CARY, N.C. -

A new chairman for the association representing car dealers in the Big Apple, a San Antonio dealer group using the Texas sun for energy and a Pennsylvania group adds to its store count.

Those are among the latest movements among dealer groups this week.

Starting with the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association, the group representing more than 400 franchised dealers in Metro New York said Tuesday it has elected its new chairman.

Selected for the post last week was Oliver Brodlieb, president of East Hills Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram in Greenvale, N.Y.

His first official duty at GNYADA president will be opening the 2021 New York International Auto Show, which will be held in August.

“Our industry has a bright and prosperous future, and we need talented young women and men to carry us forward as we enter a more technologically advanced age for vehicles,” Brodlieb said in a news release. “As we saw during the pandemic, personal vehicles are more important to people than ever, particularly here in downstate New York, and the importance of retail auto dealers has been so clearly demonstrated. I am delighted to be able to work with my colleagues to support one of the most critical industries for our state.”

GNYADA president Mark Schienberg said in the release: “I’m thrilled to have someone like Mr. Brodlieb, who is so familiar with the auto industry and has a family that has been in business in New York as long as they have. The environment in which our franchise new car dealers operate is ever-changing, with new technology transforming the industry, and a complex regulatory environment. We are very fortunate to have someone with Oliver’s background and experience of the industry, and his passion, to take on this role. The commitment he has shown to education, and to being a charitable champion of his local community, is emblematic of the role dealers play throughout the region and a testament to his dedication.”

Cavender goes solar

Down in Texas, Cavender Auto Group said Tuesday it has partnered with local company Big Sun Solar to build and install solar carports at several of the group’s locations in the San Antonio area and its upcoming Cavender Collision Center.

The group said it has been aiming to add sustainability efforts into its operations, and ultimately chose solar energy as its route towards that. Big Sun has almost finished stalling the carports at Cavender Buick GMC West and has started installation at Cavender Cadillac and Land Rover San Antonio.

The group also plans for installation at Cavender Chevrolet and Cavender Buick GMC North, as well as its upcoming Cavender Collision Center and Cavender Grande Ford locations.

The collision center is expected to open this fall and the Ford store’s opening is to be determined.

"Solar carports make perfect sense for Cavender Auto Group,” president Bobby Cavender said. “Their energy lowers our electric bills, they provide shade for our customers and protection from damaging hail storms.

“We are thrilled to be the first auto group in San Antonio to embrace solar carports and we are grateful to Big Sun Solar for making it happen."

Stuckey Automotive expands

Next up, Pennsylvania-based Stuckey Automotive said Thursday it has purchased Joel Confer Ford in Bellefonte, Pa.  The store has been renamed Stuckey Ford of Bellefonte and will open Thursday of next week

Stuckey Automotive, based in Duncansville, Pa., will have five dealerships under its umbrella with this addition. The group’s other stores include Stuckey Ford and Stuckey Subaru in Hollidaysburg, Pa.; Stuckey Buick GMC in Altoona, Pa.; Stuckey Mitsubishi of State College, Pa.

The Confer family, which had owned and operated the Ford dealership since 2004, will continue to operate its State College-based Joel Confer Toyota and Joel Confer BMW stores.