Pub. 5 2024 Issue 4

WVADA Preferred Partner Programs are designed to meet the needs of our members while providing competitive pricing. Supporting our Preferred Partners benefits YOUR association and helps maintain low dues for our membership. WVADA works for West Virginia Dealers, buying from our Preferred Partners is like buying from yourself.

Thornhill GM Superstore It doesn’t happen often to have an employee stay for 10 years. Even less when it is 15 years. Thornhill GM Superstore celebrated Sherman Dowdy’s 20 years with the dealership. Congratulations, Sherman! Thank you for your dedicated hard work and here’s to 20 more! Cole Harley-Davidson Larry Wimmer (pictured center) celebrated his

Despite its auspicious pedigree, the Chevrolet Motor Car Co. actually got off to a slow start. And the McClinton family was there from the beginning.

In-depth analysis of the current and historical trends of vehicle sales across the state of West Virginia.

I have been receiving more questions about the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) changes related to advertising and record keeping. While I have previously summarized the tentative new rules, allow me to take a deeper dive for you. I do wish to point out one important point before moving on. Even if the Vehicle Shopping Rule is struck down by the courts, the FTC has implemented the Junk Fee Rule which would then be applicable to new motor vehicle dealers. While I will address the Junk Fee Rule later, I did not wish this important legal point to go without emphasis.

A recent article in Automotive News confirmed what many dealership owners already knew: The gross profit per vehicle sold has fallen closer to pre-pandemic levels. At the same time, expenses have increased by more than 20% compared to pre-pandemic figures. Given these realities, it’s easy to assume that maintaining net profits is no longer feasible. However, by shifting our focus to fixed operations — the backbone of any dealership — we can still restore profitability.

Shawn Ball is the dealer principal at L&S Toyota of Beckley in Beckley, West Virginia. His long-standing commitment to service in his community has earned him all the recognition that comes with being nominated as the 2025 TIME and Ally Financial Dealer of the Year.  Through hard work and determination, Shawn overcame many obstacles and

Understanding the buy-sell process is important for dealership owners considering their future — whether planning to sell or grow through acquisitions. A professional broker, often called a buy-sell advisor, can help dealers navigate this process, offering expert guidance at every stage. Their expertise can simplify the transaction and help ensure a smooth, successful closing. The

1936: Robert Wilson1937: M.M. Moorehead1938: H.B. Long1939: E.B. Hopkins1940-41: Russell Meredith1942-44: J.A. Thackston1945: G.H. Brown1946-47: Homer Charmichael1948: Arthur Walker 1949: Richard Chittum 1950: Walter Duncan 1951: A.D. Wolfe1952: G.C. “Red” Stollings 1953: William Wilson 1954: Paul Layman1955: Andrew Clark 1956: Bernie Sonderman1957: A.W. Orndorff1958: William D. Poland1959: O.L. Mullin1960: Harold Hupp1961: Jack Moses1962: Joe B.

Gala Sponsors Phantom Sponsor Protective Chandelier Sponsors Capital AutomotiveDSIUnited Bank Grand Mask Sponsors King Cut Rate/CJsUSI Masquerade Sponsors Capital City Auto ActionChamp TitlesComplyAutoCox AutomotiveHuntington BankIntegrumJackson Kelly PLLCMountain State Auto AuctionPullin, Fowler, Flanagan, Brown & PoeReynolds & ReynoldsSpecialty Underwriters GroupTyler Technologies Jester Sponsors AllyBrightline Dealer AdvisorsCVRForvis MazarsHeritage Crystal CleanTrue CarWSAZ Feather Sponsors ACVBakertillyDDIJM&A GroupPeople’s BankTetrick &

For more information or a discounted rate at the Charleston Marriott Town Center, contact Haley Justice at hjustice@wvcar.com. New sponsorship opportunities available for all gala sponsors!

Thank you to everyone who participated in our recent E-Title and Registration Seminars. We are excited for this next step of progress and welcome DDI Technology as a new vendor in the state.

Thank you to everyone who supported and attended WVADA’s 2nd Board Retreat at Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa at West Palm Beach! We had a great business meeting with a lot of informative information from our great sponsors!