Pub. 2 2024 Issue 3

Meridian Monday, November 11 11:45 am-1:00 pmWeidmann’sDealers and Sponsors: $45 Other Guests: $85 Jackson Tuesday, November 12 11:45 am-1:00 pmTable 100Dealers and Sponsors: $45 Other Guests: $85 Hernando Tuesday, November 12 6:00 pm-7:30 pmHernando Golf & Racquet ClubDealers and Sponsors: $80 Other Guests: $130 Tupelo Wednesday, November 13 11:45 am-1:00 pmPark HeightsDealers and Sponsors: $45 […]

Over the past few years, warranty audits have become mandatory. They are no longer driven by your dashboard or the health of your dealership in the eyes of the manufacturer. They are happening more randomly as manufacturers work to claw back warranty dollars however and wherever they can.

As a new fiscal year for our state began on July 1, 2024, new laws went into effect where dealers should take notice.

I hope your year is going well. As we all know, there is plenty going on in Washington on the issues important to our industry, and I am happy to report on the work of NADA.
First, an issue that is front and center for many of our businesses: the cyber incident that shut down CDK’s dealers’ systems. I do not need to emphasize the impact this has had on auto retailers across the country.

Upon graduating high school, Dannelle Walker, the daughter of Jimmy Walker (a successful auto dealer) and Zonda Walker (a teacher) — left behind the small town of Laurel, Mississippi, and headed off to The Big Apple to pursue her dreams. She attended New York University, seeking a career far away from the auto industry she grew up around, with no intention of returning home or to the family business.

On July 11, 2024, Jonathan Allen, CEO/president of J. Allen Automotive Group, and President Dr. Mary S. Graham of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC) announced a groundbreaking partnership when they launched the Automotive Technician Apprenticeship program.

In 1974, West Pine Street — located in the small, charming town of Hattiesburg, Mississippi — was known as “Automobile Row.” Dealerships selling all makes and models lined either side of the road. People traveled long distances to visit Automobile Row and take advantage of the large selection of what they hoped would be their next car.

Butch Oustalet started in the auto business in 1969, working at his dad’s Ford dealership in Gulfport, Mississippi, first as a service writer, and then after about a year, he became the service manager. Shortly after that, he became a salesman in that dealership and did so well that he was promoted to sales manager before becoming the general manager. His father was committed to helping the community and Butch saw first-hand the positive impact that made. Butch explained, “While my father’s work ethic and unwavering dedication to his customers greatly inspired me, it really was his spirit of giving that impacted me most.”