⏩ Leadership for 2025: The Old Guard and the Freshman Senator

At the 2025 National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show, the stage was set for two distinct voices to chart a path forward. Chairman Tom Castriota, a veteran of both the U.S. Marine Corps and the dealership world, brought wisdom and tradition. Meanwhile, Senator Bernie Moreno, a freshman lawmaker with dealer roots, offered a bold vision for shaking things up in Washington. Together, they embodied the balance of experience and innovation needed to tackle the year ahead.

Chairman Tom Castriota: The Steady Hand of Experience

Tom Castriota’s inaugural address as NADA Chairman was equal parts gratitude and a rallying call. Drawing from his 35 years in the Marines and decades as a dealer, Castriota spoke about the lessons of leadership, community, and accountability.

• Symbols of Service: Castriota introduced the “commander’s coin,” a nod to military tradition that now represents NADA’s mission. Dealers were encouraged to carry the coin as a tangible reminder of their responsibility to their employees, communities, and each other.

• Unmatched Impact: He highlighted a remarkable statistic—dealers collectively donate $500 million annually to local charities. "Large corporations can write checks," Castriota noted, "but no one matches the local impact of franchise dealers living and working in their communities."

• Challenges Ahead: Castriota didn’t shy away from the challenges facing dealers, from regulatory shifts to franchise threats. “We compete as individuals, but as an industry, we’re united,” he said, emphasizing the power of a cohesive dealer network.

Gracious and grounded, Castriota concluded with a promise to remain accessible and a heartfelt “Semper Fidelis”—the Marine Corps mantra of being "Always Faithful."

Senator Bernie Moreno: A Bold New Voice for Dealers

In a pre-recorded address, Senator Bernie Moreno brought a fresh, no-nonsense energy. Speaking from Washington, D.C., where he was tied up with weekend votes, Moreno didn’t hold back in outlining his priorities for defending the franchise model and boosting U.S. automotive manufacturing.

• A Dealer in the Senate: Moreno proudly claimed his place as the first car dealer elected to the U.S. Senate. He wasted no time calling out manufacturers like Volkswagen and Honda for bypassing franchise dealers. “It’s disgraceful,” he said, urging them to reconsider their approach.

• Regulatory Stability: Moreno emphasized the need for consistent emission standards and policies, criticizing the chaotic pendulum swing between administrations. "We need to provide automakers with stability to plan long-term," he said.

• Fixing the EV Subsidy Mess: He pledged to phase out the $7,500 federal EV subsidy—but with a plan. Dealers sitting on $7 billion in EV inventory shouldn’t be left holding the bag.

• Protecting U.S. Interests: From connected vehicle transparency to keeping Chinese automakers out of the U.S. market, Moreno highlighted his legislative priorities, which also include oversight of indirect lending through the CFPB.

Moreno wrapped up by thanking NADA members for their support and expressing optimism for the industry. “The golden age of automobiles is right around the corner,” he declared.

Two Leaders, One Goal

Castriota and Moreno may approach the industry from different angles—one from decades of leadership in the trenches, the other from the halls of Congress—but their shared mission is undeniable. Both are laser-focused on protecting the franchise model, supporting dealers, and ensuring a vibrant future for the automotive industry.

The message is clear: 2025 is a year to stay united, stay accountable, and keep driving forward.

As always, ASOTU will keep you up to speed. Don’t forget to carry that coin—literally and figuratively—and let’s meet the challenges ahead head-on.

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