ARLINGTON, Texas -

To meet popular demand from its members, the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association is forming a 20 Group Program, the association announced last week.

Like many of its peer programs, the NIADA 20 Group Program will aim to bring together dealers (in this case, independent stores) for idea and best-practice sharing, as well as data comparison.

Heading up the NIADA 20 Group Program will be Joe Lescota. As reported recently in Auto Remarketing, Lescota was named the association’s new director of dealer development, a role he begins June 1.

“NIADA members have historically been a tight-knit group of dealers. Developing a 20 Group platform for them to facilitate ideas and compare operational practices is a natural extension of their close relationships,” said NIADA chief executive officer Michael Linn.

“Additionally, we have mounting feedback from dealers participating in existing 20 Group models who feel their best interests are being underserved or even ignored,” he continued. “One dealer told me she felt the escalating cost to participate in her current 20 Group was not worth the combative discussions she endures or the pressure she gets to conform to their benchmarks.

Linn added: “For 66 years as a nonprofit trade association, NIADA has represented the voice of independent auto dealers and has found ways to help them improve their businesses. I can assure you NIADA and our 20 Group Program will always put the needs of our dealers first. We will never sacrifice the quality or service we provide our dealers.”

For its first phase, the program’s format will concentrate on independent auto retail operations. NIADA will have more details to share at its Convention & Expo in June at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

Offering his take on the new 20 Group Program, Lescota chimed in: “Even the most successful independent dealers are constantly seeking new ways to improve their businesses. They know the slightest change in sales, financing, service or operational policy can have a major impact on their profitability.

“Our 20 Groups will be a great way for NIADA dealers to stay on track because colleagues will be there to prod, poke and encourage improved performance. The new platform will match dealers of like size, sales volume and revenue mix for maximized compatibility,” he added.

“They will share ideas and best practices and learn from one another regardless of size or geographical region,” Lescota continued. “No independent dealer is too large or too small to contribute, learn and benefit from the collaborative dialogue of a 20 Group discussion. Every one of our members is encouraged to participate.”