As fall has arrived, WVADA is diligently preparing for the year’s end with a series of important initiatives and exciting events on the horizon. This season is always a time of reflection on what we’ve accomplished and a renewed focus on the work that lies ahead.

Last month, I was joined by Jason Moses and Richard Stephens for the NADA Washington Conference, where we met with our elected representatives to discuss the Transportation Freedom Act. This bill would overturn the EPA’s EV mandate that requires 56% of vehicles manufactured to be electric by 2032. This bill comes on the heels of the recent victory of ending California’s EV mandate led by Sen. Capito this past May. The Transportation Freedom Act is the number one legislative priority of NADA, and I greatly appreciate the dealers and our representatives for taking the time to discuss this important initiative.

I had anticipated reporting on WVADA’s annual board retreat; however, it was postponed until later in November due to Mother Nature. One of the most important outcomes of the retreat is the establishment of WVADA’s legislative agenda. A key priority for 2026 will be addressing insurance coverage for vehicles during test drives. Currently, the Graves Amendment is a national standard that protects rental and leasing companies by ensuring liability rests with the driver. We believe this same principle should apply to dealerships during test drives. This will be a challenging effort, as the insurance lobby has historically resisted such measures, arguing that it is easier to track an owner’s policy than the driver. However, with the active support of our members engaging directly with their local representatives, we believe this is a fight we can take on and win.

I am also pleased to share that WVADA dues will NOT increase and will remain the same for 2026. In fact, our dues have remained unchanged since 2014. That is a true testament to the diligence, prudence and fiscal responsibility of our board, and it underscores our commitment to serving members efficiently while maximizing value.

Looking ahead, we are preparing for our upcoming DMV Seminars and will be distributing Membership Dues Packets soon. We are also thrilled to announce two major events: our VIP Charity Gala, Atlantis Reimagined, scheduled for Feb. 12, 2026, and a Joint Dealer Family Convention with our neighbors from Kentucky at the beautiful Nemacolin Woodland Resort, June 14-17, 2026. Please make sure to mark your calendars for both.

There is much to look forward to, and I am confident that together we will continue to strengthen the voice of West Virginia’s auto dealers. Thank you for your support, dedication and partnership.

Jared Wyrick
President, WVADA