Will Lead the Organization Representing New Jersey’s $45 Billion Auto Retail Industry

January 5, 2026 – Trenton, NJ – A. Andrew Shapiro, Dealer Principal and Co-Owner of Hudson Auto Group, recently assumed the chairmanship of the New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers (NJ CAR). He succeeds 2025 Chairperson, Ron Baus, Jr. (Spirit Chrysler Dodge Jeep).

Mr. Shapiro began his auto retail career more than 33 years ago at United Auto Group. He has been an owner in Hudson Auto Group since 2006, the same year he became Managing Partner of Casesa Shapiro Group LLC, an auto industry-focused independent advisory firm he co-founded, a role he held until 2009.

From 2000 through 2006, Mr. Shapiro served as President of DiFeo Auto Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of United Auto Group (subsequently Penske Automotive Group), where he managed eleven new car franchises in the New Jersey/ New York region.

“The auto retail industry is critical to New Jersey, which is why it is important the industry works collaboratively with State regulatory agencies to ensure consumers have the best car-buying and ownership experience possible,” said Mr. Shapiro. “I hope to continue the excellent work of immediate past chairman Ron Baus, and his predecessors, to advocate for the franchised dealers that are the bedrock of hundreds of communities in which we operate. In 2026 we will work to ensure the best possible environment for manufacturers, customers, dealers, and their 37,000 employees throughout New Jersey.”

Mr. Shapiro serves on the Board of Directors of Wholesale Auto Supply Company (WASCO), a cooperative owned by New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut auto dealers. Mr. Shapiro also serves on the Board of Directors of Answer the Call, a New York-based non-profit dedicated to helping family members of New York City fallen first responders.

“Andy is one of the most dedicated dealers I’ve met and his commitment to the industry, and his customers, will serve him well as NJ CAR Chairman,” said Laura Perrotta, President of NJ CAR. “Andy represents another notable example of what franchised dealers mean to their communities. The Coalition will continue to be in good hands under his leadership.”

NJ CAR’s 2026 Senior Officers also include: Vice Chairman Ed Barlow, III (Barlow Chevrolet) Secretary Michael DeSilva (Liberty Kia), and Treasurer David Kull (Burns Honda).

The New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers (NJ CAR), founded in 1918, is a non-profit organization representing the $45.4 billion franchised car and truck industry in New Jersey made up of 520+ dealerships that directly employ or support more than 75,000 good-paying, local jobs. NJ CAR keeps its members informed on a variety of business matters to help them maintain compliance with all legislative and regulatory requirements and serves as the voice of the dealers in New Jersey.