April 18, 2023

The past two years have seen auto retailers adapt to limited vehicle inventory and pandemic restrictions. Now dealers face rising interest rates — a critical concern for an industry that relies on capital to fund operations and growth. For some, it’s time for a balance sheet review and risk management reset.

Street Volkswagen of Amarillo All Hail the King! We had a great time at the first-ever Wine, Women & Shoes event that benefitted the Ronald McDonald House. Our very own Sole Man, John Luciano, raised $7,750 for this great cause. Our table full of ladies enjoyed a night of fun entertainment and food! Thank you

Buckalew Chevrolet, LP of Conroe, Texas, is excited to announce and recognize two outstanding employees, Lupe Espinosa and David Dominguez, who will reach the 40-year mark of employment by this dealership in 2023. Both individuals have excelled in their abilities to perform their workmanship and are respected and looked up to by their co-workers.

Young Dealer Day at the Capitol was a huge success! The young people in our Texas Dealer Academy (TDA) continue to shine and impress with their ability to advocate for the franchised dealer community.

On the showroom floor of Lade Ford in Frankston, Texas, an incredible Mach 1 Mustang is on display. The car has been passed down to Jeremy Lade from his father, James Lade, Jr. On the 50th anniversary of Lade Ford’s partnership with Ford Motor Credit Company, Jeremy proudly shares the story of this one-of-a-kind treasure.

On Jan. 24, 2023, the Houston Auto Show Preview Night Gala was held at the NRG Center Show Floor. Attendees celebrated decades of the finest vehicles and got a sneak peek at this year’s models. Everyone was entertained by live music and dancers, enjoyed good food, and a few lucky people walked away with some great giveaway prizes. A big thanks to the sponsors and exhibitors.

Frank Boggus, a well-known businessman and philanthropist, passed away at 94.

Red McCombs, Texas Business Icon and Entrepreneur, passed away at 95.

Greg Bruner, owner of Bruner Motors, was recently honored by the Texas Historical Commission (THC) at the State Capitol as a recipient of the Texas Treasure Business Award. The award is an initiative of the Community Heritage Division of the THC and honors businesses that have been in operation within Texas for over 50 years. “The Texas Treasure Business Award pays tribute to the state’s well-established businesses and their exceptional contributions to communities across Texas,” said THC Executive Director Mark Wolfe.

In this article, we discuss the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) delay of the effective date of the revised Safeguards Rule (Rule) and its practical impact on your dealerships. We will then explain why you should not wait to implement data protection and cybersecurity safeguards at your dealership because the FTC will still come after you under another section of the FTC Act that gives them broad authority.

The 88th Texas Legislature recently passed the midway point of the session — now that there are less than 70 days left, the real work begins. The March 10 deadline for legislators to file bills to be considered by the Texas Senate and House this session left us with 5,301 HBs and 2,565 SBs filed for a record-setting 7,866 total bills.