VWE Visits NADA Show: A Journey Full of Winter Challenges and Valuable Insights
Last week, Piet Renses (CEO) and Daan van Leeuwen (COO) represented VWE at the prestigious NADA Show 2025 in New Orleans. This annual event, organized by the National Automobile Dealers Association, is one of the world's largest and most influential trade shows for the automotive industry. With hundreds of exhibitors, inspiring workshops, and lectures by leading experts, the NADA Show provides an excellent opportunity to gain knowledge, gather innovative ideas, and network.
A Heroic Journey Through the Southern U.S.
VWE's visit to the NADA Show began with an unexpected adventure. After a smooth flight to Atlanta, their connecting flight to New Orleans was canceled due to severe winter weather. The next available flight was scheduled for several days later. For Piet and Daan, that was not an option—they were determined to get to the trade show!
Determined—and perhaps a bit overconfident—they rented a four-wheel-drive vehicle and embarked on an 850-kilometer road trip through Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Without navigation and facing heavy ice storms on the roads, the journey turned into a true ordeal. The police pulled them off the highway and redirected them against traffic to a safe exit. Undeterred in their mission, Piet and Daan managed to bypass roadblocks themselves by taking small back roads. After a grueling 27-hour journey, they finally arrived safely in New Orleans, the only travelers from Atlanta to make it.
An Icy Welcome and an Inspiring Conference
Upon arrival, they found the city completely shut down due to extreme snowfall—something that hadn’t happened in 150 years. Stores, restaurants, and even the trade show venue remained closed. Piet and Daan were the first visitors to report to the NADA Show, much to the surprise and delight of the organizers.
Two days later, as the weather improved, the trade show was finally able to begin. The NADA Show offered numerous insights into digitalization, AI, and marketing strategies for automotive businesses. Some of the key takeaways included:
- How AI helps personalize advertisements
- Generating sales analyses using AI
- Optimizing customer contact moments with AI tools
- Building a trustworthy brand image via social media
- Enhancing websites by recognizing buying signals
- Targeted online sales guidance during the sales process
- Keeping customers engaged after purchasing their new car
These are just a few of the many opportunities American dealers are exploring to improve their sales and business operations. In the coming period, VWE will assess how these newly acquired insights can enhance its product portfolio—ensuring that our clients also benefit from our gained expertise!
Networking and New Opportunities
In addition to attending workshops and visiting exhibitor stands, Piet and Daan engaged with international contacts and clients. The Holland House Reception provided an opportunity to exchange experiences with other Dutch participants.
With a wealth of inspiration and innovative ideas, Piet and Daan returned to the Netherlands after a smooth journey home. This visit to the NADA Show once again highlights the value of international collaboration and innovation within the automotive industry. It also underscores the dedication of our VWE leadership—braving winter storms and strong winds to stay ahead with new insights and technologies.
Now back in the warmth of the office, Piet and Daan are evaluating how these new insights can help VWE and its clients move forward.
