Mahwah Auto Dealer 'In The Driver's Seat' Of U.S. Lobbying Firm

MAHWAH, NJ — A Mahwah auto dealer just accepted the chairman's gavel for the American International Automobile Dealers Association, a lobbying firm representing franchised new car dealers.

Mike DeSilva owns Liberty Hyundai and Liberty Genesis in Mahwah, both of which are included in the family-owned and operated Liberty Auto Group. He was named chairman of AIADA at a Friday event in Dallas, Texas.

“As a second-generation international nameplate dealer, I’ve seen personally how important it is to work with AIADA to protect my stores, employees, and customers,” said DeSilva, whose father Rick DeSilva served as AIADA’s chairman in 2010. “Advocating in D.C. to preserve global trade and maintain a level playing field on which all dealers can compete is vital to our future, and a mission worth fighting for.”

As AIADA chair, Mike DeSilva, who grew up working for his dealership family, said he wants to focus on building and maintaining relationships with lawmakers on Capitol Hill.

“Our legislators need to acknowledge and celebrate the investment the international nameplate auto industry has made in America,” he told AIADA members at last week's event. “We’ve been here for multiple generations, creating jobs, paying taxes, and building and selling the vehicles Americans want to drive. We’re not going anywhere.”

In a short YouTube video posted by AIADA, DeSilva said that his goal this year is to get dealers to create more personal relationships with local legislators and with employees, to let others know that they support their communities.

"My intent is to continue the fight that (2022 AIADA Chairman) John Connelly started last year to give us a level playing field," DeSilva said. "I can get in front of legislators and let them know that some of the policies they are setting are hurting our business."

"Once I start, I don't stop," he added.