National Press Release

NEW YORK, Feb. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- The Automotive Hall of Fame has awarded Mark Schienberg, president of the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association (GNYADA), its 2009 Distinguished Service Citation.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090218/NY72068 )

As the Automotive Hall of Fame's oldest recognition, initiated in 1940, the Distinguished Service Citation recognizes an individual, either currently employed or recently retired, who has made significant contributions to the motor vehicle industry or their respective organization.

The Automotive Hall of Fame, located in Dearborn, Michigan, is the only industry-wide means to honor the men and women of the global motor vehicle and related industries. It is dedicated to preserving the history of mobility by celebrating the creativity, toil and genius of the individual. The Automotive Hall of Fame is both a visitor attraction and an educational resource for inspiring others to higher levels of achievement in their own work and lives.

Schienberg joins the ranks of notable auto industry leaders including James E. Press, Thomas W. LaSorda, Bob Lutz, and Roger S. Penske, who have all been awarded the Hall of Fame's Distinguished Service Citation. Schienberg has been running the 98-year-old automotive trade organization, GNYADA, since 1986. He is a leader with vision, passion, and compassion for the industry he serves as well as the communities in which his members live and work.

Under his guidance, GNYADA has grown to become one of the most important and influential trade associations in the country, representing 650 franchised new car dealers. Most recently, through Schienberg's direction, GNYADA conceived and built the $28 million Center for Automotive Education & Training in New York City. The 90,000 square foot facility is the first-of-its-kind and has been lauded by educators, dealers, automakers and legislators alike.

In addition to his passion for education and the 650 franchised new car dealerships that make up the Association, Schienberg also runs the New York International Automobile Show. When he took over the now 108-year-old Show it had become a regional event that was managed by an outside entity. At that time the Show attracted many local visitors but received little national or international attention. Today, the Show is one of the most important automotive marketing events in the world. Not only does it attract media from every corner of the globe, it's the largest-attended auto show in the country.

For more information about the Automotive Hall of Fame, visit www.automotivehalloffame.org. For more information about the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association, visit www.gnyada.com.

SOURCE Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association