CADA Open Road eNewsletter

Reviews and accolades regarding last week's
Colorado Dealer Management and Leadership Summit

"Outstanding event. Just disappointed we did not have
every dealer there. We need to do a Summit every year."

The general manager I sent to the Colorado Dealer Summit just raved about it. It was very well done, very thorough, very beneficial.
Everyone thought the Summit was absolutely spectacular!! I was happy to see so many people participate.
The Summit was a very good meeting and very informative. Now we are going to do a meeting with all our senior managers and go over everything the Summit covered.
I just wanted to thank you for including me in the Dealer Summit. It was good to see old friends and everybody. It was also a very well-run, very educational and important seminar. So I appreciate that and I just wanted to tell you. Good to see you guys again and good to be a part of a great seminar.
I was unable to attend the Summit however I did send two of my senior managers. They have been sharing information with me all morning. I just wanted to say ‘thank you’ for your hard work in putting together such a complex program. This is the kind of training that we all need.
Great event, outstanding speakers/presenters, nice job! Almost too much information…I have been telling our other managers about the Summit.
I already had a lengthy voice mail this morning about the Summit. Our manager really liked the meeting yesterday…said how great a meeting it was.
I wanted to take a moment and thank you for having me at the Colorado Dealer Summit meeting yesterday. This was the first time I was able to attend a CADA function, and I was very impressed with the meetings that were held, and overall with the way CADA conducts business. Again thanks for the day and good luck.
Great meeting…the Colorado Dealer Summit. Great information though kind of scary! I just pity any dealer who was not able to attend. How does someone navigate the treacherous regulatory environment without this information?

CADA Annual Member Golf Event
Monday, Aug. 27

This year's event will take place at the Valley Country Club at 14601 Country Club Dr. in Aurora, which boasts the Essence of Colorado Tradition. A special thanks to our title sponsor, GE Money Warranty Services. We are also collecting 'goodies' for our goodie bags. If
you are interested in donating, please contact Lauren Stadler at 303.831.1722. Note that there will be two hole-in-one $10,000
cash prizes, awards for 1st/2nd/3rd place plus valuable door
prizes! There will also be a professional photographer on-site.

CLICK HERE to register online
or dealer members CLICK HERE

to download a registration form!

Allied members CLICK HERE to download a registration form!

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Big 3, union talking trade-offS

Detroit News, Aug. 20, 2007

Don't let the quiet fool you: At least two of Detroit's three automakers already have made "economic" proposals to the United Auto Workers that aim to cut hourly labor costs nearly 30 percent.

"We had an exchange of our first economic offer last week," a Ford source familiar with the situation told me, adding that the offers do not yet mention specific wage rates or benefit levels. "It's earlier" in the process "than the last two negotiations. What we're asking for is substantial."

Ford Motor Co. has told union bargainers it wants to cut hourly labor costs -- wages, benefits, pensions and retiree health care -- to roughly $48 to $51, down from $71 an hour today. The goal: To spend no more operating its UAW plants than rivals like Toyota Motor Corp. spend in its non-union U.S. plants.

CLICK HERE to read the entire article.

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DINGELL'S GAS TAX INCREASE PLAN FUELS FIGHT

Taxes better than CAFE

Detroit News, Aug. 20, 2007

I support taxing not only gasoline, but all fossil fuel carbon. It gives people an incentive to puff less carbon dioxide into our atmosphere. Taxing automotive fuels provides a firm yet flexible incentive to reduce motor fuel consumption.

Taxing motor fuels on the basis of fossil fuel carbon (but not renewable carbon) will also incentivize us to use renewable fuels such as ethanol, bio-gas derived from farm animal manure or biodiesel. So I applaud Alan Mulally and Rep. John Dingell for speaking up in favor of a gas tax -- the flexible alternative to draconian federal fuel economy requirements ("Mulally should keep up the straight talk," Aug. 10).

CLICK HERE to read all the letters sent to the Detroit News editor on this issue.

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CHINA IS CHRYSLER GROWTH TEST TRACK

Wall Street Journal, Aug. 20, 2007

SHANGHAI -- China is becoming a critical test ground for newly private Chrysler LLC in its strategy to expand outside North America by licensing vehicle production, outsourcing manufacturing and building cars in joint ventures with local partners, a senior executive said.

Last week, the first Chrysler minivan rolled off the assembly line at a plant in southern
China owned by South East Motors Inc., a joint venture between companies from China
and Taiwan. The Grand Voyager minivan is being produced under a licensing agreement reached in 2005 with Chrysler.

CADA forwards news articles and opinion columns of interest through Open Road
to inform members of current events. These in no way reflect the views, opinions,
and/or positions of CADA or its member dealers. They are sent for informational
and educational purposes only.

highlights from the COLORADO dealer management and leadership summit

If you heeded the call and joined us for the first-ever Colorado Dealer Management and Leadership Summit, you were among a select and privileged group to engage in a timely and spirited educational seminar on industry-specific topics. CLICK HERE to read more about this event from CAR lobbyist Jeremy Cottrell.

ARBITRATION AGREEMENTS - DEALERS SHOULD SERIOUSLY CONSIDER

Dealership managers, owners, and attorneys who attended the CADA Summit last week heard a candid discussion about the pros and cons of consumer arbitration agreements. Regardless of the pros and cons and differences on some of the aspects of what precisely should be included in such an agreement or provision, the panelists agreed on one item — all dealerships should be implementing a well-drafted agreement tailored to fit with their other contractual documents. As more litigation is hitting Colorado dealers, it is strongly advised that dealerships begin pursuing some defensive strategies. Below are additional resources and materials on arbitration:

CLICK HERE for a sample arbitration agreement, developed by an outside
attorney for CADA to provide to our members.

CLICK HERE for a review of the pros/cons of arbitration, a listing of various providers of arbitration services, and other general information.

CLICK HERE for the National Arbitration’s Winter 2007 Automotive Reporter Newsletter. This newsletter references a recent Colorado case (see page 4).

CLICK HERE for Thomas B. Hudson's publication "Why Dealers Should Implement Binding Arbitration" (12 pages).

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MOTOR VEHICLE DEALER BOARD - RULEMAKING IS UNDERWAY

The Motor Vehicle Dealer Board (MVDB), working in cooperation with the Auto Industry Division, has begun rulemaking on key topics – most resulting from last year’s Sunset Review. The division is holding preliminary discussions and has indicated that the industry associations will be invited to attend as meetings are scheduled. CADA will participate in these sessions and will keep membership apprised. If any areas are of particular concern to you, or there are changes you would like to see, please contact CADA. Revised rules in the following areas will be developed:

Disclosure form required as part of a Motor Vehicle Contract – The general sentiment of the board is that the new disclosure required to inform consumers
of the existence and purpose of the MVDB be incorporated into the language on
the existing form; all dealers will likely be required to use a new form as of Jan.1, 2008. Dealerships should begin to plan for this and deplete their inventory of the existing disclosure forms.
Investigation and compliance standards – The Division has begun work on proposed standards.
Revised bond form to reflect the increased bond amounts.
Deferred judgment and sentences
Regulations for powercraft – Initial meeting was held last week.

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DEPOT AND TRANSPORTER PLATES: PROPOSED RULEMAKING HEARING ANNOUNCED

The Department of Revenue, Titles and Registration Section, will be holding rulemaking hearings on Monday, Sept.10, 2007. The purpose of these hearings is to allow for public comments and input on proposed rules regarding Depot License Plates and Transporter License Plates.

The official notice of this hearing, the proposed rules, and more information can be found at the links below:

Depot License Plates

Transporter License Plates

The hearing is set for Monday, September 10, 2007, at 9 a.m. at Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles, 1881 Pierce Street, Conf Rm 110, Lakewood, 80214.

Additionally, as previously noted, rules regarding Title Information Requests will have a hearing the same day and time:

Records Open to Inspection: CLICK HERE for Open Road, Aug. 8, 2007, Regulatory & Legal Updates

We need to hear from you! If you have concerns or issues with any of the proposed rules – please contact Tim Jackson or Tammi McCoy below to provide your perspective.

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If you have questions on any legal or regulatory topics, please contact:

Tim Jackson, President, tim.jackson@cadaonline.org, 303.282.1448
Tammi McCoy, VP, tammi.mccoy@cadaonline.org, 303.282.1449

DISCLAIMER: CADA is not authorized to dispense legal advice. The Information contained in this weekly email is intended to provide important updates and reminders regarding statutes, litigation, and regulations. CADA always advises that dealers
should consult legal counsel on the specifics of any laws or regulations to ensure proper compliance.

EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION AND HIRING/FIRING SEMINAR

"I love to sue employers!"

-Field attorney for the EEOC in Denver, speaking recently to a group of defense attorneys

Wednesday, Sept. 19: Attend this seminar presented by representatives
of Mountain States Employers Council (MSEC) to learn more about employment discrimination and the EEOC’s aggressive new initiatives, along with hiring and termination practices in Colorado. MSEC is an employers association based in Denver, assisting more than 2,500 members throughout the mountain states region with employment law, human resource (HR) consulting, training and survey needs. Every manager involved in hiring and firing decisions at your dealership will benefit from this half-day seminar. CLICK HERE for more details.

Topics
City

Date/Time

Location

Title Processing Training

By various county trainers/staff
Denver
Tuesday, Sept. 11
9:30 a.m. to

2:30 p.m.

lunch included
Marriott Denver Tech Center Hotel
4900 S. Syracuse St., 80237
Phone: 303.779.1100
CLICK HERE for seminar flyer and to fax or mail your registration.
CLICK HERE to register online.

Employment Discrimination & Hiring/Firing

Wednesday, Sept. 19

9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Continental breakfast and lunch includedd
William D. Barrow Building
(CADA Headquarters)
290 E. Speer Blvd, 80203
(SW Corner of Grant/Speer)
Phone: 303.831.1722
CLICK HERE for seminar flyer and to fax or mail your registration.
CLICK HERE to register online.

Colorado State Senate President to SPeak in Boulder This Evening

Please join us tonight for an engaging hour with Joan Fitz-Gerald, the first woman to become president of the Colorado State Senate. She is also running for U.S. Congress in 2008 for the 2nd Congressional District. The event will be held in Jill's Lounge at the St. Julien Hotel from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. CLICK HERE for more information.

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Event Description Date/Time Location

CADA Annual
Golf Eventnt
CLICK HERE for more details!

NEXT WEEK!
Monday, Aug. 27

-11:30 a.m. Sponsor Welcome
-Noon shotgun start
Valley Country Club
14601 Country Club Dr.
Aurora, 80016
CLICK HERE to register online for this event!

CADA Regional
Member Briefings

_______

MDADA
Annual
Membership
Meeting

Ten meetings
for dealers
across Colorado

CLICK HERE for a full list of meeting locations, dates and times and to register online.
_______

Tuesday, Nov. 27
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

lunch included

rsvp@cadaonline.org

* Please note different RSVP
for Colorado Springs and
Pueblo meetings.

_______

Cherry Hills Country Club
4125 S. University Blvd.
Cherry Hills Village, 80113

Attendees can register through
CADA via phone, fax or e-mail.
P: 303.831.1722
F: 303.831.9100
E-mail: rsvp@cadaonline.org

NADA Washington Conference Sept. 11-12 Grand Hyatt Hotel,
Washington, DC

NADC
(National Association of Dealer Counsel)
Fall Workshop
Oct. 15-16

NADC membership required
CADA strongly encourages membership in NADC.
Hermitage Hotel,
Nashville,TN
(Reserve rooms by Sept. 12 for discounted rate)
CLICK HERE to link to the NADC web site.

NADA 91st Annual Convention & Expo Feb.9-12, 2008 Moscone Center,
San Francisco, CA

Denver International
Auto Show March 26-30, 2008 Colorado Convention Center, Denver

Broadmoor hotel to host antique car show
labor day weekend

The Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs will adorn their picturesque golf course with a collection of unique and exquisite motorcars and cycles Labor Day weekend. The greens will be transformed into a Concours d’Elegance show field, containing the best antique, classic, historic race cars, limited production sports cars and vintage motorcycles from all over the United States. The event will be scrutinized and evaluated by a nationally recognized panel of judges under the direction of chief judge Paul Sable. Mercedes Benz will be the honored marque for 2007 as we celebrate the legacy of Otis Chandler. For more information, visit their website.

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LET US KNOW ABOUT YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS!

Have you or anyone else at your dealership won an award recently? Has your dealership provided any outstanding community service? We want to recognize such accomplishments. Please send us a brief write-up of the award or event along with any other information to milestones@cadaonline.org. Also include your contact information for further follow-up.