Please join us at AADA 2020 Moving Forward

The COVID-19 pandemic has made large gatherings such as the annual AADA National Dealer Convention & Expo impossible to hold at this time, but that doesn’t mean AADA is not still going to provide an event for Dealers to learn from industry leaders and experts, and explore the latest strategies, products and services to drive their dealerships into the future.

It might feel like things are at a standstill at the moment, but in business as in life, we must keep moving forward, and that is the theme of the new virtual AADA Convention & Expo event to be held on Tuesday 10 & Wednesday 11 November 2020.

“AADA 2020 Moving Forward” is a totally online event – free for dealership personnel and with a modest fee for allied and other industry delegates – that will provide Dealers with all the benefits of our traditional annual Convention & Expo.

This unique and important event will deliver two days of elective activity for franchised dealership management in all key areas of operations, featuring live sessions and engaging content delivered by key industry speakers. Featured sessions will include discussion on COVID-19 business dynamics, franchise relations, the online environment, the pre-owned market, and an examination of the factors that connect with consumers in today’s digital world.

Designed to meet the challenges of today’s business and market circumstances, the “AADA 2020 Moving Forward” schedule of sessions covers all corners of the franchised Dealer business and the advocacy issues facing our industry. The schedule of events ensures that dealership leaders are able to select the sessions that cover their area of responsibility and interest, covering all bases and aspects of dealership operations.

The program will also include the Annual General Meeting of the Australian Automotive Dealer Association.

Now, and moving forward, consumers are utilising the convenience, time-saving, and wide range of options provided in the online environment. “AADA 2020 Moving Forward” provides Dealers and their staff with a golden opportunity, at no cost, with no travel, and minimal time invested, to take advantage of those conditions to benefit themselves, their staff and their dealerships, and come to grips with the new business paradigm.

There is no going back. There is only Moving Forward.

 

 

 

*Event registration is complimentary for Dealership attendees only.

ADA Australia mental health awareness training

The COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown response has presented overwhelming challenges to the Australian economy, to people in business and to ordinary working Australians and their families, including mental health challenges.

ADA Australia (Alcohol and Drug Awareness Australia) is a provider of workplace mental health awareness training to assist people through these months, to help them protect their mental health and wellbeing, and for strategies to assist and to look out for others who may be struggling.

The can be complemented with ‘THE LITTLE BLUE BOOK OF MENTAL HEALTH COVID-19 EDITION’ which provides strategies for resilience, coping with isolation and working remotely, recognising symptoms of mood disorders like depression or anxiety or assisting those who may have these feelings and more.

It is ADA’s view that with the right help, advice and encouragement, the challenges of the pandemic can be turned into an opportunity to grow stronger and emerge the better for it.

For more information or to discuss how ADA can support you and your people, please connect directly with ADA Australia on 1300 378 429 or email enquiry@adaaus.au.

Academic Research on Franchising in the Australian Automotive Industry

The AADA has been contact by a research team of the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC), conducting research investigating the franchise model in the Australian automotive industry.

For an interview-based study, researchers from the USC Business School are seeking new car Dealers’ comments and perspectives on the franchising relationship and the role played by the Franchising Code of Conduct in overseeing the Australian automotive industry.

The purpose of this research is to better understand, then report the most accurate insights into the franchise sector and how it operates within the Australian automotive industry.

AADA Members are encouraged to participate in this research as your valuable insights will help to promote understanding of the franchising relationship within the Australian automotive industry.

Should you require any additional information, a complete overview of this research project is available for download below.

If you wish to participate or need further information please contact:

Adiba Fattah
PhD Researcher
University of the Sunshine Coast
E: afattah@usc.edu.au
M: +61 411 834 701

Download Information Sheet

V.S. George Lawyers – Briefing Note on the New Automotive Franchise Regulations

The recent release of the Competition and Consumer (Industry Codes – Franchising) Amendment (New Vehicle Dealership Agreements) Regulations 2020 introduces for the first time industry specific legislation for the automotive industry within the Franchising Code of Conduct. Many of the provisions introduced are designed to address the power imbalances that exist in commercial arrangements between Dealers and distributors.

Vinesh George, Principal of V.S. George Lawyers, has provided a Briefing Note on the New Automotive Franchise Regulations. This briefing note includes an explanation of the changes and analysis and evaluation of the new provisions.

Download Briefing Note

BDO Webinar: Changes to JobKeeper and JobSeeker

With the Government’s announcement on the extension of JobKeeper and a temporary boost to JobSeeker, there are many questions business owners – and their employees – have on what these changes mean for their current situation, and how these changes apply to their business.

In this 25-minute webinar BDO Tax Partner, James Trainor, steps you through the key changes, including:

  • Extension periods
  • Reduction in payments
  • Two-tier payments
  • Decline in turnover test
  • Calculation of GST turnover
  • Employee eligibility
  • New requirements for employers.

 

Rebecca Frizelle & Richard Ireland awarded OAM

AADA congratulates Gold Coast automotive royalty, Rebecca Frizelle and prominent Cairns Dealer, Richard Ireland, after they were both awarded the Order of Australia (OAM) in the latest Queen’s Birthday honours.

Ms Frizelle is Chief Operating Officer of Frizelle Prestige and a key shareholder at Frizelle Sunshine Automotive and PWA. Known for her strong advocacy for the city of Gold Coast, she is one of the largest employers on the Gold Coast, employing more than 800 people. She was honoured for service to the automotive sector, and to rugby league. The mother of four is a loyal supporter of women in leadership roles, and was a member of the gender diversity panel at the AADA 2019 National Dealer Convention & Expo.

Mr Ireland received the honour for his service to the motor industry and to the community of Cairns, making him the third generation of his family to be so honoured. Dealer Principal of Ireland Holden, HSV, Mitsubishi and Isuzu Truck franchises, Mr Ireland is also co-managing director with his brother David of the family-owned FR Ireland Pty Ltd. In his role with the Australian Holden Dealer Council, has been intimately involved in negotiations with GM Holden over compensation packages for Holden Dealers following GM’s decision to end the brand.

Gumtree Cars launches new Podcast for Dealers

Introducing Dealer Talks: A new Podcast Series by Gumtree Cars in partnership with GoAutoMedia. Join ‘DealerTalks’ weekly as they unearth ‘The Road to Recovery’ following the unprecedented effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and tackle the big issues facing our industry with special guest speakers and industry experts.

In Episode 1, host John Mellor of GoAutoMedia is joined by Richard Dicello, Head of Motors at Gumtree Australia, Shaun Cornelius, CEO of CarsGuide Autotrader Media Solutions, and Michael Holmes, Executive Director (Dealers) of Carsales, to discuss consumer car buying attitudes during COVID-19.

Episode 2 highlights used cars as a golden opportunity for Dealers, where John is joined by David Brown, Senior Manager Motor Industry Services at KPMG Australia, David Hanlin, Director of Universal Internet Services, and Mathew McAuley, Director of Marketing and Communications for Cox Automotive Australia.

Positive signs in May according to Cox Automotive’s industry data

Looking at the vast array of wholesale and consumer data and insights Cox Automotive brands such as Manheim and Dealer Solutions collects, it certainly appears there are early signs that consumers are returning to the new and used vehicle markets. Cox Automotive’s analysis showed that despite the decline in sales of new and used vehicles after the COVID-19 lockdown and moves to social distancing in late March, the month of May saw the beginnings of ‘green shoots’ and positive turnarounds. To find out more about Cox Automotive’s detailed analysis of the May market and some longer-term implications for digital retailing and online only auctions, please click the button below.

AADA Magazine – July 2020

The quarterly updated and published July edition of the Automotive Dealer Magazine is now available and can be accessed online.

This edition is packed with news and features providing crucial information and opinions on key issues impacting Dealer organisations and profitability.

Download your copy today.

Download Magazine

BDO: NADA 2020 Review

Mark Ward and Randall Bryson from BDO’s Automotive team attended the 2020 National Automotive Dealers Association (NADA) conference in Las Vegas in February and now shared some key insights in the 2020 NADA Review.

The report explores insights from the conference and outlines recent changes that may impact dealerships. For more information and to download the report click the button below.