CATA News

Help your customers take the next step in being an EV owner! ComEd customers may qualify for a rebate of up to $3,750* towards the purchase and home installation of a smart Level 2 charger. Whether they already drive an EV, or are considering one soon, it’s good for them to know that Level 2 chargers deliver charge faster and can be more energy efficient.

Business and public sector customers looking to go electric with their fleet vehicles, can save with vehicle and infrastructure rebates that are in addition to state and federal incentives.

ComEd offers rebates and free tools, including a Fleet Electrification toolkit and Residential EV Toolkit to help customers explore savings and options and  make informed decisions during their purchase journey.

Learn more at www.ComEd.com/CleanEnergy.

Today is the last day to take advantage of the lowest registration pricing for the annual golf outing. Register by Friday to save.

Join in the fun on Tuesday, June 11 to network with fellow dealer and allied members, hear association updates at the annual meeting, and enjoy a beautiful summer day on the course.  As in the past, the outing will include several contests throughout the course for the chance to win cash prizes. Contests include straightest drive, longest putt, closest to the pin, hole-in-one and more. One lucky golfer even has the chance to win the $10,000 putting contest!

We will kick off the day with a coffee and networking reception, followed by the annual meeting and lunch. After golfing concludes, we will gather back together for a 19th hole Happy Hour.

Schedule of Events

• 10:00 a.m. - Coffee & Networking Reception
• 11:00 a.m. - Lunch & CATA Annual Meeting
• 12:00 p.m. - Shotgun Start
• 5:00 p.m. - 19th Hole Happy Hour & Raffle Drawing

Your registration will include two raffle tickets to enter to win a variety of raffle prizes donated by our sponsors. Additional raffle tickets will be available for purchase onsite.

Dealer member registration is $100 per golfer. There is an additional $30 charge if you wish to golf on the Ravines course. You can note foursome preferences during the registration process. Lunch-only tickets are also available for $40.

For general registration questions, please contact the CATA at 630-495-2282.

Learn More & Register

[From the NADA] The FTC Safeguards Rule contains a new requirement that requires dealers to notify the FTC if certain security events that could affect consumer data occur in dealer systems or third-party systems containing dealer data. NADA has updated its Driven Guide, A Dealer Guide to the FTC Safeguards Rule (L43), to include details about the new requirements.

On October 27, 2024, the FTC announced a final rule amending its Safeguards Rule that will require non-banking financial institutions, such as dealers, to report certain data breaches and other security events, which they refer to as “notification events.” This means that dealers and others will be required to notify the FTC, which will post the reports on a publicly available website.

The trigger for filing a report is what is called a “notification event,” which is defined as “[t]he acquisition of unencrypted customer information without the authorization of the individual to which the information pertains.” This likely applies to data breaches or other security events that compromise unencrypted consumer data, but unfortunately, the exact scope of this definition is somewhat unclear.

If a notification event occurs that affects the unencrypted information of 500 or more consumers, then it must be reported to the FTC as soon as possible and no later than 30 days after discovered. Notice to the FTC must be provided electronically through a forthcoming form located on the FTC’s website. Dealers may need to report notification events that occur in dealer-controlled systems as well as those that occur at a vendor if it affects that dealer’s customer data.

This new reporting obligation begins on May 12, 2024. Dealers should review NADA’s previous Safeguards guidance and consult the newly updated Driven Guide, A Dealer Guide to the FTC Safeguards Rule (L43), before the May 12 compliance deadline. Dealers should also work with their IT professionals and counsel to understand and prepare for the new requirements, and should update their incident response plans and information security programs accordingly.

When: Wednesday, May 15 – 1:30 p.m.

On April 23, 2024 the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) released the highly anticipated final rule defining Overtime Exemption requirements, including guaranteed salary requirements, for the White-Collar Exemptions: Executive, Administrative, Professional, and Highly Compensated. While the changes to the White Collar Exemptions may not directly impact your dealership, we often find dealers are unaware of other partial Automotive exemptions and the compliance implications those bring forth within the industry.

Additionally, on the same day of the DOL announcement, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) approved a final rule banning most new noncompete clauses in employment contracts—a sweeping change affecting millions of workers.

The rule also makes all existing noncompete agreements except for those covering senior executives unenforceable and requires employers provide notice to current and former workers that their noncompete clauses are no longer in effect.

So, are you ready? Join CATA and our human resource partner, Jamie Hasty, Vice President at SESCO Management Consultants, to cover important and timely updates to include:

• Changes to the White Collar Exemptions and impact they may have on your dealership
• Discuss partial exemptions from overtime for automotive industry positions and best practices for application of those exemptions.
• Review commons traps and misconceptions as it pertains to Wage and Hour compliance—your dealership’s number one (1) financial liability!
• Review the FTC ban and how it may impact your non-compete agreements in place for senior positions.

Register Today!

In light of the recent weather conditions, the CATA would like to remind you of the services provided by International Fleet Solutions (IFS), a valued CATA Approved Partner. Specializing in paintless dent repair, IFS offers an efficient solution to hail damage, ensuring that vehicles are restored to pre-damage state with speed and precision.

As a local company with national reach, IFS collaborates with dealerships across the country to address the aftermath of hail events promptly. Their extensive experience in the industry allows them to employ only the most skilled technicians, project managers, and quality control experts, guaranteeing top-notch results and exceptional workmanship.

For those affected by hail damage, the CATA encourages you to reach out to Ron Martin at (612) 801-0174 or Tracy Thrall at (815) 341-0747 for support.

When: Tuesday, May 21 – 9:30 a.m.

When: As part of a first of its kind electrification investment in Illinois, ComEd launched nearly $90 million in funding available for business and public sector customers to apply for rebates which are used to help cover the upfront costs of electrifying their fleets and to prime sites for the addition of EV charging infrastructure. More than half of the rebate funding is reserved to help boost EV investment in equity-eligible communities, and with higher levels of rebates reserved for customers located in, driving, or doing at least 50% of its business in low-income and equity-eligible communities.

The program is offering large amounts of funding to cover the costs of EV fleet purchases, which are critical for helping meet climate targets and improving air quality across northern Illinois communities. Rebates range from $5,000-$180,000 depending on the type of vehicle.

The program additionally offers rebates to upgrade make-ready infrastructure to prepare for Level 2 chargers and/or Direct Current Fast Chargers. ComEd can cover up to $8,000 per port for L2 chargers (with a 10-port maximum) or up to $1,000* per kW on Direct Current Fast Chargers (DCFCs) with a minimum of 50kW (maximum rebate of $500,000.)

Eligible customers include:

• Dealerships
• Multi-family buildings with a business account
• Mass transit agencies
• School districts (K-12 buses)
• Municipal/governments
• Businesses

Join CATA and the ComEd team for a webinar on May 21, 2024 as we share how our new rebates can help your dealership drive EV / EV charger sales and help you recoup the costs of adding EV chargers at your dealership.

Register Today!

A merchant surcharge is an additional fee that businesses may charge when customers choose to pay with a credit card. This fee helps merchants cover the cost associated with processing credit card payments. Our Merchant Surcharge fee is 3% of the total sale being charged to the customer.

At Cost Advisor, we exclusively represent CardConnect/Fiserv for processing financial transactions such as credit cards, debit cards and ACH payments. Our merchant facing portal is CardPointe. Within this portal, we can always keep our merchants 100% compliant. The regulations surrounding this topic are rapidly evolving and it is essential that our merchants always remain protected from liability. Currently, merchant surcharging is not allowed in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Puerto Rico and Armed Forces Locations (Domestic, EU, Pacific and US – AA). As a result, any customer that presents a credit card with a registered address in one of these locations is NOT allowed to be surcharged. CardPointe screens all customer cards that are entered into the system to ensure compliance. If there is a conflict, the system will not surcharge that card.

Is this right for my dealership?

Many factors should be considered before implementing a Merchant Surcharge Program. It ultimately boils down to weighing the pros and cons of those factors when considering the program for your specific situation.

1. Evaluate Customer Impact: Consider how your customers might react to a surcharge. In industries where high-ticket items are sold, the additional cost from a surcharge can be significant. Transparent communication about why the surcharge is being implemented can help mitigate negative reactions.
2. Cost vs. Benefit Analysis: Analyze the financial impact of accepting credit cards without a surcharge versus implementing one. Consider the processing fees you are paying and weigh them against the potential impact on customer satisfaction and sales volume.
3. Competitive Positioning: Look at what your competitors are doing. If other local dealerships do not add surcharges, implementing one might put you at a competitive disadvantage. On the other hand, if surcharges are common in your market, customers might be more accepting.
4. Clear Communication: If you decide to implement a surcharge, communicate clearly and transparently with your customers. Explain why the surcharge is being added, how much it will be, and on what types of payments it applies. This can help maintain trust and prevent customer dissatisfaction at the point of sale. Written communication of the fee is mandatory at the point of sale and at the entrance of the dealership.
5. Consider Alternatives: Evaluate other ways to mitigate transaction costs, such as offering discounts for cash payments or using different pricing strategies that might absorb or offset processing fees more effectively.
6. Technology and Compliance: Ensure your payment processing system is equipped to handle surcharges correctly and that it remains compliant with payment network regulations as well as local and federal laws.

Discussing these points with an industry professional can help your dealership make an informed decision about whether to implement a Merchant Surcharge Program.

If you have any questions about merchant surcharging or if it is right for your dealership, please contact Bill Brudenell at 847-505-9210 or Bill@CostAdvisor.us.

Allen was born in Romania in 1932. During the Russian occupation, Allen fled to Israel at the age of eleven. After a one and half year journey, Allen arrived in his beloved Israel to begin a new life of freedom and hope. After helping Israel fight to become a state, he made his way to America in search of education and opportunity. He also proudly served in the American army. Through extremely hard work, determination and sheer doggedness, Allen was able to achieve the American Dream. From the time he started in 1960, Allen built Imperial Motors, along with his family and cherished employees, into a thriving business that fueled his life until the end.

Always thoughtful and generous, Allen extended a hand to anyone who needed it along the way. He was a man of honor, integrity, loyalty, and dignity, and loved his family and friends fiercely.

To proudly carry on his legacy are his wife, Lana, the love of his life for 62 years, his three children, Lisa, Jordan, and Andi, daughter-in-law, Alyson, son-in-law, Bill, grandchildren, Josh, Naomi, Madison, Bryce, Kaya, and Jesse, nieces, Lea, Vered, Mirit, and their families in Israel.

In Lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Magen David Adom www.mdais.org/en/donation.

Tuesday, May 7, 2024

The CATA is proud to announce Hilb Group as a new Recommended Consultant. Hilb Group is the go-to partner for CATA business owners who need help controlling costs and navigating the complex world of healthcare and human capital management.

Specializing in the auto dealership business for more than 30 years and serving 1500 dealerships, Hilb Group knows the industry and can help dealers pay for and manage employee benefits more efficiently. Hilb Group’s proven process collaborates dealers every step of the way to develop a customized strategy that fits your business’ unique needs. Hilb Group was built by dealers, for dealers to ease the administrative burden of employee benefits and to create pathways for you to decrease healthcare cost while simultaneously improving benefits for your employees.

The CATA Member Benefits committee, chaired by Dan Heller, Heller Ford in El Paso and Heller Lincoln & Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Pontiac, reviewed several candidates in the healthcare field and selected Hilb Group because of their overall track record and familiarity with new-car dealer operations.

“Born out of the Virginia Auto Dealers Association, the Hilb Group has experience lowering employee benefits costs while maintaining or increasing benefit offerings,” says Dan Heller, CATA Member Benefits Committee Chairman and Dealer Principal Heller Auto Group. “Hilb has helped more than 1500 new-car dealers reduce prescription drug costs by an average of 42% and medical costs by 10%-23%. Hilb Group has done this while simultaneously easing the administrative burden of employee benefits and HR.”

The Chicago Automobile Trade Association Member Benefits Committee works to establish and maintain preferred partner relationships with allied members with programs offering unique value to our dealer members and the CATA.

CATA Approved Member Partners are thoroughly reviewed by the Member Benefits Committee and have proven track records of benefiting CATA member dealers. The vendors work with the CATA to offer these programs to our entire membership. Remuneration to the CATA may also be part of these agreements.

The aim of the CATA Recommended Consultants program is to identify and recommend organizations that have a proven track record of helping dealers in areas of the business that can be particularly challenging to navigate and manage. In recognizing these organizations, the CATA believes that all dealer members can benefit from the expertise and services that the selected organizations provide. CATA Recommended Consultants are independent organizations not tied to the sales process of any individual product or service and have agreed to offer special pricing to CATA member dealers.

For more information about CATA Approved Partners, please visit https://www.cata.info/partners. For more information about CATA Recommended Consultants, please visit https://www.cata.info/service-providers.

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About the Chicago Automobile Trade Association

Founded in 1904 and located in Oakbrook Terrace, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association is comprised of more than 400 franchised new-car dealers and an additional 150 allied members. The group’s dealer members employ about 19,000 people in the metropolitan area. The association has produced the world famous Chicago Auto Show since 1935. For more information, please visit www.CATA.info.

Eight cars, including a rare 2023 Dodge Challenger Demon SRT 170 valued at $158,000, were stolen from the North County Ford dealership in Arab, Alabama, and investigators are still trying to piece the whole thing together. AL.com news reports that two of the vehicles—a Jeep Wagoneer and Ford Bronco Raptor—have since been recovered.

While they aren’t Fort Knox, generally speaking, car dealerships have very robust security measures in place. It’s not uncommon for a large dealership like North County Ford to have millions of dollars in inventory on its lot at any given time, so major security measures are a must. With that being said, how did these criminals manage to get past North County Ford’s extensive camera system, alarms, and the individual alarms of each vehicle they stole? Well, it all started with a rock.

According to the report, at 12:28 am on April 9, the thieves used a rock to break a window in the service bay to enter the main building. Once inside, they found the security camera hub, turned off all the cameras and erased several hours of footage.

The dealership said the thieves plugged a laptop into the key safe and managed to hack it open like a scene out of a '90s heist film. They stole 330 keys from the safe and put them all in a bag. Since many modern cars use keyless entry and have push button start, the thieves simply jumped into different cars with the key bag in hand, started each of the eight cars, and drove them off the lot.

The only physical evidence left behind was broken glass from the window found by the cleaning crew in the later morning hours.

North County Dodge is now going through the tedious task of reprogramming replacements for all the keys that were stolen but have taken to Facebook to appeal to the thieves for their return. Offering a $10,000 reward for the return of the keys “no questions asked.”