Michigan Automobile Dealers Association

In 1920 the Michigan Automotive Trade Association was founded in Detroit. On May 19, 1921, the group was incorporated with the following officers: G. S. Garber, president; H. H. Shuart, secretary; and Clark Graves, treasurer. The association’s purpose is to promote and protect the interests of franchised automobile dealers. In 1937 the association moved from Detroit to Lansing and changed its name to the Michigan Automobile Dealers Association. The 100th anniversary of the first gasoline-powered automobile patent was celebrated in 1986. To commemorate this milestone, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed 1986 the “Centennial Year of the Gasoline Powered Automobile.” In Michigan’s sesquicentennial year, 1987, the association had 850 members.