Two Michigan dealers elected as 2018 NADA officers

Posted on October 11, 2017 by Summer

The National Automobile Dealers Association’s 63-member board of directors elected Wes Lutz as chairman for the 2018 term. Lutz, president of Extreme Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep-Ram in Jackson, will continue to advocate new-car dealer concerns in the industry, legislative and regulatory affairs arenas as well as encourage dealers to adapt to the retailing challenges ahead. Lutz is currently the NADA vice chairman and NADA’s director for Michigan.

Charlie Gilchrist of Texas was elected vice chairman. Bill Willis of Delware was re-elected as secretary. Bob Shuman, president of Shuman Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram in Walled Lake, was elected treasurer. Shuman is the 2017 MADA president.

The new term officially begins at the 2018 NADA Show in Las Vegas next March.

We congratulate both Wes Lutz and Bob Shuman and look forward to working with them as they begin their new positions next year.

Michigan Travel, Recreation & Education Facts

Posted on September 18, 2017July 5, 2017 by Summer

Michigan had the world’s first concrete road built in 1901 at Detroit.
Traditionally, Michigan ranks first in the nation in the number of registered watercraft.
The state highway system has over 1,900 miles of paved shoulders (greater than four feet wide) suitable for bicycling and over 100 miles of separate paths.
Michigan was first in the nation in developing roadside parks and picnic tables.
Michigan has more than 120,000 miles of public roads and streets as of 2002. This is a distance of well over four times around the earth at the equator.
The Mackinac Bridge is one of the greatest man-made wonders of the world.
The nation’s first wildlife sanctuary is at Wintergreen Lake and was established by W. K. Kellogg.
Iron Mountain boasts the world’s highest man-made ski jump.
Michigan established the first state university and also the first agricultural (land grant) college in the world.
Michigan was the first state to legalize tax support for high schools.
Michigan had the first separate state education department and the first state superintendent of public education.

Zurich, endorsed by MADA

Posted on September 4, 2017April 19, 2017 by Summer

Dealerships have many needs to compete in today’s changing marketplace. They need help to protect their assets from risk of loss to their business. They also face challenges to generate income, comply with federal and state regulations and satisfy and retain customers.

Zurich offers many programs for dealerships, including F&I systems, products and training. Zurich is a ‘direct writer’ of GAP /T&W /VSC /Coatings and vehicle marketing products. Menu/iPad (GenY) F&I selling systems. In-store, off-site and online training & validation for processes, effectiveness, compliance and retention. Multiple reinsurance options.

Learn more here.

Posted on September 4, 2017August 28, 2017 by Summer

Northwood University will soon host its annual Northwood University International Auto Show in Midland, Michigan. This 100% student run event offers students a unique opportunity to get hands on learning in the industry we all love.

The event is supported by donations from alumni, private donations, and companies like you. This year, the students of Northwood University ask you to consider supporting Project Dealer 100. The goal is to raise $100,000 through donations of $100 from 1000 dealers.

For more information about the show and how to donate to Project Dealer 100, please check out this video: https://youtu.be/xU1DcgLX1wQ .

Northwood University International Auto Show
October 6-8, 2017
Northwood University Campus

MADA offers assistance with your renewal

Posted on September 1, 2017August 28, 2017 by Summer

MADA reminds dealers that we offer personalized services to assist with your dealer license renewal. We will review your renewal application, contact you directly if changes are required then hand deliver all paperwork to the state. This helps avoid potential delays at the state if any information is missing or incorrect. Additional details are available here. If you have questions please call Jean Quinn at (800) 292-1923.

Dealers with a current multi-year license will not receive a renewal application from the state. Unsure of your renewal year? Check here.

Child Passenger Safety Week: Sept. 17-23

Posted on August 30, 2017August 28, 2017 by Summer

Car crashes are a leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 13. Many times, deaths and injuries can be prevented by proper use of car seats, boosters and seat belts. NHTSA has developed a toolkit for information and ideas on how to generate awareness about child car safety in your community during Child Passenger Safety Week and National Seat Check Saturday, and throughout the year.

September 17-23, 2017 (Child Passenger Safety Week)
September 23, 2017 (National Seat Check Saturday)

Learn more here: www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/cps

Image of Michigan Secretary of State seal

Reminder: check your repair facility license renewal date

Posted on August 28, 2017August 28, 2017 by Summer

The Michigan Department of State mails repair facility license renewal applications approximately 45 days prior to the expiration date. While many repair facilities have a September renewal date, not all do. Please be aware of your expiration date (noted on the wall license) to ensure your license is renewed on time. Failure to renew on time may require the dealership to pay excessive fees. Unsure of your renewal date? Check here.

Michigan History: The State Capitol Building

Posted on August 21, 2017July 5, 2017 by Summer

Michigan’s present Capitol building was dedicated on January 1, 1879. It was rededicated in November of 1992 after an extensive restoration project was completed. The picture below includes four flags: on the left is the Senate flag, which flies over the Senate chambers; on the right is the House of Representatives flag, which flies over the House chambers. In the center, our national flag waves to remind Michigan residents of the freedoms they are privileged to enjoy through United States citizenship. Just below the U.S. flag is our state flag. This colorful banner flies as a symbol of the pride Michigan’s citizens share in the beauty and the bounty of our Great Lake State.

Simplify the Registration Process

Posted on August 7, 2017April 19, 2017 by Summer

For fast, secure, certified vehicle registration in Michigan, join the hundreds of MADA members already streamlining the registration and titling process for their customers. With Computerized Vehicle Registration (CVR), your dealership becomes a convenient “one stop shop” allowing buyers to drive off your lot with fully registered vehicles.

You can increase your dealership’s efficiencies by automating the title and registration process, reducing inaccurate fee calculations, and transferring funds electronically. Better still, CVR provides ongoing training and technical support which allows you to maximize utilization of the electronic vehicle registration system. This program, endorsed by MADA, lets dealerships process vehicle titles and registrations at the point of sale. In just seconds, you’ll complete the vehicle registration process – no more need for temporary tags or sending runners to the SOS branch!

Learn more here or call MADA at (800) 292-1923.

Repair facility license renewal reminders

Posted on August 4, 2017August 3, 2017 by Summer

The Michigan Department of State mails license renewal applications approximately 45 days prior to the expiration date. While many repair facilities have a September renewal date, not all do. Dealers with a repair facility license that expires in September should receive their renewal paperwork in the mail soon.

Please be aware of your expiration date (noted on the wall license) to ensure your license is renewed on time. Failure to renew on time may require the dealership to pay excessive fees. Additionally, it is the dealer’s responsibility to make sure the license is renewed (even if paperwork from the state gets lost in the mail or otherwise misplaced.)

Unsure of your renewal date? Check here: https://webapps.sos.state.mi.us/lrsa/Default.aspx?id=RF

We encourage dealers to send their completed renewals to MADA so we can review the paperwork for accuracy and personally deliver all documents to the State of Michigan and avoid delays. If you have any questions, contact Jean Quinn at (800) 292-1923 or email jquinn@michiganada.org.