Virginia IADA – Continued from page 4

illustrates the economic impact used-car dealers have on the state of Virginia.

The statistics provided in the document help the association’s independent dealers make their case to lawmakers.

The report shows that 82% of the licensed car/truck/motorcycle dealers in Virginia are independent dealers.

The report states 91% of independent dealers are family-owned and operated.

The average hourly pay for a fulltime employee of an independent dealership is $18 per hour.

Melendez added that 58% of independent dealers have been in business over 20 years.

For customers looking for auto repairs, more than half of independent dealerships have service shops.

“Last year in Virginia – just in Vir- ginia, not out of state – we sold over 324,000 cars and collected over $10 million in title and license fees, not including taxes,” Melendez said.

Independent dealers in the state also employ just under 20,000 people, he added. Nearly 80% of independent dealers are small businesses that employ five or fewer employees.

“We collect over $200 million in tax revenue from vehicle sales in the Commonwealth,” Melendez said.

The association points out to lawmakers that while there are only 444 franchise dealers in Virginia, there are almost 3,400 independent dealers.

Aida uses these stats to convince lawmakers that independents deserve the attention that normally goes to new-car stores.

“We are the majority of car dealers, so why are you talking to (franchise dealers) and not to us?” Melendez said. “We are the majority.”

Virginia IADA wants its members to be better businesspeople and uses its events and educational offerings to achieve that.

For example, last year the group introduced a bill for continuing education that is more than just a boxchecking exercise.

“Instead of being a video that people just sign up for and watch to pass, ours is instructor-led so people can really learn something, you know,” Melendez said. “So, we cut it down from six hours to four hours, but it’s an interactive class.

“Now when they’re taking the classes, they are loving it. It’s interactive and they can ask questions and learn something they didn’t know or something they had forgotten. So, we’re elevating education in the Commonwealth.”

When that bill – House Bill 316 – was introduced, it passed unani- mously through all committees, Melendez said.

The association helped pass a bill to fight the problem of catalytic convertor theft, which is a nationwide epidemic.

“Last year we helped pass a bill that makes catalytic converter theft a Class 6 felony in Virginia,” Melendez said.

The new punishment could include up to five years in prison and hefty fines. It also includes a requirement that recyclers who buy catalytic converters must get a driver’s license and have the name, brand and VIN of the car, Melendez said.

Melendez has the benefit of having been a longtime car dealer, which has helped him in his job as the association director.

Originally from Puerto Rico, Melendez’s automotive career began with a summer internship at a Maryland Ford dealership in 1986.