DALLAS — Dealers and top executives gathered here Thursday for the Automotive News Retail Forum ahead of the 2023 NADA Show. The discussions focused on solutions to the industry’s pressing issues such as the new EV tax credits and FTC regulations.

We also celebrated our 40 Under 40 honorees.

Damon Lester, owner of Lester Automotive Group LLC, talks with Automotive News Retail Team Leader Amy Wilson about the state of minority dealers. 

Michelle Primm, left, dealer principal at Audi Cuyahoga Falls in Ohio, and Buddy Dearman, the national industry leader for dealerships at accounting and advisory firm Forvis, join Automotive News Editorial Director Jamie Butters for a discussion on electric vehicles and EV tax credits.

Brandon Kamigaki, manager of auto retail product management at Servco Pacific Inc.

Automotive News video reporter and anchor Laura Harris interviews Michelle Primm, dealer principal of Audi Cuyahoga Falls, after the panel discussion on EV tax credits.

Group shot of the Automotive News 40 Under 40 honorees at Retail Forum.

Automotive News news editor Dan Shine, right, introduces the panel discussing pending FTC regulations on dealership advertising and F&I practices. From left to right: Jean Noonan, partner, Hudson Cook Law Firm; Cindy Merry, finance director of Continental Auto Group; and Sam D’Arc, COO of Zeigler Auto Group.

Automotive News 40 Under 40 Ashley Cavazos, director of digital performance for Walser Automotive Group, gets a hug as the honorees are celebrated.

Daryl Kenningham, CEO Group 1 Automotive Inc., talks with Executive Editor Jamie Butters during a keynote chat.

Larry Van Tuyl, CEO of Van Tuyl Companies, talks about how the dealership business has changed over the years and how his company plans to grow.