Automotive Information Clearinghouse The CATA's management and staff are available to help members find solutions to problems or concerns. Not only is our organization reactive to the membership, but it proactively seeks out new means of further serving dealers and allied members. If the answer to your question isn't immediately available, we will find it for you. Feel free to contact the CATA at (630) 495-CATA (2282).
CATA Bulletin The biweekly CATA Bulletin is designed as a tool to keep dealership personnel aware of the latest news, legislation and regulations that will affect their daily operations. Please circulate the Bulletin to your key dealership department heads. You'll find that the information it contains will be of value to many of your operation's departments.
Click here to read the CATA bulletin.
"Auto Outlook" "Auto Outlook" is a quarterly synopsis of market trends and indicators specially prepared for CATA members. The purpose of this information is to give dealers a statistical comparison of how the Chicago area is doing in relationship to the entire country's sales. The "Outlook" also gives editorial analysis and opinion of how the market is doing, including trends and other forces which may affect local sales. Click here for the latest "Auto Outlook."
Eight-County Dealer Report This semiannual report provides a count of franchised new-car dealers by line and location in the eight-county region.
Click here for the latest Eight-County Dealer Report.
Seminar Series A wide variety of seminars enables members to learn more about issues that affect them. Topics range from operational improvements to regulatory compliance to legislative issues. Seminars are free of charge to CATA members and are announced in both the CATA Bulletin and in separately mailed promotional notices or broadcast fax.
Media Relations In a market the size of Chicago, a multitude of media inquiries are made to the CATA. Our purpose is to give accurate answers which project a positive image of our association's membership. The media have learned that the CATA is fair and desirous of getting "the whole story" before making comment. If members are approached by the media for a story, please feel free to contact the CATA for assistance or guidance.
Business Forms Forms vital to the daily operations of the retail auto industry. The following forms are available to CATA members free of charge:
- Used-Car Buyers Guides: The Buyers Guide must be displayed in the window of every used car on your lot.
- Odometer Statements: The odometer disclosure form is required to be completed for every retail sale.
- Used-Car Warranty Statements: Customer-friendly limited used-car warranty form is a valuable asset on your used-car lot.
- EPA Compliance Certificates: Required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, these forms certify that new cars meet all applicable standards for emission controls.
These forms can be ordered by clicking here.
CATPAC, DEAC and Lobbyists
The CATA works through the Chicago Auto Trade Political Action Committee (CATPAC) and the Dealers Election Action Committee (DEAC) to help influence legislation on state and federal levels. More information about CATPAC and DEAC and its activities can be found in the report from committee chairman Lee Drabek here.
Annual Meeting and Golf Outing
The CATA's Annual Meeting and Golf Outing occures every June and offers members a relaxed and enjoyable setting to gather with associates and conduct the CATA's annual business meeting. Over the past several years the event has been enhanced by the participation of sponsors whose presence makes the day even more special.
National Automobile Dealers Association
The CATA cooperates fully with the NADA and its political action committee, DEAC, in the best interests of the CATA and its members. The Dealers Election Action Committee gives dealers a strong influence with Washington lawmakers. The NADA looks to the CATA to identify pro-dealer candidates for its DEAC resources. The Metropolitan Chicago NADA Director is Ray Scarpelli of Ray Chevrolet in Fox Lake. He can be reached at (847) 587-3300.
Community Relations
Communicating the positive things dealers do in their communities is an important responsibility of the CATA staff. The association's "DriveChicago" radio progam that airs weekly on WLS regularly spotlights many the good things our members do the community. Members are encouraged to contact CATA Director of Communications Paul Brian directly with information regarding dealer activities. You can contact Paul by calling (630) 495-CATA (2282).
Secretary of State Dealer Advisory Board
The CATA represents dealers on this important committee, which counsels the Illinois Secretary of State on issues important to every dealer. Regular meetings include a broad cross-section of those who deal with the Secretary of State's office. Recaps from those meetings and updates on issues are noted in the CATA's biweekly Bulletin.
Better Business Bureau
The Chicago Automobile Trade Association continues to enjoy a strong relationship with the Better Business Bureau. One example of this relationship is the Advertising Review Program the CATA set up with the BBB. With the assistance of the BBB, CATA members have a clearer understanding dealer advertising.
The CATA has also worked with the BBB to create the Membership Identification Program. It gives CATA members an opportunity support of the mission and standards of the BBB. Participating members can use the logo in print and electronic advertisements and other business documents, as long as they appear exclusively in the 19 northern-Illinois counties served by the local BBB. To participate in the MIP, a business must be a member in good standing and sign an agreement to participate in a meaningful dispute-resolution process, when necessary. Participation carries a small additional fee to the basic membership investment, except for members already participating in the BBB CARE or BBBOnLine programs.
Members wishing to get more information about becoming a Better Business Bureau member should call (312) 245-2510.
Legislative Directory
A useful listing of Illinois government officials in Springfield and Washington, D.C., is provided to CATA member dealers. The directory includes committee assignments, addresses and phone numbers, and gives helpful advice on contacting your legislators to convey your views.
DriveChicago.com
DriveChicago.com is owned by the Chicago Auto Trade Association and its dealer members. Through this relationship, DriveChicago.com includes the new and used vehicle inventories of hundreds of Chicagoland dealerships.
DriveChicago.com is intended to be the area's most comprehensive, online source for researching and purchasing new and used cars. Its focus is to make vehicle shopping in Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana easier by allowing consumers to search through the inventory of every CATA-member dealership.
DriveChicago on the Radio
For nine years, CATA Director of Communications, Paul Brian has welcomed Chicagoans to join him on the radio every Saturday morning. The popular "Drive Chicago on WLS" airs 8-9 a.m. on one of the Midwest's most listened-to radio stations.
While the show focuses on questions from WLS listeners about what to buy or lease and a multitude of other automotive questions, "Drive Chicago" also includes topical guests from the industry to share their points of view or to give fresh information and excitement about new vehicles on the way to customers.
Every year the show originates from the floor of the Chicago Auto Show for two four-hour specials that are always filled with plenty of automotive "star power" and excitement. In February, WLS originated 28 hours of programming from the floor of the auto show.
The award-willing radio show will occasionally originate from remote locations where manufacturers are conducting launch programs.
"The audience loves to be the first on the block to hear about new vehicles, especially when they've yet to be seen in dealer showrooms. When we're not able to travel to launch programs, it's great that manufacturer executives can join us on the phone. Guests from Europe and Asia aren't an unusual thing. It makes for a fun and informative show."
Have some interesting news? Share it with Paul at the CATA, 630-424-6069 or email by clicking here.
