The TIME Dealer of the Year program honors new-car dealers in America who exhibit exceptional performance in their dealerships and perform distinguished community service. Dealers are nominated by members of the ATAE (Automotive Trade Association Executives) and the winner is acknowledged at the annual NADA Show. This year, Michigan was represented by Michael LaFontaine (MADA nominee) and Karl Zimmermann Jr. (DADA nominee).

LaFontaine Automotive Group includes more than 55 retail franchises, 10 collision centers, and 41 retail locations across Michigan, employing more than 2,800 people. LaFontaine’s philanthropic efforts reflect his mission to value relationships over transactions. “We strive to create real, tangible change in people’s lives by helping to build strong, healthier communities and by supporting those who may not have had the same opportunities,” he said.

Zimmermann oversees the Matick Automotive Group, which includes George Matick Chevrolet, Matick Toyota and Matick Buick GMC, all in the metro Detroit area. “It’s been a wonderfully rewarding ride,” he said. “I am energized by our daily interactions and impact on our customers, our passionate involvement and generosity in our region, our investment in employees, and our commitment to the long-term viability of our dealership for our next generation of leadership.”

Northwood University honored a special group of industry leaders during a Dealer Education Awards Breakfast during the NADA Show in New Orleans, Louisiana.

“These exceptional leaders have significantly shaped the automotive retail industry and exemplify the values of hard work, innovation, and integrity,” said Dr. Matt Bennett, vice president of enrollment, strategic alliances, and the Center for Automotive & Mobility Studies at Northwood University.

Michigan honorees include:

• Terry Burns, former executive vice president, Michigan Automotive Dealers Association (Lifetime Achievement Award recipient)
• John M. Leese, president/owner, Harvey Automotive, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Additionally, Diane Maher was named the Barbara Cox 2025 Woman of the Year. Maher is president and chief strategy officer for DP Fox Ventures LLC, and president and chief operating officer of Fox Motor Group.

More than 30 Northwood University students attended this year’s NADA Show, which is touted as the auto industry event of the year.

“To have 34 students in attendance at the 2025 NADA Show is a testament to Northwood’s enduring relationship with the industry, as many of the students who went to New Orleans were sponsored by companies within the automotive world,” noted Elgie Bright, chair of Northwood University’s automotive marketing and management degree program, which is part of the Center for Automotive & Mobility Studies at Northwood University…read more

The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) has recently hired over 60 new inspectors, and inspections are on the rise. As a result, fines for non-compliance are becoming increasingly aggressive. It’s crucial that all dealerships prioritize safety, not only to protect employees but also to avoid costly citations and penalties. MADA members are invited to join us for a complimentary member training program to help your dealership maintain compliance.

MADA Dealership Education Series: MIOSHA Compliance Training
February 27, 2025  |  9:00 am – 12:00 pm
In-person training at the MADA Office (East Lansing)

Speaker: Ken Smylie | VP Loss Control, MADSIF

This training program is designed to equip dealership staff with the knowledge and tools needed to establish a strong safety culture, which will help your dealership prevent injuries and stay in compliance with MIOSHA regulations.

Discussion topics:

• Common MIOSHA Violations: Learn about the most frequently cited safety violations, and how to avoid them.
• Identifying Hazards: Understand how to identify unsafe acts and hazardous facility conditions.
• Employee Safety Training: Discover how to implement effective training programs for your team that ensure everyone understands safety protocols and procedures.
• Safe Equipment Operation: Gain insight on proper equipment operation and handling of hazardous materials.
• Signage & Labeling Requirements: Learn about required and recommended safety signage to keep your workplace informed and compliant.

Q&A will follow the presentation, giving you the opportunity to ask questions specific to your dealership’s needs.

Registration link: https://forms.office.com/r/cB4ZAPDpqn

Be sure to visit the endorsed partner, ComplyAuto Booth #659 at the NADA Show in New Orleans to experience exciting new innovations like DealCheck AI. This groundbreaking new tool transforms your funding process from hours of manual work into instant, real-time digital verification – saving you time and money!

• Pre-book NADA demos here: Demo Link

Following is a brief overview of Michigan-specific business operations for 2025. Please click the links provided for further information. You may also contact MADA at (800) 292-1923 or email news@michiganada.org.

Sales Tax on the Difference Beginning Jan. 1, 2025, owners trading in a motor vehicle receive a sales tax credit for the vehicle’s trade-in value up to a maximum of $11,000. This amount increases $1,000 annually and is based on the delivery date of the vehicle. [FAQ]

Documentary Preparation Fee DIFS is reviewing the prior-year consumer price index to determine if Michigan’s doc fee will be adjusted for 2025/2026. Until a determination is announced, the current fee remains in place. [link]

Obsolete CVR Tabs Obsolete 2024 tabs must be returned to the CVR Warehouse by Jan. 20, 2025. See this handout with steps to return unused inventory and properly mark 2024 tabs as obsolete.

Minimum Wage On Jan. 1, 2025, Michigan’s minimum wage rate increased to $10.56 per hour. Effective Feb. 21, 2025, the rate increases again to $12.48. [link]

EV Registration Fees As of Jan. 1, 2025, the Michigan Motor Fuel Tax Act increased the fuel tax, which also increased the registration fees for plug-in hybrid and EVs. The fee increase is $3 for PHEV and $5 for electric vehicles. [fee breakdown]

Unemployment Insurance Taxes Effective Jan. 1, employers will be taxed on a smaller portion of the wages they pay to employees. When calculating first quarter payments, qualified employers will be taxed on the first $9,000 in wages per employee (down from $9,500). [link]

Dealer Plates | Tabs Previous-year tabs for dealer plates remain active through the last day of February (Feb. 28, 2025). MDOS continues to mail dealer-plate tabs for the new year.

Sales Tax and Out-of-State Buyers 2025 instructions for Michigan vehicle dealers collecting sales tax from buyers who will register and title their vehicle in another state or country. [link]

Reynolds & Reynolds LAW®, a proud partner of our organization, is the automotive leader for standardized, legally reviewed F&I documents. During a time when proper documentation plays a key role in your compliance, being proactive is imperative in helping to avoid the FTC’s focus.

While at NADA, make sure to visit the LAW team at booth 1827 where a dedicated Compliance Consultant will be waiting to speak with you. From FTC misconceptions to the most common issues found in F&I documents and the free LAW F&I Document Review – the consultants are there to help you gain confidence in your compliance.

Don’t delay, click here to schedule an appointment now and secure your spot at the LAW booth. For additional information, email LAW@reyrey.com.

We’re excited to share that MADA is collaborating with our partners and State of Michigan contacts to schedule webinars and regional training sessions aimed at enhancing dealer and employee compliance. These sessions will provide valuable resources and support to ensure everyone is well-informed and equipped to meet regulatory expectations and stay in compliance with state licensing requirements. Please review the following opportunities.

 

WEBINAR: Sales & Use Tax Regulations
1/14/2025  |  10:00 am – 12:00 pm     REGISTER

Stay compliant with Michigan’s complex sales and use tax laws in vehicle sales, body shop activity, and parts/service departments by attending this specialized webinar. This session will focus specifically on the unique needs and requirements of Michigan’s new car and truck dealerships.

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WEBINAR: New Wage & Hour / Sick Leave Laws
1/15/2025  |  10:00 am – 12:00 pm     REGISTER

Join MADA and Colombo & Colombo, P.C. for a live webinar to discuss the most current information on earned sick time and minimum wage standards, set to take effect Feb. 21. This webinar will highlight the key provisions of the new laws and explore their implications for Michigan dealers and employees. With information regularly changing, it’s crucial for business owners to fully understand how the new law impacts their operations.

*****

IN PERSON: MIOSHA Compliance Training
2/27/2025  |  9:00 am – 12:00 pm     REGISTER

Held at the MADA office in East Lansing – seating is limited

Fines for MIOSHA non-compliance are becoming increasingly aggressive. It’s crucial that all dealerships prioritize safety, not only to protect employees but also to avoid costly citations and penalties. This training program is designed to equip dealership staff with the knowledge and tools needed to establish a strong safety culture, which will help your dealership prevent injuries and stay in compliance with MIOSHA regulations.

 

Please Note: these programs are only open to MADA member dealerships. 

MADA’s colleague in the retail market, Michigan Retailers Association, has announced this year’s holiday shopping challenges to encourage Michiganders to support locally-owned retail and small business.

Shop 3 Challenge: Launched in 2020 as an effort to support Michigan’s retail industry through the pandemic, MRA’s annual “Shop 3 Challenge” returns for 2024. By encouraging consumers to support at least three local merchants while purchasing holiday gifts this season, this challenge outlines an easy way for Michiganders to make a big difference in their communities.

Michigan Monday: New this year, MRA is running a “Michigan Monday” challenge, encouraging shoppers to seek out Michigan-based e-commerce on Cyber Monday and throughout the remainder of the holiday shopping season…read more

Also check out BuyNearbyMI.com.

We’re excited to share that MADA is collaborating with our partners and State of Michigan contacts to schedule webinars and regional training sessions aimed at enhancing dealer and employee compliance. These sessions will provide valuable resources and support to ensure everyone is well-informed and equipped to meet regulatory expectations and stay in compliance with state licensing requirements. Planned Member Programs: Dealer license training & CVR user group Michigan Treasury training on sales/use tax and MTO Wage & Hour legal program MIOSHA compliance Stay tuned for more details on 2025 program dates! MADA also requests your input on training and educational programs. What other topics would be of interest to you and what format do you prefer? Let us know at https://forms.office.com/r/72kmm3RAdx

Please make plans to join MADA leadership for our year-end annual meeting, where we will hear from John Sellek (republican) and Adrian Hemond (democrat), the co-hosts of Baldly Bipartisan. They will offer an insider analysis following the results of the November election, sharing their insight on what Michigan businesses might expect in 2025 – from the State House to the White House.

John Sellek

John is CEO of Harbor Strategic. Named as one of Lansing’s Most Effective Public Affairs Professionals by MIRS News, John’s political and public relations skills come from advising two Republican speakers of the House, serving in a governor’s policy shop, running public relations for two attorneys general and leading statewide campaigns. John is a regular analyst of Michigan’s public policy environment for state and national media.

Adrian Hemond

Adrian is CEO of Grassroots Midwest, which he founded in 2013 after acquiring a broad range of expertise in politics and policy. A former political science instructor at Saginaw Valley State University, he was Chief of Staff to the Michigan House Democratic Minority Leader in 2013 and served as a lobbyist with Governmental Consultant Services, Inc. (GCSI). He is known as one of the most effective political strategists in Michigan.

Click here for more information and registration