July 28, 2025

Throughout the year, we’re shining a light on the positive impact Montana auto dealers are making in their communities.

Let’s be honest: No one’s flipping open this magazine thinking, “Finally — an article about health insurance!”

High-profile cyber incidents have highlighted the need for auto dealerships to prepare for the impacts due to loss of critical services and theft of sensitive data. Here are some factors to consider when creating an incident response plan.

Hi there Montana dealers! I’m Lauren Bailey, vice president of state legal and regulatory affairs at ComplyAuto, and I’m thrilled to share how our team is bringing next-level compliance tools to Montana dealers.

As a part of our ongoing series, we highlight exceptional women in the industry. There is a misconception that the auto industry is only for men, and it is time to break this stereotype.

When we talk to dealers across North America, we hear the same refrain: “Inventory’s tight, margins are thinner, and it’s harder than ever to find and keep good people.”

Manufacturers supplying warranty parts at zero cost or on an “exchange” basis is a practice that has been around for a long time.

Michele Wright, Director of Sales Autotrader/KBB, Cox Automotive Tariffs, Montana Specific Information, and the Ever-Changing ConsumerMichele is a 20-year sales and marketing expert and has held senior roles in telecom, digital marketing and real estate before finding her home in automotive. She came to Cox Automotive eight years ago and is the director of sales

Brothers Sean and Kevin McCutcheon grew up around the insurance industry. Their father, Pat, was a local agent with PayneWest Insurance. Pat formed a relationship with the Montana Automobile Dealers Association on an exclusive Workers’ Compensation program for the MTADA member dealers.

We’ve all been there. You just sold a car, you’re in a time crunch, and the form you need is fresh out. The receptionist is within earshot, so by default, she drops everything to order the form online and have it priority shipped overnight so you can finish the sale.

New light-vehicle sales in June 2025 totaled a SAAR of 15.3 million units. The June 2025 SAAR represents an increase of 2.3% compared to June 2024.

The Treasure State is blessed with locally owned, generational small businesses. Montana recognizes its Centennial Farm and Ranch Program, local chambers honor businesses for decades of consistent positive impact …

Throughout his career, Erick Anderson, president of Placer Motors, has always gone above and beyond. Whether it be his focus on treating the customer right, giving back to the community he loves, or helping his fellow dealers by actively serving on the board of MTADA, …

In 2024, Montana dealers contributed a total of $40,800 to NADA PAC from 20 individuals. Among NADA districts, Montana finished fourth in fundraising as a percentage of …

Third-generation dealer Bill Underriner understands what it takes to run a successful business. As the president/CEO of Underriner Motors in Billings, Montana, a MTADA board member and a former NADA chair, he has influenced the industry at local, state and national levels.

We recently had a chance to catch up with Montana’s newly elected Senator Tim Sheehy and talked to him about his experience in office so far. The following are excerpts from our conversation.

MTADA’s Legislative Committee had a successful 2025 session. This year our committee worked to revise Montana’s Agister Lien law: Section 71-3-1203, MCA.

MTADA Office Staff Bruce KnudsenExecutive Vice Presidentbknudsen@mtada.comCell: (406) 461-7680Office: (406) 442-1233 Bruce Knudsen is the executive vice president, Government Relations for the Montana Auto Dealers Association (MTADA). He earned a BA in Japanese language and literature from Brigham Young University and an MBA from Regis University. Bruce has led MTADA since 2014 and has years