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Top Stories
Defense Dept. Closes GAP Confusion
Dealer associations are praising the Department of Defense's decision last week to rescind a controversial interpretation of the Military Lending Act, clearing confusion that has prevented dealers from selling guaranteed asset protection, or GAP, to military members and covered relatives. The Pentagon withdrew part of a previously amended Q&A published in the December 2017 Interpretive Rule — specifically Q&A No. 2, which classified GAP as a "credit-related cost." The change took effect Friday, Feb. 28.
Source: Automotive News
Dealers Win Pivotal Change to Colo. EV Bill
In what Colorado auto dealers are calling a victory, state senators last week approved legislation that would allow Rivian and other electric vehicle manufacturers to sell directly to consumers — but only after scaling the bill back to exclude traditional automakers with franchised retail networks. That change softened the Colorado Automobile Dealers Association's opposition and gave proponents the votes needed to pass the bill Friday, Feb. 28, after lawmakers delayed a vote for several days. The dealers association, which had fiercely opposed the original bill, said it supported the amendment and now was neutral on the proposal, which goes to the state House for consideration.
Source: Automotive News
NADA to Elevate Women in Retail
A new National Automobile Dealers Association program aims to shine a spotlight on the opportunities for women in automotive retailing. The Women Driving Auto Retail initiative is focused on amplifying the voices of women already working in auto retail and increasing employment of women in dealerships. The initiative, in the works for years and with funding finally in place for 2020, was rolled out at the NADA Show last month with speakers, panels and a video contest.
Source: Automotive News
'Another Radical Idea': Rep. Levin Calls for Nationwide EV Charging Network
Congressman Andy Levin held a town hall Sunday at Royal Oak Middle School before dozens of Metro Detroiters, and used the occasion to tout his bill that would create a nationwide infrastructure of electric vehicle charging stations. With a global move toward electric vehicles, Levin's plan is to "establish a national network of electric vehicle charging stations."
Source: The Detroit News
Editorial: Dealers Need Help Marketing EVs
Regulations around the world are spurring automakers to bring electric vehicles to market well before the economics would lead more than a few shoppers to change their preference away from vehicles powered by gasoline. Dealers are caught in the middle. Their customers have little interest in actually buying EVs, but their automaker partners need them to at least give it a solid effort. Bottom line: Retailers can't be expected to subsidize these ventures, so they will need significant support from manufacturers to sell and support these very different products.
Source: Automotive News
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