As the industry looks toward 2026, Don Hall, president and CEO of the Virginia Automobile Dealers Association, joins Inside Automotive to help dealers put market conditions and legislative priorities into context. Hall shares why Virginia’s vehicle sales remain a bright spot, with fleet purchases from businesses and government agencies playing a significant role in supporting overall volume. He reflects on how shifts in federal EV policy have affected demand, why hybrids continue to gain traction, and why consumer choice—not mandates—should guide powertrain adoption. The conversation also addresses rising inventory levels, margin pressure from volume-driven OEM strategies, and the growing threat of direct-to-consumer sales models. Looking ahead, Hall outlines advocacy priorities, workforce challenges, and the critical role dealer associations play in protecting the franchise system as economic and regulatory conditions evolve.
Key discussion points include:
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