Volume 117, No. 15 August 10, 2020 CATA’s media partners go the extra mile Dashboard cameras Throughout these trying times, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association’s has top list of features received tremendous support from its media partners. When the COVID-19 crisis first hit, the CATA worked swiftly to develop a commercial to communicate the that motorists want ways in which Chicagoland’s new-car dealers are positioned to provide vital and Drivers all have a list of features essential transportation services to consumers and also come to the aid of their they’d like when it comes time to buy communities during the COVID-19 crisis through goodwill. a new car. Perhaps a heated steering Most recently, the CATA launched a new advertising campaign to share the rea- wheel or onboard Wi-Fi. Or, maybe a sons that now is a great time for consumers to visit their local new-car dealer for hands-free driving system. service and to have open safety recalls addressed. The message continues to run According to a new study by research across local media outlets. firm AutoPacific Inc., the most popular The CATA wants to send a special “thank you” to the following media partners feature is a built-in dash cam. Fully 70% that helped the association stretch its budget further. These outlets understand just of the car buyers who participated in how important and essential dealers are for our market and local communities. the annual Future Attribute Demand Radio Study listed that as a must-have. • Entercom Radio: WUSN-FM, WBBM-AM, WBBM-FM, WBMX-FM and That probably shouldn’t come as a WXRT-FM surprise. The firm’s research analyst, • Nexstar Media Group: WGN-AM Deborah Grieb, said: “Consumers have • IHeart Radio: WEBG-FM, WGCI-FM, WGRB-AM, WKSC-FM, WLIT-FM experienced an influx of personal video and WVAZ-FM in social and news media in recent years • Weigel Broadcasting: WRME-FM (ME TV) and are very familiar with the poten- • Cumulus Radio: WLS-AM and WLS-FM tial security benefits of camera footage • Hubbard Radio: WTMX-FM, WDRV-FM and WSHE-FM from dash cameras, body cameras, cell Television phones and doorbell cameras. It’s really • WLS-TV not surprising to see such high interest • WBBM-TV in an in-vehicle recording device.” • Weigel Broadcasting (WCIU/WMEU/HCIU/EWME) What was significant about the study • WFLD-TV/WPWR-TV was the finding that interest in dash • WGN-TV cams was broad, covering essentially all • WMAQ-TV buyer groups, no matter their age, the Cable type of vehicle they were interested in, • EffecTV / Xfinity-Comcast or how much they planned to spend. Also, a special thank you to Select Marketing Group, which has helped cham- About 79% of those planning to pion media support for the CATA in a relationship that dates back more than 20 spend at least $79,000, for example, years. See Features, Page 2 2 CATA Bulletin August 10, 2020 Bar association promotes adoption of NADA fair credit program The American Bar Association on Rights and Social Justice, Section of bile Dealers Association said the action Aug. 3 approved a resolution that, in State and Local Government Law, and represents the latest recognition by a part, urges governments at all levels to the Commission on Homelessness, rec- diverse and growing number of public adopt laws and policies that promote ommended “safe harbor” protection to and private groups of the value of the the adoption of an enhanced nondis- dealers who faithfully adopt the NADA optional NADA fair credit program as crimination compliance system for fair credit program in lieu of a recom- an effective mechanism to address fair dealer compensation for arranging and/ mendation that governments consider credit concerns while preserving com- or originating a vehicle finance contract requiring dealer finance compensation petition in the marketplace. The pro- by offering a safe harbor against pricing to be in the form of a non-discount- gram, along with supporting materials, discrimination claims for dealers that able fixed fee. This was one of several is available at www.nada.org/faircredit. faithfully implement the NADA/NA- significant improvements to the original The NADA continues to encourage MAD/AIADA Fair Credit Compliance resolution, which sought to impose a dealers to consider, in consultation with Policy and Program. series of new duties and restrictions on their counsel, whether to adopt the vol- The resolution, which was co-spon- the dealer finance office. untary approach to fair credit compli- sored by the ABA Section of Civil Officials of the National Automo- ance. New-car sales up 3rd straight month far behind, with 64% of the Features respondents listing perim- New light-vehicle sales of all vehicles sold in July Continued from Page 1 eter camera systems, includ- improved for the third con- spent fewer than 20 days on want a dash cam in their ing ones that could moni- secutive month in July. The the lot, up from 35% a year next vehicle, but even among tor what’s in a pickup’s bed, July SAAR totaled 14.5 mil- ago. Inventory constraints those looking for something where applicable. lion units, a decline of 14.4% in popular segments may under $30,000, the figure The study appears to re- compared to July 2019 but have limited some sales in came in at 59%. flect the uncertain times we up from the SAAR of 13.1 July and, according to Wards The new study looked at live in, but also reflects the million units for June 2020. Intelligence, final inventory 16 different features in cat- fact that camera-based tech- In terms of raw volume, numbers are expected to reg- egories including safety and nologies, as Grieb noted, are July sales were up by just ister an eight-year low for the security, self-driving, com- becoming a familiar part of over 120,000 units from June. month. fort and convenience, and our daily lives. And through the first seven Because of such robust connectivity. It showed that The study also found months of the year, new demand, incentive spend- safety and security-related strong interest in over-the- light-vehicle sales were off ing was dialed back in July. features were overwhelming air updates, listed by 64% of by 22.1% compared with the Preliminary estimates from favorites among the 1,000 those surveyed. That’s some- same period in 2019. Ameri- J.D. Power pegged incentive car buyers who responded. thing offered on virtually ev- can consumers continue to spending per unit at $4,236, Vehicle airbags came in ery new smartphone, though choose light trucks over cars, down from June 2020 but up at a close second, with 66% only now starting to become with light trucks represent- by $166 compared with July putting that at or near the available in the automotive ing 76% of all vehicles sold 2019. top of their list. But an- community. in July and 75.4% of all new The NADA’s outlook has other camera system wasn’t See Features, Page 3 vehicles sold so far this year. not changed much since last Similar to May and June, month, with forecasters ex- The CATA Bulletin is produced by the fleet sales fell more than retail pecting new-vehicle retail Chicago Automobile Trade Association sales did in July. According sales to continue to recover 18W200 Butterfield Rd. Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181-4810 to Wards Intelligence, retail for the rest of the year, while The CATA Bulletin is distributed via blast email every other Friday sales were off by 10% year fleet sales continue to strug- except during the Chicago Auto Show, when it is not produced. over year, while fleet sales gle. Listings of items for sale are subject to the approval of the CATA. declined by a substantial 60% Inventory constraints in Candidates for employment must submit a full resume to the Editor. Review past editions dating to 1998 or search by subject at year over year. Vehicles have popular segments will be a www.cata.info/publication/bulletins. been selling quickly once headwind for new-vehicle they reach dealer lots. Ac- sales for the rest of the sum- David E. Sloan President, Publisher cording to J.D. Power, 41% mer. Erik K. Higgins Editor, Director of Dealer Affairs August 10, 2020 CATA Bulletin 3

More charities buoyed by Chicagoland Dealers Care Two more nonprofits favored Similar to ABC-TV’s hit show be a place where all families would by area new-car dealerships were “Shark Tank,” the students have the embrace and accept each other’s recent beneficiaries of the CATA’s chance to pitch their business ideas to faiths and racial and socioeconomic Chicagoland Dealers Care program. local business leaders and investors. backgrounds. Her goal was to have The Young Entrepreneurs Academy One student qualifies each year to 30% of the school’s students benefit in Palatine and the Children at the present at a national level in Roches- from financial assistance, a hope that Crossroads Foundation in Chicago ter, New York, in front of a panel of became a reality with the inception each received $1,500. judges at the conclusion of the pro- of Children at the Crossroads Foun- The CATA has been a longtime gram. All students are pledged some dation. supporter of local charities. Since its funding to launch their business, and Since then, the Foundation has inception in 2008, the Chicagoland some have even reaped the benefits of changed the lives of more than 700 Dealers Care program has donated receiving offers from local investors. children by providing more than $15 more than $100,000 to local organi- “To think that these young stu- million in financial aid. Ever true zations supported dents are receiving to the foundation’s mission, 30% of by CATA mem- legitimate offers the students who attend the Frances ber dealers. The from major inves- Xavier Warde School receive either CATA matches a tors is incredible,” full or partial financial assistance. dealer’s donation said Steven Gaus, “We applaud the Children at the up to $1,500. executive direc- Crossroads Foundation for its tre- Hyundai of tor of the Palatine mendous work to help enrich these Palatine is a supporter of the Young Area Chamber of Commerce. “We are young students’ lives,” said Keefe, Entrepreneurs Academy. Formed so thankful for local businesses like the CATA chairman. “The Chica- five years ago by the Palatine Area Hyundai of Palatine and organizations goland Dealers Care program helps Chamber of Commerce, the Acad- such as the CATA who help fund our stretch our member dealers’ dollars a emy helps coach middle and high programming so that these students little further for wonderful organiza- school-aged children on how to can achieve these extraordinary goals.” tions like this foundation, and it also build and run their own businesses. “As a business owner myself, I helps shine a spotlight on new-car In September of each year, up to 30 couldn’t pass up the opportunity to dealers’ positive impact within their students have the opportunity to ap- help these young students who have communities.” ply to a 25-week program. Students similar passions,” said Hyundai of Elgin Toyota is part of the Bob are paired with personal mentors Palatine/Leader Auto Group President Loquercio Auto Group. Bob Lo- who work with them every step of Tamara Darvish. “The Young Entre- quercio, the group’s president and the way through the final phase of preneurs Academy does tremendous chief executive, said: “I was hooked forming a business plan. work within the Palatine community, on the Foundation’s mission from “When Hyundai of Palatine first and we’re committed to continuing to the first moment I attended one of submitted the Young Entrepreneurs support their efforts.” its fundraising events. I knew I had Academy’s Chicagoland Dealers Elgin Toyota has been a supporter to get involved, and here I am (as a Care application to the CATA, we of Children at the Crossroads Foun- board member), five years later.” took one look at it and said ‘This dation for five years. The Foundation Sarah Frick, director of advance- is right in our wheelhouse,’ ” said was created in 1990 on the belief ment at the Foundation, said, “We’re CATA Chairman Kevin Keefe. “The that economic circumstances should so humbled by the Bob Loquercio concept is wonderful, arming these not predict the future. Maggie Daley, Auto Group’s generosity as well young students with the education then Chicago’s first lady, founded the as the contribution from the area’s and resources for them to build and Frances Xavier Warde School in 1989 new-car dealer association, the run their own businesses.” with the vision that it would be would CATA.”

revisions that can improve a vehicle’s function, add features Features and remotely resolve problems that previously might have re- Continued from Page 2 quired a visit to a dealer service shop. OTA, as it’s also known, Automakers can use the feature to download software is expected to become widely available by mid-decade. 4 CATA Bulletin August 10, 2020

Olaf Gjøvik, proprietor of seven new-car Max A. Madsen, who at his height oper- franchises in Sandwich and Plano, died peace- In Memoriam ated four family-owned dealerships, died July fully July 22 at age 98. 26 at age 91. Mr. Gjøvik served in the U.S. Navy during Mr. Madsen was raised in Park Ridge, World War II, then he and his wife devel- the son of first-generation Scandina- oped a 22-acre autoplex that employs more vians who ran a family farm. He served than 100 people. General Motors recognized as a 1st lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force his 50 years as a franchisee in 2018 at a from 1952 to 1954, then began a more special ceremony with multiple awards and than 50-year career in the automo- citations. tive industry, beginning in the 1960s at Ed McKeown Through the years, the towns surrounding Sandwich and Chevrolet in Glen Ellyn. He later moved to Hanley Plano felt the benefit of Mr. Gjøvik’s generosity as he spon- Dawson Cadillac in Chicago, advancing to a managing sored sports teams, donated cars to charities, and supported partner. countless charities. He was a founding member of the Sand- The first Max Madsen Mitsubishi opened in Down- wich Rotary Club and held various positions including as ers Grove in 1987, and it became one of the country’s president. most successful Mitsubishi franchises. The dealership Renowned for his great storytelling and sense of humor, currently is in Aurora. Mr. Gjøvik was a man of deep faith and was devoted to his Mr. Madsen enjoyed playing competition bridge, and church. He loved woodworking, boating and camping, hunt- he reached the prestigious level of Gold Life Mas- ing, and riding motorcycles (well into his 80s), and he often ter. Notable opponents included Charles Goren, the hopped into his motorhome to visit family around the coun- leading American bridge personality in the 1950s and try. ’60s; and actor Omar Sharif, one of the world’s top 50 Mr. Gjøvik’s first wife, Florence, died in 2010 after a contract bridge players. He continued to win national 64-year marriage. Survivors include his second wife, Candy; championships into his 80s. daughters Judy, Jan and Dawn; sons Mark and Scott; nine Mr. Madsen was a regular supporter of local farmers grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and three great-great- markets, a trait he took from his mother, who baked grandchildren. as many as six pies a day to feed workers on the family When appropriate after COVID-19 issues subside, the fam- farm during the decade after the Great Depression. ily plans to hold an event to celebrate Mr. Gjøvik’s life. Dona- Survivors include Robin, his wife of 43 years; sons tions appreciated to the Open Door Rehabilitation Center in Terrance and Kevin; a daughter, Jody; step-sons Scott Sandwich; Fox Valley Older Adults, also in Sandwich; the Fox Grove and Adam Grove; 10 grandchildren; and four River Lutheran Church in Norway, Illinois; or the Salvation great-grandchildren. Services will be private. Memorials Army. appreciated to the Air Force Aid Society.

E. John Potempa, the Potempa of Police; ASIS Interna- VFW, and the Blooming- father of longtime CATA Private In- tional, the world’s largest dale Township Republican staffer Sandi Potempa, vestigations. association for security Party. For many years, he died July 28. He was 91. Mr. management professionals; was president of the hom- A proud U.S. Navy Potempa the American Legion; the eowners association at his veteran, Mr. Potempa was in- Bloomingdale Township Bloomingdale subdivision. served as a police officer volved with Republican Party; and the In addition to Sandi in Skokie and Rosemont, many fraternal and political DuPage County Republican Potempa, Mr. Potempa is and as police chief in organizations, including the Party. survived by a son, Michael Bloomingdale. His passion DuPage County Chiefs of Mr. Potempa also was Fracaro. Donations ap- for investigation led him Police Association; the Il- a past commander of the preciated to The Hundred to open his own firm, PPI: linois Association of Chiefs Alvin W. Koehn 5813 Club of DuPage County.

2020 Barbecue for A reminder that this year’s Barbecue for the Troops has been rescheduled for Oct. 3. Full details to follow, or contact the the Troops is Oct. 3 CATA’s Jennifer Morand or Jim OBrill at (603) 495-2282.