SACRAMENTO, CA – The California New Car Dealers Association would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to all who braved the weather, secured their flights, and made it to our Welcome Party at the 2025 NADA Show in New Orleans! Additionally, we want to sincerely thank our sponsor partners who helped make this event possible for our membership. We hope to see you all next year!
If you would like a high-res version of any of these images, please contact Autumn Heacox, Director of Communications & Marketing (aheacox@cncda.org).
Tom’s Truck Center Fuels Automotive Careers with $300,000 donation to CNCDA Foundation on GivingTuesday
Dealership Kicks Off Global Generosity Movement GivingTuesday to Encourage Others to Donate
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LOS ANGELES — December 3, 2024 — Tom’s Truck Center, an industry leader in commercial truck sales and service, kicks off GivingTuesday with a $300,000 donation to the California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA) Foundation, aligning with the global GivingTuesday movement to inspire generosity and giving back. The funds will support programs that encourage students to pursue meaningful careers as automotive service technicians, addressing the growing demand for skilled professionals in California’s evolving auto industry.
“This donation from Tom’s Truck Center will allow the CNCDA Foundation to expand services for students interested in becoming automotive technicians,” said CNCDA Foundation President Kim McPhaul. “We are hoping others will join in the spirit of Giving Tuesday and follow Tom’s lead. Contributions will help us implement mentorships, paid apprenticeships, vehicle donations, and enhance online training resources in 2025.”
With 27 million drivers in California and a rapidly growing fleet of electric, hydrogen, and self-driving vehicles, the automotive industry faces an urgent need for skilled technicians. Currently, there are over 4,300 open automotive technician positions statewide. Well-trained professionals in this field can earn upwards of $150,000 annually, making it a lucrative career path. Visit cncdafoundation.org/givingtuesday to donate today.
“The automotive world is changing fast, and the need for skilled technicians is greater than ever,” said Tom’s Truck Center President and CEO KC Heidler. “We encourage everyone to donate and invest in the future of our industry. Together, we can create pathways for young people to enter stable, well-paying careers as automotive service professionals.”
The CNCDA Foundation, founded in 1994, has provided over $1.5 million in scholarships to aspiring technicians and is committed to expanding educational opportunities to ensure the continued success of California’s automotive industry. Tom’s Truck Center’s significant contribution will enable the foundation to reach even more students, enhancing programs that prepare them for the demands of this dynamic field.
Media Contact: DeeDee Taft Spin Communications deedee@spinpr.com 415.515.1229
About CNCDA Foundation
The CNCDA Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, supports educational initiatives in the automotive industry. It serves as a catalyst for change and a community partner, inspiring interest in automotive careers to transform lives. Through its Automotive Service Career Pathways Program, the Foundation partners with educators, car dealers, auto manufacturers, and youth and veteran groups across California. Acknowledging the vital role of automotive technicians in California’s transportation ecosystem, the CNCDA Foundation is committed to providing access to essential skills for new automotive technologies, ensuring economic and environmental progress. Visit cncdafoundation.org.
About Tom’s Truck Center
Established in 1949, Tom’s Truck Center provides new and used commercial vehicle sales, rentals, leasing, options, parts and service for medium to heavy duty (Class 2-8) vehicles, including electric and hydrogen trucks and vans. Brands represented include Ford, Fuso, GreenPower, Hino, Isuzu, Nikola, and REE. Tom’s helps businesses navigate purchases, government incentives programs, and charging infrastructure. Tom’s Truck Center has two locations 909 N. Grand Ave, Santa Ana, CA and 13443 E. Freeway Drive, Santa Fe Springs, CA. Visit www.ttruck.com.
TIME and Ally Financial Honor San Jose Dealer for 2025
Shaun Del Grande Wins National Recognition for Community Service and Industry Accomplishments
Shaun Del Grande is one of a select group of 49 dealer nominees from across the country who will be honored at the 108th annual National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show in New Orleans, Louisiana, on January 25, 2025. The TIME Dealer of the Year award is one of the automobile industry’s most prestigious and highly coveted honors.
The award recognizes the nation’s most successful auto dealers who also demonstrate a long-standing commitment to community service. Del Grande was chosen to represent the California New Car Dealers Association in the national competition — one of only 49 auto dealers nominated for the 56th annual award from more than 20,000 nationwide.
“The most rewarding part of leading our organization has been experiencing the personal and professional growth of our team members throughout DGDG (Del Grande Dealer Group),” nominee Del Grande said. “Attracting, guiding, and retaining key employees and leaders has been the focal point and foundation of our success.”
Del Grande earned a B.A. in economics at the University of California Los Angeles in 1988. Then in 1996, he joined his father, Kevan Del Grande, at the dealership his dad originally acquired in 1976.
“It was the greatest decision of my life,” he said. “I had the opportunity to learn from a remarkable businessman, brilliant car dealer, and incredible mentor. Over the past 28 years, the business has scaled from a single rooftop to multiple dealerships in the San Francisco Bay area.”
Today, Del Grande oversees 16 northern California stores in San Jose, Santa Clara, Salinas, Vallejo, Modesto, Fremont, and Concord. These stores represent brands like Audi, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, Genesis, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Subaru, and Volkswagen.
“I find immense satisfaction and gratitude in the relationships I’ve built with our team, as well as with our great manufacturers and business partners,” he said. “The DGDG culture, which focuses on employee growth and education, a world-class guest experience, and a commitment to new technologies, has established our dealership group as an industry leader.”
Del Grande is proud that the San Francisco Chronicle named DGDG as one of the San Francisco Bay Area Top Workplaces for more than a decade.
Another way Del Grande has shaped his dealership group is through community service. He created DGDG Does Good, known as the charitable arm of his company. DGDG Does Good sponsors local events and partners with many local charities and nonprofits.
“To date, we have donated more than $1 million to worthy recipients throughout our community,” he said. “We also encourage our team members to give back to the causes they care about most.”
Some of the organizations DGDG Does Good has supported include: Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area, First Tee Silicon Valley, Special Olympics Northern California, YMCA of Silicon Valley, a dog rescue group called South County Tail Waggers, Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County, Santa Teresa Little League, San Jose Police Foundation, as well as many area schools and athletic programs.
“Our goal is to make a difference in the communities where we work and live,” Del Grande said.
Dealers are nominated by the executives of state and metro dealer associations around the country. A panel of faculty members from the Tauber Institute for Global Operations at the University of Michigan will select one finalist from each of the four NADA regions and one national Dealer of the Year. Three finalists will receive $5,000 for their favorite charities and the winner will receive $10,000 to give to charity, donated by Ally.
In its 14th year as exclusive sponsor, Ally also will recognize dealer nominees and their community efforts by contributing $1,000 to each nominee’s 501(c)3 charity of choice. Nominees will be recognized on ally.com/go/tdoy, which highlights the philanthropic contributions and achievements of TIME Dealer of the Year nominees.
“At TIME, our commitment to recognizing the exceptional contributions of automotive dealers remains as strong as ever,” said Jessica Sibley, CEO of TIME. “The TIME Dealer of the Year award continues to celebrate those who not only excel in their profession but also make a meaningful impact in their communities. We are thrilled to continue this legacy in partnership with Ally.”
Doug Timmerman, Ally president of Dealer Financial Services, said, “Auto dealers are the backbones of their communities, providing civic support and significant business leadership. Ally is proud to recognize the unwavering commitment these TIME Dealer of the Year nominees are living every day through their volunteerism, sponsorships, and support of charitable causes. They are the epitome of community heroes, making important and positive impacts in the lives of the people they serve.”
Del Grande was nominated for the TIME Dealer of the Year award by Brian Maas, president of the California New Car Dealers Association. Del Grande has three children.
TIME is a registered trademark of TIME USA, LLC.
###
About TIME TIME is the 100-year-old global media brand that reaches a combined audience of over 120 million around the world through its iconic magazine and digital platforms. With unparalleled access to the world’s most influential people, the trust of consumers and partners globally, and an unrivaled power to convene, TIME’s mission is to tell the essential stories of the people and ideas that shape and improve the world. Today, TIME also includes the Emmy Award®-winning film and television division TIME Studios; a significantly expanded live events business built on the powerful TIME100 and Person of the Year franchises and custom experiences; TIME for Kids, which provides trusted news with a focus on news literacy for kids and valuable resources for teachers and families; the award-winning branded content studio Red Border Studios; an industry-leading web3 division; the website-building platform TIME Sites; the sustainability and climate action platform TIME CO2; the new e-commerce and content platform TIME Stamped, and more.
About Ally Financial Ally Financial Inc. (NYSE: ALLY) is a financial services company with the nation’s largest all-digital bank and an industry-leading auto financing business, driven by a mission to “Do It Right” and be a relentless ally for customers and communities. The company serves more than 11 million customers through a full range of online banking services (including deposits, mortgage, point-of-sale personal lending, and credit card products) and securities brokerage and investment advisory services. The company also includes a robust corporate finance business that offers capital for equity sponsors and middle-market companies, as well as auto financing and insurance offerings. For more information, please visit www.ally.com and follow @allyfinancial. For more information and disclosures about Ally, visit https://www.ally.com/#disclosures. For further images and news on Ally, please visit http://media.ally.com.
About the NADA Show The annual NADA Show brings together more than 20,000 franchised dealers and their employees, industry leaders, manufacturers and exhibitors to learn about the latest auto industry tools, trends, products and technologies.
About CNCDA For 100 years, the California New Car Dealers Association has protected and promoted the interests of California’s franchised new car and truck dealers. CNCDA members are primarily engaged in the retail sale and lease of new and used motor vehicles but also provide customers with automotive products, parts, service and repair. Our members sold more than 3 million new cars and trucks in 2022 and employed more than 136,000 Californians, significantly contributing to our state’s economy. As the nation’s largest state association of franchised new car and truck dealers—with more than 1,200 members—CNCDA provides legal compliance and legislative, regulatory, and legal advocacy.
2024 NADA Washington D.C. Conference
SACRAMENTO, CA – In late September, CNCDA staff and dealer members attended the 2024 NADA Washington Conference at our nation’s capitol where we had the opportunity to engage with congressional representatives and discuss the issues facing the automotive industry today. We sincerely thank our dealer members again for traveling across the country to advocate for California’s franchised new car dealers!
2024 Dealer Day Recap and Photos
SACRAMENTO, CA – The California New Car Dealers Association would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to all who attended Dealer Day 2024 in Sacramento. We appreciate all the members who participated and gave their time to advocate for the future of California’s Automotive Industry. We hope you will join us again for Dealer Day 2025 on March 26, at the Sacramento Hyatt Regency.
Additionally, we want to sincerely thank our sponsor partners who helped make this event possible for our membership. Thank you again for your dedication to our industry and cause. We hope to see you all next year!
If you would like a high-res version of any of these images, please contact Autumn Heacox, Director of Communications & Marketing (aheacox@cncda.org).
Dealer Day Photography generously sponsored by:
2024 NADA Show Recap and Photos
LAS VEGAS, NV – The California New Car Dealers Association would like to thank all members, sponsors, and friends who attended the 2024 NADA Show and CNCDA’s Welcome Party. We appreciate all the members who came to celebrate, reconnect, and learn. We hope to see you all in 2025 in New Orleans!
2023 Annual Convention Recap and Photos
SACRAMENTO, CA – The California New Car Dealers Association would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to all who attended the 2023 Annual Convention. We appreciate all the members who came to celebrate, reconnect, and gave their time for professional development and inspiration. We hope you join us again next September on the BIG island at the Four Seasons Hualalai.
Additionally, we want to thank our sponsor partners who helped make this event possible for our membership. Thank you again for your dedication to our industry and cause. We hope to see you all next year!
2024 TIME Magazine Dealer of the Year CNCDA Nominations
CNCDA is seeking input from dealers for this year’s TIME Dealer of the year candidates. We kindly ask for your nomination of the deserving California-based dealer who exemplifies the qualifications below and should receive this distinguished industry accolade.
Nomination Rules
Be the actual operating head designated in the factory agreement, of a franchised new car dealership and a member of CNCDA and NADA for the last five years.
Demonstrate the well-rounded qualities of a successful dealer, such as strong ethics, solid financial stature, consistent customer satisfaction, and industry recognition through achievement awards
Be a model citizen, active in his or her community, dedicated to serving fellow citizens and charitable contributions to benefit others.
The deadline to complete and return the nomination form is Monday, July 24, 2023. Email to mmartinez@cncda.org. All nominations are confidential. Only the nominee chosen will be contacted by CNCDA.
Past Nominees Include:
Tim Hutcherson, Downey Nissan 2023 Terry Gilmore, Paradise Chevrolet Cadillac 2022 David Conant, Norm Reeves Honda Superstore 2021 Paul Rusnak, Rusnak Auto Group 2020 Todd Blue, IndiGO Auto Group 2019 Bill Hatfield, Hatfield Buick GMC 2018 Inder Dosanjh, Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat VW Infiniti 2017 John Symes, Symes Automotive Group 2016 R.J. Romero, Empire Nissan 2015 Doug Fuller, Fuller Ford Honda Kia 2014 Rick Niello, The Niello Group 2013 Fritz Hitchcock, Hitchcock Automotive Resources 2012 Walter Kienle, Walter’s Automotive Group 2011 Henry Hansel, Hansel Ford 2010 Ed Fitzpatrick, Valley Lexus 2009 Tim Smith—National Winner, Bob Smith BMW 2008 Bob Hemborg, Hemborg Ford 2007 Chuck Haddad, Haddad Dodge 2006 Dave Wilson, Wilson Automotive 2005 Cal Worthington, Worthington Ford 2004 Harold Meek, Three Way Chevrolet 2003
ALERT: SUPPORT AB 473- CNCDA’s 2023 Franchise Bill
This year, CNCDA has introduced AB 473 to the California State Legislature. It is a comprehensive bill that will strengthen and update California’s franchise laws to create a stronger and more equitable vehicle franchise system for our members.
Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, who represents California’s 4th Assembly district, is the author of AB 473 and is eager to support CNCDA and its members in this effort. AB 473 contains multiple provisions designed to improve California’s franchise laws, with key components including:
Protect the underlying intent of the vehicle franchise system by precluding manufacturers from launching a new brand name of vehicles that would compete directly with their franchised dealer network.
Incorporate a level of fairness into manufacturer-imposed DC fast charging programs by – amongst other requirements – prohibiting the manufacturer from shifting the entire cost of installing and maintaining public-facing DC fast chargers on their dealers.
Restricts the ability of manufacturers to offer post-sale subscriptions that enable features that are physically built into the vehicle.
While CNCDA is excited to pursue this effort, it will be a heavy lift. Support from each and every dealer across the state is going to be necessary to get this bill across the finish line in 2023.
If you have any questions regarding AB 473 or want to help, please contact Kenton Stanhope, CNCDA’s Director of Government Affairs, at kstanhope@cncda.org.
Let’s Talk Time and How AB 473 Corrects Warranty Reimbursement:
2023 Dealer Day Recap and Photos
SACRAMENTO, CA, April 4, 2023 – The California New Car Dealers Association would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to all who attended 2023 Dealer Day. This event was incredibly successful for not only our association, but the participation from our dedicated members helps us to pass legislation benefitting California’s entire new car dealer industry.
Additionally, we want to thank our sponsor partners who helped make this event possible for our membership. Thank you again for your dedication to our industry and cause. We hope to see you all next year!
