In 1938, due to the unavailability of vehicles in the American South during the Great Depression, some enterprising livestock auctioneers began importing a few used cars from the north to sell along with cattle and farm machinery. Ten years later a private trade association, the National Auto Auction Protection Association, was formed to provide a unified voice for the fledgling industry. Then in 1954 the name was changed to the National Auto Auction Association.
Over the decades, the association represented its membership to their customers, elected officials, regulatory and enforcement authorities, the media, and the automotive industry. It also worked to establish uniform principles of fair, consistent and ethical treatment as best practices.
Today, NAAA remains devoted to its original mission of protecting and promoting the interests of our members by advancing the knowledge, leadership and standards necessary to meet the challenges of an evolving auto auction industry in the 21st century.
Below is a list highlighting some of NAAA’s major milestones and noteworthy achievements throughout the years, as well as links to archived materials:
National Auto Auction Association Milestones |
Year |
|
Milestone Description |
1938 |
|
J.M. "Martin Rawls held the first auction |
1948 |
|
C.B. Drake assembles auto auctioneers and founds National Auto Auction Protection Association (NAAPA) |
1954 |
|
Name is changed from NAAPA to National Auto Auction Association (NAAA) |
1955 |
|
Auction Insurance Company began providing insurance to auctioneers |
1962 |
|
NAAA produces first promotional brochure |
1963 |
|
Chrysler's first ever "buy-back" sale of rental and company cars via auto auction is help |
1968 |
|
NAAA 20th Anniversary |
1971 |
|
First published NAAA Member Directory |
1978 |
|
NAAA's 30th Anniversary is held in Toronto, Canada |
1986 |
|
NAAA helps " Truth in Mileage Act" to become a law |
1988 |
|
NAAA's 40th Anniversary |
1989 |
|
Headquarters moves to Frederick, Maryland |
1992 |
|
"Anti-Car Theft Act" pushed forward via the NAAA |
1996 |
|
NAAA.com is launched, featuring
auction-to-auction emailing |
1998 |
|
50th Anniversary of NAAA, 60th Anniversary of the auto auction industry |
2002 |
|
NAAA Water/Flood Damage Policy established |
2004 |
|
NAAA Title Warranty Policy established |
2005 |
|
Scholastic Foundation awards first scholarships |
2006 |
|
NAAA Vehicle Condition Grading Scale and Arbitration Policy developed |
2007 |
|
Scholastic Foundation renamed NAAA Warren Young, Sr., Scholastic Foundation, Inc. |
2008 |
|
60th Anniversary of the NAAA, 70th Anniversary of the auto auction industry |
2009 |
|
NAAA merges Spring Business Meeting with CAR Conference
Electronic Condition Report and National Arbitration Policy Available Online |
2010 |
|
NAAA Zones dissolved and renamed NAAA Chapters
Wholesale Certification Standard established |
2011 |
|
First webinar hosted by NAAA
Dynamic Leadership Institute begins |
2012 |
|
Political Action Committee (PAC) formed
Chapters web pages available on www.naaa.com |
2013 |
|
NAAA makes first PAC contribution to members of Congress
Newsletter transitions to magazine and expands readership
First state independent auto dealer association joins NAAA
65th Anniversary of the NAAA, 75th Anniversary of the auto auction industry
Chapters raises funds for Political Action Committee (PAC Cup)
First live webinar broadcast from annual convention |
|
|
Year |
|
Milestone Description |
2014 |
|
NAAA Pedal Car Auction Pushes Beyond Half-Million Dollar Mark
The Black Book Pedal Car Auction at the 2014 NAAA Annual Convention raised $576,300 to benefit the NAAA Warren Young, Sr. Scholastic Foundation |
2015 |
|
NAAA adopts KAR Auction Services, Inc. safety program for members |
2016 |
|
NAAA launches Safe T. Sam and Coach Caution online safety training certifications.
Inaugural awards for Auto Auction of the Year and Chapter Auto Auctions of the Year for Excellence in Community Service
|
2017 |
|
NAAA awards first Distinguished Service Medal
NAAA produces Auto Auctions of Tomorrow: 2027 |
2018 |
|
70th Anniversaryof NAAA, 80th Anniversary of auto auction industry.
Safe T. Sam training exceeds 35,000 certifications
NAAA conducts study on Solving Technician Challenge
NAAA publishes Suggested Safety Guidelines |
2019 |
|
NAAA establishes G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Times) Society recognizing past leaders who have impacted the association
Safe T. Sam training exceeds 100,000 safety certifications
NAAA conducts Auto Auctions 2030 study |
2020 |
|
COVID-19 strikes U.S. stay at home orders issues in numerous states.
NAAA Safety Committee releases the NAAA Playbook – Auction Start-Up in recovery to COVID-19.
NAAA Safe Committee releases Active Threat Preparedness Plan and webinar.
NAAA headquarters produces a Commemorative Magazine highlighting the National Auto Auction Associaton from 1948 through the anticipated 75th anniversary in 2023. |
2021 |
|
NAAA hires new Chief Executive Officer,
Tricia Heon
NAAA holds first Auction Standards Summit
Celebration video for Auto Auction Week features united support from top industry organization leaders
Diversity and Inclusion Awareness Training
occurs and has over 300 NAAA member acknowledgements and pledges
NAAA hosts year-long Industry Outlook Sessions
A digital news service for members named SmartBrief is launched.
Workforce Initiative website is developed to help fulfill employment and recruitment needs in the auction industry. |
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History Archives |
Archive Description |
History Link |
Past Presidents |
Link |
Hall of Fame Recipients |
Link |
G.O.A.T. Society Members |
Link |
Beginning of the National Auto Auction Association |
Link |
History Photo Gallery |
Link |
Archived Videos |
Link |
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