I want to extend my warmest wishes to you, your families and your teams for a healthy, successful and prosperous 2026.

Reflecting on the past year, 2025 was a reminder of the resilience and adaptability of franchised new-car dealers. We entered the year with strong sales momentum, driven by improved inventory levels and renewed consumer interest. As the year progressed, however, that initial strength was tempered by growing economic uncertainty. Rising costs, some influenced by global trade policy, continued to pressure operations, while persistently high interest rates affected both consumer affordability and dealer financing.

At the same time, the marketplace grew more complex. Demand for electric vehicles proved volatile as incentives shifted and consumer preferences evolved, and intensified price competition across the industry challenged margins. Through it all, dealers demonstrated remarkable discipline, innovation and commitment to their customers and communities.

The challenges we’ve faced highlight one of the core truths of our industry: Franchised dealers are problem-solvers. You adapted to changing demand, managed through cost pressures, invested in your people and facilities, and continued to deliver exceptional service, even in an unpredictable environment.

Dealers can gain an edge in such a competitive environment through knowledge and training. Recognizing this, your New Car Dealers Association made education a top priority in 2025, significantly expanding its seminar schedule to deliver timely, practical, high-value programs for dealers and their teams. As detailed in this issue, these expanded offerings emphasized in-person learning, compliance readiness, leadership development and operational excellence, providing members with actionable tools to navigate rising costs, regulatory complexity, shifting vehicle demand and intensifying competition.

As we look ahead, uncertainty remains, but so does opportunity. Our association will continue to advocate for policies that support a fair, competitive marketplace and provide dealers with the stability needed to plan, invest and grow. Just as importantly, we will work together to share insights, strengthen our collective voice and ensure our industry is positioned for long-term success.

Sincerely,
Paul Dyke