LSVDA Newsletter April 2026
Executive Director’s Message
Spring is Go Time.
Momentum Is Nice. Market Share Is Better.
Fellow LSVDA Members: Across much of the country, the season is changing, the market is expanding and local rules are starting to determine where growth happens next.
Warmer weather is opening up northern communities. Traffic is picking up. More short trips, more local usage, and more conversations around practical neighborhood mobility. The market doesn’t wait for perfect conditions. It rewards dealers who are ready.
Local policy is becoming a bigger factor. Communities are taking a closer look at roadway access, traffic patterns, and speed limits. Some of that creates friction. Some of it opens the door. Either way, it is creating real opportunity for dealers who engage early and lead locally. That is exactly why we built the TRACTION™ market growth system.
The fundamentals remain solid. Dealer confidence is holding. Service and aftermarket revenue continue to grow. At the same time, expectations are rising.
This is where prepared dealers start to pull away.
The dealers who win this season will be ready. Right inventory. Trained teams. Strong service capacity. And a clear understanding of where and how their vehicles can be used.
In this issue, we cover policy engagement with NHTSA, progress in Florida, dealer support in Connecticut, and why local developments such as San Diego’s speed-management initiatives matter. On the business side, the focus is execution: pre-owned strategy, productivity, LSV rental & business insurance and practical market growth.
LSVDA is growing alongside this shift, strengthening YOUR voice and our resources for dealers.
Spring is GO Time. Momentum is nice. Market share is better.
Driving Forward., Mike
Public Policy & Safety
Overview
Policy is not shifting through major new federal rulemaking right now. It is shifting where it matters most to dealers: at the state and local level.
Federal posture remains steady. State engagement is active. Local decisions are accelerating.
For dealers, that means one thing: Growth is increasingly tied to engagement.
Federal and State Update
At the federal level, there are no new rulemakings affecting LSV classification or FMVSS 500. LSVDA’s recent engagement with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reinforced a clear direction: focus on enforcement of existing standards, not expansion of new ones.
That matters because it places greater emphasis on compliance, labeling, and how vehicles are represented at retail.
At the state level, progress continues in Florida. LSVDA engagement with Representative Fiona McFarland helped improve language in HB 543 related to LSV conversions. While the bill did not fully advance this session, meaningful progress was made in aligning safety with practical dealer realities heading into the next cycle where your voice will be represented.
In Connecticut, LSVDA also supported dealer engagement by providing federal framework guidance and roadway-use context to help inform local and state discussions.
That is what early engagement looks like.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR DEALERS
Federal rules are stable. Enforcement is expanding.
State progress takes time. Our engagement compounds.
Dealers who show up early in local markets help shape outcomes.
Local Ordinance and Market Access
This is where the real movement is happening.
Across the country, cities and towns are taking a closer look at how low-speed vehicles fit into local transportation plans. The trend is not broad restriction. It is structured regulation.
We continue to see activity around:
- roadway access definitions
- crossing rules
- registration and visibility requirements
- and increasingly, speed limits
A recent example is San Diego, where officials advanced a speed-management plan lowering limits on certain corridors, including reductions toward 20–25 mph in key areas.
This matters as lower posted speeds can expand the number of streets where LSVs are more viable and more practical. Not automatically, but directionally. For growth-minded dealers, that creates a new kind of opportunity.
Your markets that can be developed, not just served. That is exactly where our TRACTION system comes in. Dealers who engage local officials, understand the rules, and lead with safety and clarity are the ones helping shape where this market expands next.
WHAT TO WATCH
- Speed limit reviews in suburban and coastal communities
- More clearly defined roadway access maps
- Better alignment between planning departments and law enforcement
- Communities looking for guidance, not just regulation
Safety Snapshot
Recent incident reporting continues to show the same patterns:
- rollover events during turns
- passenger ejection
- underage or inexperienced drivers
- interaction with higher-speed roadways
At this point, the trend is not product defect. It is operating environment and usage.
That gives dealers a clear role to play. The opportunity is to:
- educate customers on where vehicles can and should be used
- reinforce safe operation and passenger practices
- match the vehicle to the environment
As usage expands, clear guidance becomes part of the sale.
LSVDA safety resources are available free to download at this LINK. We are also continuing our Safety Saturday social posts, sharing reminders and updates for members, sponsors, and local stakeholders on LinkedIn and Facebook.
Dealer Growth and Profitability
Best Practices: The Productivity Problem No One Talks About:
Why Your Sales Team Is Busy All Day and Still Not Building Market Share
By George Keen, Founding Education Member
Here’s a number that should stop you cold: 63%.
That’s the average percentage of a salesperson’s working hours spent on activities that will never, ever result in a sale. Not because they’re lazy. Not because they don’t care. But because nobody—nobody—ever taught them the difference between being busy and being productive.
If you run a golf car or LSV dealership, your sales team probably looks like this: constant motion, always something going on, phones ringing, customers coming in. And yet, at the end of the month, the numbers don’t tell the story you expected. Deals that should have been won weren’t. Commercial accounts that should be yours went somewhere else. And nobody can quite explain why.
In this month’s High Performance Dealerships, George Keen of Wise Wolf Consulting breaks down the two metrics that actually matter in sales—Deal Visibility Rate and Deal Closure Rate— and explains how most dealerships are only seeing 40–50% of the opportunities in their own territory. More importantly, he gives you a concrete, step-by-step system for changing that: how to build a structured account management plan (A/B/C/D), how to protect your prospecting time so it actually happens, and how to use basic technology to capture leads your competitors don’t even know exist.
If your team is working hard but not capturing the commercial accounts, the resorts, the municipalities, the airports or the industrial facilities, that represent real, repeatable revenue, the complete article is the place to start. Contact George at george@wisewolfconsulting.com
To inquire about joining a Dealer Best Practices Group, click this LINK. You can also email BestPractice@WiseWolfConsulting.com and review the one-page ad toward the end of this newsletter. Take the next step in transforming your dealership’s performance today. You can contact George directly at 508-579-4131.
If you want to sharpen your skills at your own pace, explore a collection of practical, easy-to-read books on dealership management covering critical topics like sales discipline, service absorption, and rental fleet strategy. Visit https://wisewolf-consulting.com/books to learn more. Be sure to choose the “Wise Wolf Special” purchase option for the best price.
The Opportunity that Exists in the Pre-Owned Marketplace
By: Tony Altieri, Vice President of Business Development, National Powersport Auctions (Founding Platinum Sponsor).
Successful golf car dealers drive growth by leveraging data-driven insights to uncover value in every unit. How much untapped potential lies within your pre-owned inventory?
How do we create value and differentiate the product?
Dealers need to develop their strategy around the needs of the customer and the inventory they source. “We look at pre-owned as kind of a big bucket, but there are a number of segments. There are cars that are CPO units, almost brand-new units and more budget-friendly fleet units. These buckets exist, and it’s important for dealers to have a good pulse on their marketplace and their customer,” said Tony Altieri, Vice President of Business Development, National Powersport Auctions.
Pre-owned units are emerging as a clear source of growth. What was once viewed as “used” is now a wide spectrum of offerings, including Certified Pre-Owned units, value-focused inventory, and refurbished fleet vehicles. Each segment serves different customers, requiring a strategic approach to pricing and sourcing.
For dealers, success begins with recognizing these distinctions and aligning product mix with local demand. Residual values have adjusted, supply remains active, and buyers are still in the market, but with more intention.
Access the latest insights from National Powersport Auctions (NPA) in Trends, Values, and Dealer Strategies for 2026 to see how the golf car market-based data empowers smarter buying and pricing decisions.
Where the opportunity lies:
- Align residual values and pricing with current market demand.
- Diversify inventory across CPO, value-focused, and refurbished units.
- Track local demand signals to guide purchasing decisions.
- Invest in reconditioning processes that enhance your vehicle’s resale value.
The bottom line is that dealers who leverage pre-owned market data can gain a competitive edge and position themselves for stronger revenue potential.
Industry Insights
What Dealers are Seeing Right Now
Early responses to LSVDA’s Dealer Confidence Survey suggest the market is still healthy, but dealers are having to work harder for growth. Most dealers are not forecasting a breakout year. They are forecasting a manageable one.
So far, the majority of respondents expect either modest revenue growth over the next 12 months or for business to remain about where it is today. The good news, very few are expecting a sharp decline. That tells us most dealers still see opportunity, but they are staying realistic.
What is holding them back? Two things stand out most:
- consumer demand
- pricing pressure
That fits what many dealers are already feeling. Customers are still interested, but not all demand is converting as easily or as profitably as it did in prior periods.
The OEM mix in the early responses is also worth noting. Club Car leads the current sample, followed by E-Z-GO, with Yamaha, Denago, and Icon also represented. Over time, this should give us a useful read across both legacy and emerging brand channels.
Summary
This does not look like a market in retreat. It looks like a market that is becoming more competitive, more price-sensitive, and more dependent on dealer execution.
That means the opportunity is still there. But it is going to favor the dealers who stay sharp.
Share your perspective here. LINK
We will close this survey in three weeks and publish full 1Q results in the May Newsletter. We will open the survey quarterly to observe and report on trends and use as a component of an annual State of the Industry Report.
History: From Fairways to Main Streets
What began as a niche lifestyle vehicle in resort and retirement communities has quietly become one of America’s fastest-growing local mobility categories.
Over the past 15 years, golf cars, PTVs, and LSVs have moved from the golf course to neighborhood streets, school routes, downtown districts, and mixed-use communities across the country.
The real story is not just vehicle sales. It is municipal adoption, expanding installed base, and growing consumer use for short, practical trips. In short, these vehicles are no longer an exception. They are becoming a recognized part of how people move locally and the market opportunity is still growing.
Read the Full Article in Golf Car Advisor Magazine “From Fairways to Main Streets: How Golf Cars Quietly Became America’s Neighborhood Vehicles”
Market Growth
TRACTION: March Expanded the Circle of Influence
Prepared by Founding Education Member Sea Anchor Group.
February established credibility. March expanded the conversation.
Across the country, dealers participating in the TRACTION framework began widening the circle of people involved in shaping neighborhood mobility.
One lesson became clear quickly: local markets rarely grow through product promotion alone. They grow when dealers engage the broader ecosystem that influences how communities make mobility decisions.
During March, dealers focused on building relationships with planning staff, HOA leaders, transportation committees, and local law enforcement. These conversations helped ensure that golf cars and low-speed vehicles were understood not just as recreational vehicles, but as practical transportation solutions for short local trips.
Another theme was partnership. Dealers who engaged nearby businesses — restaurants, marinas, shopping centers, and service providers — helped demonstrate how neighborhood electric mobility can strengthen local commerce while reducing congestion and emissions.
Safety visibility also played a key role. Dealers who consistently shared safety practices and operational guidance reinforced the credibility built in earlier months.
Finally, many dealers began facilitating conversations between residents, local businesses, and community leaders. These informal coalitions often become the catalyst for future ordinances, resolutions, and infrastructure improvements.
April’s TRACTION posts will focus on turning partnerships into policy progress.
Join LSVDA and be part of the growing network building responsible neighborhood mobility across the country.
LSVDA Note: Follow our LinkedIn and Facebook Pages for weekly Pro Tips on how to grow your local markets. And, look for the full article in Golf Car Options Magazine.
We anticipate producing a “how to” book at the end of the series. If your business would like to sponsor this book reach out to our executive director at michael@lsvda.com .
Execution Is the New Advantage: One More Thought for April
Markets do not reward activity equally. Some dealers are busy. Others are building share. The difference usually is not product alone. It is execution.
As the golf car, commercial utility and low-speed vehicle markets becomes more competitive, professionalism is no longer optional. Customers expect better communication, faster response, stronger service support, and clearer guidance on where and how these vehicles fit into everyday life. Dealers who consistently deliver those things are separating themselves.
That starts with operational readiness.
The strongest operators heading into spring are doing a few things well:
- tightening inventory around what moves. “Don’t fall in love with the scrap iron”.
- making sure sales teams can explain product categories clearly
- preparing service departments for seasonal demand
- following up faster and more consistently
- and treating every lead like it matters
None of this is complicated. But it does require discipline. This is also where dealership value gets built.
Better execution improves gross profit, increases service absorption, strengthens customer retention, and creates a more defensible business over time. In a market where more players are showing up, that matters.
Dealers do not need to be perfect. But they do need to be ready.
Because when weather improves, communities engage, and demand starts to move, customers do not reward the dealer with the best intentions. They reward the dealer who is ready to deliver.
“Momentum is nice. Market share is better.”
Membership and Communications
Platinum Sponsor Spotlight:
Christensen Group Introduces LSV Shield™ Insurance Platform
for LSVDA Members
The Low-Speed Vehicle Dealers Association (LSVDA) is pleased to welcome Christensen Group as a Platinum Sponsors and Insurance Leadership Partner, supporting the introduction of LSV Shield™, a dealer-focused insurance platform developed for the low-speed vehicle and golf car industry.
LSV Shield is being developed by Christensen Group, in conjunction with its underwriting partner, BlueFields Specialty, to address these challenges through a more structured, dealer-centric approach to business insurance, focusing focused on dealership operations, rental fleets (including LSVs), and commercial applications.
As the industry continues to expand into street-legal, fleet, rental, and commercial applications, the complexity of business insurance has increased significantly. Dealers are navigating evolving liability considerations, operational risks, and regulatory requirements across multiple use cases.
LSV Shield was developed to meet those challenges head-on – offering specialized protection that traditional insurance markets have not been able to provide.
Tailored Coverage for How You Operate
The program includes two dedicated coverage tracks:
- Dealership Protection Program – Designed for LSV and golf cart dealers, this solution provides coverage for inventory, dealer plates, premises liability, and day-to-day operations.
- Fleet Operator Coverage – Built for rental fleets and shuttle providers, including auto liability, general liability, inland marine, and rider accident protection.
Beyond Insurance: A Competitive Advantage
This program goes well beyond standard coverage. LSVDA members gain access to:
- Proprietary data analytics to benchmark performance and identify cost-saving opportunities
- Hands-on risk management tools, safety resources, and operational guidance
- Access to experienced legal and risk management resources as part of a broader specialty insurance approach.
Built by Industry Experts
Christensen Group Insurance brings deep expertise in micromobility and product liability, while BlueFields Specialty provides underwriting strength and specialized dealer-focused programs. Together, they deliver a level of insight, advocacy, and protection that is uniquely aligned with the LSV industry.
Available Now
The LSVDA Exclusive Insurance Program is now available to all members. Whether you operate a dealership or rental fleet, this program is designed to protect your business and support your growth. Find our program at this LINK, or email Brandon Schuh at BSchuh@christensengroup.com .
Supplier Sponsor Highlight
Why Stronger Teams Are Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Dealers
In today’s market, many dealers are focused on the visible parts of growth: inventory, sales, service capacity, customer demand, and market expansion. But one of the most important drivers of long-term performance often sits behind the scenes: the strength and stability of the team.
That’s one reason LSVDA is pleased to welcome Daybright Financial as a new Supplier Sponsor.
Daybright brings practical expertise in employee benefits and workforce-related infrastructure, which includes areas that can directly impact employee retention, recruiting, and the overall professionalism of a dealership operation.
As many dealers grow, the challenge is no longer just generating business. It’s building a team that can sustain it.
When employees better understand their benefits, when owners spend less time untangling HR-related confusion, and when businesses operate with more structure, the result is often a stronger and more scalable dealership.
That is where Daybright can add value.
Their work aligns especially well with LSVDA’s Dealer Performance & Profitability pillar, where the focus is not just selling more, but building better businesses.
As the industry matures, dealers who invest in stronger internal operations, including their people, will increasingly separate themselves from the pack.
Welcome to LSVDA, Daybright.
For more information visit Daybright Financial or contact Murat Tokat at (813) 610-1336 or mtokat@usenrollments.com
Platinum Dealer Spotlight:
Execution Wins. Every Time.
In a market that’s getting more competitive by the month, Mikey’s Motors isn’t guessing. They’re executing.
With locations in Murfreesboro, Franklin, and Shelbyville, Tennessee, Mikey’s Motors has built a strong regional presence by combining aggressive marketing, disciplined sales execution, and a clear understanding of how the market is evolving.
Led by Mike Williamson, this multi-location dealership has built a strong regional presence by combining aggressive marketing, disciplined sales execution, and a clear understanding of how the market is evolving.
“We work,” Mike says simply. But behind that simplicity is a highly intentional strategy.
Mikey’s Motors invests heavily in advertising, often outspending competitors by a wide margin. But what separates them isn’t just traffic. It’s conversion.
“If I get a customer in the door, I’m selling a car. They’re not leaving without something that fits their needs.”
That mindset reflects a broader shift happening across the industry. As more players enter the market, visibility alone is no longer enough. Dealers must be able to guide, educate, and close.
Mike and his team focus on understanding how each customer plans to use their vehicle, then matching that use case with the right solution. Increasingly, that includes educating buyers on the realities of on-road use.
“If you’re driving on public roads, even in your neighborhood, you need to think about insurance and compliance. Most customers don’t fully understand that until you walk them through it.”
That consultative approach is becoming essential as LSV adoption grows and regulations tighten. Dealers who lead with clarity and education are building stronger trust and long-term relationships.
At the same time, Mikey’s Motors is investing in the next phase of growth. The focus today is on increasing accessory sales and upgrading facilities to meet rising customer expectations.
“Accessories are a big opportunity right now. And we’re also looking at more modern facilities, even though costs are challenging.”
Looking ahead, Mike sees consolidation as inevitable.
“The bigger, more professional dealers are going to continue to grow. The smaller operators will get absorbed over time.”
For dealers looking to grow, his advice is direct and unapologetic. “Look for opportunities. If you’re sitting still, you’re going backwards.”
A mindset that includes constant movement and constant improvement is what defines Mikey’s Motors. In a changing market, they’re not reacting.
They’re executing. Learn more about Mikey’s Motors and how they’re driving growth in their market at this LINK.
How LSVDA is Working for You
We work every day to strengthen dealer success and elevate supplier-sponsor visibility by delivering measurable, high-value benefits across the entire ecosystem.
For dealers, LSVDA provides thousands of dollars in annual savings through training, compliance tools, recall and policy alerts, promotional opportunities, best-practice programs, and market-growth insights.
For supplier sponsors, LSVDA delivers targeted access to an active and growing dealer community through warm introductions, webinars, content co-branding, advertising discounts, and strategic visibility.
Compelling Reasons Dealers Should Join LSVDA Now.
Here’s the LINK.
- Real, Documented Financial Value – Dealer members receive Thousands in annual savings through trainings, discounts, tools, and marketing programs.
- Policy, Safety & Recall Protection – LSVDA monitors federal, state, and local regulations plus all industry recalls, helping dealers stay compliant, avoid liability, and educate customers with confidence.
- Market Growth Intelligence – Dealers gain access to timely market data, demand trends, and best-practice insights not available anywhere else in the industry.
- Stronger Supplier Relationships – LSVDA creates direct pathways to vetted OEMs and suppliers through warm introductions, webinars, and co-branded opportunities that improve margins and expand product access.
- Professional Development, Best Practices & Operational Excellence – Members receive training, tools, and frameworks to elevate sales, service, financial performance, and team effectiveness.
- A Trusted Voice Representing Dealers – LSVDA advocates for dealer interests in safety standards, mobility policy, and public awareness—ensuring the industry grows responsibly and profitably.
What Would One Good Idea Be Worth This Year?
April is a good reminder that what you don’t know can get expensive. That’s true in taxes. And it’s just as true in this business.
Most dealers don’t lose ground because of one big mistake. It’s usually smaller things:
- A regulation you didn’t hear about early enough.
- A safety issue that could have been avoided.
- A margin leak in sales or service.
- A local opportunity someone else acted on first.
That’s where better information changes outcomes. Because in this industry, sometimes:
- one tip from the newsletter
- one takeaway from a member-only briefing
- one benchmark from a best practices group
…can pay for your membership many times over.
That’s the role LSVDA is built to play. Not more noise. Not more clutter. Just better information, better awareness, and better decisions.
Dealers who stay ahead of policy, safety, and market trends will make better decisions than those forced to react later.
Know more. Miss less. Lead better.
If you’ve been watching from the sidelines, now is a good time to get involved.
Please Welcome Our New Members
Sponsor Members: Nivel, LSV Shield by Christensen Group Insurance
Dealer Members: Eastern Shore Custom Carts, Dave Warren Auto Group, Electric Car Sales and Service,
Personal Support Members: Phenix Miao, Joel Swanson, Daniel Myers,
Events and Education Opportunities
Report from our March 25 Policy and Safety Briefing
LSVDA’s recent Policy & Safety Briefing reinforced two key takeaways: no new federal LSV regulations are expected, but NHTSA is increasing enforcement, particularly around speed compliance and non-compliant imports.
We also shared progress in Florida, where LSVDA helped improve bill language to protect safety and dealer involvement, and in Connecticut, supporting expanded access.
Dealers highlighted real-world challenges and opportunities, including HOA restrictions, inconsistent local rules, and the need for tools to responsibly grow their markets.
As a result, we are sharpening our focus on dealer-driven policy priorities, practical safety guidance, and local market expansion tool.
Be on the look for upcoming briefings on Policy & Safety, Dealer Performance & Profitability, and Market Growth initiatives. These programs are provided for premium dealer subscribers.
Closing Thoughts – Looking Ahead
Spring is opening up real opportunity, but the dealers who win will not do it by accident. They will be the ones who stay informed, execute with discipline, and engage early where growth is happening.
That is exactly where LSVDA can help.
Use the tools. Join the conversation. And if you have been watching from the sidelines, now is the time to get involved.
Join LSVDA now. And remember, premium subscribers get more access to information that can make a difference.
P.S. In next month’s issue, we will share more information on upcoming webinars, briefings, and trade show opportunities so you can mark your calendar and plan to participate.
Warm Regards,
The LSVDA Leadership Team
Know more. Miss less. Lead better. Keep Driving.
