New HADA Chairman Steven Wolf Takes the Reins

New HADA Chairman Steven Wolf Sees Rebound for Houston Economy, 2017 Auto Sales

Auto sales to get boost from Houston’s biggest, best ever auto show in April.

HOUSTON (February 7, 2017) – After a six year run of record auto sales, the slowdown in Houston’s economy resulted in slower auto sales last year. But, Steven Wolf, the newly elected Chairman of the Houston Automobile Dealers Association (HADA), sees that more as a “bump in the road” and he is confident that the local economy and auto sales are due for a rebound in 2017.

“With the new emphasis on energy independence by the new administration and prices stabilizing, I’m optimistic that Houston’s energy sector is due for a rebound,” says Wolf, dealer principal of Helfman Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram and Helfman Fiat Alfa Romeo Maserati in Houston.

“That, plus real estate values coming back and a number of other improving economic indicators, should have a positive impact in our showrooms,” he adds. “We also have growing consumer confidence, manufacturer incentives and continued low interest rates along with good credit availability, adding to the positivity.”

Houston area total new vehicle sales stumbled last year after a continuous climb from a great recession low of 218,710 sales in 2009 to record high of 376,481 units in 2015. However in 2016, total Houston area sales finished the year at 299,461 units, a decline of 20.5% from 2015.

“Sure, dealers must be more cautious in watching their expenses and inventories but, even in a rough economy, if you have good people and good product you will still do well,” says Wolf. “Experience tells me people buy cars in any economy because they want the latest and greatest models and new technology. They just see something they like and they act on it. It’s a matter of chemistry and timing. You will see a lot of that at the upcoming Houston Auto Show.

Rescheduled to April 5-9 to make way for the Super Bowl, this year’s HADA-sponsored Houston Auto Show “will be a monster thanks to the addition of the Mecum Auto Auction,” Wolf points out. Houston will be the first venue in which Mecum has run with a major auto show. The Auto Show will be held as usual in NRG Center, with Mecum moving to the NRG Arena, where transportation will be provided connecting the two events.

“With Mecum Auctions running side-by-side and 700,000 square feet of exhibit space in the Center and another 100,000 square feet in the lobby filled with latest models and technology, plus expanded test drives, I can honestly say we expect to capture the attention of the automotive world. And this is just the latest development in a plan to make Houston “The Auto Show of the South.”

As for his role as HADA Chairman, Wolf says he will continue to support and promote the efforts of all HADA’s franchised new car and truck dealer members. HADA is already taking a very active role at the current legislative session in Austin, where our number one priority will be protecting the franchise system against ongoing attempts to skirt the system and sell direct to consumers.

“We will stress to lawmakers the major economic impact – jobs, revenue, taxes, etc. – that franchised dealers make to their communities, as well as the many ways we support our communities through charitable acts and funding of hospitals, schools and community groups and projects of all kinds. That, in fact, is a hallmark of HADA.”

In addition to the Auto Show, HADA continues to support and promote the following community-oriented programs:

Motorist Assistance Program (MAP) which has provided free basic roadside assistance to over 800,000 stranded motorists since 1986;
Automotive Youth Education Systems (AYES) “school-to-career” partnership program with manufacturers and schools that helps area high school students become automotive technicians;
HADA Scholarship Program, now in its 15th year, which awarded $378,000 in scholarships to 126 students in 2016, making it one of the largest scholarship programs of any association of new car dealers in the country.

A Houston native, Wolf attended the University of Texas before starting his career in the car business as a salesman for Helfman Ford in 1988. He worked his way up through the ranks and became general manager and eventually dealer principal with the opening of Helfman Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram in 2002. Helfman Fiat Alfa Romeo was added in 2010 and the Maserati franchise two years ago.

Wolf and wife, Sandi, are the proud parents of three adult children, Ashley, Cameron and Samantha. The second generation of this family business is already taking shape with Ashley engaged to Jake Katz who works at the dealership, as does Wolf’s nephew Jason Feldman. “I’m blessed with a great family and a great business in a great city. And now I am deeply honored to represent one of the best franchised dealer associations in the nation,” he adds.
The Houston Automobile Dealers Association represents 170 franchised new vehicle dealerships, which employ almost 30,000 people in the Greater Houston area.

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