Industry news and updates for Michigan's franchised dealers.

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MADA Fast Facts

April 5, 2024

Vol. 26 | Issue 14

MADA is seeking nominations to help us recognize Michigan dealers who not only excel in their professional roles but also demonstrate a commitment to making a tangible difference in shaping the future of our industry and the community. Nominees are leaders within the dealership community, advocates for education, and deeply involved in their local communities.

The prestigious Time Dealer of the Year Award aims to recognize and celebrate the exceptional contributions of automotive industry leaders within our community. Dealers nominated for this award embody excellence in both their professional endeavors and community engagement.

The Northwood Dealer Education Award was developed to honor outstanding automobile dealers and celebrate the unwavering dedication and significant contributions of these leaders to the advancement of education, both within and beyond the automotive industry.

Nominations can be submitted using this form until July 19, 2024. Please help MADA honor those who go above and beyond to drive excellence in both business and community service within the automotive industry.

Registration: All dealers and sellers must be registered through IRS Energy Credits Online to submit time-of-sale reports and register for advance payments. Registered dealers that provide required information through IRS Energy Credits Online and are in tax compliance may be eligible to participate in the advance payment program once their registration information is verified by the IRS. 

As a reminder, if the dealer needs to change bank accounts, or needs to re-register for any other reason, please note that the re-registration can take 15 days or longer to process. See Frequently asked questions for the Dealer and Seller Energy Credits online registration: Question 8.

Time of Sale: Ensure you review each Time of Sale for accuracy before you submit. The buyer election to transfer the credit to the dealer defaults to “No”. Similarly, if you are not approved to receive advance payments, the only option will be “No”. A buyer elects to transfer the credit to the dealer only when “Yes” is selected. When “Yes” is selected, the buyer attestation will appear for the buyer to review and to sign electronically. If a mistake is made, the Time of Sale must be voided within 48 hours.

To subscribe to the IRS e-News for Clean Vehicle Industry email list go to https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/e-news-subscriptions and scroll down to the e-News for businesses section. 

Following is a condensed overview of an issue currently on NADA's radar. Please see your NADA member email dated April 3, 2024 for further information.

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) issued a new rule that expands who can participate in OSHA walkaround inspections. The rule takes effect on May 31, 2024. The rule allows third parties, potentially not connected with the workplace, to accompany OSHA during the inspection process/facility walkaround if OSHA considers such parties “reasonably necessary to the conduct of an effective and thorough physical inspection of the workplace.”

Why it matters: This modification will likely complicate future OSHA inspections by allowing third parties, such as a labor union representative, attorney, consultant, or worker advocacy organization, to be part of the inspection process. Nonemployees allowed to enter the workplace and access information otherwise not available may lead to a more contentious OSHA inspection process and increase legal risks.

Dealerships should work with their attorneys to consider a written procedure that clearly instructs management on how to receive OSHA inspectors who wish to gain access to the job site.

The Michigan Department of Insurance & Financial Services (DIFS) emailed installment seller license renewals to all licensees this week. The renewal was sent to the email address on record with DIFS. Please confirm that each of your dealerships received the renewal email. The email was sent from DIFS-CFRenewals@michigan.gov (you may want to check spam).

The attachment included with the DIFS email has access and payment codes specific to each licensee. It is necessary to receive the email in order to get the unique codes and submit the required information.

There are again three steps to the renewal process, and they should be completed in this order:

1. Volume of activity
2. Payment
3. Submission of renewal application

Reminder about email on record: the dealership email used by DIFS is maintained separate from the dealership email used by MDOS. They are often the same, but the dealership is responsible for keeping both departments updated when there are licensing contact changes.

If you have question about the renewal process, or are unsure of the contact you have on file for DIFS licensing issues, please email lduby@michiganada.org (include dealership name and IS license #).

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan launched some new enhancements to Blue Cross Behavioral HealthSM effective January 1, 2024!

The recent enhancements will improve the member experience and care delivery for members with complex behavioral health needs. The enhancements include improved medical, behavioral and pharmacy integration; predictive analytics; support for families and children; and new behavioral health specialty programs and resources. All members will also have access to a new Behavioral Health Support page, in the member site at www.bcbsm.com, that will inform them of their available behavioral health resources. Members can continue to expect Blue Cross to deliver exceptional service and innovative whole-person solutions through these enhancements.

For more information regarding Blue Cross Behavioral Health SM, including available resources and behavioral health support, please visit www.bcbsm.com/mentalhealth. 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month -- join us for a webinar with BCBS

Thursday, April 18 at 10 am (30 min.) >> REGISTER 

For mental health awareness month, Blue Cross invites MADA members to a behavioral helpline webinar to share resources to help you and your employees think and feel better.

Please join Shalini Khandelwal, Director of Behavioral Health Strategy, for a discussion on Blue Cross’ advanced behavioral health capabilities that prioritize member well-being, streamline care coordination, and drive positive outcomes. This webinar offers a unique opportunity to learn about Blue Cross’ commitment to accessible, high-quality behavioral health care services.   

NADA Academy Graduates a New Class

NADA Academy prepares current and future dealership leaders to operate a successful and profitable automotive business, while examining the latest in industry trends and technology. We are pleased to share the list of Michigan employees who will graduate in April.

• Joe Lunghamer | Joe Lunghamer Chevrolet Inc
• Daniel Lunghamer | Lunghamer Buick GMC Inc
• Mickelle Wiegert | Midland Ford Lincoln

This program offers various training schedules to support the needs of dealership employees. For more information please see: https://www.nada.org/nada/education-consulting/nada-academy

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