Independent Auto Dealer Groups Joined Used Car Week

Dealer association members in San Diego now gain free access to the upcoming Used Car Week conference.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Buying/Selling

A wide architectural view of a modern San Diego convention center lobby with glass walls, concrete pillars, and morning sunlight. — The Independent Automobile Dealers Association of California and the Washington State association have partnered with the Used Car Week conference to provide free access for members. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Independent Automobile Dealers Association of California and the Washington State Independent Auto Dealers Association have partnered with the Used Car Week conference. This collaboration grants member dealers from both states free access to the event scheduled for this November in San Diego.

Why it matters

By providing dealers with direct access to industry programming and resources, this partnership aims to bolster the support network available to local and regional automotive dealers. The collaboration builds on previous industry efforts to centralize training for independent retailers.

Two regional trade groups have joined the conference, increasing the number of participating state associations following the addition of the Florida chapter in April 2026. Members of the California and Washington groups may now attend the November event at no cost.

The players

Independent Automobile Dealers Association of California

A professional trade organization representing the interests of independent used-vehicle retailers across the state.

Washington State Independent Auto Dealers Association

A regional trade group providing resources, advocacy, and educational opportunities for local independent car dealers.

Cherokee Media Group

The organizer of industry-wide automotive conferences and publisher of resources for the vehicle retailing sector.

The details

The partnership integrates member dealers into the broader conference programming by offering complimentary admission. Association leaders are scheduled to facilitate a specialized educational session during the event's Dealer Training Tuesday. This effort follows a recent media partnership formed between CBT News and Cherokee Media Group to expand the reach of the conference.

• April 2026: Cherokee Media Group partnered with the Florida dealer association.
• September 2026: CBT News announced a media partnership for Used Car Week.
• November 16-19, 2026: Used Car Week conference takes place in San Diego.

The Home Front

This move marks a continued expansion of the Cherokee Media Group's 2026 series of state-level dealer association outreach partnerships. It reflects a broader trend of consolidating professional development resources for independent retailers ahead of the 2027 fiscal year.

If you are considering buying or selling a used vehicle, monitor the local market for changes in dealership inventory management as these professional resources are implemented. Buyers should watch for consistent pricing and documentation standards in the San Diego area following the training event.

The takeaway

The addition of these dealer associations suggests a tightening of industry standards and training for the independent sector. Local residents looking for a vehicle may find that dealers participating in these educational tracks provide more standardized consumer service experiences.

What happens next

Used Car Week will be held from November 16 to November 19, 2026, in San Diego, where the association leaders will host their educational session during Dealer Training Tuesday.