MIAMI BEACH, Calif. -

Cox Automotive and the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers presented its Innovation Award to a Texas dealer principal during its awards dinner at the 2015 NAMAD Conference on Thursday.                                                     

Cox Automotive’s vice president of customer and industry marketing, Kevin Filan, presented the second annual Innovation Award to Carlos Liriano, the dealer principal at Lost Pines Toyota in Bastrop, Texas.

The award is given to industry leaders chosen for positive impacts on their organizations and the industry. Liriano was chosen for his leadership contributions in environmental and energy efficient design and operations.

“I am deeply inspired by Bastrop’s commitment to the environment and preservation, and I believe that a facility that embodies a community’s core values has the potential to touch thousands of lives,” Liriano said. “It was this idea that led us to design and build Lost Pines Toyota with a focus on environmental and energy efficiency standards, ensuring that the impression we leave is a positive, lasting one.

“This is a huge undertaking that wouldn’t be possible without my tremendous team that is equally as committed to seeking new ways to decrease its environmental footprint and reflect positively on our community in Bastrop County.”

Liriano has maintained a sharp focus on green energy practices since opening the dealership in 2012. Lost Pines Toyota is the only Gold LEED Certified dealer serving the Austin, Texas market. Through Liriano’s guidance, the dealership has aimed at operating as cleanly as possible, even cutting down paper consumption by two-thirds by utilizing digital technology.

“Dealerships play an immeasurable role in their communities, and it is heartening to see how Carlos and his staff have built a strong foundation and successful business that embodies the ideals of their local community,” Filan said. “So to Carlos, we say thank you for being an inspirational example of how thoughtful innovation can have a lasting impact.”

For more information on NAMAD, visit its site here.