Pub. 1 2019-20 Issue 2

Issue 1 2020 27 WVADA Q & A 1. Tell us about this year’s auto show. How was it different from last year’s? We had the power sports industry represented at the show this year for the first time ever. I thought it was a great addition. The second floor had motorcycles, ATVs and side-by-sides. We also had the Friday night lights and flights, another great addition. Five craft breweries participated so that show attend- ees could sample craft beers. There were also two former NFL players in attendance that night to sign autographs and have their photos taken with Show attendees. Then on Saturday we had “The Garage.” A stock Jeep Wrangler was put on a lift and tech- nicians from a local dealership installed a lift kit, big wheels and tires, changed out the upholstery, etc. to transform the Jeep into a tricked out off-road vehicle. 2. How long have you been involved with the auto show? Since the beginning. Over 20 years now. 3. What do you think makes auto shows so popu- lar with the dealers and the consumers? Dealers love them because they get to show off their inventory in a different and unique way. Exit polls show that a large per- centage of attendees buy a new car within a few months after the show. Consumers love the show because they can compare many makes and models without running around to different dealerships and they can do it in a non-sales environment. 4. What do you think are some future trends in regards to auto shows? All manufacturers are developing electric vehicles now and I think that will drive a lot of new models in the shows as well as education on how they work, how do they get charged, etc. 5. What was your personal favorite part of this year’s show? My favorite part of the show this year was the Friday night lights and flights. It gave the show a whole new atmosphere. 6. How did you become a dealer? I grew up in the business. My father was a car dealer and my mother was the bookkeeper. 7. If you look back at your career as a dealer, what are three things that you have learned that you would share with your younger self? In 2009, when GM and Chrysler filed bankruptcy, it was very scary. I think diversification through owning different brands is important to a car dealer just like it is in the stock market. Good employees are your most important asset. The custom- er isn’t always right, but they are still the customer. 8. What’s the value of being a WVADA member? WVADA is the voice of the dealer on the state level. They are integral in working with the legislature as well as regu- latory agencies to allow our dealers to have the best possible legal environment. t WVADA AutoShow WVADA caught up with Richard Stephens, our Auto Show Chair, for his comments on a very successful event.