December 15, 2023

In July of 2022, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) and solicited public comment on a Rule regarding unfair and deceptive acts or practices under its authority in regard to auto dealers. The Rule would prohibit auto dealers from making misrepresentations during the car buying journey, including selling, leasing or arranging financing for motor vehicles. It would require accurate pricing disclosures in sales discussions and advertising and would require dealers to obtain a consumer’s express, informed consent for all charges. It would also prohibit the sale of add-on products or services that give no benefit to the consumer. Additionally, dealers are required to keep records of advertisements and customer transactions. The public comment period closed on Sept. 12, 2022.

Four hundred dealers and dealer association executives from across the country gathered in the nation’s capital in September for the annual NADA Washington Conference.

In December of 2021, Chief Automotive Group purchased Hallmark Hyundai North, conveniently located right off I-55 in Ridgeland, Mississippi. The building was a previously owned Hyundai dealership, and plans for remodeling were started on day one. About six months later, the physical construction started.

As we enjoy the holiday season, the Mississippi Automobile Dealers Association (MADA) is rallying car dealers to support the state’s lone Children’s Hospital through an innovative car tag program.

Regulation 8, established by the Mississippi Motor Vehicle Commission (MMVC), outlines specific rules and requirements for franchised automobile dealers in Mississippi regarding Documentary/Service fees. It is crucial for dealerships to understand and adhere to these regulations to ensure compliance with the law and avoid potential fines and/or penalties.

Earlier this year, on June 6, Friends of Children’s Hospital (FCH) bid farewell to its esteemed Board Chairman, John Scarbrough. John serves as General Manager of Paul Moak Automotive in Jackson. John, who has devoted an impressive 14 years to the organization, including the past two years as Board Chairman, concluded his term at the helm of one of Mississippi’s most impactful charitable organizations.

The MADA Auto PAC places a significant emphasis on the personal delivery of checks to political candidates, considering it a crucial component of their broader grassroots strategy. Under the policy, every Auto PAC check issued to a candidate is hand-delivered, requiring additional effort but seen as integral to our overall approach.

Gold Star Club (Pledged $5,000+ Annually) Cannon Kirk, Kirk Auto CompanyJoe Marshall, Barnes Crossing FordWalt Massey, Walt Massey Automotive Presidents Club (Pledged $1,000 or More Annually) Bob Aubrey, Patty Peck HondaRoger Bacon, Mossy of Picayune, Nissan of PicayuneBob Boyte, Bob Boyte HondaRyan Brinkmeier, Mac Haik Ford JacksonMichael Joe Cannon, Cannon Motor CompanyManny Carames, Mac Haik Jackson

In this year’s campaigns, where every vote counts, the Mississippi Automobile Dealers Association (MADA) Auto PAC emerged as a driving force in the statewide and legislative elections. Spearheaded by Chairman Roger Bacon and the dedicated Board of Directors, MADA Auto PAC played a pivotal role in financially supporting candidates who champion issues important to franchised car and truck dealers.