A Conversation With 2024 TADA Chair Bryan Case Bryan Case has been in the auto industry and a member of TADA for 40+ years. His years of experience and steady approach to business have prepared him well to serve as the 2024 chair and lead the association forward this year. TADA recently sat down with Bryan to learn more about him, his years in the Texas auto industry and his goals as chair. We enjoyed getting to know him and appreciated the time he gave us. The following are excerpts from our conversation. What are the biggest issues facing the industry today? I think one of the biggest problems is affordability. Consumers are faced with the reality that vehicles have consistently gotten much more expensive. With current interest rates and the fact that wages have not kept up, it’s made it tough for some consumers to buy a vehicle versus what that same vehicle would have cost a decade ago. Another pressing issue we continue to deal with is excessively burdensome federal regulation and oversight of our business and industry. A good example of this is the EV rollout that is happening in our country. The government has been trying to mandate this change politically, which has never happened before in the history of our country. They’re attempting to pick winners and losers in a free enterprise system. It’s causing a lot of stress for dealerships, the franchise system and the manufacturers. For the most part, our state has great regulations on the books and is ready to help our industry and businesses succeed. But we need to make sure that the current leaders do their part in enforcement of those rules, fairly and uniformly. How will the industry change in the next 3‑5 years? I think we’re going to see a continued consolidation of both private and public entities. Also, a market correction is inevitable when it comes to EV mandates — a large number of consumers simply won’t buy them or want them until some of the major issues surrounding EVs are resolved. I am confident that, given time, this issue will work itself out. Why is the franchise system still the best way to sell cars? The biggest advantage of the franchise system is that it fosters a competitive market and ultimately it leads to lower transaction prices for consumers. Additionally, consumers receive better service because dealers live in individual markets. They are invested in the business; their blood, sweat and tears have gone into building it. They are there to take care of the customers day in and day out. Customers are their neighbors; they might go to church together or shop in the same grocery store. The opportunity to DEALERS’ CHOICE 10
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