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2024 Dealer Day Recap and Photos

SACRAMENTO, CA – The California New Car Dealers Association would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to all who attended Dealer Day 2024 in Sacramento. We appreciate all the members who participated and gave their time to advocate for the future of California’s Automotive Industry. We hope you will join us again for Dealer Day 2025 on March 26, at the Sacramento Hyatt Regency.

Additionally, we want to sincerely thank our sponsor partners who helped make this event possible for our membership. Thank you again for your dedication to our industry and cause. We hope to see you all next year!

If you would like a high-res version of any of these images, please contact Autumn Heacox, Director of Communications & Marketing (aheacox@cncda.org).

Dealer Day Photography generously sponsored by:


California New Car Dealers Come to Sacramento for 2024 Dealer Day

Association Also Celebrates Century Milestone

SACRAMENTO, CA, March 18, 2024– The California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA) is preparing to host its Annual Dealer Day this Wednesday, March 20, 2024. This year’s event holds special significance as CNCDA proudly celebrates its 100-year anniversary, a testament to its unwavering commitment to shaping the automotive landscape in California.

With close to 1,200 members, CNCDA is the nation’s largest state association of franchised new car dealers.

The night before, on Tuesday evening, the association’s newly-formed NextGen dealer group will meet at Camden Spit & Larder to discuss the future of the automotive industry and the impact up-and-coming dealers can have in the Golden State.

On Dealer Day, all franchised new car dealers will attend CNCDA’s Annual Meeting of the Members, hosted at the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel downtown. Then, dealers will meet with their area representatives at The Swing Space for legislative appointments to discuss pending new laws relevant to CA’s retail automotive industry. Dealer Day concludes with a legislative reception at Revival in The Kimpton.

Since its establishment in 1924, CNCDA has been a formidable force, driving the growth and success of California’s franchised new car and truck dealers. The association’s history is marked by a series of impactful initiatives and legislative advocacies that have significantly shaped and influenced the automotive industry in the state, keeping the public informed and aware of the industry’s developments.

Recent legislative achievements include 2023’s landmark franchise bill, AB 473, which offered crucial protections for dealers from their respective manufacturers and underscored CNCDA’s commitment to protecting and promoting the automotive industry in California. This commitment is a testament to the member’s dedication to serving the transportation needs of the state’s motoring public.

CA’s New Car Dealers’ Economic Impact in 2023:

According to CNCDA’s recently released 2023 Economic Impact Report, California’s franchised new car dealers employed over 138,800 hard-working Californians and paid $10 billion in statewide taxes, contributing significantly to the state’s economy. The report highlights new car dealers’ contributions in charitable donations, taxes paid, and employment data, among other trends related to the state’s economic health.

Last year, California’s new car dealers sold 1.77 million new vehicles, 280,891 of which were electric vehicles (EVs), representing 21.4% of the total new light-duty vehicles sold in the Golden State.

Additionally, California’s new car dealers consistently act as local community stewards year after year, giving $67.66 million to charitable and civic organizations in 2023, an average of $46,500 per dealership to good causes.

The average combined state and federal taxes paid per California dealership was $9.27 million, totaling $13.64 billion in taxes paid by California’s new car dealers in 2023.

Shaping the Next Century:

Founded in 1924, CNCDA has been a steadfast advocate for California’s franchised new car and truck dealers. The association’s continuous efforts in legislative advocacy, community engagement, and member-focused strategies have contributed to the thriving automotive industry in California.

CNCDA extends sincere gratitude to the dealers, including new dealers, legacy, and NextGen, who have generously contributed their time and efforts to the association’s enduring success. Many of these dealerships are family-owned and have operated since the inception of the automotive era.

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Event Media Contact:
Autumn Heacox, Director of Communications & Marketing
California New Car Dealers Association
aheacox@cncda.org
916.439.6054

About CNCDA
For 100 years, the California New Car Dealers Association has represented California’s franchised new car and truck dealers. CNCDA members are primarily engaged in the retail sale and lease of new and used motor vehicles and provide automotive products, parts, services, and repairs. In 2022, California’s franchised new car dealers sold more than 1.6 million new cars and trucks, employed more than 136,000 people, paid $8.46 billion in sales tax, and donated $62.84 million to charitable and civic organizations. As the nation’s largest state association of franchised automotive dealers—with over 1,200 members—CNCDA provides legal compliance and legislative, regulatory, and legal advocacy.

California New Car Dealers Association Publishes 2023 Economic Impact Report

CNCDA published our 2023 Economic Impact Report this week. The report highlights the contributions new car dealers have made in charitable donations, taxes paid, and employment data, among other dealership trends related to California’s economy.

California’s franchised new car dealers continue to act as significant statewide contributors. In 2023, California’s new car dealers sold 1.77 million new vehicles, employed over 138,807 hard-working Californians, and paid $10 billion in statewide taxes. In 2023, the average California new car dealership employed roughly 95 people per dealership.

California’s new car dealers contributed significantly to the state’s economic health, paying a total of $8.74 billion in state sales tax in 2023, an average of $6.01 million of sales tax per dealership. The average total taxes paid per California dealership in 2023 was $9.27 million, totaling $13.64 billion statewide.

New Car Dealers sold 280,891 electric vehicles (EVs) in 2023 which represents 21.4% of the total new light-duty vehicles sold in the Golden State last year. The EV market share in California is three times higher than the EV market share in the rest of the United States. Dealers anticipate spending an average of $295,000 each on EV charging infrastructure in 2023 to help meet the needs of CA’s EV consumer demand.

Additionally, California’s new car dealers consistently act as local community stewards year after year, giving $67.66 million to charitable and civic organizations in 2023, an average of $46,500 per dealership to good causes.

The report is made possible by CNCDA’s dealer members, who completed the association’s annual Economic Impact Survey and statewide auto sales data.

To view the 2023 Economic Impact Report, please click here.

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About CNCDA
For 100 years, the California New Car Dealers Association has represented California’s franchised new car and truck dealers. CNCDA members are primarily engaged in the retail sale and lease of new and used motor vehicles and provide automotive products, parts, services, and repairs. In 2022, California’s franchised new car dealers sold more than 1.6 million new cars and trucks, employed more than 136,000 people, paid $8.46 billion in sales tax, and donated $62.84 million to charitable and civic organizations. As the nation’s largest state association of franchised automotive dealers—with over 1,200 members—CNCDA provides legal compliance and legislative, regulatory, and legal advocacy.

2024 NADA Show Recap and Photos

LAS VEGAS, NV – The California New Car Dealers Association would like to thank all members, sponsors, and friends who attended the 2024 NADA Show and CNCDA’s Welcome Party. We appreciate all the members who came to celebrate, reconnect, and learn. We hope to see you all in 2025 in New Orleans!


California New Car Dealers Association Releases Year-End 2023 Auto Outlook Report

Contact: Autumn Heacox, Communications & Marketing Director: aheacox@cncda.org, (916) 441-2599 x105

CA 2023 Auto Market Recap: Highest Registrations Reported Since 2020
New Vehicle Registrations Post 11.9% Increase in 2023

Click on the image to view the report.

The California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA) released its fourth quarter 2023 California Auto Outlook report today. The report summarizes vehicle registration and sales data for 2023, and estimates projected 2024 sales in California’s vehicle market. CNCDA’s Auto Outlook data is sourced from Experian Automotive.

Major takeaways: 2023 proved to be a banner year for new car sales in California, reaching the highest numbers since the COVID-19 pandemic, with 1.78 million sales reported (higher than the 1.76 million predicted by this publication last year). Year over year, the state’s 2023 new vehicle registrations posted an 11.9 percent increase (1,775,915) compared to 2022 figures.

The top three passenger cars sold in California in 2023 were the Tesla Model 3, the Toyota Camry, and the Honda Civic. The top three light trucks for the year were the Tesla Model Y, the Toyota RAV4, and the Honda CR-V. Toyota held its place as the top-selling brand in California again in 2023.

Predictions for 2024 include another increase in new vehicle registrations by 3.2 percent, approaching 1.83 million units sold. This is due to the state’s significant and lasting demand for new cars, a strong labor market, and a positive economic outlook statewide. Potential threats include the 2024 presidential election, geopolitical tensions, etc. However, should Federal interest rates level out, auto sales in California are poised to post a more significant increase than predicted. These predictions are based on current trends and market conditions and may be subject to adjustment.

The report highlights the fifth consecutive quarterly increase in new car sales in the state. The Q4 2023 pace of new car sales showed a slight acceleration compared to Q3 (20.3 percent), posting a respectable 6 percent increase. The 2023 final registration numbers exceeded 426,000 units, 24,000 units higher than reported in Q4 2022.

“Overall, 2023 was a solid year for our businesses. We were able to adapt and evolve to meet our customers’ needs and preferences while remaining community stalwarts,” says David Simpson, CNCDA Chairman and owner of Simpson Buick GMC Cadillac of Buena Park, Simpson Chevrolet of Garden Grove, and Simpson Chevrolet of Irvine. “We do our best to work with our respective manufacturers to inform them about statewide customer trends and order the vehicles that Californians tell us they want when they walk onto our lots daily.”

Vehicle Powertrain Dashboard

The report’s new vehicle powertrain dashboard details the state’s battery electric vehicles (BEV), non-plug-in hybrid, and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) sales and market health. The state’s BEV market share declined in Q4 2023 from the previous quarter, closing the year at 21.4 percent. Alternatively, the state’s non-plug-in hybrid vehicles jumped to their highest numbers, at 11.1 percent sold in 2023. California’s total new BEV market share sales increased by five percent compared to 2022.

ICE-powered vehicles (gas and diesel) accounted for 63.9 percent of the state’s new vehicle sales share in 2023, losing about 7.7 points from 2022 numbers. In 2023, combined sales of BEVs, PHEVs, hybrids, and fuel cell vehicles in the state accounted for 35.9 percent of the market share (compared to 11.6 percent in 2018).

California leads the way in BEV registrations, posting 33.8 percent of all sales nationwide. The U.S. market share of BEV vehicles is less substantial, posting 7.5 percent in 2023.

Hybrids and Electric Vehicles

California’s top three selling BEV and PHEV models are the Tesla Model Y, Tesla Model 3, and the Chevy Bolt. The Jeep Wrangler captured fourth place and remained the best-selling PHEV in 2023.

While Tesla remains California’s BEV market share leader, its lead is diminishing as traditional automakers roll out new electric models. Tesla showed a significant decline in sales in 2023, with a 10.5 percent loss in market share YTD. Mercedes and BMW showed the highest increase in BEV sales in the state, reporting 2.2 and 2.8 percent, respectively.

In 2023, franchised dealerships accounted for over 62 percent of all alternative powertrain types in combined sales. Last year, franchised dealership sales in the BEV-only market increased to 35.8 percent. Sales of BEVs at franchised dealerships rose 94 percent from 2022 to 2023, compared to a 29 percent increase by direct sellers. This helps further demonstrate that Californians are interested in purchasing new BEV model rollouts from the mainstay manufacturers that they know and trust.

In 2023, Northern Californians remained the significant adopters of BEVs, capturing 25.6 percent of the state’s BEV market share, while Southern CA sales reported 21.3 percent of registrations.

Model Segment Rankings

California’s 2023 best sellers in the primary segments include the Honda Civic, Toyota Camry, Tesla Model 3, Toyota Tacoma, Ford F-Series, Toyota RAV4, Subaru Outback, and the Lexus RX.

Brand Market Share and Summary

Brand registrations increased in 2023 for 26 of the top 30 selling brands in the state, with Toyota remaining California’s market share leader, holding 15.7 percent. Tesla follows at 13 percent, Honda holds 9.7 percent, Ford at 7.7 percent, and Chevrolet at 6.7 percent.

The state’s registration numbers do not mirror the rest of the U.S., which reports Toyota (12.6 percent of share), Ford (11.8 percent), and Chevy (at 11.2 percent) as the top-selling brands in 2023.  

The brands showing the most significant positive change in 2023 registration numbers in California were Rivian (142.7 percent), Buick (57.3 percent), Infinity (34.7 percent), Honda (33.4 percent), and Audi (31.5 percent).

Regional Variances

Car and light truck retail registrations from Northern and Southern California markets are up from last year. The Northern market captured an additional 10.1 percent of the statewide total year over year, with the Southern portion of the state showing an 8.8 percent increase from 2022.

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California Auto Outlook Quarterly is produced for CNCDA by Auto Outlook, Inc., an independent research company that analyzes statewide and regional automotive markets. When reporting these auto industry trends, please acknowledge the Data Source: Experian Automotive.

The report provides comprehensive information on CA’s new vehicle market, includes annual trends, a two-year perspective, vehicle powertrain dashboard, segment watch, the top models in each segment, brand scoreboards, regional comparisons, and more. Access the complete report at www.cncda.org.

About CNCDA

For 100 years, the California New Car Dealers Association has represented California’s franchised new car and truck dealers. CNCDA members are primarily engaged in the retail sale and lease of new and used motor vehicles and provide automotive products, parts, services, and repairs. In 2022, California’s franchised new car dealers sold more than 1.6 million new cars and trucks, employed more than 136,000 people, paid $8.46 billion in sales tax, and donated $62.84 million to charitable and civic organizations. As the nation’s largest state association of franchised automotive dealers—with over 1,200 members—CNCDA provides legal compliance and legislative, regulatory, and legal advocacy.

Sharing Good News- December 2023

Chico Mazda Toy Drive

Future Nissan of Roseville Toys for Tots Drive

Future Nissan of Roseville ‘Angel Tree’ Project

The Niello Company of Dealerships’ Drive to Give Donates to Placer and Sacramento SPCAs

Hatfield Buick GMC Hosts Toy Drive Children’s Fund

Hatfield Buick GMC ‘Adopts a Family’ for Christmas

Lexus of Serramonte donates van to Boys & Girls Club of North San Mateo Counties

Toyota of Santa Maria Hosts Adopt and Ornament Program for CASA of Santa Barbara County

Metro Acura hosts 4th Annual Toy Drive

Modesto Subaru Donates Proceeds from Vehicle Purchases this Holiday Season

Premier Hyundai of Seaside Donates to Food Bank of Monterey County

Premier Hyundai of Seaside Donates Gift Cards to Middle School Students

Roseville Chevrolet Donates to Placer SPCA

Shingle Springs Subaru Toys for Tots Drive

2023 Annual Convention Recap and Photos

SACRAMENTO, CA – The California New Car Dealers Association would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to all who attended the 2023 Annual Convention. We appreciate all the members who came to celebrate, reconnect, and gave their time for professional development and inspiration. We hope you join us again next September on the BIG island at the Four Seasons Hualalai.

Additionally, we want to thank our sponsor partners who helped make this event possible for our membership. Thank you again for your dedication to our industry and cause. We hope to see you all next year!


California New Car Dealers Association Releases Third Quarter 2023 Auto Outlook

Contact: Autumn Heacox, Communications & Marketing Director: aheacox@cncda.org, (916) 441-2599 x105

California 3Q 2023 Auto Market Recap: Registrations Continue to Rise
New EV Models Contribute to 14.3 % Sales Increase YTD

Click on the image to view the report.

SACRAMENTO, CA, November 1, 2023 – The third quarter 2023 Auto Outlook report, published today by the California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA), reveals a 14.3 percent increase in California’s new vehicle registrations compared to the first nine months of 2022. Forecasts from the Auto Outlook report show that California will end the year at 1.8 million new vehicle registrations and is predicted to reach 1.88 million in 2024. CNCDA’s historical Auto Outlook data is sourced from Experian Automotive. Click here to access the full report.

Pent-up demand remains high since the pandemic and is estimated to continue to support new vehicle sales for years to come. However, high interest rates leading to weakening affordability, depleted pandemic-built household savings, and the potential UAW strike after effects will be major factors in impeding the state’s new vehicle sales. That said, California’s Q3 2023 new car registration numbers are a full percentage point better than the national results, which yielded only a 13.3 percent improvement vs 2022.

A promising sign: the pace of new car sales showed a significant acceleration in Q3 with an increase of 21.1 percent YOY, versus last year’s Q3 numbers which showed a decline of 14.1 percent.

New to this Auto Outlook report: a more robust breakdown of the state’s new battery electric vehicles (BEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) sales and market health breakdown. The report now includes YTD and quarterly electric, hybrid, and PHEV sales numbers. Key figures: the state’s BEV market share increased to 21.5 percent during the first nine months of 2023. California’s total new BEV market share sales increased by half a percent from the first six months of this year.

While ICE-powered vehicles account for 64.6 percent of the state’s new vehicle sales share, sales were down from 71.6 percent in 2022. Sales of BEVs, PHEVs, hybrids, and fuel cell sales in the state accounted for a 35.4 percent share YTD (as compared with 11.6 percent in 2018).

“Meeting our customers’ needs, whether it’s continued demand for ICE vehicles, hybrids, or new EV options, is our top priority, and we are looking to expand our vehicle offerings.” says Tony Toohey, CNCDA Chairman and Owner of Auburn Toyota “As a local new car dealer, we want to offer our customers and community the variety of vehicle options they want at price points that meet their individual circumstances,” says Toohey.

Hybrids and Electric Vehicles
California leads the way in the shift towards new auto technologies, leading BEV registrations nationwide, with almost 35 percent of all sales. The report also shows a 103 percent increase in BEV vehicle sales this year from franchised dealers. Direct-to-consumer sellers (i.e., Tesla, etc.) showed a 42 percent increase in sales YOY.

California’s BEV market share remains at just over 21 percent in the first nine months of 2023. This is a significant difference from the nation’s BEV market share, which reaches only 7.4 percent of sales, YTD.
The Q3 report lists California’s top-performing BEV and PHEV makes and models. The top three selling BEV and PHEV models: Tesla Model Y, Tesla Model 3, and the Chevy Bolt. Fourth place was captured by the Jeep Wrangler (the best-selling PHEV on the list).

While Tesla continues to be the BEV market share leader in California, new numbers show their lead diminishing as traditional automakers roll out new electric vehicle models. Tesla showed a significant decline in sales at an 8.9 percent loss in share (when comparing YTD ’22 to ’23 numbers). Mercedes and BMW show the highest increases of BEV sales in California, picking up 2.6 and 2.5 percent of the share, respectively.

The Q3 market share leaders for exclusively PHEV makes were Jeep (capturing 29.8 percent), Toyota (at 17.6 percent) followed by BMW (at 12.8 percent).

So far this year, Northern Californians remain the larger adopters of BEVs, capturing 25.7 percent of the market share, while Southern CA BEV sales reported 21.1 percent of registrations.

Model Segment Rankings
California’s best-selling models for the first nine months in the primary segments remain the same as last quarter (and have increased/decreased their individual segment share by the following percents): Honda Civic (-.2), Toyota Camry (-.5), Tesla Model 3 (+2.4), Toyota Tacoma (-1.5), Ford F-Series (+.2), Toyota RAV4 (+.4), Toyota Highlander (-1.2), and the Tesla Model Y (-1.4).

Brand Market Share and Summary
Toyota remains California’s market share leader, holding 15 percent amongst all vehicle brands, followed by Tesla at 13.5 percent, Honda at 9.5 percent, Ford at 7.8 percent, and Chevrolet at 6.8 percent. Registration numbers increased by over 20 percent for Rivian, Buick, Tesla, Honda, Audi, Acura, Volvo, Chevrolet, Cadillac, Hyundai, Genesis, and Land Rover.

The state’s registration numbers do not mirror the rest of the U.S., which reports Toyota and Ford as the top-selling brands at 12.2 and 12 percent (respectively), followed closely by Chevrolet at 11.3 percent.

Brands showing the most significant positive change in registration numbers for Q3 ’23 compared to Q3 ’22 were: Rivian (176.8 percent), Buick (44.6 percent), Tesla (38.5 percent, and Honda (34.7 percent). Brands underperforming from last year: Dodge (-24.6 percent), Ram (- 15.8 percent), and Jeep (-6.7 percent).

Market Share Trends by Segment
SUV sales account for 53 percent of the California market in the first nine months of 2023, with non-luxury vehicles holding the majority share at 34 percent. This segment lost a point when compared to YTD 2022 numbers, while Luxury SUVs gained two points from last year at this time.

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California Auto Outlook Quarterly is produced for CNCDA by Auto Outlook, Inc., an independent research company specializing in the analysis of statewide and regional automotive markets. When reporting these auto industry trends, please acknowledge the Data Source: Experian Automotive.

The report provides comprehensive information on CA’s new vehicle market, includes annual trends, a two-year perspective, vehicle powertrain dashboard, segment watch, the top models in each segment, brand scoreboards, regional comparisons, and more. Access the complete report at: www.cncda.org.

About CNCDA
For 99 years, the California New Car Dealers Association has represented California’s franchised new car and truck dealers and their interests. CNCDA members are primarily engaged in the retail sale and lease of new and used motor vehicles and provide automotive products, parts, services, and repairs. In 2022, California’s franchised new car dealers sold more than 1.6 million new cars and trucks, employed more than 136,000 people, paid $8.46 billion in sales tax, and donated $62.84 million to charitable and civic organizations. As the nation’s largest state association of franchised new car and truck dealers—with over 1,200 members—CNCDA provides legal compliance and legislative, regulatory, and legal advocacy.

TIME AND ALLY FINANCIAL HONOR ROSEVILLE DEALER FOR 2024

Steve Pleau Wins National Recognition for Community Service and Industry Accomplishments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

2024 TIME Dealer of the Year, Steve Pleau, Future Automoti Roseville, CA

(New York, NY, October 18, 2023) The nomination of Steve Pleau, CEO and dealer principal at Future Ford Lincoln of Roseville in Roseville, California, for the 2024 TIME Dealer of the Year award was announced today by TIME.

Pleau is one of a select group of 49 dealer nominees from across the country who will be honored at the 107th annual National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, on February 3, 2024.

The TIME Dealer of the Year award is one of the automobile industry’s most prestigious and highly coveted honors. The award recognizes the nation’s most successful auto dealers who also demonstrate a long-standing commitment to community service. Pleau was chosen to represent the California New Car Dealers Association in the national competition – one of only 49 auto dealers nominated for the 55th annual award from more than 16,000 nationwide. Additionally, Steve will act as the association’s nominee as we celebrate 100 years of protecting and promoting our members’ interests.

“What truly fills me with pride is witnessing our employees’ growth and progression within the organization,” nominee Pleau said. “Knowing that I’ve played a role in their development and career advancement is immensely satisfying.”

A 1969 graduate of California State University, Sacramento, where he earned a B.S. in Business Administration, Pleau always knew he wanted to be a car dealer. His father, Gene Pleau, acquired a Ford dealership in Sacramento in 1963 and Pleau was introduced to the industry at a young age.

During his teenage years and early twenties, he was washing cars, maintaining the lot, managing parts inventory, and assisting in the service department. When he later transitioned into a sales associate role, he realized he had a knack for selling and forging relationships with customers.

“It was during those formative years that I knew I wanted to be a part of this fiercely competitive yet immensely rewarding industry, following in my father’s footsteps,” Pleau said. “My dad’s dedication and hard work paved the way for our family’s automotive legacy.”

After college, Pleau, who also served in the California National Guard from 1968 to 1974, started his career at the dealership full-time. He rose to General Sales Manager and in 1981, took a leap of faith and opened his own store, Future Ford of Roseville.

“Armed with an extensive skillset, in-depth knowledge of the Ford product line, and a profound understanding of the value of treating customers and employees like family, I embarked on this entrepreneurial endeavor,” he said. “I owe much of my career growth to my father’s invaluable mentorship and the many roles I undertook in all departments at his dealership, which laid a solid foundation.”

Pleau began to grow his footprint and acquire dealerships in northern and central California. Today, the Future Automotive Group encompasses 14 new-car dealerships with 23 franchises and three commercial fleet service centers, employing more than 1,300 Californians. His son, Geoff, is the next generation to carry on the family legacy.

One of Pleau’s proudest moments came in 2018 when he was inducted into the Ford Dealer Hall of Fame, becoming the sixth inductee to receive this prestigious honor from Ford Motor Company.

“This recognition stands as a highlight of my career, symbolizing the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and a genuine passion for the automotive industry,” he said. “I share it with my team of hardworking, competent colleagues who have provided me with invaluable support and inspiration over the years.”

In the area of community and civic service, Pleau focuses on activities that have a significant impact locally. He believes it is a privilege and duty to give back to the communities that his dealerships serve and that have been integral to his success.

He is currently on the board of the Greater Sacramento Economic Council, a public-private partnership that promotes economic development, job creation, sustainability, equity, and competitiveness in the region.

“Whether a company is looking to relocate, expand, or build, our experts are ready to assist them by navigating and identifying solutions to meet their business goals,” Pleau said. “As a founding board member, I have spent countless hours helping businesses and supporting the local economy.”

Future Automotive Group also encourages its employees to be good corporate citizens and to give back to the organizations and causes that mean the most to them. The company supports time off for community service and donates to many charities and nonprofits, fostering their social responsibility.

In addition, Pleau’s dealerships and his customers join him in supporting Shriners Children’s Northern California through a bi-annual toy drive; local food banks by holding canned food drives; the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Sacramento by organizing events and fundraising activities, and by wearing pink during October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

“I am also actively involved in supporting public and private schools, as well as their athletic programs,” he said. “On a personal level, my wife and I recently donated $1 million to the University Foundation at Sacramento State, our alma mater, to help build a new health and wellness facility.”

Pleau added, “By giving back and investing in the betterment of our society, I aim to ensure that future generations can enjoy the same opportunities that have enabled me and my dealerships to flourish over the years.”

Dealers are nominated by the executives of state and metro dealer associations around the country. A panel of faculty members from the Tauber Institute for Global Operations at the University of Michigan will select one finalist from each of the four NADA regions and one national Dealer of the Year. Three finalists will receive $5,000 for their favorite charities and the winner will receive $10,000 to give to charity, donated by Ally.

In its 13th year as exclusive sponsor, Ally also will recognize dealer nominees and their community efforts by contributing $1,000 to each nominee’s 501(c)3 charity of choice. Nominees will be recognized on AllyDealerHeroes.com, which highlights the philanthropic contributions and achievements of TIME Dealer of the Year nominees.

“At TIME, we are proud to uphold the decades-long tradition of honoring automotive dealers who make a positive impact and show dedication to their communities through our TIME Dealer of the Year award,” said TIME CEO Jessica Sibley. “We are excited to keep this tradition of applauding these community contributions together with our partners at Ally.” Doug Timmerman, president of dealer financial services, Ally, said, “Auto dealers nominated for the TIME Dealer of the Year award have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to not only the industry but to their respective communities through volunteerism, sponsorships, and supporting charitable causes, no matter the market climate. Whether their clients are purchasing a first car or upgrading for a growing family, these selected dealers have successfully extended their relationships beyond the showroom and have been steadfast in driving their communities forward.”

Pleau was nominated for the TIME Dealer of the Year award by Brian Maas, president of the California New Car Dealers Association.

Pleau and his late wife, Vicki, have two children and five grandchildren.

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About TIME
TIME is the 100-year-old global media brand that reaches a combined audience of over 120 million around the world through its iconic magazine and digital platforms. With unparalleled access to the world’s most influential people, the trust of consumers and partners globally, and an unrivaled power to convene, TIME’s mission is to tell the essential stories of the people and ideas that shape and improve the world. Today, TIME also includes the Emmy Award®-winning film and television division TIME Studios; a significantly expanded live events business built on the powerful TIME100 and Person of the Year franchises and custom experiences; TIME for Kids, which provides trusted news with a focus on news literacy for kids and valuable resources for teachers and families; the award-winning branded content studio Red Border Studios; an industry-leading web3 division; the website-building platform TIME Sites; the sustainability and climate action platform TIME CO2; the new e-commerce and content platform TIME Stamped, and more.

About Ally Financial
Ally Financial Inc. (NYSE: ALLY) is a financial services company with the nation’s largest all-digital bank and an industry-leading auto financing business, driven by a mission to “Do It Right” and be a relentless ally for customers and communities. The company serves more than 11 million customers through a full range of online banking services (including deposits, mortgage, point-of-sale personal lending, and credit card products) and securities brokerage and investment advisory services. The company also includes a robust corporate finance business that offers capital for equity sponsors and middle-market companies, as well as auto financing and insurance offerings. For more information, please visit www.ally.com and follow @allyfinancial. For more information and disclosures about Ally, visit https://www.ally.com/#disclosures. For further images and news on Ally, please visit http://media.ally.com.

About the NADA Show
The annual NADA Show brings together more than 20,000 franchised dealers and their employees, industry leaders, manufacturers and exhibitors to learn about the latest auto industry tools, trends, products and technologies.

About CNCDA
For 100 years, the California New Car Dealers Association has protected and promoted the interests of California’s franchised new car and truck dealers. CNCDA members are primarily engaged in the retail sale and lease of new and used motor vehicles but also provide customers with automotive products, parts, service and repair. Our members sold more than 3 million new cars and trucks in 2022 and employed more than 136,000 Californians, significantly contributing to our state’s economy. As the nation’s largest state association of franchised new car and truck dealers—with more than 1,200 members—CNCDA provides legal compliance and legislative, regulatory, and legal advocacy. 

AB 473 SIGNED INTO CA LAW!

CNCDA’S FRANCHISE BILL (AB 473) SIGNED BY GOVERNOR NEWSOM

(10.08.23, Sacramento)- Yesterday, California’s Governor officially signed the California New Car Dealer Association’s 2023 Franchise Bill (AB 473), signaling a massive win for franchised new car dealers in the state.

Authored and championed by Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters), the bill takes effect January 1, 2024. It will strengthen CA’s franchise laws, creating a fairer and more balanced environment for dealers. It emphasizes accountability and transparency, benefiting all franchised dealer members.

You can read the full request for signature request sent to Governor Newsom outlining details of the bill here. Additionally, we are encouraging all members to attend one of our 2023 New Laws Seminars to learn how to implement these new provisions at your dealership.

AB 473 includes several fundamental tenets:

  • Preserving Franchise System Integrity: It prevents manufacturers from introducing new vehicle brand names that would directly compete with their established franchised dealer network.
  • Equitable DC Fast Charging: The bill establishes fairness in manufacturer-imposed DC fast charging programs. It prohibits manufacturers from burdening their dealers with the entire cost of installing and maintaining public-facing DC fast chargers.
  • Post-sale Subscription Limits: AB 473 limits manufacturers’ ability to offer post-sale subscriptions for features already integrated into the vehicle, ensuring fairness in consumer choices.
  • Transparent Reservation Process: Manufacturers are now mandated to adopt an open and fair process for vehicle reservation systems, enhancing transparency for both dealers and consumers.
  • Reimbursement for Digital Services: Manufacturers are now obligated to reimburse dealers for any losses incurred due to the use of a non-compliant digital service, particularly if the manufacturer preselected the service.

CNCDA sincerely appreciates all the dealers who supported, called, emailed, and helped us get this across the finish line for a victory on behalf of all franchised dealers statewide. AB 473 passed because of your advocacy and the efforts of CNCDA staff and many others. We also thank Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, whose tremendous support helped lead to the bill’s passage. WE THANK YOU!

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