James A. Curley, III, owner of Jim Curley Buick GMC in Keyport and Lakewood, recently assumed the chairmanship of the New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers (NJ CAR). He succeeds Michael P. DiFeo (Crown Cadillac and Hudson Auto Group).
Mr. Curley is a second-generation dealer principal and continues the proud family tradition started by his father, James A. Curley Jr, who founded Jim Curley GMC in 1987. He began his auto retailing career in 2007, when he attended the NADA Dealer Academy and began gaining experience in a variety of roles at Lakewood Pontiac Buick GMC. Mr. Curley took over ownership responsibilities from his father in 2018 and purchased a second Buick GMC dealership in Keyport in 2020 after selling off the Kia franchise that was part of the family group from 2009 until 2017.
Mr. Curley was born and raised in Shrewsbury, NJ and graduated from Christian Brothers Academy in 1999 and Villanova University in 2003, with a bachelor’s degree in Finance and Management Information Systems (MIS). Following the attack on September 11, 2001, Mr. Curley was motivated to serve and joined the Marine Corps, serving tours in Operation Enduring Freedom. Having served 5 years and achieving the rank of Captain, he completed his active service in 2007.
“I learned about dedication, faith, service, and commitment to family and country from my parents, particularly my father who served in the Marine Corps in Vietnam,” said Mr. Curley. “My military experience has blessed me with many skills to put together and manage a team that continues to grow the success of our family’s dealerships. I am proud to bring the same dedication as Chairman of NJ CAR, representing New Jersey’s 500+ neighborhood new car and truck dealerships.”
Mr. Curley also serves as Treasurer of the Tri-State Buick GMC Advertising Board and was elected to the Buick GMC National Dealer Council earlier this year.
“The Curley family personifies service to both country and their customers for the past 36 years,” said James B. Appleton, President of NJ CAR. “Jim’s background has more than prepared him to lead the Coalition at an incredibly challenging time as dealers continue facing various obstacles including an inventory shortage that is improving slower than many had hoped, as well as rising interest rates and electric vehicle mandates at both the federal and state level.”
NJ CAR’s 2022-2023 Senior Officers also include: Vice Chairman Eric Nielsen (Dover Dodge Chrysler Jeep, Rockaway), Secretary Ronald E. Baus, Jr. (Spirit Chrysler Dodge Jeep, Swedesboro) and Treasurer Andy Shapiro (Hudson Hyundai Subaru, Jersey City).
About The New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers
The New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers (NJ CAR), founded in 1918, is a non-profit organization serving 500+ franchised car and truck retailers throughout New Jersey. NJ CAR promotes the principles of commercial honor and integrity in the selling, leasing and servicing of motor vehicles. The Coalition keeps its members informed on a variety of business matters, practices, trends, and legislation. NJ CAR also works to ensure all its members are educated to assure regulatory compliance.