On April 13–14 2026, automotive leaders from across the industry convened at the Future of Automotive Retail (FAR) Summit 2026 around a shared theme: an AI-driven future that stays firmly people-focused.
From evolving AI capabilities to the future of EVs and data-driven decision-making, FAR 2026 delivered timely, candid conversations about where automotive retail is headed—and what it will take to succeed.
AI Built Around People
This year’s summit focused on AI and customer experience, with an emphasis on how technology should enable—not replace—human connection. Across general sessions, panels, and breakout discussions, speakers challenged attendees to think beyond tools and platforms and instead focus on outcomes: better decisions, stronger relationships, and more consistent experiences across the customer journey.
Key themes included:
- Practical applications of AI in automotive retail, from operational efficiency to personalized engagement
- Data-driven insights as a cultural driver, shaping how organizations align teams and execute strategy
- The evolving EV landscape, including regulatory complexity, infrastructure challenges, and customer education
- What the future holds for autonomous technology, and how retailers can prepare today
The takeaway was clear: AI is most powerful when paired with clear intent, strong governance, and a focus on the people it serves—customers, dealers, and OEMs.
Industry Voices Shaping Automotive
FAR 2026 featured a diverse lineup of industry leaders who brought practical insight, operator perspective and forward-looking thinking to the conversation.
- Gerard Brossard, CEO, Denison Consulting
- Steven Douglas, Founder, Douglas Environmental Advisors
- Brian Finkelmeyer, Senior Director of Enterprise Insights & Advisory, Cox Automotive
- Steve Greenfield, General Partner, Automotive Ventures
- Steve Lindsey, Dealer Prinicpal, Lindsay Automotive; president, ZipDeal
- Ryan Maher, CEO, BizzyCar
- Chris Nihan, CEO and co-founder, EVready Energy
- Justin Silver, COO and co-founder, CheckMy Driver by Modives
- Kevin Tynan, Director of Research, The Presidio Group
- Jack Hollis, Managing Partner, Accrual Equity Partners
Together, these perspectives grounded discussions around AI, customer experience, EVs and data-driven strategy in real-world execution.
Continuing Conversations Beyond the Stage
As always, FAR is as much about connection as it is content. Attendees took advantage of networking and social opportunities to build relationships, share challenges, and exchange ideas with peers and partners from across the industry.
Those conversations—often happening between sessions or over shared experiences—were a powerful reminder that progress accelerates when people come together with a shared purpose.
Looking Ahead
The future of automotive retail is being shaped right now. FAR 2026 underscored the importance of balancing innovation with empathy, automation with accountability, and speed with strategy.
At Maritz, we’re proud to partner with OEMs, industry partners and dealers turn insight into impact.
Turn Action to Insight with Maritz’s Automotive Solutions
Learn more about our Automotive Solutions and how we help OEM programs, EV initiatives, and dealership networks perform better with data-driven strategy and a human-centered approach.
