David Wright, president of Dave Wright Nissan Subaru in Hiawatha, Iowa, takes home the 57th annual award recognizing 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, has been named the 2026 TIME Dealer of the Year at the 109th National Automotive Dealers Association (NADA) Show. In its 57th year, the award is widely regarded as one of the auto industry’s highest honors. 

Wright was chosen for his exceptional leadership in the automotive industry and his enduring commitment to community service. He has cultivated a culture focused on people and community impact, and Automotive News has recognized his dealership as a Best Dealerships to Work For 12 times. This makes it the only dealership in Iowa and one of just three nationwide to earn this distinction. 

Outside of 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. With annual contributions exceeding $50,000 and ongoing program sponsorships, he helps support children, educators, and seniors across the region.

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

“At TIME, we’re 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’re 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 the 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, underscoring its ongoing commitment to automotive excellence and its position as an industry-leading auto finance business.    

A panel made up of faculty from the University of Michigan’s Tauber Institute for Global Operations selects TIME Dealer of the Year finalists from each of the four NADA regions. From those four finalists, the judges then choose the national winner, who is 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.

To honor this service, TIME and Ally have established an annual scholarship at the school named for TIME, Ally, NADA, and the Dealer of the Year nominees.

Along with 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 consecutive year, Ally will provide grants to eligible 501(c)(3) charitable organizations selected by the nominees, finalists, and winner. Ally has made donations connected to 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 donate $1,000 to a charity chosen by each of the 47 nominees.

For additional information on the nominees, finalists, and winner, please visit: .

###