McLEAN, Va. – Automotive retail leaders will discuss the future of auto sales at the National Automobile Dealers Association’s (NADA) 93rd annual Convention & Exposition in Orlando, Fla., Feb. 13-15. Other issues that will be discussed include vehicle innovation and sustainable mobility.
“Each of our speakers brings a unique perspective on auto retailing and in particular how energy issues are shaping the vehicles that will be built and sold,” says NADA Convention Chairman Brian Hamilton. “As the industry begins to slowly come back from a very challenging year, we can all benefit from hearing what these innovative leaders have to say about the future of the auto industry.”
Stefan Jacoby, president and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, will deliver the keynote address on Saturday, Feb. 13, following opening remarks by 2009 NADA Chairman John McEleney. McEleney has worked tirelessly to protect dealers’ interests in the areas of credit, franchise rights and fuel economy regulation. Before passing the gavel to 2010 Chairman Ed Tonkin, McEleney will reflect on his historic term and shed some light on what may lay ahead for auto retailing. Later, industry speaker Mike Jackson, chairman and CEO of AutoNation, the country’s largest auto retailer, will share his insights on energy and the future of auto retailing.
“We have to accelerate our efforts to achieve sustainable mobility,” said Jacoby, whose company defied industry trends in 2008 by increasing market share and sales globally despite the worldwide economic downturn. “For Volkswagen, our commitment to sustainable mobility covers the entire lifespan of a car—from the manufacturing process to the recycling yard.”
Jacoby says Volkswagen is taking both long- and short-term approaches to fuels (including all-synthetic diesel fuels and biofuels) with a goal to develop carbon-neutral and zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell and electric cars that greatly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In the short-term, the automaker is maximizing the efficiency of its gasoline and “clean” diesel engines.
AutoNation’s Jackson, who operates nearly 300 new vehicle franchises in 15 states, is an advocate for reformed energy policy and flex fuels and a leading voice for the development of cleaner, more efficient vehicles, such as plug-in hybrids. He supports the consideration of increasing the gas tax to generate revenue for vehicle innovation while reducing the number of miles driven.
“Where does the auto industry go from here?” Jackson asked. “There’s an energy movement in America that’s forever reshaping the future of auto manufacturing and retailing.”
After NADA Vice Chairman Ed Tonkin delivers his inaugural speech on Monday, Feb. 15, as the new chairman, oil tycoon turned energy activist T. Boone Pickens will discuss his energy plan aimed at creating renewable forms of electricity and reducing the nation’s dependence on imported oil.
“We should continue to pursue the promise of electric or hydrogen powered vehicles, but America needs to address transportation fuel today,” said Pickens, the founder and chairman of BP Capital Management, which is valued at more than $4 billion. “Fortunately, we are blessed with an abundance of clean, cheap, domestic natural gas.”
Pickens says that domestic natural gas is primarily being used today to generate electricity, but it’s not the only use of natural gas resources.
“By aggressively moving to shift America’s car, light duty and heavy truck fleets from imported gasoline and diesel to domestic natural gas, we can lower our need for foreign oil,” Pickens said.
