DALLAS – In recognition of automotive industry champions who possess a relentless commitment to their communities, Ally Financial (NYSE: ALLY) and TIME announced Gary Rome, owner of Gary Rome Hyundai in Holyoke, Mass., as the 2023 TIME Dealer of the Year at the 106th National Automotive Dealers Association (NADA) show in Dallas. 

Now in its 54th year, the TIME Dealer of the Year award is one of the auto industry’s most prestigious and highly coveted honors. Rome’s credo of treating both employees and clients like family, and his commitment to embracing new energy-efficient technologies that will move the industry forward helped earn him the top recognition from a field of more than 16,000 franchised dealers across the country. His state-of-the-art Hyundai store is fueled by a solar field that he owns, and he has increased investment in EV infrastructure and inventory, becoming one of the first dealers in the U.S. to deliver an electric vehicle from Hyundai. Rome’s commitment to energy-efficient technologies led to his electric vehicle (EV) sales being up 38% over the last year. 

Doug Timmerman, president of Ally Auto, and Jessica Sibley, CEO of TIME, announced Rome as the winner at a ceremony that honored all 48 nominees. 

“As the auto industry continues to evolve, it is imperative that auto dealers continue to embrace new technologies that will move the industry forward,” said Timmerman. “Year after year, we see these auto dealers go above and beyond for their customers, communities, and employees – and TIME Dealer of the Year nominees are more than deserving of this special recognition.” 

"For over 50 years, TIME has recognized the impact of automotive dealers on their communities with the TIME Dealer of the Year award," said Sibley. "We are proud to continue the legacy of honoring these works of service with our partners at Ally."

The TIME Dealer of the Year is chosen by a panel composed of faculty from the Tauber Institute for Global Operations at the University of Michigan, which selects one finalist from each of the four NADA regions, and, ultimately, a national winner.

In addition to Rome, three other dealers were recognized as 2023 TIME Dealer of the Year finalists:

• Mark Brickey, Sand Mountain Toyota, Albertville, Ala.

• Bruce Daniels, Honda Marysville, Marysville, Ohio

• Tim Hutcherson, Downey Nissan, Downey, Calif.