Latino Traffic Report

Latino Firefighter Wins 2016 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack

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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.

FCA Recalls 2007–2010 Model Year Jeep Wranglers

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May 212016

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Latino Traffic Report has learned that FCA US LLC is voluntarily recalling an estimated 392,464 Jeep Wrangler SUVs, model-year 2007-2010, in the U.S. to replace their clockspring assemblies and related components.

Located in a vehicle’s steering wheel, a clockspring forms part of the circuit that helps control airbag function. An investigation by FCA US determined excessive exposure to dust and dirt – consistent with extensive off-road driving or driving with a vehicle’s top and/or doors removed – may compromise the clockspring and eventually prevent driver-side airbag deployment in a crash.

If this condition is present, the airbag warning-lamp will be illuminated. If such an event occurs, customers are advised to contact their dealers.

The Company is unaware any potentially related injuries or accidents.

An additional 7,435 model-year 2011-2016 vehicles equipped with right-hand drive for special duty also are affected in the U.S.

Vehicles affected outside the U.S. comprise an estimated 35,412 in Canada; 8,529 in Mexico and 62,580 outside the NAFTA region. Customers will be advised when they may schedule service, which includes installation of a new steering-wheel back cover and a steering-column shroud.

Customers with questions may call the FCA US Customer Care Center at 1-800-853-1403 or go to www.safercar.gov.

HACR Honors GM Latinos in STEM

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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.

Reviews: 2016 Honda Pilot Elite

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May 062016

A compact and midsize sedan sales leader among Latinos, Honda also competes handily in the sport utility (SUV) segment. For 2016, its biggest SUV, the Pilot, gets new looks and improved functionality, thanks, in part, to lots of buttons. Latino Traffic Report recently spent a week driving the top-of-the-line model, the Pilot Elite.

Manufactured exclusively by Honda Manufacturing in Lincoln, Alabama, this is the third generation of Honda’s popular SUV, considered a game changer when it was first introduced in 2003 for offering three rows of seating and being built on a car- rather than truck-like platform.

For 2016, it bears many improvements, starting with the shift knob, which is gone, replaced instead with a push-button PRNDL or shift-by-wire gear selector.

Drivers engage Park, Drive, Neutral, and Sport functions by pushing a button while Reverse requires them to lift up on the tab. To avoid being engaged accidentally by a wandering pet or toddler, the brake pedal must be depressed to activate them.

The button-operated Intelligent Traction Management System offers different operating modes to improve performance. For the all-wheel-drive version, drivers can choose among Normal, Snow, Mud and Sand modes while the front-wheel-drive (FWD) model offers a choice between Normal and Snow.

Panoramic sunroof on the Pilot Elite.

SUVs in this segment with this kind of ride, handling, and versatility were built to appeal to families. For starters, it’s a people carrier with seating for up to eight passengers. A small but impressive innovation, the push button release to access and exit from the third row of seats, will save many fingernails.

With five available trim levels, the all-new Elite trim replaces the second row bench with captain’s chairs for easier pass-through to the back row. It also includes several new luxury features like a glass panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel.

This SUV can carry cargo as well as people. More than three inches of added overall vehicle length expand the cargo length on the Pilot by 1.3 inches.

A direct-injected 3.5-liter V6 engine powers the midsize SUV. It can be matched to a choice of two available new advanced transmissions, a six-speed or a nine-speed. Technology like Variable Cylinder Management, a 300-pound reduction in vehicle weight on upper trim levels, and improved aerodynamics help the Pilot achieve the most fuel-efficiency offered in the midsize SUV segment—an EPA estimated 20 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 27 mpg on the highway with the FWD matched to the nine-speed transmission. Equipped with the all-new intelligent variable torque management all-wheel-drive system, the test model had a city/highway estimated fuel economy of 19/26 mpg. I averaged 22.5 mpg.

Standard convenience features on the Pilot include push button start, a multi-angle rearview camera, a 4.2-inch color display, five USB ports, and a 60/40 split third-row seat that folds flat.

The standard entertainment system begins with a five-inch (diagonal) display screen and conventional knobs and buttons to control the various functions on an AM/FM radio audio system and a USB port for other compatible devices. The system can play Pandora content from a compatible device via the USB port, or wirelessly, via Bluetooth.

The knobs disappeared on the test model entertainment system, replaced by an eight-inch capacitive touchscreen Display Audio connectivity interface. While it looked really slick, I found the constant need for tapping to tune the radio a bit distracting and the radio presets were limited to only twelve. I need at least 18 for XM satellite radio alone.

Families will appreciate the nine-inch rear entertainment system with DVD and new Blu-ray disc capability on the Elite.

Pricing for the all-new 2016 Pilot starts at $31,045. The as-tested price came to $47,300.

Sí: The Pilot’s new look is appealing as well as new innovations like the push button release for the second-row seat.

No: The entertainment system is a bit clunky and distracting without knobs.

MBUSA Recalls Certain 2016 SLK300s

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May 042016

Latino Traffic Report has learned that Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2016 SLK300 vehicles manufactured June 2, 2015 to July 14, 2015 and equipped with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The backup power supply for the ignition switch in the affected vehicles may not have been properly connected. As a result, if the vehicle is being driven and there is a loss of power from the main vehicle battery, the transmission cannot be shifted to “Park” nor can the electric parking brake be applied.

In this situation, without the backup power supply, the only way to keep the vehicle from moving is to press the brake pedal. As soon as the driver attempts to exit the vehicle, the vehicle may roll, increasing the risk of injury.

MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will correct the ignition switch wiring and perform a software update, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in May 2016. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Reviews: 2016 Audi A7 Prestige

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Apr 282016

Luxury sedan buyers seek status, style, and performance. A recent test drive by Latino Traffic Report revealed that the 2016 Audi A7 fits the bill.

The A7’s appeal begins with a distinctive exterior, accentuated by design cues that several brands have emulated, i.e. how many trapezoidal grilles can you count on the road?

For the current model year, the A7 received a new front fascia with LED headlights that emit the Audi light signature (also widely copied), a widened grille, LED taillights, and new trapezoidal tailpipes at the rear. Its long and sleek silhouette belies its midsize classification.

A 3.0-liter V6 supercharged turbo engine powers the A7 (diesel engines have been removed from the lineup for the time being). Matched to an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission with paddle shifters on the steering wheel and equipped with quattro permanent all-wheel drive, the engine achieves 333 horsepower and 325 lb.–ft. of torque. This powertrain accelerates from zero to 60 miles per hour in 5.2 seconds. The EPA estimated fuel economy is 20 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. I averaged 32.2 mpg.

A beautiful exterior demands an exceptionally plush interior, and that’s what the A7 delivers. While I would expect to find heated leather seats and real wood accents, the test model pushed the envelope a bit further with the optional ($700) layered Walnut inlays.

Inside, the A7 offers plenty of cabin space, including 37 inches of rear legroom and 24.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity in the trunk. The 60/40-split rear seat expands cargo room further. As an added premium touch, the test model included a power button on the trunk, akin to one on a power liftgate.

Infotainment technology begins with an eight-inch center screen that displays the Audi MMI system featuring Audi connect that allows access to the internet via a 4G LTE connection, as well as an integrated Wi-Fi hotspot for passenger devices. Plus, there’s a CD player.

The A7 also comes with a power sunroof, power adjust steering column, four-zone climate control, a rearview camera, parking sensors, and navigation.

Available safety technology for 2016 includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go function, enhanced night vision assist, and the Audi pre-sense system. The test model also included Audi active lane assist that helps keep the vehicle in its lane, so much so, however, that it can feel aggressive, like a ghost in the machine.

Available in two trim levels, Premium Plus or Prestige, Audi A7 2016 pricing starts at $69,225. I drove the Prestige that added $2,650 to the price including the Bose surround sound stereo, ventilated front seats, LED interior lighting, and the head-up display.

With three additional packages, the as-tested price came to $77,725.

Sí: The A7 will not disappoint buyers looking for a status symbol with a distinctive design and plush interior.

No: Too many safety and tech features come as part of packages rather than standard features, escalating the price substantially.

Subaru hosts Dining Out for Life this April 28

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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

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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.

Hyundai Recalls Certain 2011 Sonatas

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Apr 122016

Latino Traffic Report has learned that Hyundai Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2011 Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, to October 31, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) circuit board may be damaged and result in a loss of power steering assist.

The loss of power steering assist may require extra steering effort, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPS control unit, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 30, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9640. Hyundai’s number for this recall is 143.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Fast and Furious Star Exceeds Top Speed in New Jaguar

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Mar 292016

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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.

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