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How did the U.S. and global economy perform in 2025 and what are the expectations for 2026 and beyond? Patrick Manzi will provide an update on the state of, and outlook for, the U.S. and global economy with a focus on the key aspects that will influence auto sales going forward. 

The U.S. auto retail industry enters 2026 from a position of historic strength — yet the road ahead demands sharper strategic clarity than ever before. In this data-rich session, Thomas King, President of OEM Solutions at JD Power, unpacks the forces executives need to understand now: the profit implications of shifting powertrain mix as EV tax credits disappear, a surge in lease returns that will reshape inventory and demand planning, and the compounding risks of softening trade equity and rising sub-prime lending.

The numbers tell a story — but the real insight comes from the conversation between them. Following back-to-back keynotes on the global economy and U.S. auto retail outlook, Patrick Manzi and Thomas King reconvene for a moderated discussion that connects the macro forces shaping markets worldwide to the ground-level decisions driving dealership performance and OEM strategy. Moderated by John Casesa, Head of Autos & Mobility Investment Banking at Guggenheim Partners, this session cuts through complexity to deliver the synthesis executives need most: where the global headwinds meet the domestic opportunity, and what that means for the year ahead. 

There are moments in a brand’s story when bold decisions, clear conviction and a return to core strengths define the road ahead. For Nissan, that moment is now — and America is driving it. 

Join Christian Meunier, Chairman of Nissan Americas, for a candid, energizing conversation about one of the industry’s most consequential turnarounds. Christian will unpack the transformation underway — from expanding U.S. manufacturing and launching Nissan’s first hybrid for the U.S. market, to reviving iconic nameplates and strengthening a dealer network built for profitable, sustainable growth.  

This isn’t a corporate update. It’s a straight‑talking look at where Nissan and INFINITI have been, the tough decisions that enabled a course‑correction and the exciting, opportunity-rich road ahead that dealers are helping to write. 

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Washington has never felt closer to the dealership — or more consequential. In this high-stakes panel, John Bozzella, President & CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, and Mike Stanton, President & CEO of NADA, deliver the unvarnished truth about what's really happening in the nation's capital — and what it means for dealers and OEMs navigating one of the most politically charged moments in automotive history. Tariffs, EV policy, emissions mandates, direct sales threats — the regulatory landscape is shifting fast, and the decisions being made right now will reverberate across showrooms for years to come. This is the industry's voice from the front lines of advocacy. And it sets the stage for what's ahead.

Fraud in auto lending is estimated to exceed $10B in 2026. This highlights the need for the entire auto ecosystem to work together and is putting pressure on dealers to act with precision and speed. To develop additional safeguards and strengthen resilience, dealers can implement many strategies that combine traditional tactics with new technologies. This session provides a blueprint for converting risk into resilience, showing dealers how to detect threats earlier and strengthen their defenses without slowing sales or compromising the customer experience.

Steve Rowley, President of Cox Automotive, presents the Automotive Hall of Fame’s 2026 Industry Leader Award to Rick Hendrick, Chairman and CEO of Hendrick Automotive Group and owner of Hendrick Motorsports. In a fireside chat, Hendrick reflects on the honor, his people‑first leadership philosophy, and how his organization consistently delivers exceptional customer service while attracting and retaining top talent. The conversation also highlights the legacy of Hendrick Motorsports, the winningest team in NASCAR Cup Series history, and its impact across the broader Hendrick family of businesses. 

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Join Mark Scheinberg, President of the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association (GNYADA), for an exclusive preview of North America’s first—and largest-attended—auto show. Get an insider’s look at what’s ahead for this year’s New York International Auto Show, including: 

• A two-day press preview packed with major industry announcements, news-making programs, and the debut of dozens of new vehicles. 

• A ten-day public showcase that draws hundreds of thousands of attendees eager to see the newest models, cutting-edge technology, and innovations shaping the future of mobility.  

Plus—all NY Auto Forum attendees receive a complimentary pass to the show’s industry days, giving you direct access to media events, product reveals, and the energy of the show floor. 

Discover the trends, brands, and breakthrough moments that will define this year’s show—and learn why the NYIAS continues to set the benchmark for consumer engagement, media impact, and automotive excitement. 

As dealership consolidation picks up speed Wall Street, private equity and family offices are all accelerating this activity.  What does this mean for the average dealer? This super panel of segment leaders will discuss how this activity is changing the retail dealership landscape. and the OEMs they represent. 

The automotive landscape is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by evolving consumer expectations and technological advancements. Join Andrew Frick, President of Ford Blue and Model e, for a discussion on how Ford is embracing these shifts to drive the vehicles and innovations of tomorrow. He will share insights into Ford's customer-centric vehicle strategy, and how Ford's retail vision will create a seamless customer experience.

Today's new car buyers don't just have preferences. They have expectations — and they won't settle for less. This powerhouse panel will pull back the curtain on the seismic shifts reshaping the dealership experience, revealing what it truly takes to win — and keep — the modern buyer. From AI-driven technologies transforming every touchpoint of the sales journey, to the looming disruption of Chinese automakers eyeing a foothold in the American market, the pressure to adapt has never been higher. What does this mean for both dealers and legacy OEMs as they both try to keep pace with today’s discriminating car buyers?  Don't miss this candid, no-holds-barred conversation about the road ahead.

As the automotive landscape transforms, AI is rapidly reshaping how consumers discover, consider, and ultimately purchase their next vehicle. From the first moment a shopper begins researching, to how dealers engage, nurture, and convert those leads, AI is becoming an invisible but powerful engine behind every interaction.

In this forward-looking session, leaders from CDK, Cars.com, The Trade Desk, and Podium will explore how AI is elevating the car‑shopping journey and redefining dealership marketing Through the lens of real consumer behavior, BDC evolution, and a next‑generation sales floor, we’ll examine:

• How car shoppers are using (and responding to) AI-powered assistants as their first touchpoint with a dealership.

• Where dealers are already seeing measurable impact—including the 67% of AI‑adopting stores using it in their BDC.

• How AI is improving lead quality, dealer responsiveness, and marketing efficiency across channels.

• What the path to purchase looks like when every step—from search to showroom—is enhanced by intelligent automation.

Designed for executives shaping the future of retail automotive, this conversation reveals the real opportunities—and the real expectations—emerging as AI becomes a trusted co‑pilot for both shoppers and dealers.

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The automotive industry is at an inflection point — and how you respond today will define your business tomorrow. In this exclusive, unscripted fireside chat, Lance Woelfer, VP of Automotive Sales at American Honda Motor Co., pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to lead a high-performing OEM in today's rapidly shifting market. Designed for dealers, industry leaders, and automotive professionals navigating an increasingly complex landscape, this conversation goes beyond the headlines to explore what real resilience looks like on the ground — and at scale. If you're serious about turning today's complexity into tomorrow's competitive edge, this is the session you can't afford to miss. Seats are limited. Be in the room. 

As dealership consolidation picks up speed Wall Street, private equity and family offices are all accelerating this activity.  What does this mean for the average dealer? This super panel of segment leaders will discuss how this activity is changing the retail dealership landscape. and the OEMs they represent. 

Duncan Aldred, GM’s Senior Vice President and President, North America, oversees the company’s entire go-to-market strategy, leading sales, service, and marketing across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. He also guides GM’s partnerships with dealers to ensure they have the products, tools, and support to win in every market.

In this session, he’ll share how GM’s multi-year transformation—building innovative vehicles with American leadership—is empowering dealers across Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac to succeed in a rapidly evolving industry.

He’ll explore how GM’s agility, execution, and focus on profitability are driving growth, along with strategies for customer choice, the expansion of software connected vehicles, EV adoption, and navigating a complex regulatory landscape.

Attendees will gain insights into the 2026 industry outlook and how GM and its dealer network are working together to capture new opportunities and win customers.

The morning gave you the industry's perspective. Now hear from the man carrying that fight onto the Senate floor.

A former auto dealer turned U.S. Senator, Bernie Moreno isn't just familiar with the challenges facing your business — he's legislating solutions to them. From eliminating government EV mandates and rolling back EPA overreach, to making car ownership more affordable with auto loan tax deductions and standing firm against foreign competition, Moreno is turning the industry's priorities into policy. This exclusive, unfiltered conversation is your chance to hear directly from one of Washington's most consequential automotive voices — and see how the advocacy you heard this morning is being translated into action on Capitol Hill.

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