MEMBER SPOTLIGHT KANSAS AUTOMOBILE DEALERS ASSOCIATION
SHIFTING GEARS IN THE MOTOR VEHICLE INDUSTRY By Jewlissa Frickey, editor, KSAE magazine
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ince 1932, the Kansas Automobile Dealers Association (KADA) has been dedicated to the goal of promoting better business conditions for those engaged in the motor vehicle industry through advocacy, education and regulatory compliance. As a political, economic and educational association created for Kansas dealers by Kansas dealers, it has continued to be managed by Kansas dealers who are dedicated to protecting the interests and increasing the value of automotive dealerships throughout the state. KADA offers a variety of services and products to its members, from insurance products to dealership supplies. “KADA established the Kansas Automobile Dealers Association Workers Compensation Insurance Fund in 1991, which now ensures over two-thirds of our membership,” said KADA President Don McNeely. “To date, the fund has returned over $15.7 million in surplus reserves to the membership and has collected over $77 million in premiums.” Additionally, KADA provides educational programs, such as title service training for Kansas dealerships and its title clerks in order to give customers the ultimate buying experience.
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There are many aspects to a dealership that are impacted under the Kansas Capitol. “Like other state trade associations, KADA advocates on behalf of the industry it represents by continuing to educate the members of the Kansas Legislature and the various state regulatory agencies on our issues and challenges,” said McNeely. “It is very important that each legislator understands what their vote on our industry means and how it affects their local dealer.” Like many other industries, the retail motor vehicle industry has faced a lot of changes. This includes changes prior to the pandemic, for instance consolidation and the move to e-commerce, as well as those prompted or accelerated by the pandemic, such as various operating restrictions and revised business practices. Beyond the pandemic-related changes, KADA is excited about the steps toward new technologies in the industry. “There is a ton of buzz about new technologies, from electric vehicles to autonomous vehicles, buying cars online or concierge options for service and repairs, to name a few,” said McNeely. “Automakers bringing new EV’s to the market continued on page 22
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