Gov. Kathy Hochul opened the New York International Auto Show, hosted by the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association

Gov. Kathy Hochul opened the New York International Auto Show, hosted by our client the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association, last week with a speech that heralded auto dealers as job creators and economic dynamos in every region of the state. “The economic impact of this industry, [its] the fourth largest retail industry in the state of New York,” Gov. Hochul said. “70,000 jobs, $4.3 billion in wages alone, in addition to [a] $53 billion industry. That is an industry that needs to be reckoned with and dealt with and embraced, and not to put artificial barriers in your way to your success.” After urging New Yorkers to come out and support dealers by visiting the Auto Show, she praised the industry for showcasing zero-emissions vehicles that will “stop this war” between the environment and consumer transportation. Hochul also announced that the state plans to invest $1 billion in EV infrastructure, including the first EV charging stations to be installed shortly at LaGuardia airport and 100 new fast chargers coming to locations across the state.

But the Governor’s central theme was that the return of the Auto Show to the Javits Center signals New York is ready to welcome the world again after successfully managing the COVID-19 pandemic.

“When the Javits Center is back, when the Auto Show is back, that is the clearest sign that New York is back,” Gov. Hochul said. “This building is a testament to the resiliency of New Yorkers, as is this show which has been here for over 100 years. We had a little break in the action, but never again will we have to do that. So, to Mark Sheinberg, President of the Greater [New York] Auto Dealers Association, thank you for having the faith, never giving up and keeping strong through these times, as well as your board of directors.”

Doug Clark, Managing Partner of the SRC Government Affairs Practice, helped to organize the preview event held on Wednesday, April 13 where guests were able to test drive the many all-electric vehicles and get a first look at the more than 250,000 sq. ft of exhibit space for electric vehicle displays including three separate indoor EV test tracks.