Shelby American President to Keynote at National Automotive Technology Competition Awards Ceremony

NEW YORK, March 21, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Shelby American President John Luft will deliver the keynote address at the National Automotive Technology Competition Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, April 3 in the Special Events Hall at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center at 1 p.m.  Luft will join the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association's (GNYADA) president Mark Schienberg and Rallye Motors VP & General Manager Nick Toomey to honor students from all over the country who have competed in the finals. Toomey is a GNYADA Board Member and 2013 Time Magazine Dealer of the Year Award winner.

The Competition is a two day event that takes place during the New York International Automobile Show that brings together the Country's best and brightest high school automotive students to test their skill, measure their knowledge, and challenge their ability to diagnose and repair vehicles. It has been designed to reflect the real world dealership environment, reflecting the knowledge and skills that young people need for success in today's technologically advanced automotive industry. This year more than $3 million in prizes and scholarships will be awarded to participating students and schools thanks to the generous support of almost every major automaker, industry suppliers, local dealerships, and dealers associations.

John Luft, president of Shelby American, is responsible for day-to-day management and operations of the illustrious 50-year old sports car company. He directs the company's sales, marketing, production and financial divisions. Luft will also unveil the latest Shelby vehicles at the New York International Automobile Show while he is in town.

Luft joined Shelby American in 2009 and Carroll Shelby Licensing in 2000 after serving two years at SkyNet Holdings, Inc. as Sr. Vice President of Global Marketing, Sales and Business Development in the new media and online markets. Previously, he spent thirteen years with the Hilton Hotels Corporation; he served as Director of Global and Strategic Partnership & Product Development. Before that, Luft worked for the Walt Disney Company as Director of Resorts/Attractions Marketing.  He is a graduate of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, and holds a bachelors degree in Marketing and Speech Communications.

The National Automotive Technology Awards Luncheon takes place at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City on April 3rd at 1:00 pm at the conclusion of the competition.  The luncheon will include about 350 guests made up of the competing high school students, parents, teachers, and auto dealer association members from across the country; as well as representatives from every major automotive manufacturer and educational institution.

www.NationalAutoTech.com

SOURCE New York International Automobile Show