As a long-standing partner of the automotive community, GW Marketing Services always looks forward to the annual Vermont Auto Conference. This year’s event, which took place on May 28, 2026, delivered what was undoubtedly one of the most vital, timely, and excellent lineups of sessions to date. While we proudly supported the gathering as a sponsor, I was unfortunately unavailable to attend in person, as usual. Seeing the depth of the highly pertinent topics covered makes me regret my absence even more, as the organizers and presenters did an absolutely phenomenal job.
The true importance of this conference was reflected in the stellar caliber of attendees. The event brought together the elite of Vermont’s automotive network, including top-tier dealer groups like 802 Honda/Subaru/Toyota, Almartin Motors, Goss Dodge, Handy Chevrolet, Shearer Acura/Volkswagen, and The Automaster. Beyond dealer principals and managers, the room was packed with crucial industry stakeholders, including leadership from the Vermont Vehicle and Automotive Distributors Association (VADA), the Vermont Bankers Association, the Office of the Attorney General, and Efficiency Vermont.
For those who, like me, couldn’t be in the room, here is a look at the excellent insights and heavy-hitting presenters that made this year’s conference so impactful:
1. Master Class on Federal Advertising & Compliance
Brad Miller, Co-CEO and Chief Legal Officer of ComplyAuto, provided a masterclass on federal advertising issues and enforcement updates. He broke down the legal landscape following the 5th Circuit’s decision to vacate the FTC’s CARS Rule, explaining that, despite this, the FTC continues to enforce existing rules against unfair or deceptive practices.
- Miller highlighted the FTC’s March 13, 2026, wave of warning letters to 97 auto groups, emphasizing the absolute mandate for “out the door” and transparent pricing.
- He detailed illegal pricing practices that dealerships must avoid, including hidden documentation or service fees, conditional rebates that aren’t available to all buyers, and mandatory dealer-installed accessories not reflected in the advertised price.
- He also shed light on real-world enforcement trends, including joint federal and state actions in Connecticut, where managers and finance personnel face personal liability for deceptive practices.
- Finally, he introduced the Comply Auto Guardian tool, designed to help dealers leverage AI-powered scanning for robust website and deal jacket compliance.
2. Legal and Political Backing: The “Eye on Washington.”
Ivette Rivera, Senior Vice President of Legislative Affairs for NADA, delivered a powerful update on the legislative battles and wins impacting dealerships nationwide.
- Rivera highlighted significant legislative victories in Washington, including Congress passing H.J. Res. 88, 87, and 89 to block aggressive California-style bans on new gas cars, diesel trucks, and low-NOx rules.
- She outlined NADA’s successful defense of pro-dealer tax policies, such as permanent pass-through deductions and bonus depreciation, alongside consumer tax benefits, such as extending lower income tax rates.
- Attendees also received crucial updates on priority defense issues, including preserving state vehicle franchise laws, opposing overbroad recall legislation that amounts to a “trade-in tax,” and fighting “Right to Repair” initiatives while supporting the PART Act to combat catalytic converter theft.
3. Transforming Car Buying: Insights from the Vermont DMV
At the state level, Lt. Jeremy Desjardins, Business Unit Section Chief for the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles, shared essential operational updates for local dealers.
- Desjardins walked through crucial bulletin updates, including the Used Vehicle Inspection Disclosure Requirement (Form VD-124), implemented following legislative changes, which require clear statements about a vehicle’s inspection history starting July 1, 2025.
- He noted the inspection sticker fee change from $6 to $8, taking effect on November 1, 2025.
- A major focal point was the Shipping/Empty Weight Adjustment Form (Form VD-011) designed for new Max Tax calculations starting January 1, 2026. The DMV’s modernized system now automatically populates a vehicle’s manufacturer shipping weight, requiring certified scale weight slips from dealers or buyers if modifications alter the truck’s empty weight to qualify for the max tax provision.
- Furthermore, he laid out the future DMV Dealer Interface Project, which will introduce a direct API connection and myDMV portal upgrades to eliminate duplicate paperwork, allow real-time error validation, and offer immediate issuance of registrations and plates.
4. Navigating Industry Trends & Market Complacency
Michael Hayes, representing the NADA Academy, presented an invaluable session on dealership operating trends and the evolving habits of modern buyers.
- Hayes emphasized the reality of digital retail, noting that 95% of buyers utilize digital sources for research, and twice as many shoppers start their buying journeys online rather than stepping foot in a dealership.
- He cautioned against the dangers of success-driven complacency, encouraging dealers to treat themselves as investment analysts by tracking Gross Return on Inventory (GROI)—calculated by multiplying gross profit as a percentage of sales by the inventory turn rate.
- Hayes provided comprehensive benchmarks for management, operating and productivity profiles, outlining ideal turnover rates, absorption goals, and department-specific efficiency targets to maximize total dealership profitability.
5. Building the Next-Gen Workforce Pipeline
Addressing the acute technician shortage, Nikole Thayer, Executive Director of CWPE at Vermont State University, introduced a collaborative vision to build Vermont’s regional automotive and diesel workforce pipeline.
- Thayer detailed a strategic partnership model between Vermont State University and Career Technical Education (CTE) centers to offer regional, hands-on workforce training designed for adult learners, career changers, and new Americans.
- The short-term “Automotive & Diesel Foundations” program focuses on fundamental shop safety, basic maintenance, diagnostics, and ASE entry-level preparation, seamlessly funneling qualified lube and fleet technicians into partnerships with local employers.
Final Thoughts
The relevance of these topics cannot be overstated. From navigating aggressive FTC price-advertising scrutiny to understanding shifting state tax rules and upgrading digital interfaces, the information presented at the Vermont Auto Conference was absolutely vital for the survival and growth of modern dealerships.
Kudos to the entire team behind the conference for organizing such a high-caliber, essential event, and special thanks to Matt Cota and Kim Gauthier, whose hard work helps make this success possible. While I deeply regret missing the face-to-face camaraderie and the live sessions this year, GW Marketing Services remains a proud, steadfast supporter of this community, and we are already looking forward to attending the next one!