Noticias – Page 9 – Latino Traffic Report

Latino Firefighter Wins 2016 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack

Noticias Comments Off

May 262016

Kevin Arias of the Tristate Fire Protection District was the grand prize winner of the FCA US LLC 2015 National Sweepstakes.

Latino Traffic Report has learned that Chicago fireman Kevin Arias of the Tristate Fire Protection District was named the grand prize winner of the FCA US LLC 2015 National Sweepstakes. The Oswego, Ill., native overcame the odds of 1,265,218 contest entrants to win a $45,000 credit toward any Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, FIAT or Alfa Romeo brand vehicle. Arias selected a 2016 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack in Granite Pearl as his winning prize.

The National Giveaway is an annual initiative that takes place over an entire calendar year. Consumers enter by participating in an FCA event where they can experience and interact with a knowledgeable product specialist at a branded booth or tent space, or get inside a Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, FIAT or Alfa Romeo vehicle to take a test ride or test drive.

“Ironically, a few months ago I had said to my wife, ‘I don’t think I’ll ever get my hot-rod,'” Arias shared. “I’ve wanted a hot rod for as long as I can remember, so when FCA told me I won a car, I immediately chose the Dodge Challenger. I’m feeling truly blessed. I never win anything, so when I got the call from FCA it was unbelievable. On top of that, everyone at FCA has made this experience just awesome.”

Arias secured his entry while visiting the Ram Truck brand space at the 2015 Shot Show, an event that took place in January of last year in Las Vegas. He will receive his vehicle from Tyson Motors, the Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealership in Shorewood, Ill.

“It’s exciting to have the opportunity to gift one of our event attendees with an FCA vehicle,” stated Jason Russ, head of Experiential Marketing for FCA US LLC. “Given how Kevin Arias heroically serves his community as a Chicago firefighter, it gives us great pleasure to present him with his new Dodge Challenger. We anticipate that he will have many years of joy from his brand new muscle car.”

The annual National Giveaway offered by FCA US will be open for entry throughout 2016 to give eligible consumers a new opportunity to win $45,000 toward the purchase of a new Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, FIAT or Alfa Romeo brand vehicle. There is no purchase necessary to enter or win. For the official sweepstakes rules and details on how to enter, please visit www.fcaentertowin.com. The 2016 sweepstakes ends December 31, 2016. For the latest product and brand news, visit www.fcanorthamerica.com.

HACR Honors GM Latinos in STEM

Noticias Comments Off

May 112016

Alexandra Figueroa and Tony Argote were among 35 young professionals recognized nationally for their leadership by the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR).

Latino Traffic Report has learned that two GM young Latino professionals—a software developer and an automotive engineer—were among 35 young professionals recognized nationally for their leadership by the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR).

Tony Argote and Alexandra Figueroa were named Young Hispanic Corporate Achievers (YHCA) at HACR’s Young Hispanic Corporate Achievers Program, a four-day leadership program that concluded Tuesday with a special awards ceremony and celebratory tenth anniversary reception at the Mandarin Oriental in Washington, D.C. They were the only STEM professionals from the auto industry.

“The GM family congratulates Tony and Alexandra on this remarkable honor,” said Ken Barrett, GM global chief diversity officer. “Latino engineers and IT professionals are vital to the future of our industry. Their accomplishments can serve as an example and an inspiration for other Latinos.”

Tony Argote, Program Engineering Manager for Autonomous Technologies, was named a Young Hispanic Corporate Achiever at HACR’s Young Hispanic Corporate Achievers Program in Washington, D.C.

The annual program recognizes young Hispanics at Fortune 500 and/or HACR Corporate Member companies who are selected from a competitive application process after being nominated by their companies. Once selected, the young executives participate in an intensive multi-day leadership development, education, and training program.

“We are very proud of our tenth class of the HACR Young Hispanic Corporate Achievers Program,” asserted Cid Wilson, HACR president and CEO. “Each year this program highlights the future leaders of Corporate America. Over the last ten years, many of the past HACR YHCA participants have gone on to become corporate executives at Fortune 500 companies with some serving on corporate boards of Fortune 500 companies.”

Son of Cuban immigrants, Argote is the first in his family to obtain a college degree. He started his career at GM in 2005, when he arrived as a student participating in the cooperative education program through the Georgia Institute of Technology. After his first assignment working on the corporate fuel economy model, he worked on vehicle electrification, and then development of the next generation of full size light duty pickup trucks. Now part of the autonomous vehicles team as the program engineering manager for autonomous technologies, Argote helps lead STEM initiatives at GM and in the community.

In the summer of 2009, he helped found Green Place Detroit, a non-profit organization focused on volunteering after school and on weekends at a predominantly Hispanic middle and high school in Southeast Detroit. The program focuses on demonstrations of STEM and sustainability concepts through building and maintaining an urban garden.

“I’m honored to join the ranks of all the great Latinos who have received this recognition,” Argote said. “I am grateful to GM and to the HACR board for all they do to develop young professionals’ leadership skills and introduce us to a network of professionals who are committed to promoting Hispanic empowerment.”

Alexandra Figueroa, a senior software developer at the GM Innovation Center in Chandler, was named a Young Hispanic Corporate Achiever at HACR’s Young Hispanic Corporate Achievers Program in Washington, D.C.

Figueroa, a senior software developer at the Innovation Center in Chandler, Ariz., has made a strong impact in her two short years at GM. She moved from Puerto Rico in 1999 to earn a master’s degree in computer science at DePaul University in Chicago. She made her way to Arizona where General Motors was opening one of four new innovation centers in the country in 2014.

Passionate about creating awareness about STEM careers among Latinas, Figueroa leads the Hispanic Initiative Team in Chandler and is also involved in recruiting efforts around the country and at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, where she earned her bachelor’s degree. She frequently leads STEM workshops in her community and a few weeks ago, she helped open a technology center in Phoenix for underprivileged Latino youth.

“As a Latina in IT, I am gratified and humbled to receive this recognition,” Figueroa said. “I do everything I can to inspire other Latinos to go into STEM fields of study or a STEM career. It is my hope that this recognition helps further that message even further.”

To qualify for the HACR YHCA Program, candidates must be of Hispanic origin, between the ages of 25–40 at the time the award is received, and must also be employed at Fortune 500 and/or HACR Corporate Member companies. Finalists are selected based on their demonstrated leadership qualities, achievements within their respective corporations, and proven commitment to the Hispanic community.

Subaru hosts Dining Out for Life this April 28

Noticias Comments Off

Apr 262016

L to R: Mondo Guerra, Daisy Martinez, Pam Greer, and Ted Allen

Latino Traffic Report encourages readers to help make a difference by simply enjoying a meal with family or friends during Dining Out For Life hosted by Subaru, a delicious event held on Thursday, April 28, 2016. Dining at one of the 3,000 participating restaurants in nearly 60 cities across North America and that restaurant will donate a generous portion of the day’s proceeds to fund HIV/AIDS care, prevention, education, testing, counseling and other essential services in their city.
Volunteer spokespeople include Ted Allen, host of Food Network’s Chopped, actor Pam Grier (Foxy Brown, Jackie Brown), designer Mondo Guerra, winner of Lifetime’s Project Runway All-Stars, and chef Daisy Martinez from Food Network’s Viva Daisy! “The wonderful thing about Dining Out For Life is that all the funds are raised in your community stay in your community and, for me, that means a lot,” says Guerra. “When I was first diagnosed with HIV, my local AIDS service organization was the only support I had. Without this support, I would not be here today.”

Guerra in front of his Dining Out For Life-wrapped Subaru at Philly’s Food Truck Pop Up.

Dining Out For Life began in Philadelphia in 1991 and has since grown into an international event held in cities across North America – raising an average $4 million annually. The idea behind the single-day event is simple and effective: Dine Out, Fight AIDS. Each restaurant donates a percentage of the day’s food sales, which goes to local organizations to fund care, prevention, education, testing, counseling and other essential HIV/AIDs services.

“We have been the host sponsor of Dining Out For Life for a decade; however, the struggle to fight the HIV/AIDS epidemic continues on. Subaru is proud to be part of an event that spreads awareness for such a worthy cause and also encourages people to support those who need it most in their local communities,” said Alan Bethke, vice president of marketing, Subaru of America, Inc.

Regions and cities celebrating Dining Out For Life include Albany, Anchorage, Asheville, Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Baton Rouge, Birmingham/Mobile, Broward County, Fla., Buffalo, Charleston, Chattanooga, Chicago, Columbia, Denver/Boulder, Detroit, El Paso, Fort Collins/Northern Colorado, Grand Junction/Western Colorado, Grand Rapids, Houston, Indianapolis, Inland Empire, Jacksonville, Kalamazoo/Southwest Michigan, Kansas City, Key West, Las Vegas, Lexington, Louisville, Memphis, Minneapolis/St. Paul/Greater Minneapolis, Nashville, New Haven, New Jersey, New Orleans, New York City, Norfolk/Virginia Beach, Northern Nevada, Orange County, Palm Beach County, Palm Springs, Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley, Phoenix/Prescott, Portland, Ore., Raleigh, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Sonoma County, St. Louis, Tacoma/Olympia, Tampa Bay, Tulsa, Vancouver/Whistler, Vancouver Island and Washington, D.C.
Please note: While most cities will hold their event on Thursday, April 28, some have alternate dates. For more information on your area’s event, visit www.diningoutforlife.com and follow on Twitter: @DineOut4Life #DiningOutForLife

López Victorious in Slovakia Ring, FIA WTCC Race

Noticias Comments Off

Apr 202016

Latino Traffic Report has learned that against all odds, José María “Pechito” López emerged victorious Saturday in the FIA WTCC meeting at the Slovakia Ring in a main race that was still undecided going into the final bend. The Citroën Total driver has established himself as the man to beat at the start of the 2016 season.

“I’m happy to be driving a Citroën that is so quick… and so solid!” enthused López after securing a second consecutive main-race win.

In accordance with the new regulations, the top ten from qualifying lined up in reverse order on the opening-race starting grid. That meant López began from eighth place. Mehdi Bennani made a sensational start from the front row to grab the lead. In the chasing pack, López and Yvan Muller also made headway, climbing to fifth and sixth place respectively by the end of lap one.

The two Citroën C-Elysée WTCCs remained locked together until lap 7, when López seized an opportunity to regain the upper hand. With three laps to go, Tiago Monteiro took the lead, with Bennani then having to devote his energy to keeping Rob Huff at bay until the checkered flag.

“The start of the main race was important. I got away perfectly and managed to take the lead,” López said. “I pushed hard to open up a bit of an advantage over the first two laps. Then I felt some major vibrations in the rear left of my car. Something was broken. The noise disappeared, then came back again. On all the right-hand turns, I thought I was going to have to pull out!”

The final lap also saw an impressive rally from Norbert Michelisz, who passed Muller before putting pressure on López. The Argentine held his nerve till the end to secure a second consecutive main-race win.

“Nick seemed to be struggling at the end,” he explained. “I managed to get past him, but it was really tight right down to the wire. That makes this win even more enjoyable.”

Tomorrow, the Citroën Total team will set off for Budapest. The third FIA World Touring Car Championship meeting of the 2016 season will take place at the Hungaroring on April 23 and 24.

Fast and Furious Star Exceeds Top Speed in New Jaguar

Noticias Comments Off

Mar 292016

Jag_FTYPE_SVR_Michelle_Rodriguez_Drive_230316_02_LowRes

Latino Traffic Report has learned that Fast and Furious star, Michelle Rodriguez, has put the new Jaguar F-TYPE SVR, the fastest Jaguar ever, through its first high speed test drive.

On a closed highway in the Nevada desert, home to the world’s fastest road race the Silver State Classic Challenge, Rodriguez pushed the car to its top speed with the speedometer indicating 201mph—a personal top speed for the actress.

“Driving this car was insane,” she pronounced. “I’ve now broken my personal speed record in the beautiful Jaguar F-TYPE SVR. Reaching 201mph felt amazing, the car drove really smoothly, all my corrections were minimal, I was super focused, and it really reacted in all the right ways. I don’t think I’d ever go this fast without a professional driver seated next to me, but oh man, it was an incredible feeling.”

Jaguar’s ultimate performance vehicle, the F-TYPE SVR was developed by Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations to be lighter, quicker, faster, and more powerful while remaining useable day-to-day. Acceleration from zero–60mph takes just 3.5 seconds, with a top speed of 200mph for the Coupé

“I’ve always wondered what it was like to travel faster than my top speed of 140mph and, outside of the Autobahn,” Rodriguez continued. “It was refreshing to be able to take myself beyond my limitations, going that fast is a big responsibility but the experience in this car was more graceful than anything I’ve felt before.”

According to John Edwards, managing director of Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations,

“Building upon the award-winning F-TYPE was a challenging objective. Everything in terms of handling, design, sound and performance had to be taken to a new level, and is what the new F-TYPE SVR delivers. It is a 200mph all-weather supercar, but above all one that is designed to be driven every day.”

Customer deliveries of the F-TYPE SVR will begin from Summer 2016, priced from $125,950 for the Coupe and $128,800 for the Convertible. For more information visit the official Jaguar website at www.jaguarusa.com.

Click here to watch Michelle’s reactions documented on film.

Expect More Trucks and Green Vehicles in 2016

Noticias Comments Off

Feb 232016

CHICAGO (Feb. 11, 2016) Nissan TITAN will be available in 4x2 or 4x4 drive configurations with three cabin configurations Crew Cab, King Cab and Single cab and three bed lengths 5.5, 6.5 and 8 feet. Similar to TITAN XD, TITAN will be available in five trim levels S, SV, PRO-4X, SL and Platinum Reserve. The TITAN will be powered by Nissans 5.6-liter Endurance® V8 gasoline engine capable of 390 horsepower and 401 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine will be mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission. A V6 gasoline engine will also be available (details to be announced at a later date).

What brings journalists en masse to Chicago in the middle of winter? The largest auto show in the country, the Chicago Auto Show, that’s what, and this year’s reveals reflected a truck and big SUV resurgence, while at the same time, new green car initiatives.

Gasoline prices remain at an all-time low and that’s good news for truck and SUV buyers. Nissan brought forth two big bruisers, the all-new Titan half-ton and the 2017 Armada.

Last year Nissan introduced the award-winning 2016 Titan XD, powered by an all-new 5.0-liter V8 Cummins turbo diesel engine. This year the gasoline-powered version of the Titan (above) took center stage in Chicago. Powered by a 5.6-liter V8 engine and built on a separate chassis from the TITAN XD, it’s also 14.7 inches shorter.

2017 Nissan Armada

Similarly, the all-new Armada will be powered by the new 5.6-liter V8 engine and matched to a seven-speed automatic transmission for better fuel economy.

The handsome full-size SUV will come with an extensive list of available safety and convenience features, like Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Backup Collision Intervention, Blind Spot Intervention and Blind Spot Warning, among other features. An eight-inch display, navigation, and heated front seats will be standard. Both the Titan half-ton and Armada will go on sale this summer.

The 2017 Ram Power Wagon.

Ram followed suit with its off-road monster, the Power Wagon. Based on the Ram 2500 Heavy Duty 4×4 Crew Cab, the 2017 Power Wagon receives all-new exterior and interior design elements. Seeking its own design statement, Ram abandons the crosshatch grille on the new Power Wagon for the one featured on its half-ton off-road sibling, the Ram Rebel.

Pacifica Hybrid.

FCA also showed the hybrid version of its all-new Chrysler Pacifica minivan. Revealed last month in Detroit, the Pacifica replaces the Town & Country. A segment first, the hybrid will deliver an estimated range of 30 miles solely on zero-emissions electric power. New available technology will also include a Stow ‘n Vac integrated vacuum cleaner.

While the Pacifica goes on sale this spring, the hybrid version should go on sale in the second half of 2016.

Available in dealerships now, the 2017 Hyundai Tucson receives a fresh exterior design and LED lighting signatures, plus additional infotainment, convenience and safety technologies, including Drive Mode selection with Sport, Eco and Normal settings. Brandon Ramirez, senior product manager, unveiled the refreshed versions of the 2017 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport.

Kia Niro.

Expanding its green vehicle line-up, Kia introduced the 2017 Niro Hybrid Utility Vehicle. The all-new Niro hopes to find a niche between the hybrid-electric vehicle and CUV segments, achieving a combined fuel efficiency rating of 50 mpg. It joins Kia’s green car line-up that includes the Soul EV, Optima Hybrid and 2017 Optima Plug-in Hybrid that also made its global debut in Chicago.

Volvo XC90.

Finally, Volvo’s all-new XC90 continues to collect accolades winning MotorWeek’s 2016 Drivers’ Choice Best of the Year award. It’s the first utility vehicle to win the top honor in the 34-year history of the awards. To date, the XC90 has been named the 2016 North American Truck of the Year, the CUV of Texas by the Texas Auto Writers Association, and the Family Car of the Year by the Midwest Automotive Media Association.

“The XC90 brings Volvo firmly into the luxury space and fully represents the company’s new direction,” said Dean Shaw, vice president, Corporate Communications, Volvo Car USA.

Honda Awarded for Sales to Minorities and Millennials

Noticias Comments Off

Jan 292016

MARYSVILLE, Ohio, (Jan. 27, 2016)—Honda was honored with four awards at the first Diversity Volume Leadership Awards presented by the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers (NAMAD) and IHS Automotive at the 2016 North American International Auto Show.

The Honda Accord and Honda CR-V were recognized for national sales leadership with women and ethnic Millennials in 2015. The Honda CR-V, America’s best-selling SUV, was named the “Top Women’s Vehicle” and the Honda Accord was named “Top Ethnic Millennial Vehicle.” The Honda Accord and Civic were also recognized as “Ethnic Volume Leaders” in the Mideast and Western regions, respectively.

2016 Honda HR-V

“We are witnessing a massive demographic shift that is reshaping our marketplace,” said Marc Burt, assistant vice president of Honda North America, Inc. Office of Inclusion & Diversity. “These awards reflect our associates’ continued commitment to innovation and overall understanding of how our vehicle design, functionality and marketing relate to our increasingly diverse customers.”

The awards show, the only event of its kind, recognizes top-performing automotive brands that are driving sales with multicultural consumers. Awards were presented to brands whose vehicles had the highest number of new-vehicle registrations among African-Americans, Hispanics, Asian Pacific Islanders and Native Americans.

To learn more about Honda’s diversity efforts, visit http://csr.honda.com/diversity/

Super Bowl 50 Ticket Giveaway

Noticias Comments Off

Jan 082016

Would you like to attend the Super Bowl but consider it impossible? Pues, rejoice Latino football fans! Latino Traffic Report has learned that Hyundai, an official NFL sponsor, is hosting a sweepstakes to give away 50 tickets to Super Bowl 50. Twenty-five lucky winners will receive a pair of tickets to the game, lodging, and transportation to and from the stadium on February 7, 2016.

Contestants can submit entries by completing one or more of the following. Points accumulate for each registered participant, increasing competitors’ chances of winning the grand prize.

Register for the sweepstakes at football.hyundaisweepstakes.com—one entry point
Test drive a new Hyundai vehicle, like the all-new Tucson, at your local Hyundai dealer (click here to see the closest dealer or go to HyundaiUSA.com)—ten entry points
Get friends to enter the sweepstakes by posting a pre-assigned message to users’ Facebook or Twitter profiles—up to five entry points

2016 Tucson

A total of 16 entry points can be earned for each contestant, and entries are tracked via Hyundai’s website. U.S. residents ages 18 or older are eligible for entry, and winners will be notified via phone and email circa January 25, 2016. The sweepstakes opened at 12:00:01 a.m. ET on December 16, and close January 15, 2016 at 11:59:59 p.m. ET.

“With these sweepstakes we want to give back to fans of the Hyundai brand,” said Trea Reedy, senior group manager, experiential marketing, Hyundai Motor America. “By giving 50 fans the chance to spend a night in the heart of the action, at one of the world’s biggest sporting events, we hope to give them an experience that they won’t soon forget.”

Since Hyundai inked its official sponsorship with the NFL in June, the company has been busy connecting with fans across the country. During the season opening celebrations on September 9-10, Hyundai was the presenting sponsor of the 2015 NFL Kickoff activities that included a concert in the San Francisco Bay Area, and unveiled two new NFL-themed television ads that highlight what it truly means to be a fan.

To keep up with all of Hyundai’s NFL activities, visit HyundaiNews.com.

FCA Rolls Out Free Tuition Program

Noticias Comments Off

Dec 052015

Debt-free college anyone? Latino Traffic Report has learned that FCA US LLC recently rolled out its Degrees@Work program and the newly developed Degrees@Work Family offering with Strayer University, designed to provide a no-cost, no-debt college degree to participating FCA US dealership employees and their immediate family members.
FCA US is not only the first and only company in the automotive industry to offer the programs, it’s also the first U.S. company of any type to provide a no-cost, no-debt college degree to both employees and their immediate families.
The expanded Degrees@Work program and the new Degrees@Work Family offering will enable FCA US dealerships to attract top talent, improve the skillset of existing employees, lessen the burden of paying for college for families, and significantly increase employee retention
“After the success of the initial regional launch, we’re thrilled to expand the benefit not only to all of our dealerships nationwide, but also to dealership employees’ immediate family members,” said Al Gardner, head of Dealer Network Development–FCA US LLC. “When we began to seek out a partner to provide education benefits to our employees and their families, we focused on finding a top-notch institution. Strayer has the resources and the experience to provide a world-class education to our employees and their families.”
Strayer University, which is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, will offer associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees to all participating FCA US dealership employees and their immediate family members. Strayer University is a post-secondary institution with a more than 120-year history educating working adult students online and at campus locations across the country.
“We are proud to partner with a true innovator like FCA US to offer this first-of-its-kind employee benefit,” said Karl McDonnell, CEO of Strayer Education, which owns Strayer University. “At Strayer, we’re dedicated to improving the way education and business work together. We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with FCA US to tackle college affordability and the skills gap head on.”
The program was developed using input from dealers and their employees. Depending on the selected program of study, courses will range from business administration and accounting to education, information systems and other areas. Courses will be offered online with 24/7 access for flexibility around work schedules, as well as at Strayer’s campus locations throughout the United States. Dealers’ employees can have their training and work experience evaluated for college credit to accelerate completion of a degree program.
“Families are often faced with tough choices about how to pay for college,” said Gardner. “Expanding this benefit to employees’ immediate family members positions our dealer network as the ’employers of choice.’”
For more information, please visit http://fcadegrees.strayeruniversity.edu.

Hispanic Motor Press Awards Announce Best of 2016

Noticias 1 Response »

Nov 182015

2016 Honda Civic HMPA Compact Sedan Winner

Los Angeles—Since the inception of the Hispanic Motor Press Awards (HMPA) in 2010 at the LA Auto Show, the HMP has honored the most outstanding cars and trucks in their segments for the Hispanic family. This year, the L.A. Auto Show once again provided the backdrop for announcing the latest winners.

Every year about one hundred cars are considered for the HMPA program as the auto industry expands its offerings with new vehicles. The judges work from January, as the new models become available from the manufacturer’s before finally selecting three final contenders in the different categories.

2016 Optima HMPA Family Sedan winner

According to data from Polk, Hispanics are projected to spend $18 billion on new vehicles in 2016. Even though that figure represents only 9 percent of total new-vehicle sales in the United States, Hispanic auto buyers will account for 24 percent of growth in new-vehicle sales. The impact of Latinos continue to increase exponentially in the market, influencing auto companies to consider and incorporate this community, its needs and wants, as part of their plan for future sales

For the sixth annual awards, the jury director, Ricardo Rodriguez-Long (Garage Latino Show), put together a panel of judges that includes Hispanic auto journalists as well as other Hispanic media leaders who reviewed and drove the cars and trucks. Each vehicle’s virtues were assessed as they related to the typical Hispanic family in the U.S. The awards’ vetting process includes test drives, mass market availability, and affordability data valuations. The committee took into account overall design, comfort, safety, performance, functionality, accessory content, driver satisfaction, consumer final cost, and overall value package to select the vehicles that offer the best value for the Hispanic consumer.

2016 Toyota Tacoma HMPA Light Duty Truck Winner.

The jury panel this year included Camilo Alfaro (Autoproyecto), German Angel (SoCal Public TV), Cesar Arredondo (National Hispanic Journalist Asociation-LA Chapter), Karen Blanco (Ejecutiva & Negocios Magazines), Yvonne Condes (Moms LA), David Leon (La Prensa Colombiana Newspaper), Jaime Florez (ESPN Radio), Jose Pepe Forte (Univision Radio), Simon Gomez (freelance), Enrique Kogan (Huffington Post Newspaper), Alejandro Maciel (Hoy Los Angeles Newspaper), Yolanda Machado (Sassy Mama in LA), Valerie Menard (Latino Traffic Report), German Sierra (La Prensa & Excelsior Newspapers), and Al Vazquez (FAMA Magazine).

“This has been the hardest year in terms of selecting the winners,” said Rodriguez-Long. “OEM’s are creating extremely sophisticated, fuel efficient, and diverse power train technologies as well as the best ergonomics for the family for what seems like less money. The Hispanic consumer benefits from all this with overall savings and lower maintenance costs.”

2016 Chevy Volt HMPA Hybrid winner.

The 2016 HMPA Award Winners Autos De Hoy are:

Innovation Award                    TOYOTA Mirai
Sub Compact                              FORD Fiesta
Compact Sedan                          HONDA Civic
Family Sedan                              KIA Optima
Large Sedan                                CADILLAC CT6
Pickup L-Duty                            TOYOTA Tacoma
Pickup F-Duty                            CHEVROLET Silverado
Pickup H-Duty                           RAM 3500
SUV Compact                             JEEP Renegade
SUV                                                HONDA Pilot
CrossOver Sub Compact        MAZDA CX3 AWD
CrossOver Compact                HYUNDAI Tucson
CrossOver                                    MERCEDES-BENZ GL Coupe
Hybrid Car                                  CHEVROLET VOLT
MiniVan                                       KIA Sedona
American Muscle                     FORD Shelby GT350
Sports Car                                   MAZDA Miata MX-5