SO U THEASTEDITION
AUTOBODY AL / FL / GA / MS / NC / SC / TN / VA / WV
AL Senator Jones’ Legislation Would Delay Auto Tariffs by Adam Powell, Selma Times-Journal
U.S. Sen. Doug Jones, D-AL, along with Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-TN, reintroduced the Automotive Jobs Act Jan. 15, which would delay the 25 percent tariff on imported vehicles and auto parts proposed by President Donald Trump, according to a press release from Jones’ office. In May of 2018, Trump directed the U.S. Department of Commerce to investigate if imported automobiles and parts pose a national security threat to the United States and, subsequently, to levy tariffs. The investigation is slated to be complete in February, when a recommendation
will be presented to the president. The bipartisan legislation proposed by Jones would require the International Trade Commission (ITC) to conduct a study on the “well-being, health and vitality” of the nation’s automotive industry before tariffs could be implemented. “Automobile tariffs are nothing but new taxes on American consumers and only serve to threaten an industry that is vital to Alabama’s economy and supports 57,000 good jobs,” Jones said in the press release, noting that he recently met with representatives from Alabama’s four major automakers. “As the son of a steelworker, I know See AL Senator Jones’, Page 6
2,200 Attendees Hit the City by the Bay for 2019 NADA Show by Ed Attanasio
This year, more than 2,200 industry professionals attended the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show from Jan. 24–27 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, CA. U.S. and international new car dealers, commercial truck dealers, automaker executives and allied industry professionals from 37 countries converged in the City by the Bay for four days of work and fun. At the start of the show, NADA forecasted sales of 16.8 million new
37 YEARS
AUTOBODYNEWS.COM Vol. 10 / Issue 1 / March 2019
9 Indicted for Racketeering, 1 for Theft After Dealership, Collision Center Break-Ins in GA by Amanda LaBrot, WTOC 11
A Chatham County, GA, grand jury indicted nine people accused of violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act and one person accused of theft by receiving stolen property after 41 cars were stolen from eight Savannah, GA, dealerships and collision centers in 2017. “Starting in December 2017, the gang unit began an investigation into several auto thefts and car dealership burglaries, and through a year-long investigation in collaboration with the DA’s office, we were able to bring forth an indictment last week,” said Savannah Police Sgt. Jonathan Puhala. “It was 71 counts involving nine defendants.” Jarquail Dixon, Saviaya Robinson, Nayquan McFarlin, Brandon
Jenkins, Ricardo Ferguson, Kaiwan Grant, James Hill, Lonzell Chisholm and Jamie Ellis are accused of violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. Each faces additional charges ranging from burglary, entering auto, financial transaction card fraud and theft by taking. “These defendants worked together to further their criminal enterprise of stealing cars and breaking into cars,” Sgt. Puhala said. “They weren’t necessarily gang members, but at the beginning of the investigation, we didn’t know that. We went where the investigation led us, and that led us to a RICO indictment.” A tenth person, Larry Young, isn’t included in the RICO charge, but is accused in the indictment of See 9 Indicted, Page 12
New ASA Executive Director Ray Fisher Shares His Goals for the Industry by Chasidy Rae Sisk
UpdatePromise was on hand in full force to unveil new products and meet with current clients. (l to r) Owner/CEO Curtis Nixon, merchant services manager Krista Lucchino, product specialist Bridgette Amador, product specialist Taylor Su, marketing manager Jennifer Marmolejo and sales rep Adam Guizado See 2019 NADA Show, Page 26
Recently appointed Automotive Service Association (ASA) Executive Director Ray Fisher held a press conference on Thursday, Jan. 10 to provide some information on his plans and goals as he transitions into his new leadership responsibilities. “I’m excited to bring my background into this role, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity,” Fisher stated. “We definitely want to engage our membership more. We want to listen to our members and provide venues for quicker availability. All facets of the industry across the globe are caught in different demographics and attempting to reach their constituents. We plan to utilize different mediums and platforms to reach ASA’s membership. My main goal is to represent my customer; our memberships are
our customers, and it’s important that we represent them well.” Fisher emphasized the association’s focus on its mission statement: to enhance the professionalism of the industry.
“I believe our industry is made up of a bunch of professionals, and ASA represents that professional group,” he said. “That was our foundation in 1951 and continues to be today. We plan to take that into 2019 and listen to our membership, enhancing our interactions and commuSee ASA Executive Director, Page 22
PERMIT #288 ANAHEIM, CA
PAID
Change Service Requested P.O. BOX 1516, CARLSBAD, CA 92018
PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE