Beltway Talk

New Jersey dealer and AIADA Chairman Mike DeSilva recently visited the Beltway Talk Podcast Studio to discuss some of the legislative challenges facing auto retailers, what drew him to get involved in AIADA, and how international nameplate dealers everywhere can make their voices heard on Capitol Hill.

In this episode of Beltway Talk AIADA Chairman John Connelly takes a look back at AIADA's Washington, D.C., spring Fly In. Together with host Libby Newman he discusses why he's bullish on auto retailing in the United States, why he hates seeing customers in his F&I waiting room, and why Capitol Hill feels different these days. John also discusses highlights from the Fly-In including remarks from his fellow Cincinnatian and former Speaker of the House John Boehner and West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin.

AIADA Chairman Steve Gates sits down in our podcast studios to discuss how the year has taken shape and why union-only EV tax credits has dealers getting engaged and fighting back on Capitol Hill. He discusses the impact of such a provision on both individual stores and the industry at large. For his stores: "At a $4500 disadvantage? I don't think we'd ever sell an EV."

AIADA board member and Ohio auto dealer John Connelly joins the Beltway Talk podcast to discuss his career as a criminal-lawyer-turned-auto-dealer, the value of advocacy, and why he needs fellow dealers to pay attention to Washington's latest scheme to single out certain EVs for special tax credit treatment. Connelly highlights why it matters to lawmakers when dealers speak up and what he likes about being a dealer.

AIADA President and CEO Cody Lusk and Autos Drive America President and CEO Jennifer Safavian join Beltway Talk to discuss the latest figures from the 2021 Economic Impact Report: International Automakers and Dealers in America. Lusk and Safavian highlight the role the international auto industry plays in the U.S. economy, explain why trade is crucial for our industry, and discuss how proposed EV tax credits aimed at unionized factories will do more harm than good to the American auto industry.

Steve Shannon, former vice president of marketing at Hyundai Motor America and current advisor for Podium, joins Beltway Talk to discuss the trends and factors he sees in the auto retail space in 2021 and beyond. Listen in to hear his take on digital retailing, communicating with customers, EVs, and more.

In this 50th episode of Beltway Talk, Ashley Burch, AIADA's Senior Manager of Grassroots & Advocacy, once again dials in to discuss AIADA's Dealer Visit Program. She emphasizes the importance of bringing lawmakers to dealerships so that they can see firsthand the investment dealers make in their districts, and the brand-new opportunities AIADA has made available to help dealers jump start their advocacy efforts.

In this 50th episode of Beltway Talk, Ashley Burch, AIADA's Senior Manager of Grassroots & Advocacy, once again dials in to discuss AIADA's Dealer Visit Program. She emphasizes the importance of bringing lawmakers to dealerships so that they can see firsthand the investment dealers make in their districts, and the brand-new opportunities AIADA has made available to help dealers jump start their advocacy efforts.

Today's episode features Anna Schneider, Senior Vice President, Industry-Government Relations and head of Public Affairs for Volkswagen Group of America. She discusses Volkswagen's wild year (and role as a major mask-producer in 2020), what she needs the Biden administration to understand about international auto manufacturers, and what's coming for VW's dealers in 2021 and beyond. She emphasizes that retailers are the leading champions of the auto industry and the best advocates for their own businesses.

Jim Appleton, President of the New Jersey Coalition of Auto Retailers, shares some insight into how New Jersey auto dealers have weathered the past year, the many ways in which they have stepped up to serve their communities, and why he believes advocacy is key to their future.

Ashley Burch, AIADA's Senior Manager of Grassroots & Advocacy, joins today's episode to talk advocacy, action, and how dealers can make this a summer of impact in Washington, D.C. She shares important information about the exciting advocacy and social media campaign dealers will join this summer in lieu of a traditional 2021 fly-in, and the cutting-edge tools AIADA will make available to them.

Howard Hakes, AIADA's 2019 Chairman and the current Chairman of AFIT-PAC, joins this episode of Beltway Talk to discuss the importance of dealer engagement. Hakes has long been at the forefront of state and federal issues that impact the livelihood of dealers and explains how they can make sure legislators understand the effect their decisions have on dealerships and the communities they serve. Listen in for practical ways to make sure Washington hears from you.

Erin Kerrigan, Managing Director of Kerrigan Advisors, the leading sell-side advisor to auto dealers in the U.S. joins BeltwayTalk to discuss the disruption year of 2020, it's impact on the dealership buy-sell market, and the "once in a lifetime" valuations she sees for dealers today. Armed with her latest Blue Sky Report, Erin offers valuable insight for dealers wanting to learn more about acquisition trends and how their business is valued today.

Rebecca Steele, Director of Emerging Technology Policy at Toyota North America, oversees digital advocacy for the automaker. In today's episode she discusses how she was able to help Toyota pivot to an all-digital advocacy force in 2020 and how she plans to maintain that momentum into 2021.

In today's episode, Cox Automotive’s Charlie Chesbrough offers listeners an overview of the 1st quarter of 2021, and some idea of what the rest of the year holds for the auto retail industry. Charlie touches on what he sees happening in the EV market, why he anticipates the second half of the year will be a busy one, and what dealers and consumers can expect in terms of supply. This is a must-listen episode for anyone wanting a big-picture view of auto retail sales.

Rob Hood, Hyundai's Vice President of Government Affairs, joins Beltway Talk to discuss his background as a Washington veteran and what he brings to his position with Hyundai. With over 30 years of experience across the government and private sectors, Hood tells dealers about the policies on his radar this year with new leadership in Washington, as well as the biggest challenges he encountered while joining Hyundai's D.C. office in the middle of a pandemic.

Ross Tinkham, Director of OEM Sales and Business Development at AIADA Affinity Partner Podium, joins the Beltway Talk podcast to discuss how dealers can connect with customers in a contactless business world. He discusses the ins and outs of text messaging as a mode of customer engagement, how it has increased during the pandemic, and what dealers should consider as they maintain customer engagement in a post-pandemic environment. Find out more about what Podium can offer dealers at AIADA.org/Podium.

Ashley Burch, AIADA’s Senior Manager of Grassroots and Advocacy, joins the first Beltway Talk podcast of 2021 to talk about how dealers can get involved through AIADA’s Dealer Visit Program this year. Burch walks dealers through the process, including how to hold an in-person socially distanced or virtual visit with their legislators – and she explains why maintaining and building relationships with legislators is more important than ever in 2021. To schedule your own Dealer Visit, or learn more about the program, visit AIADA.org/DealerVisit.

Cox Automotive’s Charlie Chesbrough calls in to give listeners an overview of 2020’s auto sales and a peek at what lies ahead. He touches on a number of subjects, including his concerns for the 1st quarter of 2021, why dealers could see a blow-out second half of the year, and segment trends. This is a must-listen episode for dealers wanting a big-picture view of auto retail sales.

AIADA chairman Jason Courter takes a look back at 2020 and his year at the helm of the association. In a period filled with challenges, Courter chooses to focus on the resilience of dealers. He discusses what it was like to watch the COVID-19 epidemic unfold in his own community in March, his efforts to keep his employees safe, and the one thing his father told him that guides his decision making even today.

Following our eventful 2020 election cycle, AIADA's Vice President of Government Relations calls into the Beltway Talk studio to discuss the results. D.C. veteran Rachel Robinson breaks down the surprises she saw in the House, what remains to be decided in the Senate, and how the outcome of the presidential race could impact auto dealers. With all eyes on Georgia, Robinson, a Peach State native, walks you through the ins and out of our political landscape and gives you an insider's perspective of what the next four years may hold.

Damon Lester, president of The National Association of Minority Auto Dealers (NAMAD), joins Beltway Talk to discuss his organization's mission, the challenges they face, and his vision for a more inclusive auto retail industry. NAMAD celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, and looks forward to many more decades of advocating for its members.

Audrey LaForest, Automotive News' government and lobbying reporter, takes a turn in the hot seat to tell listeners what it's like to cover the auto industry through a political lens. LaForest, who started her position in February, has reported on COVID-19 relief efforts, the new USMCA agreement, and a variety of regulatory issues impacting dealers. In this episode of BeltwayTalk , she talks about these topics and more - including her plans to move to D.C. and why she may already be driving her dream car.

AIADA President and CEO Cody Lusk joins this episode of Beltway Talk to discuss AIADA's recent work on behalf of dealers this summer, why he's encouraged at how dealers are forging ahead and serving their communities in the midst of a pandemic, and what he sees through the rest of 2020.

Capitol Hill veteran Jennifer Safavian is leading a new association dedicated to international automaker operations in the U.S. In this episode of Beltway Talk, Jennifer answers our questions about Autos Drive America - and explains what's driving her to ensure that the international nameplate industry is fairly represented in Washington, D.C.

In today's Beltway Talk, Cox Automotive's Charlie Chesbrough gives listeners an overview of 2020's second quarter auto sales. He touches on a number of subjects, including segment winners and losers for the year to date, what brands are best equipped to weather the recovery ahead, and how inventory constraints could impact sales for the remaining of 2020. For dealers wondering if the worst is behind us, and what lies ahead, this is a must-listen episode.

In this episode of Beltway Talk, Washington State Honda dealer and AIADA Chairman Jason Courter discusses what it's like operating a dealership at ground zero for COVID-19 in the United States. Listen to find out how he is tackling new restrictions on his stores, protecting his employees and customers, and keeping AIADA focused on its core mission in Washington, D.C.

Joanna Foust is North American Subaru's Vice President - Government Relations and a veteran of D.C.'s automotive universe. In this episode of Beltway Talk, Joanna explains why she considers herself both a lobbyist and an educator, what Subaru is doing to move it's mission forward in D.C., and how she sees the remainder of 2020 unfolding for the automaker and it's retailers.

AIADA President and CEO Cody Lusk joins the Beltway Talk podcast to discuss the auto industry's response to COVID-19, the relief coming from Congress, and what could, and should, happen next. It's been an eventful few weeks in Washington, D.C., and Cody takes us through what has taken place to date and how the federal government and the auto retail industry might intersect in the coming months.

Broadcasting from her home, Beltway Talk host Hannah Oliver discusses the 2020 outlook for the dealership buy-sell market with guest Erin Kerrigan, Managing Director of Kerrigan Advisors, the leading sell-side advisor to auto dealers in the U.S. Armed with her latest Blue Sky Report, Kerrigan covers how dealership transactions performed in 2019, the challenges dealers face today, and her outlook for the months to come - including what brands and stores can best expect to weather the COVID-19 storm. After listening, if you have questions for Erin, please contact her here: info@kerriganadvisors.com.

Anna Schneider, Senior Vice President, Industry-Government Relations at Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., has a lot to say in this episode of Beltway Talk. Along with host Hannah Oliver, Anna covers everything from what it's like to work for a German company, how dealers can push back against a tariff threat, and what her goals are for VW in the New Year. With more than 25 years of auto industry experience, Anna knows the ins and outs of D.C.'s lobbying scene and has a wealth of experience to share.

Cox Automotive's Charlie Chesbrough joins AIADA's Beltway Talk podcast for his monthly round up of auto industry sales figures. In this episode, find out why more and more manufacturers are moving to a quarterly reporting pattern, why Toyota should be feeling good, and more.

Jennifer Thomas took over as Honda's Vice President of Government and Industry Relations for Honda North America, Inc. in June. In her new position she oversees the company's legislative affairs, advocacy, and public policy efforts for state and federal matters. In this podcast, Jennifer discusses Honda's work inside the beltway, the important role dealers play in advancing business-friendly policies, and why she believes it's true: you meet the nicest people on a Honda.

In this episode, Cox Automotive's Charlie Chesbrough gives Beltway Talk listeners an overview of 2019 auto sales and a preview of what they can expect to see in 2020. Join us as we find out how car sales matched up against trucks, which luxury automakers saw a profitable December, and how Nissan's results were impacted by a global scandal.

Join 2019 AIADA Chairman Howard Hakes as he takes a look back at the ups and downs of his year as chairman, and what he sees as the challenges awaiting dealers in Washington, D.C., in 2020. Howard discusses trade, tariffs, and how vital dealer involvement has been to protecting dealer interests on Capitol Hill.

Cox Automotive's Charlie Chesbrough is joining AIADA's Beltway Talk podcast for his monthly round up of auto industry sales figures. In this episode, find out who is up and who is down in the U.S. auto market, as well as how incentives are playing a role, where fleet sales stand, and why dealers should be optimistic heading into the final weeks of 2019.

In this latest Beltway Talk we take the opportunity to pick the brain of Ed Lewis, Director of Public Policy Communications at Toyota. Ed gives us an update on Toyota's activity in Washington, D.C., and discusses trade, fuel regulations, and why Toyota's dealers are so critical to their mission as a company.

Charlie Chesbrough, Senior Economist and Senior Director of Industry Insights for Cox Automotive, is back with his reoccurring series of Beltway Talk podcasts analyzing the most recent monthly auto sales reports. In today’s episode, Charlie gives us an overview of October's numbers, explains why the sales pace may be slowing, and discusses what role incentives played in last month's results.

Charlie Chesbrough, Senior Economist and Senior Director of Industry Insights for Cox Automotive, is back with his reoccurring series of Beltway Talk podcasts analyzing the most recent monthly auto sales reports. In today’s episode, Charlie gives us an overview of September's generally positive numbers, talks about some dark clouds on the horizons, and explains why luxury car makers could be feeling nervous.

On Today's podcast we sit down with Erin Kerrigan, Managing Director of Kerrigan Advisors, the leading sell-side advisor and thought partner to auto dealers in the US. In the last five years, the firm has sold 79 dealerships, including five of the Top 100 Dealership Groups, representing over $1.5 billion in client sales proceeds – more than any other firm in the industry. Erin shares with us her latest Blue Sky Report, an overview of the current state of the buy-sell market, and her outlook for the months to come - including what big-picture issues could impact dealership values. After listening, if you have questions for Erin, please contact her here: info@kerriganadvisors.com.

Charlie Chesbrough, Senior Economist and Senior Director of Industry Insights for Cox Automotive, is back on Beltway Talk to kick off a reoccurring series of podcasts analyzing the most recent monthly auto sales reports. In today's episode, Charlie gives us an overview of August's numbers, explains why Subaru and Toyota dealers have reason to be happy, and breaks down how both hurricane Dorian and upcoming UAW negotiations may impact future sales reports.

Charles Chesbrough, Senior Economist and Senior Director of Industry Insights for Cox Automotive, has studied the American auto industry for more than 25 years. In his role as a quantitative analyst and researcher, he has developed a unique perspective on what the future holds for dealers, and what issues are giving them the most heartburn in August 2019. In this episode, Charles shares with Beltway Talk listeners the results of Cox's latest dealer sentiment study and how Washington, D.C., can drive sentiment through policy making. After listening, read more here.

On today's Beltway Talk Podcast, Manny Manriquez, General Director of the Japanese Automobile Manufacturers Association Washington, D.C., office, gets into the  fundamentals of what it means to run an association focused on Japanese nameplate brands in today's political climate, why you should never be on time for a meeting with your Japanese coworkers, and what challenges and exciting opportunities he sees for Japanese manufacturers moving forward. In his conversation with AIADA's Hannah Oliver, he covers trade, a driverless future, and what it means when your boss tells you to "go to the gemba."

During a crucial week for autos and trade, we sat down with Don Stewart, Global Automakers' new Executive Vice President of Public Affairs, to talk tariffs, dealer engagement, and what exactly the Washington Nationals need to do to pull out of their spring slump. Stew's extensive experience on Capitol Hill (paired with a brief but unforgettable stint as a dealership 'lot boy') gives him a unique perspective on the auto  industry and what dealers can do to move the needle on issues important to them.

Ember Brillhart, Honda North America's Manager of State Relations, joins the Beltway Talk podcast to discuss her work on state legislative issues, a typical day in the office, why she loves working for Honda, and what she enjoys doing in her free time.

In this episode of Beltway Talk, AIADA Chairman Howard Hakes explains why it's so important for dealers to make an effort to get involved in what's happening to their businesses on a federal level. "A lot of the people are just, 'Oh, Howard, you're taking care of that, appreciate what you're doing for us.' I say, 'Well, I need you to be part of us now.'"

AIADA Vice President of Public Relations Libby Newman, standing in for regular Beltway Talk host Hannah Oliver, sits down for  a quick interview with AIADA President & CEO Cody Lusk to discuss tariffs, national security, and why dealers need to care about it. With auto imports in the cross hairs, international brand dealers have every reason to be concerned. Lusk has the background on what's happening, and some tips on what dealers can do to prepare for what comes next.

In this episode of Beltway Talk, Patrick Conner, a partner with Husch Blackwell in St. Louis, MO, breaks down what dealers need to understand about the Estate Tax, and how they can best plan for a future for their business and their families. As a Financial Services & Capital Markets expert, Patrick knows what dealers need when it comes to estate planning, and what they can learn from Aretha. Yes, that Aretha.

We sat down with AIADA's incoming 2019 Chairman to talk about what's on his mind, and what challenges and opportunities he sees for international nameplate dealers in the coming year. Howard Hakes, a California dealer who's always been engaged in politics, gives us the lowdown on trade, regulations, and SEC football.

John Bozzella, a veteran auto industry executive, is the President and CEO of Global Automakers since 2014. In this episode of Beltway Talk, John sits down with AIADA's Hannah Oliver to discuss the challenges facing the auto industry in Washington, D.C., and the important work his association is doing to advance the interests of auto manufacturers inside the Beltway and across the nation.

With just days left before the 2018 midterms, Beltway talk host Hannah Oliver sat down with Rachel Robinson - Capitol Hill veteran and vice president of AIADA's government relations department - to find out what issues and candidates on the ballot will most impact dealers. One thing we know for sure: dealers must vote!