North Carolina Dealer Named Dealer of the Year

Brian Pecheles of Pecheles Automotive Group has been recognized as the 2027 Dealer of the Year by TIME.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Buying/Selling

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TIME has named Brian Pecheles of Pecheles Automotive Group the 2027 Dealer of the Year, recognizing his career in the automotive industry. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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TIME has selected North Carolina auto dealer Brian Pecheles as its 2027 Dealer of the Year. He will receive the honor at the upcoming national industry show in February.

Why it matters

The annual award recognizes high-performing auto dealers who demonstrate both business success and excellence in their field. This distinction highlights the significant growth of Pecheles Automotive Group under his long-term leadership.

Brian Pecheles was chosen from a field of 47 dealer nominees nationwide. He has grown his organization from 13 employees when he took the helm in 1983 to more than 200 staff members currently.

The players

Brian Pecheles

President of Pecheles Automotive Group and a veteran of the retail auto industry.

Pecheles Automotive Group

A North Carolina-based dealership network with locations in Greenville, Washington, and New Bern.

National Automobile Dealers Association

The national trade group representing franchised new car and truck dealers.

The details

Pecheles was selected to represent the North Carolina Automobile Dealers Association in the national competition. His career in the business began at age six, and he has served as President and General Manager of Pecheles Automotive Group since 1983, overseeing dealership operations in Greenville, Washington, and New Bern.

Timeline

  1. 1983: Brian Pecheles became President and General Manager.

  2. February 19, 2027: Honoring ceremony to be held at the 110th annual NADA Show.

The Home Front

The recognition of North Carolina dealerships aligns with broader industry trends focusing on long-standing regional dealer networks and their economic contributions. This honor follows the established pattern set by the 110th annual National Automobile Dealers Association Show.

North Carolina residents visiting dealerships in Greenville, Washington, or New Bern may find this distinction relevant when vetting local service providers. Prospective buyers should consider this industry recognition as one factor when evaluating a dealership's reputation for community service and tenure.

The takeaway

This award highlights the long-term stability and growth of regional dealership groups. When choosing an auto dealer, keep this recognition in mind alongside your own personal experience with local service centers and staff availability.

What happens next

Brian Pecheles will be formally honored at the 110th annual National Automobile Dealers Association Show on February 19, 2027.

Further reading

For more on finding reliable local vehicle retailers, visit the Buying/Selling section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by WNCT Channel 9 Greenville/New Bern.

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