Greater New York Auto Retailers Elect New Chairman

NEW YORK, July 22, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Robert Vail, president of the Vail Auto Group, Bedford Hill, N.Y., has been named Chairman of the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association (GNYADA). GNYADA represents over 400 franchised automobile dealerships in the metro area of New York, selling more than 429,000 new and used cars each year.  Collectively, GNYADA members inject $27.1 billion into the economy and generate $1.83 billion in tax revenue for New York while helping to sustain a workforce of nearly 58,000.  GNYADA also operates the Center for Automotive Education & Training and organizes the New York International Automobile Show—the largest and oldest auto show in North America. An active GNYADA member, Vail has been a member of the Board of Directors since 1993.  He also served as Secretary, Treasurer and Vice Chairman on the Executive Committee and as Chairman of the Finance Committee. 

Vail is a third generation automobile retailer.  His grandfather opened a Chevrolet dealership in Ossining, N.Y., in 1918.  Vail entered the family business in the '60s as a mechanic at the Ossining Studebaker dealership owned by his father and brother, John and Peter Vail.

"Bob has been a dedicated advocate for dealers over many years and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the job and I look forward to working with him on the Association's many important lobbying efforts and grassroots dealer and consumer initiatives," said GNYADA president Mark Schienberg.

Vail is a former President of the Westchester Chevrolet Dealers Association, a New York State Automobile Dealers Association board member for 18 years.  He has also served on Chevrolet's Regional Dealer Council as well as GMAC's dealer advisory board and is currently on the Buick-GMC Advertising Board. 

Vail's family-owned franchised new car dealership Vail Buick GMC is located at 606 N Bedford Road, Bedford Hills in Westchester County.  For over twenty years, the Vail family has worked in the Bedford Hills community.  Robert's son, Greg is vice president of the company.  Last year, Vail completed a $1.5 renovation of his facility–a major community investment.  The completely modernized location includes a state-of-the-art car showroom and service bays. As part of Vail's customer service philosophy, the new dealership has been designed to include a luxurious service write up area for customers to wait in comfort. 

"Our philosophy in business has always been that personal involvement and customer service are key to our business.  As Chairman of the Association, I hope to engage our members and encourage them to get involved in our industry in the same way," said Vail.  

"Vail Auto Group is a family-minded operation with over two decades of serving its community," said Mark Schienberg, Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association president.   "I know Bob will bring that same level at attention to detail and the importance of collaboration and civic mindedness to his new role as Association chairman," continued Schienberg.

Vail resides in Mount Kisco, N.Y., with his wife Carole. 

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140722/129426

SOURCE The Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association