We had the privilege of talking with Gary Gilchrist, the 2024 chairman for the National Automotive Dealers Association (NADA) for the upcoming edition of Dealer magazine.
Gilchrist is president of Gilchrist Chevrolet Buick GMC, Inc. in Tacoma, WA, a family-owned dealership that has been for over 90 years. Gilchrist started in the automotive business in 1977 selling cars in Tacoma after graduating from college.
In this interview, Gilchrist reflects on being a third-generation dealer, the importance of family, NADA initiatives he will be spearheading as chairman, his view on the Biden Administration’s push on electric vehicles and his bullish beliefs on the franchise model moving forward.
The full interview and magazine will be published March 21.
DEALER MAGAZINE: Can you share some of the top initiatives for NADA in 2024?
Gilchrist: New franchised dealers’ main priority has and always will be the customer experience, and we have two obstacles to that this year. The first is the FTC Vehicle Shopping Rule, which NADA challenged in court. This rule will make the vehicle-buying process longer and more confusing for consumers. Luckily, the FTC issued an Order postponing the effective date of the Vehicle Shopping Rule pending judicial review of the petition.
The second are current EV mandates, which really impede consumer choice. Franchised dealers share the goals in lowering emissions and electrifying the fleet – believe me, we want to sell the cars! But the EPA mandates are too far, too fast. The infrastructure isn’t there yet and the vehicles aren’t affordable for most Americans. We are hoping the government considers plug-in hybrids as a way to transition to full electrification.
DEALER MAGAZINE: What are some of your main priorities, and what do you hope to accomplish during your tenure as chairman?
Gilchrist: My three goals for the year are to:
- Continue to work with NADA professional staff and OEMs to support the franchise system;
- Engage dealers across the country in NADA’s advocacy and education efforts; and
- Strengthen our relationships with ATAEs, who bring invaluable local and state perspectives and work to the industry.
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