ACV offers a comprehensive array of inspection tools, condition reports, data, and services designed to maximize your profits while eliminating surprises. With thousands of cars available in our inventory every day you can always find the right vehicle to turn a higher profit for your dealership.
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TIADA Board of Directors
PRESIDENT
Eddie Hale/Neighborhood Autos PO Box 1719
Decatur, TX 76234
PRESIDENT ELECT
Vicki Davis/A-OK Auto Sales 23980 FM 1314 Porter, TX 77365
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
Ryan Winkelmann/BJ’s Autohaus 5005 Telephone Road Houston, TX 77087
SECRETARY
Greg Phea/Austin Rising Fast 8024 IH 35 North Austin, TX 78753
TREASURER
Brad Kalivoda/Fiesta Motors 2599 74th Street Lubbock, TX 79423
VICE PRESIDENT, WEST TEXAS (REGION 1)
Cesar Stark/S&S Motors 7699 Alameda Ave. El Paso, TX 77915
VICE PRESIDENT, FORT WORTH (REGION 2)
Tyler Simmons/Abilene Used Car Sales, Inc. 2150 N. 1st Street Abilene, TX 79603
VICE PRESIDENT, DALLAS (REGION 3)
Greg Reine/Auto Liquidators 39670 LBJ Freeway Dallas, TX 75237
VICE PRESIDENT, HOUSTON (REGION 4)
Lowell Rogers/11th Street Motors 1355 N 11th St, Beaumont, TX 77702
VICE PRESIDENT, CENTRAL TEXAS (REGION 5)
Chad Lancaster/Chacon Autos 11800 E. Northwest Hwy Dallas, TX 75218
VICE PRESIDENT, SOUTH TEXAS (REGION 6)
Cesar Torres/Lofi Motors 4634 Ayers St. Corpus Christi, TX 78415
VICE
Smokey and the Bandit
Smokey and the Bandit
On the Road
Taxi Driver
Smokey and the Bandit
Taxi Driver
Death Proof
Drive
Smokey and the Bandit
Smokey and the Bandit
Drive
Road
Mad Mad: Fury Road
Mad Mad: Fury Road
The French Connection
The French Connection
Christine
Thanks to everyone who played along and submitted their March Madness Bracket. Congratulations to the winner, Shawn Ramon from Superior Auto Sales in Beeville , who scored 48 points! Above is the final bracket where Smokey and the Bandit prevails as the best movie about cars and driving.
Bullitt Le Mans Mad Max: Fury Road Vanishing Point Rush Senna Drive Grand Prix The French Connection Duel Thelma and Louise Christine Bullitt Mad Max: Fury RushAs an Independent dealer, I always strive to incorporate the latest technological advancements into my stores’ operations. From trying AI chatbot leads on our website to exploring automatic photo backgrounding for inventory, I enjoy seeing industry innovations and trying new things out! The recent advances in fintech are of particular interest to me due to the utility a good solution can offer.
Financial technology, or ‘fintech,’ are digital products and services developed to improve and automate the delivery and access to financial and lending services for customers, banks, and lenders. For used car dealerships, fintech products target inefficiencies in areas like loan approvals, payments, and overall sales experience. It is remarkable how much accessibility and ease of access the different fintech solutions have offered customers and dealerships in only the past few years.
I have personally experienced the benefits of easier and speedier retail transactions with fintech products. Having a customer complete the credit application and documents with an idea of what sort of payment they expect before even picking up the phone to ask is
by Greg Phea Austin Rising Fast (Austin) TIADA SECRETARY
incredibly valuable. Customers come into the showroom (if they choose) more prepared, more confident, and (more often than not) completely approved and ready for contracting. Not all deals are provided to us in this exact way, however, as not every consumer is prepared or familiar with the digital retailing type of application. Still, there is a growing number of customers who prefer a seamless, digital, and showroom-free experience. During and after the pandemic, we have all seen an uptick in customers requesting home delivery and electronic contracting. Finding solutions to improve those customers’ experiences is paramount if we want to continue to capture this growing customer segment.
The expansion of online retailing has not only helped capture this growing segment of customers, but it has also turned out to be an incredibly beneficial decision for some of the largest dealer groups in North America.
These innovations are transforming the buying experience and creating a more secure and transparent used car market. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more exciting advancements that will redefine the way we buy and sell pre-owned vehicles.
Online retailing has helped capture a growing segment of customers and proven incredibly beneficial to dealers.
*
ALLIANCE AUTO AUCTION ABILENE**
www.allianceautoauction.com
6657 US Highway 80 West, Abilene, TX 79605 325.698.4391
GM: Brandon Denison
Friday, 9:45 a.m.
$AVE : $200
www.iaai.com
7700 US 277, Hawley, TX 79601
325.675.0699
GM: Shaun Lemke
Thursday, 9:30 a.m.
$AVE : up to $200 Sell Fee
Amarillo
DAX of AMARILLO**
www.daxofamarillo.com
3208 SE 10th Ave., Amarillo, TX 79104
806.374.8982
GM: Kelsy Allen
Every Tuesday, 11:00 a.m.
$AVE : $200
IAA AMARILLO*
www.iaai.com
11150 S. FM 1541, Amarillo, TX 79118 806.622.1322
GM: Shawn Norris
Monday, 9:30 a.m.
$AVE : up to $200 Sell Fee
Austin
ADESA AUSTIN**
www.adesa.com
2108 Ferguson Ln., Austin, TX 78754
512.873.4000
GM: Michele Arguijo
Tuesday, 9:30 a.m.
$AVE : $200
ALLIANCE AUTO AUCTION AUSTIN**
www.allianceautoauction.com
1550 CR 107, Hutto, TX 78634
737.300.6300
GM: Brad Wilson
Thursday, 9:15 a.m.
$AVE : $200
www.americasaa.com
16611 S. IH-35, Buda, TX 78610
512.268.6600
GM: Jamie McCollum
Tuesday, 1:00 p.m. / Thursday, 1:00 p.m.
$AVE : $200
www.americasaa.com
8408 Shoal Creek Blvd., Austin, TX 78757 214.483.3597
GM: Sara Edgington
Friday and Every Other Thursday, 11:00 a.m.
$AVE : $200
www.iaai.com
2191 Highway 21 West, Dale, TX 78616
512.385.3126
GM: Rick Hahn
Tuesday, 9:30 a.m.
$AVE : up to $200 Sell Fee
www.metroautoauction.com
2221 Hwy 21 W., Dale, TX 78616
512.282.7900
GM: Brent Rhodes
3rd Saturday monthly, 9:00 a.m.
$AVE : $200
www.corpuschristiautoauction.com
2149 IH-69 Access Road, Corpus Christi, TX 78380
361.767.4100
GM: Hunter Dunn
Friday, 10:00 a.m.
$AVE : $200
www.iaai.com
4701 Agnes Street, Corpus Christi, TX 78405 361.881.9555
GM: Patricia Kohlstrand
Wednesday, 9:30 a.m.
$AVE : up to $200 Sell Fee
www.adesa.com
3501 Lancaster-Hutchins Rd., Hutchins, TX 75141 972.225.6000
GM: Eric Jenkins
Thursday, 9:30 a.m.
$AVE : $200
www.allianceautoauction.com
9426 Lakefield Blvd., Dallas, TX 75220
214.646.3136
GM: Robert Kersh
Wednesday, 12:30 p.m.
$AVE : $200
www.americasaa.com
219 N. Loop 12, Irving, TX 75061 972.445.1044
GM: Ruben Figueroa
Tuesday, 12:00 p.m. / Thursday, 12:30 p.m.
$AVE : $200
www.daxofrockwall.com
1810 E I-30, Rockwall, TX 75087 972.771.9919
GM: Tim Clement
Tuesday, 6:00 p.m. / Thursday, 2:00 p.m.
$AVE : $200
www.iaai.com
204 Mars Rd., Wilmer, TX 75172
972.525.6401
GM: Terrie Smith
Wednesday, 9:30 a.m.
$AVE : up to $200 Sell Fee
www.iaai.com
4226 East Main St., Grand Prairie, TX 75050 972.522.5000
GM: Julissa Reyes
Monday, 9:30 a.m.
$AVE : up to $200 Sell Fee
www.iaai.com
3748 McPherson Dr., Justin, TX 76247 940.648.5541
GM: Jack Panczyk
Tuesday, 9:30 a.m.
$AVE : up to $200 Sell Fee
www.manheim.com
5333 W. Kiest Blvd., Dallas, TX 75236
214.330.1800
GM: Rich Curtis
Tuesday 9:30am / Wednesday, 9:00 a.m.
$AVE : $100
www.manheim.com
12101 Trinity Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76040 817.399.4000
GM: Glenna Bishop
Thursday, 9:30 a.m.
$AVE : $100
METRO AUTO AUCTION DALLAS**
www.metroaa.com
1836 Midway Road, Lewisville, TX 75056 972.492.0900
GM: Scott Stalder
Tuesday, 9:30 a.m.
$AVE : $200
El Paso
AMERICA’S AUTO AUCTION EL PASO
www.aaaelpaso.com
7930 Artcraft Rd., El Paso, TX 79932 915.587.6700
GM: Judith Ayub
Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. MST
$AVE : $200
IAA EL PASO*
www.iaai.com
14651 Gateway Blvd. W, El Paso, TX 79927 915.852.2489
GM: Hector Escobar
Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. MST
$AVE : up to $200 Sell Fee
MANHEIM EL PASO**
www.manheim.com
485 Coates Drive, El Paso, TX 79932
915.833.9333
GM: JD Guerrero
Thursday, 10:00 a.m. MST
$AVE : $100
Harlingen/McAllen
IAA M c ALLEN*
www.iaai.com
900 N. Hutto Road, Donna, TX 78537 956.464.8393
GM: Ydalia Sandoval
Tuesday, 9:30 a.m.
$AVE : up to $200 Sell Fee
BIG VALLEY AUTO AUCTION**
www.bigvalleyaa.com
4315 N. Hutto Road, Donna, TX 78537 956.461.9000
GM: Lisa Franz
Thursday, 9:30 a.m.
$AVE : $200
Houston ADESA HOUSTON**
www.adesa.com
4526 N. Sam Houston, Houston, TX 77086 281.580.1800
GM: Keyvan Nayeri
Wednesday, 9:30 a.m.
$AVE : $200
AMERICA’S AA HOUSTON**
www.americasaa.com
1826 Almeda Genoa Rd., Houston, TX 77047
281.819.3600
GM: Kyle Drake
Thursday, 2:00 p.m.
$AVE : $200
AMERICA’S AA NORTH HOUSTON**
www.americasaa.com
1440 FM 3083, Conroe, TX 77301 936.441.2882
GM: Buddy Cheney
Tuesday, 1:00 p.m.
$AVE : $200
AUTONATION AUTO AUCTION - HOUSTON**
www.autonationautoauction.com
608 W. Mitchell Road, Houston, TX 77037 855.905.2622
GM: Juan Gallo
Friday, 9:15 a.m.
$AVE : $200
HOUSTON AUTO AUCTION**
www.houstonautoauction.com
2000 Cavalcade, Houston, TX 77009
713.644.5566
GM: Rich Levene
Tuesday, 12:00 p.m.
$AVE : $200
IAA HOUSTON*
www.iaai.com
2535 West. Mt. Houston, Houston, TX 77038 281.847.4700
GM: Alvin Banks
Wednesday, 9:30 a.m.
$AVE : up to $200 Sell Fee
IAA HOUSTON NORTH*
www.iaai.com
16602 East Hardy Rd., Houston-North, TX 77032 281.443.1300
GM: Aracelia Palacios
Thursday, 9:30 a.m.
$AVE : up to $200 Sell Fee
IAA HOUSTON SOUTH*
www.iaai.com
2839 E. FM 1462, Rosharon, TX 77583
281.369.1010
GM: Roxy Castillo
Friday, 9:30 a.m.
$AVE : up to $200 Sell Fee
www.manheim.com
14450 West Road, Houston, TX 77041 281.890.4300
GM: Nick Hanson
Tuesday, 9:30 a.m.
$AVE : $100
www.manheim.com
8215 Kopman Road, Houston, TX 77061 713.649.8233
GM: Darren Slack
Thursday, 9:00 a.m.
$AVE : $100
Longview
ALLIANCE AUTO AUCTION LONGVIEW**
www.allianceautoauction.com
6000 SE Loop 281, Longview, TX 75602 903.212.2955
GM: Billy Fitzgerald
Friday, 9:30 a.m.
$AVE : $200
IAA LONGVIEW*
www.iaai.com
5577 Highway 80 East, Longview, TX 75605 903.553.9248
GM: Ulysses Else
Thursday, 9:30 a.m.
$AVE : up to $200 Sell Fee
Lubbock
AMERICAS AA LONE STAR LUBBOCK**
www.americasaa.com
2706 E. Slaton Road., Lubbock, TX 79404 806.745.6606
GM: Dale Martin
Wednesday, 9:00 a.m
$AVE : $75/Quarterly
IAA LUBBOCK*
www.iaai.com
5311 N. CR 2000, Lubbock, TX 79415 806.747.5458
GM: Chris Foster
Tuesday, 9:30 a.m.
$AVE : up to $200 Sell Fee
Lufkin
LUFKIN DEALERS AUTO AUCTION
www.lufkindealers.com
2109 N. John Reddit Dr., Lufkin, TX 75904 936.632.4299
GM: Wayne Cook
Thursday, 5:30 p.m.
$AVE : $200
Midland Odessa
IAA PERMIAN BASIN*
www.iaai.com
701 W. 81st Street, Odessa, TX 79764 432.550.7277
GM: Sheila Gray
Thursday, 9:30 a.m.
$AVE : up to $200 Sell Fee
www.adesa.com
200 S. Callaghan Rd., San Antonio, TX 78227
210.434.4999
GM: Clifton Sprenger
Thursday, 9:00 a.m.
$AVE : $200
www.iaai.com
11275 S. Zarzamora, San Antonio, TX 78224 210.628.6770
GM: Paula Booker
Monday, 9:30 a.m.
$AVE : up to $200 Sell Fee
www.manheim.com
2042 Ackerman Road, San Antonio, TX 78219 210.661.4200
GM: Mike Browning
Wednesday, 9:00 a.m.
$AVE : $100
www.sanantonioautoauction.com
13510 Toepperwein Rd., San Antonio, TX 78233 210.298.5477
GM: Brandon Walston
Tuesday, 9:00 a.m
$AVE : $200
www.greatertyleraa.com
11654 Hwy 64W, Tyler, TX 75704 903.597.2800
GM: Daylon Waynick
Tuesday, 5:00 p.m.
$AVE : $200
www.allianceautoauction.com
15735 I-35 Frontage Road, Elm Mott, TX 76640 254.829.0123
GM: Christina Thomas
Friday, 9:45 a.m.
$AVE : $200
www.daxofwichitafalls.com
2206 Sheppard Access Rd., Wichita Falls, TX 76306 940.720.0435
GM: Lisa Shelton
Every Other Wednesday, 5:00 p.m.
$AVE : $200
Download the TIADA App
Download the TIADA App
Step 1) Search for "TXIADA"
Step 2) Download the App
Step 3) Create Your
Step 4)
I’m sure you’ve heard much about House Bill 718.
Some of it is true, some is made up, and some we don’t understand! One thing for sure is that all Texas Dealers will be required to use the Texas DMV webDEALER system to process title transfers effective July 2025.
Texas title transfers have recently changed with the passing of House Bill 718 (HB718). This legislation mandates the use of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles’ (TxDMV) webDEALER system for most title applications by licensed dealerships.
webDEALER is a web-based system designed to expedite title transfers by facilitating communication between dealerships and local tax assessor-collector offices. By electronically submitting title applications through webDEALER, tax offices can process paperwork significantly faster compared to traditional paperbased methods. This translates to quicker turnaround times for dealerships and their customers.
The mandated adoption of webDEALER presents a win-win situation for both tax offices and dealerships aiming to reduce wait times and improve efficiency.
Despite the limitations, HB718 presents an opportunity for dealerships to improve their title transfer processes. Here’s how dealers can adapt:
Embrace Efficiency: Evaluate your current workflow and explore webDEALER’s potential benefits. Adopting webDEALER can significantly reduce wait times and improve customer satisfaction if it aligns with your needs.
Data Accuracy Matters: Ensure the completeness and accuracy of paperwork submitted to your local tax office. Incomplete applications lead to delays, impacting both the dealership and the customer. Remember, state law protects dealerships that submit complete paperwork on time, even if the tax office takes longer to process due to internal backlogs. Explore webDEALER : For dealerships that haven’t yet adopted webDEALER, contact your local tax office to initiate the signup process. Training resources are readily available on the TxDMV website at http://www.txdmv.gov/dealers/webdealer
Hon. John R. Ames, CTA, PCC Dallas County Tax Assessor/Collector
Dallas County and the TxDMV partnered to develop training information regarding the webDEALER program and how you can get started using it. Let’s start out with some general Questions and Answers:
1 webDEALER is a new program.
False! webDEALER has been around for over ten years. Dallas County was an early adopter of the program and developed an Operations Department within its Motor Vehicle Division to process webDEALER transactions.
2 webDEALER is only for franchise dealerships .
False! ALL Texas dealerships can utilize webDEALER to process title transfers.
3 You must have a Dealer Management System (DMS) to use webDEALER.
False! The webDEALER program is compatible with many DMS programs, and it can also be utilized directly by a dealer.
4 To use webDEALER, I must be able to ACH or wire funds to the Tax Office.
False! Payment options are determined by each Tax Assessor/Collector. In Dallas, we offer the ability to ACH/wire funds or provide a check.
5 webDEALER is hard!
False! It’s not hard to use, but you must start using it for yourself to figure that out!
I know what you’re all saying... Let’s wait until the TxDMV completes all the HB718 rules to start using webDEALER. Or let’s wait until July 2025, when it’s
required to start using webDEALER. I STRONGLY urge you not to wait. You can start using webDEALER today. There will be some minor changes to the program once the HB718 rules are finalized. Then again, there are minor changes to all systems all the time. If you wait to get signed up and start learning the system, then you’ll be caught with everyone else who waited, and it will take a lot longer to get your team up and running. Reach out to your Tax Assessor and ask how you can get started using the system. For more information about webDEALER training, visit the TxDMV website at https://www.txdmv. gov/calendar. If you’re a Dallas County Dealer, reach out to us at web.dealer@dallascounty.org to sign up for one of our in-person training sessions.
Let’s not be afraid… Come One, Come All, and get started with webDEALER!
Dallas County is the second-largest county in Texas and the ninth-largest county in the country. Each year, the Dallas County Tax Office registers over 2.2 million vehicles, approximately 10% of all vehicles in the State. Additionally, they work with over 2,500 dealerships, titling over 700,000 titles annually. John R. Ames has served as the Dallas County Tax Assessor/Collector since January 2009. Dallas County Tax Assessor Collector staff will be presenting on webDEALER on Tuesday, July 23, during the TIADA Annual Conference and Expo.
The TIADA Website: txiada.org
Members can log in with their username/password and access our Dealer Member Directory, Legislative Action Center, Compliance Consultation Service and much more. Register for all upcoming TIADA events online through the Calendar of Events, access our online membership application, find contact information for all our Local Chapters, and access many additional resources through our Knowledge Base.
License Renewal
Certificate
TexasDealerEducation.com
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles 888.368.4689 txdmv.gov
Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner
800.538.1579
occc.texas.gov
Texas Comptroller
800.252.1382
comptroller.texas.gov
NIADA
817-640-3838
niada.com
REPOSSESSIONS
American Recovery Association
972.755.4755
repo.org or contact
TIADA state office
FORMS
Burrell Printing
512.990.1188
burrellprinting.com
Presented by
Brent Carmichael Executive Conference Moderator, 20 Groups, NCM Associates, Inc.
This has been one of the most challenging years in the Buy Here, Pay Here industry . Dealers are finding that every collection opportunity needs to be capitalized on and that’s where this seminar can help. Collect The Cash, Not The Car is designed to help you and your collection teams maximize your collection opportunities.
We have put together a very strong course outline that includes a wide array of role playing , classroom learning and interactive activities that will allow your collection team to soak up the information and come back to your dealership ready to collect the cash and not the car
May 15, 2024
{Applications and/or any required documents received after May 15, 2024 will NOT be accepted.}
Criteria and Guidelines
1. Each applicant must be entering or currently enrolled in an accredited college or a trade school. Proof of enrollment must be included with this application.
2. Each applicant must provide a letter from their TIADA member sponsor that includes the sponsor’s address and phone number.
3. Each applicant must complete the application form.
4. A copy of high school transcripts is required for applicants who are college freshmen. If applicant is currently enrolled, provide college transcripts with official university imprint.
5. Provide a detailed description of participation in any academic, honorary, civic or extracurricular activities in college. In addition, a detailed description of high school activities is required from college freshmen along with a college acceptance letter.
6. Compose an essay of no more than two typed, double-spaced 8 ½” x 11” pages. The essay should discuss the applicant’s relationship with their TIADA scholarship sponsor, current education goals and future aspirations as it relates to the applicant’s subject/training area.
7. Provide at least two (but no more than three) letters of recommendation, no older than one year, from college/high school faculty, employers or other appropriate sources (not related).
Date:
Name: DOB:
Address:
City: State: Zip:
Email:
(You will receive an email confirmation of receipt.)
Telephone Number:
High School Last Attended:
Address:
City: State: Zip:
Dates of Attendance:
Date of Graduation:
Other High Schools Attended (Names and Addresses):
College(s) you are attending or plan to attend for admission:
Parents Name(s):
TIADA Member Name (Sponsor):
TIADA Member Company Name:
TIADA Member Address:
City:
Sponsor Signature
State: Zip:
Should you have any questions, please contact TIADA at 512.244.6060. Please return the completed application with all required documents to:
TIADA
Attention: Scholarship Applications
9951 Anderson Mill Rd. Suite 101, Austin, TX 78750
The Texas Quality Dealer of the Year designation is the highest honor awarded to a TIADA member each year. The association will recognize our state Quality Dealer at the conference in July. The candidates for this award should demonstrate exceptional business ethics, professionalism, service to TIADA, and all-around good citizenship. The TIADA winner will be eligible for the National Quality Dealer Award, which will be presented at the NIADA Convention next year. The nomination deadline for 2024 is April 22nd.
The Independent Award is given to an individual outside of the industry (i.e. politicians, media members, non-industry supporters) who have gone above and beyond in their support of the industry and shown a truly independent spirit. Compiled
In 2015, our academic scholarship was formally renamed the Marvin Norwood Scholarship, in honor of Hall of Fame inductee Marvin Norwood from Abilene Auto Sales. Marvin, who passed away in 2013, was an avid supporter of the scholarship program. $1,000 in financial assistance will be awarded to a deserving applicant who is entering or currently enrolled in an accredited college or a trade school. The application and required documents must be received by May 15th.
Nominations for these awards can be done online. Visit www.txiada.org for more information and to submit your nomination. There you can also find the application for the Marvin Norwood Scholarship (also see page 12).
Go ahead, nominate someone today!
Dealer Question: My lien never got recorded on the title certificate of a vehicle I financed. I just found out the buyer has an original title certificate. What do I do now?
Answer: It depends on whose fault it was that the lien was dropped (the dealer, the tax office, or the state), and how much time has passed since the free-and-clear title certificate was issued.
One of the most disheartening calls I can get from a buy-here-pay-here dealer involves the discovery that the dealer’s lien was somehow left off a title certificate. Inevitably, the credit purchaser/debtor receives a free-and-clear title certificate from the state, and often immediately sells the vehicle or takes out a loan against it from a “cash-for-title” business or other lender.
In TIADA dealer-training sessions, an important topic is the importance of verifying that liens are recorded in the state’s title system. Based on the number of transactions handled by county tax offices and the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV), it’s inevitable that some glitches will occur. By taking appropriate steps at the time of transfer the dropped lien situation can be avoided.
The direct result of a dropped lien — regardless of whose fault it is — is that a negotiable, free-and-clear title certificate will be sent directly to the purchaser/debtor who is listed on the transfer information. That purchaser might, upon receipt of the title, bring the oversight to the attention of the creditor and offer to return the lien-free title. Or, as is
by Michael W. Dunagan TIADA COUNSEL
In the sub-prime universe, and especially with the BHPH industry, the creditor’s lien is everything. If that is an exaggeration, it’s not much of one. In a debtor-friendly state like Texas, the ability to collect money on a contract from an unwilling obligor, without the collateral, is next to impossible.
often the case based on the dealer calls I get, choose to take advantage of the situation by trying to turn the title into cash. There will often be a statement from the debtor to the effect that: “I have free-and-clear title; therefore, I have paid the vehicle off.” It’s always an eye-opener when the losses that have been suffered by dropped liens are described in dealer training sessions. One dealer who heard my message at a seminar immediately started a program of
checking liens on title-transfer applications and on title receipts. Since she began checking, she told me, she had encountered six cases where liens had been dropped or incorrect names or addresses had been entered as to the lienholder.
One of the themes of dealer education is the importance of the vehicle lien to car creditors. In the sub-prime universe, and especially with the BHPH industry, the creditor’s lien is everything. If that is an
For online registration and information, see www.txiada.org
May
6 Collect the Cash, Not the Car
San Antonio, TX
OTHER TIADA EVENTS
April
29 Board of Directors Meeting
Austin, TX
30 Townhall
Austin, TX
July
21 Board of Directors Meeting
JW Marriott Hill Country Resort
San Antonio, TX
21-23 TIADA Conference and Expo
JW Marriott Hill Country Resort
San Antonio, TX
exaggeration, it’s not much of one. In a debtor-friendly state like Texas, the ability to collect money on a contract from an unwilling obligor, without the collateral, is next to impossible. While some car creditors will file suit against a sub-prime debtor for a deficiency balance, or for indebtedness owed after the collateral is totaled, for instance, most creditors know that
to have one or more employees responsible for verifying that the lien does appear on the 130-U before the title package goes to the courthouse. In most of the cases I see involving lack of a lien put on the 130-U, no one checked the 130-U before it was filed.
The second point of review is when the VTR-500-RTS, or more
Regardless of the way the lien is entered, it is a very simple process to have one or more employees responsible for verifying that the lien does appear on the 130-U before the title package goes to the courthouse.
the effort to collect money from a sub-prime debtor is largely a waste of time and resources. Often, the ability to recover the collateral, or get it back through the court system, if necessary, is the only way the creditor can avoid a total loss.
There are two very important transactional steps in the titletransfer process where the dropped lien can be avoided, and a third less effective step. The first is the preparation of the title application form (or 130-U as it’s been designated by the DMV). In most cases, the 130-U is generated by dealer management software. In some DMS systems, a key-stroke is necessary to have the lien placed in the appropriate space. Others place a lien by default, requiring instead an extra step to remove it (such as in a cash sale).
Regardless of the way the lien is entered, it is a very simple process
commonly, the “white slip,” is issued. The title-transfer receipt issued by the County Tax Assessor-Collector to prove that the transfer has taken place is a multi-purpose document that is chock full of information that can be used to protect a car seller or creditor, and can also be used to establish legal and regulatory violations. The information that appears on the receipt includes lien information, registration and license fees paid, sales taxes paid (or deferred), and the date of transfer of title.
Often, if the dropped lien is discovered by reviewing the white slip, a quick correction can be made by bringing the error to the attention of the tax-office employee. Even if the discovery is made after the paperwork gets back to the dealership, there is still be time to have it corrected before it’s shipped to the state. A third, but less effective step, would be to have files flagged in which the title certificate has not yet
come in from the state. When the title comes in, the flag is removed. When a file remains flagged beyond the time the title certificate usually comes back from the state, some follow-up should be performed to get assurance that the lien has been properly recorded. But the more time that passes before discovery of the problem, the harder it is to get the genie back into the bottle.
All of the misery of a dropped lien can be avoided by the institution of one sacred, unbending rule. It should be the responsibility of a designated dealership employee to review all title-transfer applications for the presence of lien information before they go to the tax office, and to review receipts that are returned to the dealership to confirm that liens have been listed. (Additionally, the court-house runner should check for the appearance of the lien on the receipt while still at the courthouse.)
What are the options available to the lien holder if a lien gets dropped?
Obviously, the best-case scenario is that the dropped lien would be discovered by a review of the white slip while still at the tax office.
Correcting the error before the defective paperwork goes to the state for issuance of the title certificate eliminates any risk of a negotiable title ending up in the wrong hands.
If the incorrect title certificate has already been issued by the state when the problem is discovered, it becomes more difficult to correct. In situations where the county dropped the ball (or lien, in this case), we have found that the state will typically correct the error at no charge. That is, a corrected title will be issued and sent to the lien holder, and a letter will be sent notifying the current title holder (and
new lienholder, if there is one) that the title issued in error is no longer valid. While it may still be necessary to seek legal process to get the car back, the corrected title and lien notation greatly simplify the legal requirements.
Texas law provides that the filing of a title transfer application showing a lien, along with payment of all the required fees, establishes the effective date of the lien, and that the lien becomes “perfected,” even if the state’s title and lien database doesn’t reflect the lien until a later time. This fact becomes very important in a situation where a third-party claim is made against a vehicle in the period of time after a proper transfer is filed but before the lien shows up on the state’s records. The date of the lien shown on the title application receipt is of upmost importance.
If the lien was dropped because of an omission by the dealer, however,
the state will require that a lawsuit be filed against the state, and a court order obtained directing the state to correct the title. Additionally, those innocent third parties who bought the vehicle, or loaned money on the title, if they have perfected their ownership and/or lien status by filing with the state, will probably have a superior claim. This is because the lack of the dealer’s lien on the original title was the direct result of the negligence of the dealer.
How about the claim of the debtor that since he received a free-andclear title from the state, his account is paid and he owes nothing on the car? What is overlooked here is that the debtor signed a contract promising to pay. Even if he possesses a clear title, he would be in default if he stopped paying or insuring the vehicle. The dealer does have the right to repossess from the debtor in case of default. This right, however, may be complicated by the fact that police officers or other officials might not understand the role of contracts and dropped liens and might tend to look solely to the title certificate held by the debtor. And, as we’ve discussed above, the entry of a third party to the situation will create further complications.
Fortunately, all of these problems can be avoided. Every dealer can easily install the three-pronged verification process and never suffer from a dropped lien.
It would indeed be nice if I never again had to take a call in which the dealer laments that “somehow my lien got dropped and my customer got a clear title.”
Michael W. Dunagan is an attorney in Dallas, Texas who has represented the Texas Independent Automobile Dealers Association for over 45 years. He has written a number of books and hundreds of articles for trade journals and law reviews. His clientele includes dealers, banks, finance companies, auto auctions and credit unions.
by Randy Barone VP of Business Development at ACV
Millennials and Gen Z have revolutionized the way we shop. Is your dealership ready?
Millennials and Gen Z have revolutionized the way we shop. Is your dealership ready? As with all generations, they gather information in unique ways and have their own priorities when selecting a vehicle. But these two younger segments of the market also have some unique habits and features. Since these two generations make up a large portion of the current and upcoming markets, it’s important for dealers to understand what they want and expect from their car shopping experience. This way, you can more effectively advertise to them and adjust your customer service to reach savvy new buyers.
Millennials are the generation born between the early 1980s and mid1990s. They make up the largest portion of the automotive market because they’re starting families and moving further away from dense urban areas with easily accessible public transportation. In order to provide millennials with the information they need to increase their confidence in a purchase, you’ll need to understand how they shop.
First and foremost, millennials grew up with an unprecedented amount of technology due to the development and mass adoption of cell phones and the modern internet. Readily available technology makes it easier for them to comparison shop — and 71% of millennial buyers will spend a significant amount of time weighing their
options. They research specifications on car maker sites, as well as third-party websites and forums, and consult text and video reviews to narrow down the pros and cons of various vehicles. Additionally, they’ll use search engines to compare vehicles’ safety ratings, pricing, and optional features.
Despite this generation’s close relationship to many different forms of media, they’re less likely to respond to traditional advertising. First-hand accounts and usergenerated content about positive or
Generating interest is crucial to reaching younger buyers, regardless of their age group. It’s important for dealers to understand what they want and expect from their car shopping experience.
negative experiences with a vehicle have a bigger impact on buyer behavior than highly produced TV commercials. Encouraging customers to submit reviews and share their stories on social media can be a far more effective way of reaching potential millennial customers.
Ultimately, this reliance on research makes millennials less likely to visit dealerships in person as part
of their shopping process. Instead, they come in with information and preferences ahead of time, ready to test drive specific vehicles rather than discover them onsite. They’re also more likely to be familiar with their financing options.
Given their extensive experience with the internet, millennials are much more comfortable ordering vehicles online, whether it’s through a virtual platform that sells and delivers vehicles without test driving or pre-ordering a new vehicle directly from the manufacturer. A positive, innovative test-driving experience can entice millennial buyers to visit a dealership, increasing the chances they’ll see cars in person that they wouldn’t be able to find online — including used vehicles.
Gen Z is made up of buyers born in the late 1990s to early 2010s, and they have their own unique preferences. While they are the newest customers in the car market, they currently make up 25% of the population and represent a significant portion of buyers, making it vital to prepare for new customers. Despite being known as the first truly digital native generation, since they’ve always grown up with cellphones and the internet, some of Gen Z’s car buying preferences may surprise you.
Like millennials, Gen Z spends a lot of time online and prefers YouTube and social media to other types of websites. However, when it comes to the car purchasing experience, this generation prefers faceto-face interactions and is more sold on a positive, supportive experience at the dealership rather than
a hard sell. They also value input from friends and family nearly as much as testimonials and reviews found online.
Differences in Gen Z preferences aren’t just about where they’re getting vehicle information or their in-person customer experience. For example, this generation ranks price and safety higher in priority than millennials, who tend to look at style and tech features. Gen Z’s focus on price may be a result of growing up in times of economic instability and more open conversations about generational wealth. They may be more inclined to consider a used vehicle for a balance of quality and price. Similarly, their emphasis on safety may be a result of increasing amounts of information about the hazards of distracted driving.
up to being interested in new and developing technologies, such as electric vehicles.
Increased awareness of safety has also made Gen Z interested in autonomous driving features. Additionally, Gen Z is likely to care about owning a vehicle that minimizes their environmental impact, which opens them
So, what does all this mean for car dealerships? For one thing, social media and data-based advertising should be integral parts of your marketing strategy. Vehicle information, user reviews, and comparison tools designed for your desktop and mobile browsers and social media apps are all valuable to younger buyers during their research process.
Understanding trends in generational preferences and individual consumers’ historical data can also help you develop and target ads and web content. Use this information to decide which features are likely to appeal to particular buyers. For millennials, you may want to highlight mobile device integration for music and GPS navigation. To reach Gen Z, focus on your team’s customer service skills and knowledge of greener, more efficient technologies. Above all, be positive, informative, and genuine to convert that online researcher to an in-person customer.
Generating interest is crucial to reaching younger buyers, regardless of their age group. Now that you know what millennials and Gen Z customers are looking for, you’re prepared to pivot your stock and sales strategy to stay ahead of the evolving automotive market.
A SUCCESSFUL APPROACH TO BECOMING A COACH INSTEAD OF A BOSS
Coaches can be tough on you, tell you hard
20
2 4 NUMBERS
20
VENDORS IN THE EXPO
120
300 + HOURS OF EDUCATION
INDEPENDENT AUTOMOBILE DEALERS IN ATTENDANCE IN 2023
Have a cup of coffee on us.
Actually, have 4 cups. Recruit a new member and we will send you a $10 gift card — and we’ll do that for the first 4 members you recruit.
Receive top-notch education.
Recruit 5 new members by June 30th and you will receive one free registration to the 2024 TIADA Conference & Expo.
Relax with the family and turn work into pleasure.
Recruit 10 new members by June 30th and you will also receive your hotel room for free (up to two nights) at the JW Marriott Hill Country Resort in San Antonio during the TIADA conference.
20 2 4
Travel to Vegas, Orlando or somewhere else!
Recruit 20 members and you will receive an all-expense trip for you and a guest to attend 2025 NIADA Convention & Expo.
The Texas License Renewal Education Course provides the ins and outs of being a dealer in Texas in a self-guided online course, available 24/7. This is the same course required by the TxDMV to renew a GDN license, so it covers all the important subjects including:
• Staying compliant with TxDMV regarding premises requirements
• Acquiring Inventory
• Temp Tags and Metal Dealer Plates
• Buyer’s Guide
• Deal Jacket Documents
• Transferring Titles
• Record Keeping
• Special Inventory Tax (VIT)
• Federal Requirements
• The OCCC
• Enforcement and Investigation
• Advertising Rules
“Great refresher course, helped me remember a lot of items that I need to be intoned with.”
“The course provides all the necessary information, links, and rules where I can find useful tools for my business.”
“If you want to learn more about a specific topic this course includes a direct link to the source you are trying to find out more information on.”
This course is perfect for managers that need an overall refresher or for the new employee that needs to be brought up to speed on all aspects of this industry in a fast, convenient and reliable way.
In addition to TxDMV’s approval, this course has been reviewed by the Tax-Assessor Collectors Association of Texas for accuracy so you’ll never have your title transfer paperwork rejected again.
To register visit TexasDealerEducation.com and select the Texas License Renewal Education Course.
“Overall, this program was great and I am happy that eLICENSING implemented this to ensure we know the basic stuff of running our dealers and running a clean ship without having to face violations or risk your license, this is awesome!”
“This is a good training course for all new dealers. It can also be recommended for old dealers as a refresher training course.”
The majority of vehicle shoppers start their journey by hopping on Google and firing off a few searches. When they’ve completed their initial research and are ready to get serious, they often call a dealership. Since a car is an expensive and highly considered purchase, buyers prefer to ask questions and get reassurance from a human agent.
As ad spend continues to rise in 2024, leading automotive marketers are taking a data-driven approach to their inbound calls. With insights from a conversation intelligence solution, they can ensure they’re making the most of every conversion opportunity.
Check out the stats below to learn more about how cutting-edge marketers are approaching their 2024 strategies.
1 95% of car shoppers rely on online resources to gather information, bypassing dealerships as their starting point. Car buyers rule the research road online, doubling down on digital channels before hitting the dealership — a golden chance for marketers to grab their attention early. (source: RulerAnalytics.com)
2 Nearly a quarter (23.5%) of dealer leads miss the 24-hour follow-up, and 13.3% vanish before CRM entry. Dealers risk losing 37% of online leads through missed follow-up and CRM gaps, highlighting the crucial need for a seamless online-to-sales journey for car shoppers. (source: LLCBuddy.com)
3 Nearly 1 in 3 social media-savvy car buyers proudly share their new ride online. Try to get your customers to hashtag your dealership, and ignite your organic reach and brand advocacy. (source: LLCBuddy.com)
4 Dealers using marketing automation are twice as likely to see a higher return on investment (ROI) for their marketing efforts compared to those who don’t. In today’s competitive automotive landscape, maximizing marketing ROI is crucial for success. (source: PorchGroupMedia.com)
5 Three out of four car buyers hit play before they hit the dealership. Time to up your video game (no, we don’t mean “Cruisin’ USA”) and make sure your brand is on screen. (source: PorchGroupMedia.com)
6 40% of car shoppers discover new vehicles they weren’t previously considering thanks to video marketing. The immense power of video in influencing purchase decisions is important for any effective digital marketing strategy in the automotive industry. (source: PorchGroupMedia.com)
7 Automotive digital ad spend increased by 11.7% in 2023. Experts predict this figure will continue to rise in the future. (source: eMarketer)
8 In 2023, automotive accounted for 23% of all retail sales. The automotive industry represents a significant portion of overall consumer spending in the US. (source: eMarketer)
9 Only 1 in 3 potential car buyers know the exact vehicle they want to purchase. Marketers can influence these undecided buyers by targeting them with the right digital ads at the right time. (source: Cox)
10 The average cost for an automotive lead is $250. This figure is on an upswing, as auto industry ad spend continues to rise. (source: Lion Tree Group)
11 95% of vehicle buyers use digital as a source of information. Since auto purchases are highly considered, the vast majority of vehicle shoppers use online resources to find answers to their questions. (source: Google)
12 2x as many automotive consumers start their research online versus at a dealer. Today’s automotive consumers are informed and knowledgeable since they self-educate online before they ever make contact with a dealer. (source: Google)
13 76% of new and used vehicle shoppers run a search before buying. Automotive consumers
overwhelmingly turn to search engines to find dealerships and get answers to their questions. (source: LSA)
14 Automotive consumers visit an average of 4.2 websites in their purchasing process. Oftentimes, they will use multiple devices throughout this process.
(source: Cox)
15 The average automotive shopper spends 33% of their research time on a mobile device. This uptick in mobile usage during the research process drives millions of calls to US dealerships through digital ads and click-to-call buttons.
(source: J.D. Power)
18
61% of new and used vehicle shoppers contact the dealership by calling after a search. Due to the complexities of automotive purchases, consumers typically prefer to speak to a live agent to get their questions answered once they’ve completed their online research. (source: LSA)
19
66% of the automotive calls generated by search engines come from paid search. The other 34% are driven by organic search.
(source: DialogTech)
16
The watch time of “test drive” videos on YouTube has grown by more than 65% in the past two years. Car buyers are moving deeper into the purchasing process before they contact a dealership. (source: Google)
17 Car buyers spend an average of nearly 14 hours online during their search. To appeal to the “always connected” shopper, you must optimize the car-shopping experience across all devices.
(source: Cox)
20
60% of consumers searching for vehicles on mobile would call the dealership from a call extension. Call extensions offer a seamless link from the online to the call channel, and they’re proven to increase both ad performance and click-through rate. (source: Google)
21
57% of consumers call about vehicles from a search ad call extension to schedule an appointment. Similar percentages of consumers call about inventory, pricing, and/ or business hours. (source: Google)
CORPUS CHRISTI
G.R. Moore
The Car Shack (dates and times can be found at txiada.org/Calendar_List.asp, when scheduled)
EL PASO
Cesar Stark
S & S Motors
Meeting – 3rd Friday (Monthly)
Jerry Smith
H J Smith Automobiles (dates and times can be found at txiada.org/Calendar_List.asp, when scheduled)
HOUSTON
Robert Edenfield
Mi Pueblo BRP
Meeting – 2nd Tuesday (Monthly)
SAN ANTONIO
Nory Pakravan
210 Auto Credit (dates and times can be found at txiada.org/Calendar_List.asp, when scheduled)
Inbound Phone Calls Are A Valuable Conversion for Automotive Marketers
22 Calls will influence over $1 trillion in US consumer spending this year. In our mobile-first world, calls are often the most convenient way for customers to convert. (source: BIA/Kelsey)
23 Phone calls convert to 10-15x more revenue than web leads. Calls are one of the most valuable conversions automotive marketers can drive. By tracking the calls driven by your automotive ads, you can measure your full ROI and optimize accordingly.
(source: BIA/Kelsey)
24 Callers convert 30% faster than web leads. Calls provide a more immediate return on your marketing investment. (source: Forrester)
25 Caller retention rate is 28% higher than web lead retention rate. Driving calls from automotive marketing campaigns is also more profitable in the long term — callers are more loyal than web leads.
(source: Forrester)
26 84% of marketers report phone calls having higher conversion rates with larger order value
(AOV) compared to other forms of engagement. Phone calls are often the most valuable conversions for automotive marketers. (source: Forrester)
27 41% of organizations report having increased phone conversion rates by 25% or more in the past 12 months. Not only are consumers calling more due to COVID-19, but they’re also calling with higher intent to make a purchase. Both the volume and value of calls are increasing for many businesses due to COVID-19. (source: Forrester)
28 85% of marketers believe inbound calls and phone conversations are a key component of their organization’s digital-first strategy. Automotive marketers plan to tap into phone call data to better understand their customers and inform their strategies.
(source: Forrester)
Conversation Intelligence Data from Phone Calls Helps Automotive Marketers Deliver Better Personalization and Drive Revenue
29 48% of marketers have provided or expect to provide enhanced customer experiences as a
result of scaling conversation intelligence across the enterprise. With conversation intelligence data, automotive marketers can enhance ad targeting, segment email campaigns, serve personalized website experiences, and more, based on the content of phone conversations. (source: Forrester)
30
43% of marketers have improved or expect to improve customer acquisition and retention as a result of scaling conversation intelligence across the enterprise. When you tailor consumer experiences based on the content of their phone conversations, you better meet their needs and earn their loyalty. (source: Forrester)
31 Marketers who have scaled conversation intelligence across the enterprise have seen or expect to see improved analytics efficiency, increased business efficiency, improved employee productivity, and seamless integration with existing systems. Conversation intelligence allows automotive providers to get smarter insights into their consumers and make more informed decisions to drive efficiency. (source: Forrester)
32 54% of car buyers would pay more for a better buying experience. Auto shoppers are dissatisfied with the buying experience. You can gain a competitive advantage by providing a painless end-to-end experience — online, over the phone, and at the dealership. (source: Limelight)
33 Up to 72% of dealership agents don’t ask the caller for an appointment. By leveraging call analytics, sales managers can detect issues like these and provide coaching — in this case, pushing agents to ask for appointments. (source: Dealix)
34 35% did not suggest an alternative if the caller’s vehicle of choice was already sold. This is another systematic issue that a conversation intelligence platform can identify. (source: Dealer Marketing Magazine)
35 Up to 25% of mishandled calls can be converted to sales by calling the lead back. With call analytics, sales managers can set up email alerts for
mishandled calls so they can quickly call back to correct the issue. (source: Dealer Marketing Magazine)
If You Provide a Poor Call Experience, Automotive Customers Are Unlikely to Convert
36 The phone call is one of the most common purchase paths in the automotive industry. Only in-person purchasing ranks higher. (source: Invoca)
37 76% of consumers will stop doing business with you after just one bad experience. If you don’t provide a seamless experience at your dealership or repair locations, you’ll have a hard time earning business and loyalty. (source: Invoca)
38 41% of automotive customers call to get more information about the product. This is the most common reason for calling in the automotive industry, with many customers also calling to gather more information about the purchase process. (source: Invoca)
39 38% of consumers will stop doing business with a company if they have a bad call experience. Providing great call experiences is an exercise in customer retention. (source: Invoca)
Automotive Marketers
Are Banking on AI to Boost Performance in 2024 and Beyond
40 Buckle Up for AI Innovation: 93% of marketers are revved up about AI, claiming expertise or advanced knowledge. Don’t get stuck in neutral while your competitors are using AI like a turbocharger, leaving you in the dust. Time to shift gears and embrace the AI revolution! (source: Invoca)
41 91% of marketers are more excited about AI than ever before, but there’s a hitch: fear of falling behind is rampant. Most know getting stuck in reverse on AI could stall their careers. The message is clear: hit the gas on AI or risk getting passed on the racetrack! (source: Invoca)
42 The future of AI for auto marketers is a mixed bag. Some see it as a job
Michael W. Dunagan
TIADA General Counsel, author of Dealer Financing of Used Car Sales and Texas Automobile Repossession: A Lien Holder’s Legal Guide
In this two-part video course
TIADA counsel Michael Dunagan answers repossession related questions for both the dealer starting out and those dealers who want a refresher. Dunagan goes through the basics of selfhelp repossession, repossession when a client has filed bankruptcy, and using the courts to regain collateral through sequestration. The course also covers all the repossession letters and includes a downloadable deck of slides to follow along with the course.
• Preliminary Considerations Before Repossession
• When is a Customer Considered in Default
• Avoiding Liability from Repossession
• Types of Disposition
• Required Notices to the Debtors
• Handling Personal Property
• Using the Courts to Get Your Car Back Registration $98 for two 1-hour videos
creator, while others fear the robot apocalypse. This uncertainty highlights one thing: agility is key. (source: Invoca)
43 93% of marketers believe AI will have a positive impact on their businesses, with nearly half expecting a major overhaul. Time to raise the hood on AI’s potential! Even the cautious drivers see minimal risk, with only 5% expecting no impact. AI is bringing data-driven decision-making to your dealership, one mile at a time. (source: Invoca)
44 Over 40% of marketers see AI as a potential job threat, but here’s the good news: a whopping 97% believe it’ll boost their careers! Think of it like a hightech diagnostic tool — master it, don’t fear it. AI is here to stay, and those who adapt will win the race!
(source: Invoca)
Make it easy for consumers to call you. This includes using call extensions on Google ads and making “call now” an action on web pages.
Track callers from marketing source to appointment or sale. This will help you understand how your digital marketing is generating calls.
Personalize the caller experience with intent-based routing. To convert callers, it’s important to provide a seamless, personalized experience that makes them feel valued and known.
Use conversation intelligence to measure what percentage of calls aren’t being answered at each contact center location, if long on-hold times result in high call abandon rates, if the caller was a good lead, if they converted, and which agents or dealerships are best (and worst) at converting callers to consumers. You can then make the appropriate adjustments to your marketing and coach your agents as necessary.
Integrate conversation intelligence data with your martech tools. In turn, you’ll gain a holistic view of the consumer journey and allocate your budget more effectively.
Target past callers and lookalikes with the right ads. Your callers provide a wealth of targeting data you can use to more effectively acquire new customers and retarget qualified callers based on whether or not they booked an appointment or converted.
Optimize, analyze, repeat. Once you start generating more calls, it’s important to continually test and scale your processes while correcting issues in the contact center that hurt your ROI.
Invoca is a conversation intelligence AI platform that helps automotive dealerships increase revenue. For more information and insights, please visit https:// www.invoca.com /.
Join the list of those who have already contributed for 2024.
Edenfield, Robert Goodman, Jason Gregory, Tommy Hagler, Keith & Marcia Hale, Eddie Hanson, April Jones, Mark Moore, Russell Rodriguez, Edgar Rogers, Lowell Simmons, Tyler Winkelmann, Ryan Zak, Gregory Contributors as of March 1, 2024
It’s been said that time flies when you are having fun and when you are busy. Either way, time flies.
It has been one year as the executive director at TIADA, and what a year it has been! Walking through the doors, I was greeted with the State of Texas’s 88th legislative session having already transitioned from the start of the session’s gentle lull towards being on its way to full afterburners.
For TIADA, that meant working to crush the Crusher Bill, increasing the ability for law enforcement to go after the criminals that steal catalytic converters, and HB 718, which would redesign how automobiles are licensed. HB 718 is one of the largest and most complicated tasks forced upon our industry in a long time. This law directs the state to convert from paper buyers’ tags to metal plates. Luckily, your association was able to rise to the task and assist in modifying the law to provide parties with more time, resources, and guidance to accomplish the many lofty goals called for in the rewriting of how plates are issued in the Great State of Texas.
This required us to get out the information as the rules are being crafted in the rule-making process. Working closely with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, we set up town halls across the state to learn from our members as well as inform and educate dealers as more was being learned about this new process. Learning from the ten town halls across the state with record attendance and over-capacity crowds, we started
by John Frullo TIADA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
designing what this year’s annual TIADA Conference & Expo would provide on this subject. This year’s conference will have added several new educational events as well as the highly sought-after items you have come to expect from the best conference of its kind.
The Conference will also feature a discussion about the FTC CARS rule, which may still cause major disruptions in the independent automobile industry if the legal challenges do not proceed as we hope they will. The Rule has forced changes that are being presented as one thing while doing something completely different. In anticipation of the Rule, we met up with other independent dealers from across the country for advocacy events in Washington, DC. The CARS Rule was issued, and the effective date was “paused” due to litigation. Working alongside NIADA, we are exploring options to ensure independent dealers have a voice. Stay tuned for more information on this in next month’s Texas Dealer magazine.
One of the most exciting aspects of being TIADA’s executive director is meeting and getting to know our dealers and associate members. Your association is one of the best if not the best, trade association that exists. Truly, the members will give someone the shirt off their back, help competitors to become stronger, work long hours, and help people who have no other place to turn. Interacting with so many talented people has been a great pleasure, and I look forward to continuing to work to make our association even more robust.
Your association is one of the best, if not the best, trade association that exists.
