportation sectors.
Appleton’s tenure has been marked by the auto industry’s transformative evolution. Appleton has led NJ CAR through some of its most challenging eras, from navigating the rise of the internet in the 1990s to confronting economic downturns, direct sales challenges, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Reflecting on his proudest accomplishments, Appleton highlighted the organization’s success in defending the franchise dealership model against threats from direct-to-consumer sales. He proudly notes how dealers have consistently proven to be incredibly resilient and credits the enduring strength of the franchise model for benefiting consumers, manufacturers, and dealers alike.
Perrotta steps into her role with a wealth of expertise. A former lobbyist with the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), she has spent years advocating for dealers and transportation issues, most recently leading the American Truck Dealers division.
Among her immediate priorities is addressing the state’s recall legislation to ensure fair compensation for dealers. Additionally, Perrotta is preparing to confront electric vehicle (EV) mandates, such as the Advanced Clean Trucks regulation and the ACC2 initiative, which pose significant challenges for dealerships and consumers. She emphasized the importance of balancing EV adoption with affordability and infrastructure readiness.
Another pressing issue is NJ CAR’s ongoing battle against Scout Motors‘ efforts to sell vehicles directly to consumers. Perrotta, with Appleton’s continued guidance as a transitional advisor, is ready to defend the franchise model. With Appleton leaving behind a strong foundation, Perrotta is poised to lead NJ CAR through this new chapter, ensuring the organization remains a steadfast advocate for New Jersey’s automotive retailers.
"In regards to Scout and their efforts in direct sales, we're not going to have it in New Jersey. We're going to fight tooth and nail." – Laura Perrotta
