Noticias – Page 8 – Latino Traffic Report

Hispanic Motor Press Announces Autos del Año

Noticias Comments Off

Nov 282016

Latino Traffic Report has learned that the Hispanic Motor Press recently announced the winners of the 2017 Autos del Año – the Hispanic Motor Press Awards. With approximately 250 different car models to choose from and on average 40 totally new models every year, selecting the best is not an easy task. This year’s panel of content influencers/journalists drives and evaluates new cars throughout the year to evaluate the attributes best suited for the Hispanic consumer.

“We are excited that The Hispanic Motor Press Awards is widely recognized by the automobile industry with multiple brands using the awards on their advertising and marketing campaigns,” said Ricardo Rodriguez-Long, founder of Hispanic Motor Press and continued: “Our independence from specific media outlets and voluntary submissions by car manufactures give our jury members and expert voices in their fields the ability to choose vehicles that better serve the needs, lifestyles, and tastes of U.S. Hispanic consumers.”

2017 Honda Civic Hatchback Compact Auto del Año

This year’s winners include:

Sub-compact Mitsubishi Mirage G4

Compact Honda Civic Hatchback

Mid-Size Sedan Alfa Romeo Giulia

Large Sedan KIA Cadenza

Compact Cross-Over BMW X1

Mid-Size Cross-Over Nissan Murano

Large Cross-Over Hyundai Santa Fe

2017 Nissan Titan Full-Size Pickup del Año

EV Vehicle Chevrolet Bolt

Sport utility Vehicle Mazda CX9

Pick-Up Medium Size Chevrolet Colorado

Pick-up Full Size Nissan Titan

Minivan Chrysler Pacifica

Sports Car Ford Mustang

American Muscle Chevrolet Camaro 50Th Anniversary

Adventure 4×4 JEEP Wrangler 75th Anniversary

For more information on the The Hispanic Motor Press Awards see www.hispanicmotorpressawards.com.

Young Mexicano Wins Nissan Racing Camp

Noticias Comments Off

Nov 072016

Johnny Guindi Hamui from Mexico realized his motorsport dreams today as he was crowned the 2016 Nissan PlayStation® GT Academy International champion at Silverstone Circuit.

Johnny Guindi Hamui celebrates with teammates from Mexico after becoming the 2016 Nissan PlayStation GT Academy International champion.

Johnny Guindi Hamui from Mexico realized his motorsport dreams recently as he was crowned the 2016 Nissan PlayStation GT Academy International champion at Silverstone Circuit.

The 22-year-old triumphed above 35 other elite Gran Turismo gamers from around the world, winning a place on the comprehensive Nissan Driver Development Program and a race seat in the 2017 Hankook 24 Hours of Dubai race, alongside 2011 GT Academy winner Jann Mardenborough.

The decision came after an epic eight-day Race Camp in the UK, with Hamui chosen as the winner due to his consistent pace and adaptability throughout the week, as well as a willingness to listen and take on all the advice given to him throughout Race Camp.

In a new format for 2016, Race Camp came to an end with a 16-lap endurance race around Silverstone International Circuit, with two competitors from each territory taking part in the final race. In previous years, mentors have selected just one competitor to contest the race, but this new format gave a more in-depth look at how a larger range of competitors perform on the big occasion.

When the race got underway, Mexico initially made a quick getaway and led into the first corner. However, they were hauled in by the quick starting Mohamed Wally from North Africa who took the lead and built a gap in his eleven-lap stint. Mexico pitted early, changing Enrique Manjarrez for Hamui, who within two laps had set the fastest lap of the race.

When North Africa eventually stopped, Hamui had narrowed the gap completely and the pair went into the first corner side-by-side after North Africa emerged from the pits. Hamui then went on to take and consolidate the lead before seeing the checkered flag.

“I can’t believe it,” said Hamui. “What I’ve just achieved is going to take a while to sink in! It’s been an unbelievable experience with some seriously tough competitors, and I’ve had the best time of my life. In the race I was just so concentrated on doing a good job that my eleven laps in the car flew by … I can’t describe the feeling when Jann read out my name as the winner.”

Hamui’s journey with Nissan will begin almost immediately, as he takes to the track for a national event at Brands Hatch this weekend with Nissan’s RJN Motorsport team. RJN Motorsport, who run Nissan’s participation in the Blancpain Sprint and Endurance Series throughout Europe, will also be the team that Hamui will race for in Dubai in the Nissan 370Z GT4 NISMO.

“The final race was just phenomenal,” said Mike Carcamo, director, Nissan Motorsport. “Hats off to all the teams who did a great job with the new format with the two drivers. It made for a really exciting race. Johnny did a great job in his second stint, having to come from behind and also overtaking guys and pushing hard. This was a real-life racing scenario and another great year for GT Academy!”

Hamui earned his place at Race Camp from the hundreds of thousands of Gran Turismo gamers that entered the competition across the world.

Having won through the Mexico National Final, he arrived at Silverstone as one of six to represent Mexico, alongside 35 International competitors overall, split into six territory groups. Each group formed a close bond with their territory judge who acted as a mentor, but then had to make the difficult decisions when it came to eliminations from the competition.

The on-track action got underway last Wednesday with six finalists from Australia, Indonesia, Mexico, North Africa, Philippines and Thailand. Throughout their week at International Race Camp, a series of both racing and physical challenges whittled them down to twelve that took part in the final race.

Best Moments at Miami International Auto Show

Noticias Comments Off

Sep 152016

What better location is there for revealing a new vehicle than a parking garage? Set against the backdrop of the Miami skyline, the 2017 Rogue made its worldwide debut atop just such a location. Nissan took this opportunity last week at the forty-sixth annual Miami International Auto Show press preview, where the 2017 Sentra SR Turbo was also revealed.

Introduced by Executive Vice President Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. and Chairman, Nissan North America, Inc., José Muñoz (pictured above), the all-new Rogue competes in the compact SUV segment and now reflects Nissan’s design DNA as well as a more upscale interior. New convenience features on the Rogue include an available Motion-Activated Liftgate, the available Nissan Safety Shield technologies, and the first-ever Rogue Hybrid.

2017 Sentra SR Turbo

Hecho en México, the newest Sentra in the lineup brings a sporty option to a segment that tends to lack appeal beyond the price and fuel efficiency. Powered by a 1.6-liter Direct Injection Gasoline turbocharged engine, both the SR manual and Xtronic versions will have the same starting price, under $22,000 and the ability to upgrade. The SR will also offer important safety features, like a blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert, even on the six-speed manual version, unlike the Sentra base model, also a six-speed manual, which is sold practically as-is.

Both models should appeal to Latino car buyers who will be integral to their success.

“Nissan is one of the top automotive brands with Hispanic buyers and multicultural buyers in general, fueling Nissan’s current strong sales growth nationwide,” said Muñoz. “Sales to the Hispanic community represent a full 21 percent of Nissan’s total sales, well above the industry average.”

#PinkBeetle

Other interesting reveals included the #PinkBeetle, Volkswagen’s special edition of the 2017 Beetle, offered in a hardtop or convertible version, that will also serve as a fundraiser for breast cancer awareness. As the name implies, its exterior paint is a translucent pink or Fresh Fuchsia Metallic. The Pink Agenda will auction the first model for FAB-U-WISH, a non-profit initiated by breast cancer survivor Giuliana Rancic. Bidding takes place online at Charitybuzz.com/vwpinkbeetle through September 22, 2016.

Genesis G90

Hyundai’s new luxury brand, Genesis, launched one its first models, the G90, last month. The G90 also received the Best Luxury Sedan Award at the auto show from Ruedas ESPN. Only the second luxury brand to launch this century, Genesis will continue to do what Hyundai does best, offer more equipment and services than its competitors. Most impressive is the suite of safety features that come standard on the G90 but that still remain options on brands like Audi, BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz, namely a blind spot monitor, lane keep assist, and a multi-view camera.

Finally, the Southern Automotive Media Association (SAMA) ended the day with its award ceremony, naming the 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio (left) premium midsize sedan the Star of the Show.

Hyundai Resigns Sordo to WRC Racing

Noticias Comments Off

Sep 022016

Latino Traffic Report has learned that Hyundai Motorsport has signed a two-year extension to its agreement with Dani Sordo (pictured above, right), which will see the Spaniard remain with the team until the end of 2018. The announcement was made just one day after scoring his first podium of 2016 in a second-place finish at the rally in Germany.

Along with his co-driver Marc Martí, Sordo has played a vital role in establishing the team in the competitive world of WRC since the first rally back at Monte-Carlo 2014.

The Spanish crew contributed to the team’s historic 1-2 in Rallye Deutschland two years ago, while adding a further podium in Rally Spain in 2015. The pair have been regularly among the quickest in the field this season and secured their first podium of the season, finishing Rallye Deutschland in second place, equaling their best result for the team.

l to r: Martí and Sordo

Team principal Michel Nandan commented: “We are delighted to continue our relationship with Dani as we look to build further on our inaugural years in the WRC. Since we joined the Championship back in 2014, Dani has been an essential member of our team. He is motivated and consistent, helping us to develop both on and off rallies. We have shared many happy memories together, including their excellent result at the weekend. We can now look forward to even more positive progress in the future.”

Sordo added: “Hyundai Motorsport has become like a family to me, so I am pleased to extend my contract for two more seasons. I have had the pleasure of seeing and helping this young team grow into real contenders in just a few years and I am really excited to see where we can develop into the future, especially with the new regulations. My aim is to fight for WRC wins and podiums on a regular basis, and I know that is a realistic goal with this team. We’ve had our most successful season to date in 2016 but I know that there is so much more to come this season – and beyond.”

Sordo is not waiting until next season for his next big result. With Tour de Corse next up on the 2016 calendar—and his home rally in Spain two weeks later—he is definitely looking to continue his strong form.

“We’ve had our most successful season to date in 2016,” he adds, “but I know there is so much more to come in the final rallies of the year.”

MINI Defy Labels Campaign Features Olympian Balderas

Noticias Comments Off

Aug 182016

carlos_balderas_usa_boxing_1024x576-228-780x439

Latino Traffic Report has learned that lightweight boxer Carlos Balderas Jr. of Santa Maria, California, is one of several athletes featured in MINI USA’s “Defy Labels” campaign that debuted during the 2016 Rio Olympics.

The star-studded campaign launched earlier this year but the television spot featuring Olympians launched August 1 on the official MINI USA YouTube channel, focusing on athletes and the labels they’ve overcome to become what they are today.

“We specifically selected these remarkable athletes because they are different. Their stories are not what you would expect,” explained Tom Noble, department head, MINI Brand Communications. “In the end, it’s not about the labels people give you, it’s about who you are and what you overcome. It’s about being an individual and creating your own path, something we as a brand know a lot about. These Olympians and their stories offer important lessons that reveal the power of the human spirit to surprise and inspire.”

In addition to the spot itself, the campaign also includes a series of eight unscripted interviews telling honest and revealing stories about how some of the country’s most elite athletes rose from extraordinary circumstances to achieve success in their fields. The videos were launched on July 21st on MINIUSA.com/DefyLabels. They star Balderas, Serena Williams, boxer Claressa Shields, fencer IIbtihaj Muhammad, volleyball player Jake Gibb, rugby player Carlin Isles, weight-lifter Morgan King and swimmer Cullen Jones.

USA Boxing has not recorded a lightweight medal win at the Olympics since the 1996 Atlanta Games. Balderas was well on his way to a medal after winning the first two preliminary rounds. On August 12, he faced Lazaro Alvarez of Cuba in a quarterfinals bout. After three rounds, the top-seeded Alvarez won by unanimous decision, ending the American boxer’s Olympic medal bid.

“I’ll be supporting my teammates like they’ve been supporting me, and we’ll be out there until the last day,” he told Chris Kudialis of The Tribune.

Ford Fund Donates $400,000 to LULAC

Noticias Comments Off

Jul 292016

Latino Traffic Report has learned that the Ford Motor Company Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, named the recipients of the Ford Driving Dreams (FDD) Grants at the 87^th Annual LULAC Convention in Washington, DC. A total of $400,000 in scholarships and grants will be awarded to 10 Councils and LULAC National Educational Service Centers, Inc. (LNESC) to support programs that encourage Latino students to graduate from high school, and provide resources to help them pursue a higher education. Ten Councils will receive $180,000 in FDD Grants to implement dropout prevention programs. Through LNESC, $220,000 in scholarships have been awarded to Hispanic students in San Antonio, Houston, and Puerto Rico.

Honorees from 2015.

Currently, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, the high school graduation rate for Latinos is at an all-time high at 71 percent, a 10 percent increase from 2006. Yet, the Hispanic dropout rate is 10.6 percent, higher than the national dropout rate of 6.5 percent

Ford Motor Company Fund will award eight LULAC Councils a $20,000 grant over two school years to implement high school dropout prevention programs in collaboration with a local educational entity. The eight grant recipients that will implement their programs this fall are:

LULAC Council #4609 Arlington, VA
LULAC Council #7 Laredo, TX
LULAC Council #333 Milwaukee, WI
LULAC Council #40002 Portland, OR
LULAC Council #754 Rogers, AR
LULAC Council #15164 Toa Alta, PR
LULAC Council #11125 Washington, DC
LULAC Council #5273 Waukegan, IL

As a result of their success in 2014, LULAC Council #2848, Anaheim, Calif., and LULAC Council #44040, Provo, Utah, were selected to each receive a $10,000 grant from Ford Motor Company Fund to continue their programs for an additional school year. These model Councils will continue the programs that uniquely promote on-time high school graduation through student engagement activities such as mentoring and academic support.

Joe Avila.

“We are very proud of our work with LULAC, because together we are able to provide the resources to help the Councils build brighter educational futures for thousands of students in their own communities,” said Joe Avila, community outreach manager, Ford Motor Company Fund. “Education has long been a priority for Ford, and we are committed to helping our youth acquire the tools they need for future success.”

“Helping young people succeed is a constant effort we have made possible in association with Ford Motor Company Fund so students can graduate high school on time and pursue a college education. Today we celebrate and recognize the work of the Councils who are making sure that their communities are being empowered through academic excellence,” said Brent Wilkes, national executive director of LULAC.

Ford Driving Dreams Grants has invested more than $1.3 million since its launch in 2010. More than 1,500 students and 60 Councils have been able to leverage their success across the country. LULAC Council #21006 in Silver Spring, Maryland, used the $20,000 FDD grant awarded in 2014 to implement a program to help Latino students achieve their academic dreams with GapBuster, Inc., their educational partner.

One student is Luis Rosales, who, with 37 other students in the program, successfully graduated high school on time. Rosales recently graduated with honors from Montgomery Community College and this fall will attend Georgetown University School of Business on a full scholarship. Rosales and the FDD students started the first LULAC Youth Council in Maryland and is now a board member of GapBuster, Inc.

Each FDD grant recipient will develop a sustainable program that reflect the local education landscape and relies on partnerships with local education institutions. For more information on the Ford Driving Dreams Grants, visit www.lulac.org/ford

Ford Motor Company Fund, invests more than $10 million a year in scholarships and other education initiatives across the country. In addition to Ford Driving Dreams, other Ford Fund educational programs include Ford Blue Oval Scholars, Ford Next Generation Learning, Ford College Community Challenge and the Ford STEAM Lab. For more information, visit www.forddrivingdreams.com.

Toyota Sponsors Ruido Fest in Chicago

Noticias Comments Off

Jul 162016

Toyota_RuidoFest_LaSantaCecilia_B3DB8B9EF5C9795890ABF9AE9508656FA8885AA1_low

Los Angeles based band, La Santa Cecilia, perform at Ruido Fest and join Toyota at the Toyota Musica area – July 2016.

Latino Traffic Report has learned that Toyota is the exclusive automotive sponsor for Ruido Fest, one of the nation’s largest Latin alternative summer music festivals.

This year’s featured artists included:

Mexican indie-pop singer and composer Carla Morrison
Mexican pop-rock singer/songwriter Natalia Lafourcade
Mexican-American, L.A.-based band La Santa Cecilia.

The artists shared highlights with festivalgoers and music fans through Toyota hashtags #BoldWish and #VayamosJuntos on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To support up-and-coming artists, a Toyota-sponsored stage featured some of today’s rising Latin alternative music stars.

Powered by the bold Camry, Morrison surprised one lucky fan by fulfilling their #BoldWish at Ruido Fest. Lafourcade joined Cuban actor, singer and Univision TV presenter, William Valdes, for a live karaoke session as part of their #BoldWish. In addition, social media famous photographer Bryant Eslava and Valdes created a 360-degree live video along with the other artists to share festival highlights with music fans on Toyota Latino channels.

Toyota_RuidoFest_ValdesLafourcade_3C15469A132CD6BA5EFACA6667AD86BB3439167C_low

2016 Ruido Fest – Actor and TV presenter William Valdes and singer/songwriter, Natalia Lafourcade meet up at Ruido Fest. Photo by social media photographer, Bryant Eslava before Lafourcade’s performance – July 2016.

Through the lens of “Musica y Destinos,” the Toyota Música area immersed festivalgoers in vehicle displays that engaged them through a series of virtual reality zones and shareable GIF photo opportunities starring the bold Camry, the all-new Prius, the RAV4 Hybrid, and the Corolla. A special perk for Toyota owners included exclusive access to a loyalty deck with a bird’s eye view of the festival each day.

“Music is ingrained in the lives of so many of our guests,” says Tyler McBride, Toyota’s engagement marketing manager. “We use music to connect with our guests and Ruido Fest was the perfect setting. Whether in person or via our social channels, Toyota is committed to engaging our artist partners and giving our guests an up close and personal view of the music journey.”

As a major sponsor of music festivals, Toyota has developed a social activation to engage attendees as well as raise funds for VH1 Save the Music. Festivalgoers visit the activation space and share on social media using #ToyotaGiving to show their support, while simultaneously increasing music education awareness. The social campaign benefits VH1 Save The Music Foundation, a national nonprofit organization committed to restoring music education programs in America’s public schools. A $30K donation will go to a designated school later this year.

Castro Promoted to Head of PR at Lamborghini

Noticias Comments Off

Jun 232016

AAEAAQAAAAAAAAiiAAAAJDc3NzkyZDgyLWYzZWEtNDA4My05ODcwLWQ4_002

Latino Traffic Report has learned that Automobili Lamborghini America recently appointed Jiannina Castro to head of public relations, effective immediately. She will be responsible for managing corporate, brand, product, and lifestyle communications for the company across the Americas and will report to Alessandro Farmeschi, chief operating officer, Automobili Lamborghini America.

She joins Automobili Lamborghini after four years within the luxury automotive industry where she was responsible for communications and held senior management roles in partnerships, retail marketing, and events. Prior to this, Castro held roles managing marketing and communications for several global luxury brands including Maserati where she served as director of communications and was responsible for driving the company’s North American communications strategies and plans to increase brand awareness and maximize profitability targets during a period of exponential growth.

Originally from South Florida, Castro holds a bachelor of science in communication from the University of Miami.

GM Expands Career Re-Entry Program

Noticias Comments Off

Jun 212016

Did you leave a career in the auto industry only to discover that you miss it? Latino Traffic Report has learned that General Motors will expand its popular twelve-week career re-entry internship this fall. Paid internships will begin in mid-September and will be available in GM’s information technology, manufacturing and engineering functions.

Take 2 is an opportunity for professionals with technical backgrounds who took a career break of two or more years and are interested in returning to the workforce. This 12-week “audition” will prepare experienced interns for a full-time career in one of several fields at GM through training, professional development and networking opportunities.

“The pilot of ten interns this spring was so successful, we jumped at the chance to utilize this program to add experienced IT team members to our organization,” said Sue Brann, chief administration officer at GM’s Austin Innovation Center.

The fall program will offer positions at GM’s southeast Michigan campuses, including Warren, Milford and Pontiac, as well as the company’s IT innovation center in Austin, Texas.

“As the executive sponsor of the Take 2 program, I am so pleased with how our organization has embraced the idea of welcoming experienced professionals into our company,” said Kristen Siemen, executive director, Global Thermal Engineering. “They bring an incredible breadth of experience, both professional and personal, to these positions. I look forward to expanding the program to other parts of our business in this next chapter.”

Available positions for the fall Take 2 program are currently posted. Interested applicants can visit the GM Careers website for more information.

Lovato Joins Jonas for the 2016 Honda Civic Tour

Noticias Comments Off

Jun 032016

Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas to Headline Fifteenth Anniversary Honda Civic Tour This Summer

Latino Traffic Report has learned that multi-platinum selling music artists, Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas will headline the 2016 Honda Civic Tour that launches June 24, 2016 in the Miami area. Demi and Nick will take their highly anticipated tour to 37 cities throughout the United States including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Las Vegas, and more.

“We want our fans to step into our worlds and to feel like they’re a part of Honda Civic Tour: Future Now from the moment they enter the venue ’til the moment they leave,” says Lovato.

Adds Jonas: “We’re looking forward to creating an unforgettable experience that’s unlike anything else.”

The Honda Civic Tour also invites fans to power up their concert experience with The Power of Dreams sweepstakes. Starting March 22 through August 27, one lucky ticket holder and a guest at each show along the tour will be selected for the ultimate backstage VIP experience, including an arena tour, a look inside Demi’s and Nick’s tour bus, a chance to walk on stage prior to the show and a private meet and greet with Demi and Nick. Fans can enter for their chance to win at Honda.us/tix.

Continuing in Honda Civic Tour tradition, also tarting March 22 through February 2017, fans will be able to enter to win a brand new 2016 Honda Civic Sedan designed and autographed by Lovato, a Honda Grom motorcycle customized and autographed by Jonas or (thanks to Honda Financial Services) a trip to the tour finale at The Forum in Los Angeles on September 17. More info and rules for all sweepstakes can be found on HondaCivicTour.com.

Singer/songwriter Lovato’s current album, CONFIDENT, is out now on Hollywood Records/Island Records/Safehouse Records and features the hit songs “Cool for The Summer,” and the title track “Confident.” Her newest single is the power ballad “Stone Cold.” In addition, Demi is playing Smurfette in the upcoming animated feature GET SMURFY.

Island Records/Safehouse Records artist, Jonas introduced himself as a fully formed solo artist on his hit self-titled debut, released in November 2014. The critically acclaimed album includes hits “Jealous,” “Chains” and “Levels.” Currently in the studio working on his new album, he also stars in “Kingdom,” and will appear in the upcoming James Franco produced film GOAT, which premiered at Sundance to incredible reviews.

This year marks the fifteenth anniversary of the Honda Civic Tour. Over 4.2 million fans have attended the concert series since 2001 to see 68 artists including One Direction, Maroon 5, Linkin Park, Fall Out Boy, Panic! At The Disco, blink-182, The Black Eyed Peas, Incubus and more. For a list of dates and venues, go to http://civictour.honda.com.

Older Entries Newer Entries

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: