MCLEAN, Va. — The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) and American Truck Dealers (ATD) will launch in February NADA University — an online education and technology resource for NADA’s dealer members to enhance business performance in a complex marketplace. 

The launch, which will include substantial training and services at no charge for dealer members, will take place February 13-15, at NADA’s annual convention in Orlando, Fla. Demos and member access credentials will be provided onsite at the NADA University booth (#1801) and the NADA University studio.

NADA and ATD have teamed up with LightSpeed VT, a provider of interactive-based training systems for the auto industry, to deliver NADA University to users in a convenient one-source format, combining both online and classroom based solutions.

Leveraging the expert resources of NADA, ATD and LightSpeed VT, NADA University encompasses four “automotive centers of excellence” that complement each other, including:

• NADA/ATD Academy – To build leadership skills and improve critical decision-making through executive education using such resources as the NADA and ATD Dealer successor, general management and large dealer group academies, and the highly acclaimed Babson College Executive Education program.

• Learning Hub – To train your staff in key business functions using a wide selection of online and instructor-led courses, Webinars and workshops focused on business management, legal compliance, customer relations, human resources, and fixed and variable operations.

• 20 Group – To improve business performance and profitability through access to 20 Group expert consultants, Lifeline to Profits in-dealership consulting and workshops and the best-in-class online make-specific financial composites with programs tailored for executives, managers, and sales and service staffs.

• Resource Toolbox – Online, on-demand, and the only place to access valuable member resources such as Driven dealer management guides on the latest developments, regulations, trends and other essential information in the auto industry impacting key business decisions and Market Insight monthly Webinars with the latest data, analysis, and industry-expert panel discussions. Get breaking news, NADA product support, and other custom services – all to help drive your sales, performance, and profits. 

“NADA University combines advanced technology with proven dealer-operations expertise to offer the most up-to-date, convenient and real-world education resource on the market today to help dealers, as well as manufacturers and related businesses, operate more efficiently and profitably for the long-term,” said NADA Chairman John McEleney.

“It’s absolutely essential to ‘step up your game’ to survive in this challenging market,” McEleney added. "Keeping employees’ knowledge and skills current is a necessity. With the complexities of today's marketplace and ever-changing legal and regulatory requirements, cutting corners on training may result not only in lost business, but also costly compliance penalties. NADA University offers the resources and the tools for accountability that are key to operating a more cost-effective and productive business.  It is the only tool that will give you all of that accessible in one online location.”

Tapping the interactive training systems and technology resources of LightSpeed VT, NADA University will connect users to resources and training programs that offer trackable results.  

NADA and ATD members simply activate their access, using their member ID, at www.nadauniversity.com. They are able to add and maintain their list of authorized employee users – ideally every employee of the dealership – to reap maximum benefit from the many training and performance resources provided at no charge to dealers, and available exclusively through their NADA University account.

Additional training and resources are available by subscription at discounted rates for members. Other industry professionals may also access a wealth of industry and NADA information, purchase training and resources, and engage to share their expertise and services with dealers through NADA University sponsorships and communication channels.