The American International Automobile Dealers Association (sometimes abbreviated as AIADA) is a United States lobbying force dedicated to the economic and political interests of America's international nameplate automobile dealers. Headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, its primary focus is on promoting free trade and opposing tax increases.

 

History

AIADA was established in 1970 as the Volkswagen Dealers Association in response to a growing protectionist movement in the United States. On September 10, 1970 the first Board of Directors meeting of the Volkswagen American Dealers Association (VADA) was held. The officers elected were David H. Gezon, President; Ken Sowles, Vice President; Richard Kronman, Secretary; and Bob Miller, Treasurer. Bob McElwaine became VADA's first Executive Vice President.

 

On January 30, 1970 VADA opened membership to any franchised dealer of imported automobiles and changed its name to the American Imported Automobile Dealers Association (AIADA). "Imported" was later changed to "international." Ken Sowles became the association's second president. Its current president is Cody Lusk.

 

Today AIADA represents more than 10,000 international dealers and over 500,000 of their employees. AIADA is also a supporter of Americans Well-informed on Automobile Retailing Economics (AWARE), in order to further consumer education on automobile financing.

 

Board Members

Jim Smail - Chairman

 

Ray Mungenast - Chairman Elect

 

Jenell Ross - Vice Chairman

 

Larry Kull - Secretary/Treasurer

 

Rick DeSilva- Immediate Past Chairman

 

George Brochick

 

Dave Conant

 

Allen Courter

 

Jack Fitzgerald

 

Don Herring

 

Brad Hoffman

 

Greg Kaminsky

 

Jeff Morrill

 

Peggy Proko

 

Robert V. Rohrman

 

George Sharpe

 

Brad Strong

 

Morrie Wagener