In our latest exclusive interview, Alan Haig, President and Founder of Haig Partners, sat down with Senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), the first U.S. Senator in history to rise from the showroom floor. His journey—from selling Saturns and leading Mercedes-Benz stores to building a billion-dollar dealer group and now shaping federal policy—is as inspiring as it is timely.
Senator Moreno offers a unique perspective on the state of the industry, addressing the urgent need for legislative clarity, trade fairness, and dealer involvement in public policy. He makes a compelling case for why now is not a time to retreat—but to double down on growth.
Key Takeaways:
- Transportation Freedom Act: Introduces a 10-year federal emissions and technology standard to replace conflicting state-level mandates and eliminate forced EV adoption, giving manufacturers and dealers regulatory clarity.
- Tariff Strategy: Supports reciprocal tariffs to promote domestic production, encourage fair trade, and protect middle-class jobs by incentivizing automakers to build vehicles in the U.S.
- Inflation & Cost Pressure: Argues that tariff-related price increases may be offset by the elimination of EV cross-subsidization, potentially lowering ICE vehicle prices and driving substitution toward American-assembled vehicles.
- Advice to Dealers: Urges dealership owners to engage in public policy and advocacy, leveraging their operational and leadership experience to influence decisions in Washington.
- Industry Outlook: Emphasizes that economic uncertainty presents an opportunity to grow—dealerships that deliver exceptional service and stay aggressive during downturns can gain market share and long-term value.
- Call to Action: Encourages dealers to contact Democratic lawmakers and build bipartisan support for the Transportation Freedom Act, with a limited window of approximately 10 weeks to move the legislation forward.
- Generational Confidence: Shares optimism for the next generation in retail automotive, highlighting his son’s entry into the industry and the enduring strength of the dealership model.
Senator Moreno’s story is a powerful reminder that those who understand our industry best should have a voice in shaping its future. As the landscape shifts, Haig Partners remains committed to empowering dealers with the insight, advocacy, and advisory support they need to thrive.
