Honda's John Mendel to Serve as Keynote Speaker at AIADA's 41st Annual Meeting and Luncheon

International Auto Dealers Will Gather in San Francisco

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American International Automobile Dealers Association (AIADA) announced today that John Mendel, executive vice president, automobile sales at American Honda Motor Co., will provide the keynote address at AIADA's 41st Annual Meeting and Luncheon on February 7, 2011 in San Francisco, Calif. This year's meeting will center on the theme "In the Driver's Seat" as international nameplate dealers and industry insiders look to what lies ahead for the U.S. international auto retail industry.

"For years, Honda has been on the cutting edge of the auto industry, consistently creating top-quality, fuel efficient vehicles that Americans love to drive," said AIADA President Cody Lusk. "As an executive 'In the Driver's Seat,' John has helped steer Honda to its current position in the U.S. auto market, and will provide an important perspective to dealers and industry leaders looking to understand what the coming months and years will hold for our industry."

Mendel joined American Honda in December of 2004 and was promoted to executive vice president in 2007. In his current role as executive vice president of automobile sales, Mendel is responsible for U.S. sales activities of the Honda and Acura Automobile Sales Divisions, as well as their market representation, customer marketing, dealer business management, and product and sales information. He also oversees the Acura Parts and Service field operations. Mendel began his career with Ford Motor Company in 1976, where he held numerous sales and marketing positions. Before joining Honda, he served as executive vice president and chief operating officer for Mazda North American Operations.

In addition to Mendel's remarks, AIADA's 41st Annual Meeting and Luncheon will include the presentation of the David F. Mungenast Lifetime Achievement Award and the passing of AIADA's chairman's gavel from current AIADA chairman Rick DeSilva of New Jersey to Chairman Elect Jim Smail of Pennsylvania.

Registration for the meeting is available online at www.AIADA.org or call 1-800-GO-AIADA.

About AIADA: AIADA represents America's 10,000 international automobile franchises that sell the following brands: Acura, Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Ferrari, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Maserati, Maybach, Mazda, Mercedes, MINI, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Rolls Royce, Saab, Scion, Smart, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo.

SOURCE American International Automobile Dealers Association