Dear Dealer, As my term concludes as 2024–2025 Chairman of the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), and I prepare to take on the role of 2026 Chicago Auto Show Chairman, I am both honored and humbled to reflect on the past year of service. It has been a time marked by both challenges and progress, moments that tested our resolve as dealers, but ultimately reinforced the strength and unity of our industry. In stepping into this leadership role, I was mindful of the legacy built by those who served before me. I stand on the shoulders of generations of dealer leaders who gave their time, energy, and expertise to advocate for our businesses and protect our shared interests. Their tireless work laid the foundation that made it possible for our board to continue advancing the mission of the CATA on behalf of dealers across the Chicagoland area. The CATA standing Committees are the engines that drive the organization, so I will begin here. The Government Relations and Lobbying Committee, which I chaired, spent countless hours meeting with our representatives in Springfield to try to effectuate three very important matters to dealers. First, we are concerned that the restructured retail allowance cap is particularly burdensome to our dealers considering the volume and amounts of transactions they process, and we have sought to create a carve-out for vehicle transactions, with any lost revenue to the state more than made up by tightening the laws on taxing private sales. Secondly, we added our voice and resources in fighting for a $100 increase in the documentary fee. Finally, we advocated for an amendment to the Motor Vehicle Franchise Act which would favorably modify language on warranties and right of first refusal, while clearly providing that legacy manufacturers cannot create new entities to sell directly to the public. Sadly, for differing reasons, none of these endeavors came to fruition in this past legislative session; however, the CATA will continue to advocate for these causes in succeeding sessions for the betterment of all. The Auto Show Committee, with Kelly Webb Roberts as Chairwoman, produced a fabulous 2025 Chicago Auto Show despite continuing headwinds. Helped by Stellantis’ return, the Show resembled shows of the past, with more than 100,000 in-vehicle experiences, an all-time record. The First Look for Charity gala raised $2.5 million for participating charities. Our advertising expenditure of over $438,000 was buttressed by almost $1.6 million in bonus weight. All in all, the Show continues to be the premier consumer show in the country and a media and public relations home run for the OEMs and CATA dealers. As a prelude to the 2025 Chicago Auto Show, the CATA conducted its third Chicago Drives Electric event this past October. Included were 15 participating brands: Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Dodge, Fiat, Ford, GMC, Hyundai, Kia, Lexus, Nissan, Subaru, A Look Back on the Year A Letter From Jason Roberts, CATA 2024-2025 Chairman 4 CATA UP TO SPEED
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