Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Auto Dealers Association in Silicon Valley
Founded in 1936 as the Santa Clara Motor Car Dealers Association, our organization has evolved into the Silicon Valley Auto Dealers Association (SVADA), serving as a pivotal force in driving the economic growth of Silicon Valley and the Greater Bay Area. With over 8,000 employees and annual advertising expenditures exceeding $60 million, we play a critical role in California's $117 billion automobile goods-and-services economy. Our network spans six counties, supporting 61 franchised dealerships and serving more than 1.7 million residents. As the sole trade association for dealers in the Bay Area and one of only four statewide, we combine deep local expertise with national influence.Our commitment extends beyond business through annual charitable initiatives, including scholarships, safety campaigns, and community partnerships. We maintain transparency in operations while advocating for industry standards and ethical practices. Our leadership team brings decades of automotive experience, ensuring our members receive strategic guidance aligned with evolving market demands. By hosting events like the Silicon Valley Auto Show, we connect consumers with cutting-edge automotive technology. Our dedication to both economic development and community enrichment solidifies our position as a trusted authority in the automotive sector.
Services
Auto Dealerships
Charity Events
Auto Shows
Industry Advocacy
Community Programs
Details
- Year established: 1936
Highlights and features
- Established in 1936 with deep automotive industry expertise
- Represents 61 franchised dealerships across six Bay Area counties
- Manages $60M+ annual advertising investments for member visibility
- Hosts Silicon Valley Auto Show at Santa Clara Convention Center
- Supports local charities through safety campaigns and scholarships
Services
Auto Dealerships
Our member dealerships offer comprehensive automotive sales and service across 17 brands including Acura, Audi, BMW, and Toyota. Each location provides new and pre-owned vehicle inventory with manufacturer-certified technicians. We ensure competitive pricing through collective purchasing power while maintaining individual dealership autonomy.
Silicon Valley Auto Show
Produced annually at the Santa Clara Convention Center, our auto show showcases cutting-edge automotive technology and future mobility solutions. The three-day event features test drives, industry expert panels, and exclusive vehicle unveilings. It serves as both a consumer engagement platform and fundraising mechanism for local charities.
Charitable Programs
We administer multiple community initiatives including automotive education scholarships and child safety seat distribution programs. Our annual golf tournament and gala event raise funds for local nonprofits while promoting traffic safety awareness through partnerships with national organizations like safercar.gov.
People
Mark Maxwell
President
Leading SVADA since 2016, Mark Maxwell brings 25+ years of automotive industry experience. He oversees strategic operations and member services from our San Jose headquarters. His leadership focuses on modernizing dealership practices while maintaining community partnerships.
Questions
How many dealerships belong to SVADA?
We represent 61 franchised dealerships across six Bay Area counties offering 17 automotive brands.
What community programs do you support?
Our initiatives include automotive scholarships, child safety seat donations, and traffic safety campaigns partnered with national organizations.
When is the Silicon Valley Auto Show?
The annual event occurs every January at the Santa Clara Convention Center, with the 2026 show scheduled January 9-11.
