Michigan Automobile Dealers Association

What Michigan Automobile Dealers Association does

The Michigan Automobile Dealers Association (MADA) is a Michigan non-profit trade association, originally founded in Detroit in 1920 as the Michigan Automotive Trade Association and renamed in 1937 when it relocated to Lansing. It represents the interests of more than 600 franchised new-vehicle dealerships in Michigan, a membership base that collectively supports 34,000 direct jobs and an additional 36,000 indirect and induced jobs, contributing approximately $2.1 billion in payroll and $575 million in state and federal taxes. MADA's core offering is membership-based: dealers pay dues to access licensing assistance (dealer, repair facility, and installment seller licenses), regulatory and compliance updates, professional development, legal guidance, and advocacy at the Michigan Capitol, including through its wholly-owned Political Action Committee (MADPAC) and the related Auto Dealers of Michigan LLC lobbying vehicle.

MADA monetizes through three primary streams: recurring membership dues (not publicly disclosed), MADPAC personal contributions from members (campaign-finance reported), and event and sponsorship fees such as the $250-per-person MADPAC Golf Outing. It operates three wholly-owned subsidiaries: the Automobile Dealers Accessory Corporation (ADA), which administers the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan insurance program and other endorsed offerings; MADPAC; and the Dealers Insurance Agency (DIA), which provides the $25,000 surety bonds required for Michigan dealer licensing and is underwritten by Merchants Bonding Company. Distribution is direct and field-based, anchored by a small, cross-trained staff, an online member portal, weekly email newsletters, educational webinars, and in-person events including the Spring Meeting and Annual Meeting. In July 2026 MADA moved its headquarters from the Lansing Capitol area to a smaller, right-sized facility in Bath, MI, citing a smaller dealer count, leaner staffing, and technology-enabled member service.

The association's strategic posture is that of a defensive incumbent rather than a growth-stage enterprise: revenue is not publicly disclosed, there are no fundraising events, and recent activity centers on governance refresh, facility right-sizing, and expansion of the endorsed-provider ecosystem (BCBS Michigan, Zurich, MADSIF, ComplyAuto, Cox Automotive, Tekion, JM&A Group, Northwood University, and a roster of floorplan and commercial banks). Brand and regulatory access — including its status as a registered Michigan State Historic Site and over a century of continuous operation — are the principal competitive assets.

Name

Michigan Automobile Dealers Association

Legal name

Michigan Automobile Dealers Association

Website

https://michiganada.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1920

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

MADA is a Michigan non-profit trade association, founded 1920, that represents 600+ franchised new-vehicle dealerships statewide. It provides licensing assistance, regulatory advocacy, professional development, and member access to endorsed-provider programs (insurance, bonds, compliance, F&I).

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

East Lansing

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: MADA generates revenue through membership dues from franchised new-vehicle dealerships and associate members. Member benefits include group discounts on products and services through endorsed providers.
2. MADPAC Contributions: The Michigan Automobile Dealers Political Action Committee accepts personal contributions from members to support advocacy efforts at the Michigan Capitol. Contributions are reported per Michigan campaign finance laws.
3. Event Registration Fees: Revenue from events such as the MADPAC Golf Outing ($250 per person) and educational programs. Sponsorship opportunities are also available at various levels.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

The Michigan Automobile Dealers Association (MADA) is a statewide non-profit trade association that represents the interests of more than 600 franchised new-vehicle dealerships in Michigan. It delivers membership services including licensing assistance, regulatory compliance support, legislative advocacy through MADPAC, group discount programs via endorsed preferred partners, educational programs and webinars, in-person networking events, and insurance and surety bond services through its subsidiaries ADA and DIA.

Product overview

The Michigan Automobile Dealers Association (MADA) is a statewide non-profit trade association that operates as a member services organization rather than a technology product company. The association's offerings include MADA Membership Services providing advocacy, licensing assistance, and professional development to over 600 franchised dealers; MADPAC (the Political Action Committee) for legislative advocacy; Automobile Dealers Accessory Corporation (ADA) for insurance program administration; Dealers Insurance Agency (DIA) Bonds offering surety bonds required for licensing; MADA Educational Programs with webinars and training partnerships; and MADA Events including the Spring Meeting, Golf Outing, and Annual Meeting. MADA also provides Dealer Licensing Services to help members navigate State of Michigan requirements.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• MADPAC: Michigan Automobile Dealers Political Action Committee - a united voice at the Michigan Capitol for member dealers
• Automobile Dealers Accessory Corporation (ADA)
• Dealers Insurance Agency (DIA)

Products and services

• MADA Membership Services A statewide non-profit trade association membership that provides licensing assistance, regulatory compliance support, advocacy, professional development, weekly regulatory updates, and access to endorsed preferred partner group discounts to over 600 franchised new-vehicle dealerships in Michigan.
• MADPAC (Michigan Automobile Dealers Political Action Committee) The association's Political Action Committee that enables member dealers to support unified advocacy efforts at the Michigan Capitol through personal contributions reported per Michigan campaign finance laws.
• Automobile Dealers Accessory Corporation (ADA) Insurance Program For-profit subsidiary that administers the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Insurance program and endorsed programs available to MADA members, providing medical, prescription, dental, and vision plans to dealer employees.
• Dealers Insurance Agency (DIA) Bonds Provides vehicle dealer surety bonds required by the Michigan Department of State ($25,000 bond requirement) and additional bonds for sales finance, purchaser, title, and notary needs, underwritten by Merchants Bonding Company.
• MADA Educational Programs Educational programs and webinars covering automotive technology, regulatory compliance, F&I training, and professional development for dealership staff, including partnerships with Northwood University and NADA Education.
• MADA Events and Meetings In-person annual events including the Spring Meeting (featuring keynote speakers on industry topics), MADPAC Golf Outing ($250 per person), and Annual Meeting for member networking, association updates, and education.
• Dealer Licensing Services Assistance with dealer license applications, renewals, changes, and compliance for Class A (new vehicle) dealers, including Surety Bond services, license tracking, and regulatory guidance through the Michigan Department of State, DIFS, and LARA.

Quantifiable outcome

• Members receive group discounts on insurance, bonds, compliance services, and other operational products through endorsed providers
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered preferred, core and minor.

• ACV AuctionspreferredGTM or Marketing PartnerDigital marketplace for buying and selling used vehicles, providing dealers with efficient tools to evaluate, source, buy, sell, and transport vehicles.
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of MichigancoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMichigan's largest health insurer offering medical, prescription, dental, and vision plans to dealer employees. Also provides drug discount programs and wellness resources.
• Computerized Vehicle Registration (CVR)coreTechnology or IntegrationGeneral Partnership between CDK Global and Reynolds and Reynolds, providing electronic vehicle registration and titling programs in partnership with motor vehicle agencies.
• Michigan Auto Dealers Self Insured Fund (MADSIF)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerWorkers' compensation program created by and endorsed by MADA. Provides proactive loss control, aggressive claims management, and low overhead for 300+ member dealerships.
• Reynolds and ReynoldspreferredTechnology or IntegrationIndustry leader in traditional supplies, marketing services, and state-specific F&I documents for automotive retailers.
• American Fidelity Assurance Co.preferredGTM or Marketing PartnerStrategic benefits partner providing voluntary benefits, flexible enrollment options, and year-round service to complement existing benefit programs.
• CAPTRUST Financial AdvisorspreferredGTM or Marketing PartnerProvides fiduciary advice to auto dealers and their team members for managing retirement plans and accounts since 1989.
• Merchants Bonding CompanypreferredGTM or Marketing PartnerTop 15 surety writer in the US underwriting dealer surety bonds through MADA's Dealers Insurance Agency.
• ZurichpreferredGTM or Marketing PartnerServes 2,300+ automotive dealers nationwide providing P&C and F&I solutions, consultative training services, and reinsurance.
• Armatus Dealer UpliftpreferredGTM or Marketing PartnerLargest provider of Retail Warranty Reimbursement submission services, endorsed by 28 State Dealer Associations.
• ComplyAutopreferredTechnology or IntegrationAll-in-one compliance platform endorsed in 40+ states ensuring 50-state regulatory peace of mind.
• IGS EnergyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPreferred energy partner providing natural gas, electricity, solar, LED lighting, and alternative fueling options.
• Michigan Retailers AssociationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProvides credit card processing services with average 23% savings for members.
• JM&A GrouppreferredGTM or Marketing PartnerF&I products, training, and consulting services to accelerate dealership performance.
• Northwood UniversitypreferredStrategic or Co-development PartnerAmerica's Automotive University offering GM Executive MBA and MS in Organizational Leadership for Automotive Professionals.
• Plante Moran LLPpreferredImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerOne of nation's largest CPA and business advisory firms providing tax, audit, consulting, and wealth management services to dealers.
• 700CreditpreferredTechnology or IntegrationLargest provider of credit reports, compliance solutions, soft pull, identity verification, and fraud detection products for dealers.
• Cox AutomotivepreferredTechnology or IntegrationAuto market insights connecting consumers, manufacturers, dealers, and lenders across 100+ countries.
• Federated InsurancepreferredGTM or Marketing PartnerBusiness insurance specializing in auto dealers with risk management webinars.
• Dawda PLCminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerAutomotive franchise and dealership attorneys providing legal counsel on buy-sell transactions, real estate, corporate matters, and litigation.
• Dealers Resources Inc.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerF&I education services including custom process development, reinsurance expertise, training, and staffing.
• GCSIminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBipartisan lobby firm serving auto dealers for over 20 years.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Regional players

• Texas Automobile Dealers Association (TADA): State-level franchised dealer trade association in Texas. Directly comparable structure to MADA: advocacy, licensing support, preferred-partner programs, PAC, and member benefits for franchised dealers in Austin/Texas.
• California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA): State-level new-car dealer association in California. Same trade-association model, member-services structure, and Sacramento-focused advocacy remit as MADA, but operating in a much larger state market.
• Florida Automobile Dealers Association (FADA): Florida's statewide franchised dealer trade association. Mirrors MADA's remit of licensing assistance, regulatory advocacy in Tallahassee, group benefits, and political action committee activities.
• Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association (GNYADA): New York metropolitan area dealer association with state-level advocacy and extensive training/education programs. Comparable to MADA in dealer-services remit, with a heavier emphasis on workforce training.
• Illinois Automobile Dealers Association (IADA): State-level association for franchised new-vehicle dealers in Illinois. Equivalent organizational model to MADA, including member services, advocacy at the state capitol, endorsed-vendor programs, and educational events.
• Pennsylvania Automotive Association (PAA): Statewide association representing Pennsylvania franchised new-vehicle dealers. Operates with the same trade-association model as MADA, including Harrisburg advocacy, member benefits, and preferred partner programs.
• Ohio Automobile Dealers Association (OADA): Ohio's state-level association for franchised new-car and truck dealers. Closely comparable to MADA in scope: state-government advocacy, licensing support, member benefits, and partner programs in Columbus/Ohio.
• North Carolina Automobile Dealers Association (NCADA): North Carolina's statewide association for franchised new-vehicle dealers. Equivalent trade-association model to MADA, including Raleigh-based advocacy, licensing support, and member benefit programs.
• Georgia Automobile Dealers Association (GADA): Georgia's state-level franchised dealer association. Directly comparable structure to MADA in Atlanta/Georgia: legislative advocacy, member services, events, and endorsed partner offerings.

Broad incumbents

• National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA): National trade association representing U.S. franchised new-vehicle dealers. MADA operates as a state-level counterpart within the NADA federation, with overlapping advocacy, dealer-services, and training mandates.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/michigan-auto-dealers-assn

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Subsidiaries3 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 Michigan Automobile Dealers Association