The New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers (NJ CAR) has witnessed a significant leadership change with the appointment of Laura Perrotta as its new president. This transition comes after Jim Appleton's 27-year tenure as the coalition's leader, who stepped down earlier this month. Laura Perrotta expressed her honor in taking on this role, emphasizing the organization's dedication to serving dealer members and the $43 billion industry in New Jersey. She looks forward to collaborating with the coalition's exceptional team to enhance its reputation in Trenton and across the nation as a powerful advocate for both dealers and consumers.

Perrotta's Industry Experience

No stranger to the automotive industry, Laura Perrotta has spent the past 21 years in the association world. She previously served as the president of the American Truck Dealers, a division of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), representing over 5,600 domestic and import medium- and heavy-duty truck dealership franchises. Before leading the American Truck Dealers, she held the position of president and CEO of the American Highway Users Alliance, a nonprofit advocacy organization dedicated to representing the transportation community and promoting safe highways, robust infrastructure, and freedom of mobility. Additionally, she served as the senior director of Legislative Affairs for the NADA, where she handled various critical issues such as financial services, transportation, truck, and safety. Before her work in dealer representation, Perrotta served as the director of Government Relations at the American Traffic Safety Services Association, leading the organization's lobbying efforts, serving as the Political Action Committee treasurer, and focusing on a wide range of transportation safety issues.

New Appointments at NJ CAR

NJ CAR also announced a significant organizational change. Effective December 1, Greyson Hannigan will be promoted to senior vice president of Legal & Regulatory Affairs, and Magdalena Padilla will become senior vice president of Government Affairs. These appointments are set to strengthen the coalition's capabilities in handling legal and regulatory matters and government affairs, respectively.

Impact on the Automotive Industry in New Jersey

Laura Perrotta's leadership at NJ CAR is expected to have a profound impact on the automotive industry in New Jersey. With her extensive experience and expertise, she is well-positioned to advocate for the interests of dealers and consumers. The coalition, under her leadership, will continue to play a crucial role in shaping policies and regulations that affect the industry. Greyson Hannigan and Magdalena Padilla's promotions will also enhance the coalition's ability to navigate the complex legal and regulatory landscape and engage effectively with government agencies. This will ensure that the interests of the automotive retail sector in New Jersey are well-represented and that the industry continues to thrive.