McLEAN, Va. — Responding to an invitation from General Motors Co., a senior team from National Automobile Dealers Association met with the automaker’s full 14-member board of directors and management staff in Detroit on Aug. 19 to discuss several pressing industry and dealer issues.

The issues included recent actions by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the impact of greenhouse gas and fuel economy rules on vehicle affordability, intellectual property and data security, facility improvement programs and stair-step incentives.  

The meeting marked the first time the NADA was invited to address the board of directors of an auto manufacturer. The NADA was represented by David Westcott, chairman, Peter Welch, president, and Mark Scarpelli, director/GM line representative. Welch explained the NADA’s purpose and role as the voice of the dealer and urged that the industry should work more closely together in the future.

“GM’s board was very receptive to hear our issues,” Westcott said. “It was a great opportunity to meet with GM and further our relationship to work together on common goals.”

Scarpelli shared some of his experiences as a Chevrolet dealer and delivered a recap of the NADA’s most recent GM Dealer Attitude Survey. Following the presentations, the NADA’s representatives fielded questions from several board members.