{"id":15555,"date":"2025-10-14T13:30:21","date_gmt":"2025-10-14T18:30:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/solerastaging.wpengine.com\/?p=15555"},"modified":"2025-10-17T09:22:35","modified_gmt":"2025-10-17T14:22:35","slug":"standing-up-for-dealers-in-washington-soleras-niada-policy-conference-recap","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.solera.com\/blog\/2025\/10\/14\/standing-up-for-dealers-in-washington-soleras-niada-policy-conference-recap\/","title":{"rendered":"Standing Up for Dealers in Washington: Solera\u2019s NIADA Policy Conference Recap"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Standing Up for Dealers in Washington: Solera\u2019s NIADA Policy Conference Recap<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Event: National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA) Policy Conference \u2014 Washington, D.C., Sept.<\/p>\n

At Solera, advocacy isn\u2019t a slogan\u2014it\u2019s part of how we serve the industry every day. On September 15\u201316, our team joined franchise and independent dealers from across the country in Washington, D.C., for the NIADA Policy Conference with a single purpose: champion the issues that matter most to operators on the front lines of retail automotive. We came prepared with data, real-world dealer stories, and a clear set of policy asks tied to day-to-day realities on the lot and in the service drive.<\/p>\n

We also put our support into motion. As the conference\u2019s Sponsor, Solera underwrote the event, produced the Capitol Hill map dealers carried from office to office, and sponsored the \u201cDay on the Hill\u201d transportation program that delivered all 150 participating dealers to their meetings on time. From the<\/p>\n

first briefing to the last debrief, our goal was simple: remove friction so dealers could focus on the message (and therefore on their customers).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Leadership on the Hill mattered<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Solera attendees Earl Brown and Rob Honkomp worked an ambitious agenda with separate cohorts throughout the day. Earl was voted group leader of his cohort\u2014which included both dealers, partners, and Automobile Dealer Association executives\u2014giving Solera the privilege to coordinate, introduce, and lead all official group conversations in those meetings. That role also created additional access to lawmakers and staffers before and after sessions to recap key points and discuss our long-standing partnership between Solera, LoJack, and law enforcement, most recently expanded with LoJack LE\u2014the company\u2019s free technology that helps law enforcement agencies more easily and safely battle stolen-vehicle crime while reducing the risk of violent encounters.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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What we asked for on behalf of dealers<\/h3>\n

\u00b7 PART Act (theft deterrence):<\/strong> Support VIN\/ID marking and enforcement tools that curb catalytic-converter theft\u2014protecting lot inventory, reducing recon and insurance losses, and improving customer satisfaction after the sale.<\/p>\n

\u00b7 TABS Act (predictable oversight):<\/strong> Advocate for Congressional appropriations oversight of the CFPB to ensure clear, consistent guidance for auto retail and F&I\u2014reducing compliance whiplash for single-store and multi-rooftop groups alike.<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Rectifying UDAAP (clarity on \u201cabusive\u201d):<\/strong> Establish a workable statutory definition to eliminate gray areas, align in-store and digital-retail practices nationwide, and lower everyday sales\/F&I risk.<\/p>\n

\u00b7 FTC dealer rulemaking (CARS Rule context):<\/strong> Encourage evidence-based, targeted transparency\u2014streamlined disclosures that inform customers without duplicative forms that slow deliveries and increase costs.<\/p>\n

\u00b7 Data security (GLBA execution):<\/strong> Promote workable, scalable Safeguards compliance and vendor accountability\u2014protecting consumer data while minimizing operational drag; highlight enterprise-grade partners who share that commitment.<\/p>\n

\u00b7 SID (Starter Interrupt Device) policy:<\/strong> Support safe, compliant use that preserves effective collections and consumer communication tools while avoiding blanket prohibitions that harm credit-challenged buyers and small businesses.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Who we met<\/h3>\n

Over the course of the day, Solera and GoldStar joined dealers in visiting nearly a dozen federal lawmakers and staff, including offices representing a wide spectrum of influence in both chambers\u2014ranging from the senior staff for Senator Chuck Schumer and Senator Cory Booker, to Senator Mike Lee, Senator Tim Kane, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Anthony Kim, and members of the House such as Rep. Frank Pallone and Rep. Roger Williams, both with deep personal and family ties to retail automotive. The breadth of these conversations ensured that the dealer voice was heard across committees and caucuses.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Why it matters<\/h3>\n

Dealers are navigating real-world challenges\u2014rising theft and catalytic-converter losses, fast-shifting compliance expectations, and the ongoing need to safeguard customer data without slowing operations. Our policy positions reflect the day-to-day realities you face in the showroom and service drive. They also draw on capabilities Solera brings to the table through our vehicle and dealer solutions portfolio, including GoldStar and LoJack. These solutions help protect assets, streamline operations, and support safer communities\u2014complementing the legislative fixes we pressed for in D.C.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Results you can feel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Hill meetings generated productive follow-up with offices that influence consumer protection, commerce, and public safety policy. In both groups, Solera kept their cohorts aligned on the message: rules should be clear, targeted, and data-driven; they should protect consumers without undermining access to credit, inventory security, or the ability to operate efficiently. Lawmakers and staff responded with questions on implementation, costs, and real-store impact\u2014exactly the dialogue dealers need to keep shaping.<\/p>\n\n\n

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What\u2019s next<\/h3>\n

Solera will continue working with NIADA, state associations, and dealer partners to track the PART Act, TABS Act, UDAAP clarity efforts, and FTC rulemaking. We\u2019ll share timely updates and practical playbooks to help your teams stay compliant and competitive\u2014whether you\u2019re a single-point independent or a large franchise group. If you want your perspective included in future briefings or would like help articulating the impact in your district, we\u2019re ready to partner.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Bottom line<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Solera is doing direct, significant work on behalf of car dealers, their customers, and the industry as a whole. From sponsoring the conference and transporting all 150 dealers to the Hill, to leading cohort discussions and engaging lawmakers on the specifics that matter, we\u2019re in the trenches with you\u2014advocating for practical, pro-dealer policies and safer communities. Thank you to every dealer who made the trip. Let\u2019s keep the momentum going.<\/p>\n\n\n\n