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Diane Steed Honored with 1997 International Freedom of Mobility Award

17 September 1997

Diane Steed Honored with 1997 International Freedom of Mobility Award

    WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 -- Diane Steed, president of the
Coalition for Vehicle Choice, was named the winner of the International
Freedom of Mobility Award today in Washington, D.C. The award, presented
annually since 1978 by the National Automobile Dealers Charitable Foundation,
honors individuals who have contributed significantly to the freedom of every
individual to choose where, when and how to travel.
    "Ms. Steed has been a leading voice for consumers and vehicle users,
promoting the importance of individuals' access to affordable personal
transportation," said journalist John Lynker in nominating her.  "In leading
the Coalition, she works to inform vehicle users about how proposed
legislation and regulations would affect them.  She fights needless, costly
public policies that would raise the price of new vehicles or reduce vehicle
utility so that new cars and trucks no longer serve the business and personal
transportation needs of individual motorists." Lynker is a correspondent for
WTOP Radio/Scripps Howard News Service.
    Robert P. Mallon, chairman of the Foundation, told Ms. Steed, "Your work
within and without our beneficial and dynamic industry is well documented, and
we further commend you for your steadfast support in promulgating the cause
for personal freedom of mobility."
    For the past 15 years, Ms. Steed has played a leading role in promoting
highway safety and preserving "automobility." From 1983 to 1989, Ms. Steed
served as the longest-tenured Administrator of the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration, responsible for regulating the automotive industry and
promoting safe travel on America's roadways.  In 1991, Ms. Steed became
president of the Coalition for Vehicle Choice, representing more than 40,000
organizations and individuals, including automotive, insurance, consumer,
farm, recreation, construction, law enforcement and safety groups, working to
preserve Americans' right to choose safe and affordable transportation.  Ms.
Steed serves on the board of directors of the National Commission Against
Drunk Driving and is the recipient of numerous honors and awards.
    A gift will be made in Ms. Steed's name to a private-sector college or
university of her choice.
    The National Automobile Dealers Charitable Foundation, which is tax-exempt
under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, provides financial
support to organizations and activities involved in emergency medical care,
the private sector of higher education and economic education.
    The National Automobile Dealers Association represents more than 19,500
franchised new-car and -truck dealers holding nearly 40,000 separate
franchises, domestic and import.

SOURCE  National Automobile Dealers Association