Pub. 8 2019-2020 Issue 1

4 San Diego Dealer New Car Dealers Association ® San Diego County 10065 Mesa Ridge Court San Diego, CA 92121-2916 Tel: (858) 550-0080 Fax: (858) 550-9537 www.ncda.com CHAIRMAN MARK GRUWELL.................DISTRIC T 5 VICE CHAIRMAN JASEN POWELL...................DISTRIC T 2 SECRETARY/TREASURER VINCENT CASTRO................DISTRIC T 2 PAST CHAIRMAN RICHARD NEWENDYKE.......DISTRIC T 3 BOARD MEMBERS CHRIS BAKER.......................DISTRIC T 1 PERRY FALK .........................DISTRIC T 6 RON FORNACA....................DISTRIC T 6 GREG KAMINSKY.................DISTRIC T 4 DAVE MCCRACKEN..............DISTRIC T 3 DAVE MILLER.......................DISTRIC T 5 OWEN MOSSY......................DISTRIC T 3 CHRIS MURPHY...................DISTRIC T 1 MICHAEL PE TERSON...........DISTRIC T 4 Chairman’s Letter Ma r k G r uwe l l D ear Dealer Members, Enthusiasm among consumers for the automobile is just as high as it has always been. Whether it is the newest and technologically advanced EVs like the Hyundai Kona and Jaguar i-Pace or the upcoming Ford Bronco and com- pletely redesigned Chevrolet Corvette, we are in an exciting time. With more than 200 nameplates in the market, consumers have an abundance of choices. This is where our San Diego International Auto Show will come in. It’s a one-stop; show-me-your-best at a venue where consumers will see nearly every car and truck available. We’re eager to open the doors to welcome our car-buying San Diegans and sur- rounding neighbors beginningWednesday, January 1 and continuing daily through Sunday, January 5. While nationwide sales forecasts show a dip to 16.9 million in new vehicle sales for the year, it remains a strong market that is outpacing 2014 and prior. According to research, key factors that are influ- encing the 2019 sales pace are: 1) strong economic indicators, 2) finance rates, 3) high inventory, and 4) pressure from used. We are still seeing record lease penetrations for the year that are estimated by Edmunds to be at 32.2 percent. To support the new car buying experience at the dealership level, we need a consistent set of skilled sales associates. Fortunately, there has been an uptick in the number of students attending the California Sales Training Academy, which holds classes every other week in the NCDA offices. This is a positive testament of not only the program’s value, but also the interest from people acknowledging that a career in new car sales presents a golden opportunity for financial and professional reward. There is an informative and entertaining article in this issue on the CSTA that delves into recent graduates’ success. I also want to encourage members to take advantage of the freemeeting space inside the NCDA offices. There is a room with full audio/video capabilities to com- fortably accommodate groups ranging in size from five to 100 people. This is one of the many benefits of being a New Car Dealers Association member. Just call the main office to check on availability. It’s that simple. It is a privilege to serve as board chair. And as always, please feel free to reach out anytime. With Courtesy, Mark Gruwell Chairman