CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE NJ CAR’s Strategic Plan: A Roadmap for the Future by A. ANDREW SHAPIRO, Chairman, NJ CAR NJ CAR was founded 108 years ago to serve and represent the needs of the franchised car and truck dealers in New Jersey. The Coalition’s mission has always been to advocate, educate, inform, connect, serve, and inspire the 530+ dealers with their more than 38,200 employees who call the Garden State home. In late 2025 and early 2026, NJ CAR’s leadership began developing a 3-year strategic plan for the Coalition. The process began with a thorough review of current and past strategic planning, financial, operational, and marketing materials; in-depth interviews with key staff, dealer, and partner stakeholders; and interviews with other national, state, and metro associations. KEY TAKEAWAYS The research conducted during the planning process showed us what we all knew — NJ CAR is a best-in-class dealer association. It is well-run and efficient, boasting a knowledgeable, dedicated leadership team and staff. While NJ CAR excels in many areas, the Coalition and its members face a variety of challenges, including general market anxiety; vehicle affordability; a new Governor and Administration; NJMVC modernization; member engagement; and product/service market penetration. In order to maintain its high level of service and advocacy, NJ CAR must continue to innovate and evolve. The key to future success will revolve around a thoughtful strategic plan. STRATEGIC PLAN OVERVIEW The 3-year strategic plan is designed to provide a road map for the Coalition to continue providing value to its members and serve as a model for trade associations across the country. The plan is focused on the following objectives: • Increase Membership Value & Engagement • Evolve Programs, Products, & Services • Improve Advocacy & Influence Success • Increase Revenue Generation In order to achieve these long-term goals and objectives, NJ CAR has created working groups made up of two (2) staff members, one (1) Executive Committee member, one (1) Board of Trustees member, and one (1) NextGen Committee member to focus on key areas, including: • Member Value & Engagement • Advocacy & Influence • Products & Services • MV Operations • Programs • NextGen • Truck Dealers • Events • Sponsorships The working groups will lead the effort within each area, developing an initial blueprint in Year 1 to achieve goals established in the strategic plan. The aim of Years 2 and 3 will build on prior success while implementing new programs and initiatives that continue laying the groundwork for NJ CAR’s future. STRIVING TO IMPROVE NJ CAR is already recognized as one of the top automotive trade associations in the country, but we do not have the luxury of resting on our laurels. The development of this strategic plan allows the organization to look at itself and identify areas of improvement. I look forward to seeing Laura and the rest of NJ CAR continue to implement this strategic plan and build on the successes achieved this year. 11 NEW JERSEY auto retailer
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