automotive retailing

In connecticut

Connecticut has a rich automotive history. In fact, the state was once considered the auto capital of the world—when Pope Manufacturing of Hartford produced more than half of all motorized vehicles in the United States. While auto manufacturing did not survive here, automotive retailing has thrived. Founded in 1921, the Connecticut Automotive Retailers (CAR) Association represents 252 new vehicle dealerships across the state. Collectively, they sell every major automobile brand and account for nearly 18% of Connecticut’s total retail sales.

Beyond their economic impact, dealerships are deeply rooted in their communities. They provide good jobs to nearly 14,000 residents and annually contribute millions to local charities.  Automotive retailers are more than businesses—they are neighbors, employers, and community partners who play a vital role in the success of both our state and local economies.

EV Champion Awards

Every year EVConnecticut and CHEAPR presents the EV Champion Award to those auto dealers or manufacturers that made a significant contribution to the promotion of Electric Vehicles in Connecticut.

Founded in 1921, The Connecticut Automotive Retailers Association represents Connecticut's new-vehicle dealerships. Its approximately three hundred members sell every major automobile brand, and account for almost 18% of total retail sales in our state.

Driving Connecticut’s

economy forward

Numbers reflect annual economic activity during 2024.

issues + Action

The CT Automotive Retailers Association is invested in supporting its 251 members by taking an interest in the many issues that are important to the future of automotive businesses here in Connecticut.

Consumer Protection

Connecticut’s franchise laws, which regulate the sale and service of motor vehicles in our state, provide important safeguards to consumers and ensure a competitive marketplace.

These laws protect consumers by guaranteeing state and federal safety laws are followed, providing fair and encompassing warranties, enforcing the lemon and fair lending laws, and establishing guidelines for safety recalls.

Our new car dealers serve as advocates for our customers.

Electric Vehicles

Connecticut’s new car dealers are fully committed to selling electric vehicles. There are over 40 EVs on the market today, and many of these can be found at local dealerships in Connecticut. Our dealerships are your trusted choice for going electric.

We are proudly partnered with Connecticut’s own CHEAPR program which incentivizes car buyers to purchase EVs.

In 2021, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy ranked Connecticut 13th in the country in encouraging consumers to buy electric vehicles.

Direct Sale

CARA remains opposed to any legislation providing any manufacturers with loopholes to Connecticut laws that protect consumers. All CARA members are opposed to giving special treatment to out-of-state corporations at the expense of the 251 local auto dealerships and our 12,000 hardworking employees.