October 1
October 2023
AB 473 signed into law. This CNCDA-sponsored law bars manufacturers from competing with dealers through affiliate brands.
Help CNCDA Defend Your Franchise
Join the fight to protect California franchise law and your dealership.
How We’ve Been Fighting For You
California franchise law is under attack as manufacturers continue to push for direct-to-consumer sales, threatening your franchised dealership.
Two lawsuits are underway, and while CNCDA has secured early wins, well-funded opponents are expected to escalate the fight – and we anticipate more manufacturers will do the same.
For the first time in 25 years, CNCDA is calling on YOU, the dealers, to help us defend your business and the franchise system.
How You Can Help
We’re asking dealers to donate $5 per car sold in 2025, though any amount helps!
Every dollar strengthens this fight!
Donate now by clicking the button above or make a contribution by check, payable to:
California New Car Dealers Association
1517 L Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 441-2599
Check Memo Line – Legal Fund
Donation Leaderboard
As of August 22, 2026
Dealer
Dealership
Donation
Steve and Geoff Pleau
Future Automotive Group
$98,500.00
Ed and Steve Cornelius
American Motors Group
$75,000.00
Rick Niello
The Niello Group
$60,000.00
Danny McKenna
McKenna Motor Company
$15,625.00
Tony Toohey
Auburn Toyota
$14,000.00
David Simpson
Simpson Automotive Group
$12,000.00
Andy Hansen
Royal Automotive Group
$11,500.00
Kent Putnam
Putnam Auto
$11,000.00
Brian Ressler
Toyota Salinas
$10,416.98
Kim Mesfin
Affinity Truck Center
$10,000.00
Tom Price
Price Family Dealerships
$10,000.00
David Wilson
Toyota of Orange
$10,000.00
Silicon Valley Auto Dealers Association
$10,000.00
For over 105 years, The Niello Company has served the greater Sacramento region, with 70 of those years acting as a steward of the Volkswagen brand. We invest in our people, our facilities, and our customers to ensure every experience reflects the quality Volkswagen represents. Our customers deserve access to the full range of vehicles Volkswagen offers, and Scout vehicles belong in our showroom. We expect the same integrity from our manufacturer that we deliver to our customers.Rick Niello The Niello Company
As a member of the Volkswagen Dealer Council, I have spent years working with VW in good faith to grow this brand in California. Filing a protest was not a decision any of us made lightly. But VW has left us no choice. They are competing against the very dealers who built their business here.Miles Brandon Capistrano Volkswagen
Contributions to this fund support CNCDA’s legal defense efforts and are not considered political donations, therefore they are not subject to political reporting requirements.
Contributions are also not tax deductible for income tax purposes.
