TIME and Ally Financial Name 2026 Dealer of the Year

David Wright, president of Dave Wright Nissan Subaru in Hiawatha, Iowa, wins 57th annual award that recognizes industry accomplishments and community service at the 109th National Automotive Dealers Association Show

LAS VEGAS, Feb. 5, 2026 –  David Wright, president of Dave Wright Nissan Subaru in Hiawatha, Iowa, was named the 2026 TIME Dealer of the Year at the 109th National Automotive Dealers Association (NADA) Show. Now in its 57th year, the award is recognized as one of the auto industry’s highest honors. 

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Wright was selected for his remarkable leadership in the automotive industry and his longstanding dedication to community service. He has fostered a culture built around people and community impact and has been recognized by Automotive News as a Best Dealerships to Work For 12 times. This achievement makes it the only dealership in Iowa and one of just three nationwide to receive this honor. 

Beyond business operations, Wright continues to support organizations including Goodwill of the Heartland, To The Rescue, the Boys and Girls Club of the Corridor, Heritage Area Agency on Aging, and the Iowa Giving Crew. Through annual contributions exceeding $50,000 and ongoing program sponsorships, Wright helps support children, educators, and seniors across the region.

Jessica Sibley, CEO of TIME, and Doug Timmerman, Ally’s President of Dealer Financial Services, announced Wright as the winner at a ceremony in Las Vegas that honored all 47 nominees. Wright was chosen from a field of more than 20,000 franchised dealers across the country.

“At TIME, we are proud to recognize automotive dealers who demonstrate excellence, leadership, and a deep commitment to service through the TIME Dealer of the Year award,” said Sibley. “This award celebrates those whose work strengthens their communities and sets a standard for the industry, and we are thrilled to continue this legacy in partnership with Ally.”

“Dave and all of the TIME Dealer of the Year nominees stand out for their industry excellence, investing in the communities they serve and teams they lead,” said Timmerman. “The TIME Dealer of the Year award honors dealers who build lasting success by strengthening communities, and through his leadership and dedication to his team, Dave truly embodies these values.” 

This milestone also marks Ally’s 15th year as the exclusive sponsor, reflecting its ongoing commitment to automotive excellence and its position as an industry-leading auto finance business.    

A panel composed of faculty from the Tauber Institute for Global Operations at the University of Michigan chooses TIME Dealer of the Year finalists from each of the four NADA regions. From those four finalists, the judges then select the national winner, who will be named the 2026 TIME Dealer of the Year. The judges’ professionalism, integrity, and high standards combine to make the TIME Dealer of the Year the most respected award in the industry.

In appreciation of this service, TIME and Ally have established an annual scholarship at the school in the name of TIME, Ally, NADA and the Dealer of the Year nominees.

In addition to Wright, the 2026 TIME Dealer of the Year finalists include:

• Jamie Cobb, Buick GMC, North Little Rock, Ark.
• Mario Hernandez, Teton Toyota, Idaho Falls, Idaho
• David Kull, Burns Honda, Marlton, N.J.
• Bert Lindsay, Lindsay Honda, Columbus, Ohio

As the exclusive sponsor of the TIME Dealer of the Year program for the 15th year in a row, Ally will provide grants to eligible 501c3 charitable organizations selected by the nominees, finalists, and winner. Ally has made donations in connection with the program, totaling nearly $1 million. This year, Ally will give $10,000 to the charity of Wright’s choice and $5,000 to a nonprofit organization selected by each of the finalists. In recognition of their achievements, Ally also will give $1,000 to a charity selected by each of the 47 nominees.

For more information on the nominees, finalists, and winner, please visit: https://www.ally.com/go/allydealerheroes/nominees.

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