At the 2022 annual National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers (NAMAD) membership meeting, NADA Executive Vice President, Legal and Regulatory Affairs and General Counsel Andy Koblenz was one of four automotive industry leaders recognized with the organizations’ prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.
The award, which recognizes a lifetime of significant contributions to the automotive industry and to the spirit of diversity and inclusion, was given to Koblenz during the organization’s 42nd annual membership meeting held in Miami from Oct. 5-8, 2022. Award recipients are decided by the NAMAD Board of Directors.
“The contributions Andy has made and continues to make to and for this industry go without saying,” said Damon Lester, president of NAMAD and dealer principal of Nissan of Bowie in Bowie, Md. “Andy deserves this award many times over and needs to be recognized for his effort, dedication and commitment to protecting the dealer franchise model. Andy has assisted NAMAD throughout the years, ensuring our voice is heard regarding specific issues that affect minority owned dealerships.”
Koblenz began his time with NADA in 1999 as NADA's executive director and special counsel for Industry Affairs, representing the interests of franchised auto dealers in policy and operations with vehicle manufacturers. Koblenz also served as vice president of Industry Affairs before moving to the Legal and Regulatory Affairs department in 2006.
Before joining NADA, Koblenz served for five years as a senior attorney with the American Automobile Manufacturers Association, where he advised the association on a variety of issue areas including sales, credit, leasing, and finance law, product safety and liability, intellectual property, and benefits and taxation.
During Koblenz’s nearly three decades in the automotive industry, he has worked on behalf of the dealer body on a myriad of issues ranging from the evolution of the automobile distribution model, defense of the franchise system and the advent of electric vehicles and autonomous vehicles, just to name a few. Koblenz has also championed relationship building between NADA and key external constituencies including, notably, the vehicle finance and Wall Street analyst communities and, moreover, has played a crucial role in advancing NADA’s ongoing commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
Congrats to Andy Koblenz on being honored with this esteemed award!
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