Shifting Gears at NADC 2025: Gordon Wisbach on the Road Ahead for Car Dealers
Gordon Wisbach, Founder and President of GW Marketing Services, recently attended the 2025 NADC Fall Conference in Chicago, an essential event for leaders and legal experts in the automotive dealership industry. This event brought together influential figures such as Daniel Ingber and Paul Metrey from NADA, legal specialists from ComplyAuto and ArentFox Schiff LLP, and top advisors like Stephen Dietrich and Gabe Robleto, creating a powerhouse environment of expertise and insight.
Conference Highlights and Industry Impact
The conference addressed several critical issues shaping the present and future of car dealerships:
Federal Rulings and Industry Regulations
The session covered Federal Government rulings, statutes, and current trends in government and OEM EV incentive programs, as well as tariffs and key FTC regulations governing dealership sales practices. Importantly, these Federal rulings aim to prevent California and other states—Vermont, Massachusetts, Oregon, and Washington—from imposing separate EPA and mileage mandates. The NADA (National Auto Dealer Association) has taken active measures to counter Federal rulings it considers intrusive, especially regarding new FTC regulations that impact dealer operations.
Right of First Refusal (ROFR)
The session defined ROFR as OEMs' ability to exercise their Right of First Refusal, allowing them to block a sale to a prospective buyer in favor of their own selection. Discussions focused on strategies dealers can use to prevent ROFR from being exercised, including techniques and best practices to ensure the proposed buyer receives approval from OEMs.
Sales Performance Metrics and AI Critique
Attendees learned how OEMs measure dealer sales performance using “Sales Efficiency” metrics, including the successes and failures of these methods within assigned marketplaces. The use of AI was highlighted, showing how it can effectively critique and analyze the criteria OEMs deploy. AI proved more successful at identifying flaws in performance metrics than at creating solutions to resolve conflicting methodologies.
Dealership Lease/Lease Back
This session explored the dealership property lease/lease-back arrangements, where independent financing companies offer dealers the capital needed to recapitalize or acquire new stores, thus acting as cash generators. Presenters advised on critical lease features—such as facility upgrades, lease terms, renewal options, and buy-back provisions—that should be included to avoid conflicts with OEM requirements.
The Role of Dealer Counsel
The National Association of Dealer Counsel (NADC) is pivotal in uniting legal professionals, dealership owners, and brokers to address the latest federal rulings, dealership statutes, and emerging regulations discussed at the NADC 2025 Conference, such as mandates on EPA and mileage standards, tariff impacts, and new FTC controls on sales practices. NADC ensures its members are equipped to respond to these complex regulatory shifts—including issues like OEM Right of First Refusal and performance metric critiques—by fostering education, sharing strategies for deal protection, and supporting dealers in adopting compliant lease or financing arrangements.
In the face of rapidly evolving government policies and OEM demands, NADC’s specialized guidance and collaborative approach help dealers remain competitive and approved for growth opportunities in Chicago and nationwide.
How Gordon Wisbach Empowers Dealers in Changing Regulatory Times
With over 45 years of leading GW Marketing Services, Gordon brings unmatched knowledge as New England’s top dealership broker, earning loyalty and trust across the industry. His deep expertise in brokerage, appraisals, consolidation, litigation support, and transaction consulting uniquely positions him to help Chicago dealers navigate today’s volatile environment.
Gordon’s hands-on, 24/7 approach means clients receive tailored support in brokerage, M&A, and legal compliance - critical for success as dealerships adapt to regulatory, economic, and digital changes.
By participating in forward-thinking events like the NADC Fall Conference, Gordon not only stays ahead of industry trends but empowers his clients to leverage expert insights, connect with strategic partners, and thrive regardless of market headwinds, including ongoing tariff pressures.
Connect with Gordon
If you’re looking to navigate the evolving dealership landscape or prepare for the next stage of growth, there’s no better time to connect with Gordon Wisbach. With over four decades of hands-on experience and a track record of hundreds of successful dealership transactions, Gordon offers unmatched insight into brokerage, valuation, litigation support, and strategic consulting.
Whether you’re buying, selling, consolidating, or simply planning your next move, his expert guidance can help you make confident, informed decisions in a rapidly changing market. Reach out to Gordon directly at gordon@gwmarketingservices.com or call (508) 395‑2500 to start the conversation and discover how GW Marketing Services can support your success.
