Virginia Automobile Dealers Association

What Virginia Automobile Dealers Association does

The Virginia Automobile Dealers Association (VADA) is a private nonprofit trade association founded in 1943 that represents franchised new car and truck dealers across the Commonwealth of Virginia. It serves a closed vertical of roughly 400+ dealer member organizations operating under manufacturer franchise agreements, providing legislative and legal advocacy, regulatory representation (including through its affiliated VADA PAC), dealer education, training, networking events, and curated member-only partner programs. VADA operates no proprietary technology platform or SaaS product; its 'product surface' is the combination of advocacy, the VADA Law Book, Virginia Dealer University, the VADA Live multimedia series, the Top Gun Techs competition, the NextGen leadership program, and an annual convention cycle that is scheduled out through 2026-2028. The organization's revenue is generated through a recurring membership dues base supplemented by partner program economics, PAC contributions, and event revenue, with six operating subsidiaries (VADA PAC, VADA Education Foundation, VADA Group Self Insurance Association, Virginia Dealer University, HRADA, GRNCDA) supporting delivery. Headcount is reported in the 101-250 range, and headquartered at 1800 W Grace St, Richmond, Virginia; financials are not publicly disclosed.

Name

Virginia Automobile Dealers Association

Legal name

Virginia Automobile Dealers Association

Website

https://vada.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1943

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

The Virginia Automobile Dealers Association is a Richmond-based, 1943-founded nonprofit trade association representing Virginia's 400+ franchised new car and truck dealers through legislative advocacy, PAC activity, training (Virginia Dealer University), and curated member-only partner programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Richmond

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: VADA generates revenue through membership dues from franchised new car and truck dealers across Virginia. The association maintains low dues by leveraging official Partner Programs that provide products and services at competitive pricing.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

VADA is a nonprofit trade association that represents franchised new car and truck dealers in Virginia. It sells dealer memberships that bundle legislative and legal advocacy, a Political Action Committee (VADA PAC) supporting pro-dealer candidates, member-only Partner Programs providing discounted products and services (insurance, F&I training, compliance software, CRM/DMS, forms, supplies, etc.), and educational programming through Virginia Dealer University, the annual VADA Convention, and the Drive FixedOps Profits, Dealership Sales & GM Summit, Top Gun Techs, and NextGen programs.

Product overview

Virginia Automobile Dealers Association (VADA) is a trade association representing franchised new car and truck dealers in Virginia. VADA provides advocacy and political action committee services, member discount programs through official partner vendors, event programming including annual conventions, educational initiatives such as Virginia Dealer University, Top Gun Techs of Virginia technician competition, NextGen networking events, and VADA Live video content series. The organization does not offer a software product or SaaS platform.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• VADA PAC: Virginia Auto & Truck Dealers Political Action Committee focused on supporting pro-dealer candidates in Virginia politics.
• VADA Education Foundation
• Virginia Dealer University
• VADA Live
• Top Gun Techs of Virginia
• NextGen

Products and services

• VADA Dealer Membership Annual membership subscription for franchised new car and truck dealers in Virginia, bundling legislative and legal advocacy, member-only Partner Program pricing, and access to VADA events, training, and resources.
• VADA Partner Programs Curated member-benefit program providing franchised dealers with access to vetted vendor partners offering products and services at competitive, member-only pricing across insurance, F&I training, compliance software, CRM/DMS, forms, supplies, HR services, and credit card processing.
• VADA PAC Political Action Committee Standalone Political Action Committee supporting pro-dealer and pro-business candidates in Virginia politics, with tiered contributions from $25 for 250! through the Governor's Club at $10,000.
• Virginia Dealer University Educational training program for dealership sales, fixed operations, compliance, and finance professionals, delivered through workshops, courses, and credentialing opportunities for Virginia franchised dealer staff.
• VADA Annual Convention and Events Program Annual convention and supporting event programming for VADA members, including the VADA Convention (Virginia Beach for 2026), Dealership Sales & GM Summit, Drive FixedOps Profits workshops, Top Gun Techs competition, NextGen networking events, and Dealer Day at the Capitol.
• VADA Charitable Education Foundation Charitable foundation supporting education, safety, and research focused on motor vehicles in Virginia, providing academic and trade scholarships for Virginians pursuing automotive careers.

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Integrum AdvisorsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFull service insurance brokerage offering group health insurance, voluntary insurance, enrollment services and consulting for member dealers.
• Brown & Brown Dealer ServicesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerComprehensive suite of F&I training, participation programs, and additional services tailored specifically for franchised automobile dealers. Presented Service Writer Training to VADA members.
• MOC Mid AtlanticminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProvides new car dealers the ability to buy necessary products, tools and equipment at manufacturer direct pricing with local and regional service support.
• ArmatusminorGTM or Marketing PartnerThe industry's only fully outsourced retail warranty parts and labor reimbursement submission service for dealers.
• SESCOminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerManagement consulting, human resource management, and labor relations services for member dealers.
• W.B. MasonminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOffice products and supplies provider serving as one source for all dealer department supply needs.
• CintasminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProvides corporate identity uniform programs, entrance and logo mats, restroom supplies, promotional products, first aid, safety, and fire protection products and services.
• Priority Commerce (Dealer Merchant Services)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerCredit card processing partner allowing dealers to take advantage of federal law to greatly diminish credit card processing expenses, typically between 75%–95%.
• SqwireminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFinancial wellness program committed to equipping and empowering users to effectively protect their lives, their legacy, and their loved ones.
• DCAP ClaimsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAntitrust claim filing service making the process easy for businesses, navigating complexities and maximizing claim refunds for clients.
• HRADA (Hampton Roads Automobile Dealers Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional association operating within VADA's umbrella, bringing dealers in the Hampton Roads area together. Co-hosts the VADA and HRADA 38th Annual Charity Golf Tournament and HRADA Lunch and Learn events.
• GRNCDA (Greater Richmond New Car Dealers Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional association within VADA's umbrella for Greater Richmond dealers. Co-hosts Top Gun testing events, charity golf tournaments, and other dealer events.
• NADA (National Automobile Dealers Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVADA co-hosts NADA Show welcome receptions with MADA and WANADA. Tim Pohanka serves as VADA's Legislative & PAC Chairman and is a dealer at Pohanka Nissan Hyundai.
• NCM AssociatesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner with VADA for intensive one-day workshop on Fixed Operations performance for Dealer Principals, General Managers and Service Managers.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• New York State Automobile Dealers Association (NYSADA): New York's state-level trade association for franchised new car and truck dealers, operating the same advocacy, education, and member-benefit model as VADA at a larger state scale.
• Pennsylvania Automotive Association (PAA): Pennsylvania's state trade association for franchised automobile dealers, sharing the same membership dues, PAC, education, and partner-program business model as VADA. Comparable mid-Atlantic state footprint.
• National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA): The national trade association for franchised automobile dealers in the U.S. VADA explicitly co-hosts NADA Show welcome receptions with NADA, operates on the same membership/advocacy model, and shares the same dealer customer base at the federal level.
• Texas Automobile Dealers Association (TADA): Texas's state trade association for franchised automobile dealers, operating the same advocacy, PAC, education, and member-benefit structure as VADA at significantly larger scale given Texas's dealer count.
• Florida Automobile Dealers Association (FADA): Florida's state-level trade association for franchised automobile dealers, sharing VADA's franchise-system defense, PAC, education (Dealer University equivalents), and partner program GTM in a different regional market.
• California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA): California's state association for franchised new car dealers, operating the same PAC, legislative advocacy, education, and partner-program model as VADA, but at materially larger scale due to California's dealer base.
• Washington Area New Automobile Dealers Association (WANADA): Regional trade association representing franchised new car dealers in the Washington D.C. metro area. Operates on the same advocacy/education/partner model as VADA and is a documented VADA co-host partner for NADA Show events.
• Maryland Automobile Dealers Association (MADA): Maryland's state-level trade association for franchised new car and truck dealers, representing the same dealer vertical in an adjacent state with near-identical GTM (advocacy, PAC, education, partner programs). VADA explicitly co-hosts NADA Show events with MADA.

Regional players

• Greater Richmond New Car Dealers Association (GRNCDA): A sub-regional dealer association operating within VADA's own umbrella for Greater Richmond dealers. Listed as a VADA subsidiary/co-host, it shares VADA's mission and membership model at a sub-state regional level.
• Hampton Roads Automobile Dealers Association (HRADA): A regional dealer association under VADA's umbrella serving the Hampton Roads area. Listed as a VADA subsidiary that co-hosts the VADA/HRADA Annual Charity Golf Tournament and Lunch & Learn events.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/VADAnow
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/virginia-automobile-dealers-association

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Virginia Automobile Dealers Association