AIADA - New Chairman Announced

This is something I posted to
Smarter Dealer's Blog

The AIADA is holding the 39th Annual Meeting & Luncheon, January 26th, 2009, where Russ Darrow Jr. will be taking over as Chairman.

I was suprised that so many in the auto industry do not know what the AIADA is...and the best way for me to describe the association is "where politics meets the international auto industry."

AIADA was founded in order to increase awareness among the governme...

It has been a tough time for the auto industry, and most of the focus has been on the Big 3, but the international nameplates are very important too. There are many Americans employed by these manufacturers here in the U.S., and many dealerships carrying these brands.

Congratulations to Russ Darrow Jr. and best of luck with the duties at hand.



Now, while I realize the importance of the Big 3, I think that many are loosing sight of the importance of the imports, as well. I have taken alot of heat for my views on this subject, but I feel that people are losing sight of the importance of the imports in all of this. Alot of jobs have been lost, with even more at risk. There are many plants, suppliers and dealers...and who does the "labeling" of cars, anyways? There are "foreign" cars that are designed, built, distributed and sold here in the U.S., and for some time now, cars that are just as "American-Made" as the Big 3. I think that it's great that their is an association like the AIADA to keep things in check, and stand up for the import dealers.

I also have to wonder what someone like Russ Darrow Jr. has to deal with. If I get heat for my views...what kind of heat does he get? He did start out as a Chrysler dealer over 40 years ago...how do GM and Chrysler feel about him heading up the AIADA?

And one last note...I am surprised that individuals in the import auto industry not even know what the AIADA is, or does.