Kentucky dealer Steve Gates on Feb. 17 assumed the chairmanship of the American International Automobile Dealers Association for 2021.

"Becoming chairman of the AIADA is by far the biggest honor I’ve ever received," said Gates, who represents the third generation of dealers in the Gates Auto Family. "I can promise you that day in and day out I will do everything I can for this industry and the AIADA. I’m excited and ready to go." 

The Gates Auto Family operates Audi, Ford/Lincoln, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Lexus, Nissan, and Toyota dealerships with more than 500 employees. Gates has served on the AIADA’s board of directors since 2014 and in 2018 testified during a U.S. Senate Finance Committee hearing on behalf of dealers on the disastrous impact of 232 proposed tariffs on vehicles. 

His industry leadership also includes representing dealers on Toyota’s National Dealer Council for six terms, Toyota’s National Product Advisory Council, and the state of Kentucky’s Motor Vehicle Commission. Gates also is a former Kentucky Automobile Dealers Association board member.