The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) annual conference – the 2025 NADA Show – is just weeks away, in New Orleans, Louisiana January 23-26, 2025. It’s one of the retail automotive industry’s most important events, and I’m looking forward to connecting with Assurant colleagues from around the world, as the show becomes increasingly focused on global industry connections.

I’m also looking forward to meeting with clients and prospective clients, with a full schedule and scores of networking opportunities planned. I’m eager to hear what our dealer partners have on their minds – and our team is ready to listen and engage by sharing how we can help dealers navigate uncertain waters in today’s market, while always focusing on value and profit maximization.

In fact, Inauguration Day 2025 is just a few days before the NADA Show opens, and there are many things we don't know yet in the wake of the election. But there are some things we anticipate being roundly discussed – and how those topics might affect the automotive retail landscape.

Continuity Can Quell Uncertainty

At a time when concerns can run high about the unknowns still ahead, dealers aren’t exempt from those feelings. To help quell the uncertainty, we're doubling down on our level of service, optimizing our sales model to strengthen our connections and build on the 60 years of industry-leading dealership development  our clients have always been able to rely on. I’d be happy to share in person – at our booth or if we meet at an event – some of the ways we’re ready to demonstrate that our team is “all-in, always-on” when it comes to putting our clients’ success first. No matter what’s happening in the market, we’re tuned in and able to help dealers optimize their profitability.

Creative Solutions Can Mitigate Today’s Challenges

With plenty of speculation around potential tariffs on globally-sourced parts, there’s some concern that tariffs could lead to increased costs for replacement parts, which could increase the cost of claims, impact loss ratios, and affect profitability. Fortunately, we have built flexibility into our Assurant Vehicle Care products, making them adaptable to cost fluctuation. Tariffs could also impact new vehicle manufacturing. If tariffs lead to higher vehicle prices, consumers might delay purchases or opt for used vehicles, affecting new car sales. As in the recent past, dealers who can creatively source used cars (see the NADA Exchange Session: Sourcing Preowned Inventory in Creative Ways) will have more opportunities to sell used vehicles – and thus more opportunities to protect those vehicles with F&I products. Beyond that, our team can help dealerships look for ways to maximize sales, even in the face of market challenges. It might be advice like Go back to basics — with a twist — to thrive in today's buyer's market (Automotive News; subscription required). Or we may point out that in times of uncertainty, it’s time to flip the script and focus on something they can control: their profit participation. And offer guidance on how to take a fresh look for greater control and a more profitable program.

Electric Vehicles: The News of Their “Demise” May be Greatly Exaggerated

With potential rollbacks of fuel economy and environmental regulations, along with possible reductions in tax subsidies and credits for electric vehicles, consumer adoption of EVs could slow. But it’s important to consider that as more and varied EVs, including lower-cost models, enter the market, they’ll likely pull in those “EV curious” buyers. With the understanding that consumer demand will still have a place in the adoption of EVs, forward-looking dealers won't take their foot off the accelerator when it comes to selling EVs. With the next administration just four years away, the winds could shift in the other direction, and dealerships that maintain their EV sales and service capabilities will be able to grab a larger piece of the EV pie than those dealerships that shrink back from the world of EVs. And it’s still a relevant topic at the show in New Orleans, as demonstrated by this Exchange Session: Identifying EV Customers.

Stop by Our Booth at the 2025 NADA Show

If you’ll be attending the 2025 NADA Show, stop by Booth #4039 and say hello to the Assurant team.

We can show you – with certainty – how we can help drive your bottom line forward. With forward-thinking F&I products that help you drive revenue when sales are flat. A digital-first customer experience that elevates your brand and keeps your customers coming back. And immediate-impact training that lifts up your team.

The world is changing fast, and now is the time for a partner that is 100% dedicated to your success. Let's grow your performance and look forward together to a bright, profitable future. 

See you in New Orleans.