Deutsche bank global auto industry conference 2019A unified work is needed from all Sub-Saharan automotive stakeholders, such as governments, to respond to the challenges and realise the possibilities facing regional manufacturers. Charles W. “Charlie” Gilchrist is president of Gilchrist Automotive, which began with SouthWest Ford in 1986 and now encompasses ten person New Car franchise dealerships in the greater Dallas Fort Worth metroplex. He began in the automotive organization as controller of a heavy-truck store, then was general manager of two Ford dealerships, SouthWest Ford and Nichols Ford. Gilchrist is 2018 vice chairman of the National Automobile Dealers Association and represents Northern Texas’s franchised new-automobile dealers on the board of directors. (Term: January 2014-January 2020).

Chris is president and chief executive officer of the American Financial Solutions Association (AFSA), a national, Washington, D.C. primarily based trade association for the consumer credit sector, guarding access to credit and customer option. Founded in 1916, AFSA has 375 members that contain consumer and industrial finance companies and banks involved in auto finance and leasing, mortgage loans, private loans, payment cards, industrial banks and industry suppliers. Though diverse, AFSA’s membership is united by its objective of serving the credit demands of shoppers and companies. Government affairs and advocacy are main association activities. AFSA also focuses on economic literacy and expert development. Before assuming the helm at AFSA in 2006, Chris served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI). Prior to joining MHI in 1998, he was President and Chief … READ MORE >>>