A. Andrew Shapiro, dealer principal and co-owner of Hudson Auto Group, has taken over as chairman of the New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers (NJ CAR). He replaces Ron Baus, Jr., who served as chairperson in 2025.
Shapiro began his career in auto retail more than three decades ago at United Auto Group. In 2006, he became an owner of Hudson Auto Group and also co-founded Casesa Shapiro Group LLC, an advisory firm focused on the auto industry. He managed this firm until 2009. Between 2000 and 2006, Shapiro was president of DiFeo Auto Group, which was a subsidiary of United Auto Group—later known as Penske Automotive Group—where he oversaw 11 new car franchises in the New Jersey and New York region.
“The auto retail industry is critical to New Jersey, which is why it is important the industry works collaboratively with state regulatory agencies to ensure consumers have the best car-buying and ownership experience possible,” said Shapiro. “I hope to continue the excellent work of immediate past chairman Ron Baus, and his predecessors, to advocate for the franchised dealers that are the bedrock of hundreds of communities in which we operate. In 2026, we will work to ensure the best possible environment for manufacturers, customers, dealers, and their 37,000 employees throughout New Jersey.”
Shapiro currently serves on the Board of Directors for Wholesale Auto Supply Company (WASCO), a cooperative made up of auto dealers from New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut. He is also on the board for Answer the Call, a nonprofit organization based in New York that supports families of fallen first responders.
“Andy is one of the most dedicated dealers I’ve met and his commitment to the industry, and his customers, will serve him well as NJ CAR chairman,” said Laura Perrotta, president of NJ CAR. “Andy represents another notable example of what franchised dealers mean to their communities. The Coalition will continue to be in good hands under his leadership.”
The other senior officers for NJ CAR in 2026 include Vice Chairman Ed Barlow III from Barlow Chevrolet; Secretary Michael DeSilva from Liberty Kia; and Treasurer David Kull from Burns Honda.
