Latino Traffic Report

Reviews: Lexus GS350 vs. Infiniti Q50

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Dec 172015

Weekly car loans allow me to review vehicles for my readers, but it’s rare to have two vehicles delivered the same week that happen to be direct competitors. Such was the case when the Lexus GS350 F Sport and Infiniti Q50S arrived in my driveway. In a side-by-side comparison, these midsize luxury performance sedans managed to distinguish themselves. Here’s how they measured up.

Powertrain

A sports car sets itself apart in several ways, ride, handling, and most importantly, powertrain. The GS350 came equipped with the 3.5-liter V6 with direct fuel and port injection, 306 horses and 277 lb.–ft. of torque. The 3.7-liter V6 that powered the Q50 offered more horsepower, 328, but less torque, 269 lb.–ft.

Transmissions included an eight-speed automatic with paddle shifters on the GS and a seven-speed automatic, also with paddle shifters, manual shift mode and downhill rev matching on the Q50. They both included a drive mode selector to allow drivers to choose among Normal, Eco, Snow, or Sport modes on the GS and Standard, Eco, Sport, Personal, or Snow modes on the Q to enhance performance.

Q50 grey leather seats with purple accent stitching.

GS350 beige leather seats.

The F Sport Package on the GS added Sport S+ mode, a sport tuned adaptive variable suspension, and Variable Gear Ratio Steering, among other features.

While all-wheel-drive is available, the test models were configured as rear-wheel-drive sedans; the GS sat on a front independent double-wishbone and independent multi-link rear suspension and the Q sat on a sport-tuned independent front and rear suspension that gave it the rougher ride expected from a performance sedan. Adding to the Q’s sportier feel was speed sensitive power steering, making the Q50 a bit more fun to drive.

The expected fuel economy for each was practically identical with the Q50 earning 20 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city, one more than the GS, and both earning 29 mpg on the highway. I averaged 22 mpg with both.

Technology

GS350 12.3-inch display.

Q50 center stack.

As luxury nameplates, these sport sedans should be generously equipped with technology. Standard features on both included review cameras, traction and stability control, and anti-lock brakes, but the GS 350 trumped the Q50 by including Safety Connect with automatic collision notification. That neither included a blind spot monitor as a standard feature was disappointing.

The entertainment systems on both included an AM/FM stereo, CD player, Sirius Satellite Radio, and Bluetooth with voice recognition, but the Q50 included its infotainment system, InTouch and two USB connections, while the GS 350 added iTunes tagging, traffic, and climate information via HD radio. The optional navigation system on the Lexus brought Enform infotainment and a striking 12.3-inch display screen with three sections. Navigation on both was optional.

Looks

Inside and out, both vehicles were easy on the eyes. I’m a big fan of the distinctive spindle grille on the Lexus and Infiniti’s muscular lines. Both came with leather seating, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, keyless entry, dual –zone climate control, and a sunroof. While fancier features like heated seats were optional on the Lexus, they were standard on the Infiniti. The craftsmanship and fit-and-finish on both exuded quality.

Value

With a starting price tag that was $5,000 more than the Infiniti and about $10,000 more in packages and extra features, the GS350 surpassed the Q50 in plushness. The as-tested price for the 2015 GS350 F Sport came to $59,200, while the as-tested price for the 2015 Infiniti Q50S came to $47,755.

Sí: Both vehicles bore striking exteriors and elegant interiors.

No: They both came up short when it came to standard technology.

Volvo Adds Inches and Capability to the 2016 S60 Lineup

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Dec 112015

2016 Volvo S60 Cross Country

In the luxury segment, compact sedans abound, but only one comes from a company based in Sweden, the Volvo S60. For 2016, Volvo adds two new models to the S60 lineup, the Inscription, for those who’d like even more rear legroom and the Cross Country, for more adventurous drivers. At the recent launch in Sausalito, the two sedans demonstrated what Volvo does best, design and safety.

The test drive began with the all-new Inscription Platinum (there’s also a Premier trim), a model that will sit near the top of the line for the S60, setting itself apart with three additional inches of legroom in the back seat, the most of any luxury class sedan.

2016 Volvo S60 Inscription

The Inscription comes with a choice of two engines—a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 240 horsepower and 258 lb.–ft. of torque or a 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbocharged engine with 250 horses and 266 lb.–ft. or torque. Each engine is matched to a specific Geartronic automatic transmission with Sport Mode—an eight-speed with the 2.0-liter or a six-speed with the 2.5-liter. We drove both at the launch.

The best fuel economy will come from the 2.0-liter, which should achieve an EPA estimated 25 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 37 mpg on the highway.

The S60 Cross Country will be offered in one version, Platinum, with the 2.5-liter and all-wheel-drive with Instant Traction that gives it an EPA estimated city/highway fuel economy of 20/28 mpg.

Drive–E technology on both engines utilizes a turbocharger and direct-injection to deliver power and improved fuel economy. When engaged, the ECO+ system stretches gasoline further (up to five percent), with Start/Stop, Eco-coast, and Eco-climate functions.

All S60s include a leather steering wheel and gearshift knob, a 60/40-split rear seat, Bluetooth, Sirius Satellite Radio, and Volvo Sensus Connect infotainment with a seven-inch high-definition color monitor that manages information from the audio unit, navigation and other functions. Besides the extra rear legroom, the Inscription adds contour seats, linear walnut inlays, a power rear window sunshade, rear side sunshades, and a rear park assist camera. The Cross Country adds the Harman Kardon premium sound system.

Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)

With a reputation for safety, it’s no surprise that the City Safety system that helps prevent or mitigate collisions at speeds of 31 mph or less is also standard on all models. However, technology, like Volvo’s blind spot information system (BLIS) and cross traffic alert, remain optional, even on the Inscription Platinum and Cross County trims.

With distinct design cues, like a honeycomb grille, and capability, like a lower skid plate, side scuff plates, and black fender extensions, the segment-first Cross Country sedan emulates Volvo’s Cross Country wagons. It will offer better off-road capability, starting with 7.9-inches of ground clearance and standard Hill Descent Control.

Volvo S60 Cross Country

All S60s come with Dynamic Stability and Traction Control, Advanced Stability Control, and Corner Traction Control by Torque Vectoring. At the launch, these technologies were put to the test by accelerating in a tight circle, i.e. donuts, to show how they managed to keep the sedan under control.

Roomy and versatile, these two new S60s maximize the appeal of Volvo’s entry-level sedan.

Pricing for the 2016 S60 Inscription and Cross Country starts at $39,640 and $44,400, respectively.

FCA Rolls Out Free Tuition Program

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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.

Reviews: 2015 Dodge Dart SXT

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Dec 052015

Trying to compete in one of the toughest automotive segments, the 2015 Dodge Dart hits the bull’s-eye with features not normally associated with compact cars, as well as neat styling and good fuel economy. I’ve driven it multiple times, including a three-month test drive, and most recently, in Los Angeles. My first impression remains the same—this is a lot of car for the money.

Dart trunk with 13.1 cubic feet of volume.

When it was introduced, the Dart was configurable in 100,000 possible ways. Not surprisingly, the features have since been bundled among five models, SE, SXT, Aero, Limited, and GT. On a test drive in California, I drove the SXT.

All Darts include the unmistakable Dodge split crosshair grille and racetrack tail lamps with 152 indirect glow LEDs. I was approached more than once in grocery store parking lots with questions and compliments about it.

On the inside, the dash grabbed my immediate attention, beginning with the seven-inch digital gauge cluster that can be configured in multiple ways to suit the driver’s preference, a capability normally found on luxury models.

The Dart’s 8.4-inch touchscreen above the center stack is easy to program, from radio station presets to Bluetooth. For 2015, it’s updated to be compatible with an Android smartphone for Bluetooth, voice command and streaming music, and USB connectivity.

The Dart was also one of the first in its segment to offer advanced safety features like a rear backup camera with dynamic grid lines, a blind-spot monitor, and rear cross path detection. I put these features to use navigating through shopping destinations and parking in Beverly Hills.

As a compact, the Dart must offer competitive fuel economy. It achieves this via three four-cylinder engines, a 2.0-liter, 2.4-liter, and 1.4-liter turbo. Happily, all three can be matched to three available six-speed transmissions, starting with a six-speed manual. I drove one of two available six-speed automatics. The best fuel economy should come from the 1.4-liter-six-speed-manual combination that has an EPA estimated 28 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 41 mpg on the highway.

Competing in the value driven compact car segment, the Dodge Dart certainly holds its own.

Pricing for the 2015 Dart starts at $17,490. For 2015, air conditioning, Bluetooth, cruise control and power equipment can be added to the Dodge Dart SE base model for a reduced price of $775. The test model Dart SXT also included the California Package that added a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual rear exhaust tips, and a touring suspension, among other features. With that and more extras, the as-tested price came to $23,070.

Sí: Well-equipped, the Dart offers technology like a configurable gauge cluster, normally reserved for fancier models and a six-speed manual transmission on more than just the base model.

No: Air conditioning should be standard on a base model, not part of a package, even an affordable one.

Review: 2015 Chevy Trax LT

Chevrolet, Reviews Comments Off

Nov 212015

For 2015, Chevrolet opted to add yet another model to its lineup of small sport utility vehicles (SUVs), the 2015 Trax, its seventh small vehicle launch in four years. On a recent week-long test drive for Latino Traffic Report, the Trax put the “f” in functional and fuel-efficient.

Entering one of the fastest growing automobile segments, the Trax joins the Equinox, its slightly larger sibling that shares a platform with the Chevy Cruze. The Trax is built on the smaller Sonic platform, improving fuel efficiency and urban driving compatibility.

With seating for five, it has a 60/40 split rear row of seats that fold flat to create up to 48.4 cubic feet of cargo space. It’s a segment leader when it comes to interior functionality with 15 interior storage compartments including upper and lower storage in each door, and upper and lower glove boxes.

Powered by an Ecotec 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that’s matched to a six-speed automatic transmission, the Trax should achieve an EPA estimated fuel economy of 26 miles per gallon (mpg) city and 34 mpg highway. I averaged 30.3 mpg. Unlike its competitors, the Trax doesn’t offer a manual transmission.

Available in three trim levels, the test model was the Trax LT, one step up from the base LS and below the LTZ. While I drove a front-wheel-drive version, all-wheel drive is available on all models for an extra $1,500.

Additional functionality comes with standard remote keyless entry, programmable door locks, and a cargo storage tray.

Chevrolet MyLink Infotainment with a seven-inch-diagonal color touch screen is standard but the real standout is that OnStar, with 4G LTE and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, is too, offering even greater appeal to the always intriguing millennial population. On whenever the vehicle is on, the Wi-Fi comes with a three-month/three gigabyte data trial (whichever comes first). The Trax is also the first in its class to offer Siri Eyes Free for iPhone iOS 6, iOS 7 and iOS 8 users.

Because of its appeal to a population whose parents will probably purchase the Trax for them, it will be a comfort to know that it comes with ten standard air bags, StabiliTrak stability control, and a rear view camera. The test model also included the LT Plus Package ($670) that added a parking sensor, among other features.

Additional convenience features on the Trax include front-passenger fold-flat seats, a USB port for MP3s and iPods, air conditioning, power locks and windows, and an AM/FM stereo (the test model added XM Satellite Radio).

Pricing for the 2015 Trax starts at $21,195, a little above its competitors. The as-tested price came to $23,815.

Sí: The Trax offers nice functionality, advanced technology unique to its segment, and the security of OnStar.

No: I wish it came with a manual transmission option to improve fuel efficiency even more.

Hispanic Motor Press Awards Announce Best of 2016

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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

For more information about the awards and previous winners visit:

www. HispanicMotorPressAwards.com

Nissan Recalls Certain Sentras, Altimas and Infiniti Models

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Nov 092015

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Altima and Pathfinder vehicles, 2013-2014 Nissan Sentra vehicles, 2013 Infiniti JX35 vehicles, 2014-2015 Infiniti QX60 vehicles and 2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid vehicles. The affected vehicles received an incorrect occupant classification system (OCS) control unit during a repair. These OCS control units may incorrectly classify the front passenger seat as empty, when it is occupied by an adult.

2013 Pathfinder

If the OCS does not detect an adult occupant in the passenger seat, the passenger air bag would be deactivated. Failure of the passenger airbag to deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of injury to the passenger.

Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will update the OCS software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in November

2013 Infiniti QX60

2015. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

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.

Parente and Ramos Lead McLaren to Victory

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Nov 022015

The McLaren 650S GT3 claimed its first championship over the weekend in Barcelona as McLaren GT customer team Teo Martin Motorsports secured the International GT Open Championship title, and also saw the first victory for the McLaren GT Young Driver Programme. A hard-fought double podium finish for factory driver Alvaro Parente and teammate Miguel Ramos secured the championship, while Young Driver Andrew Watson took overall victory in the weekend’s opening sprint race alongside Fernando Monje.

The results in Barcelona underline the success from the outset for the 650S GT3 in its debut season. Based on the road-going 650S Coupe, with a lightweight carbon fibre MonoCell chassis and award-winning 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 engine, it launched at the Goodwood Festival of Speed last summer, and made a strong debut at the Gulf 12 Hours in December 2014, finishing on the podium. These latest results mark the 20th victory, with an additional 23 podium finishes.

“The 650S GT3 has established itself as the car to beat during 2015 in series across the world, taking victories in Europe, Asia and North America,” asserted Parente. “The results in Barcelona, and securing the championship, reinforce that message and highlight just how competitive the car is. The 650S GT3 has more than proved itself with bulletproof reliability, and a double podium was a great way to end the season. Thank you to all of the team at Teo Martin Motorsports, my teammate Miguel [Ramos] and to the team back in Woking.”

Andrew Kirkaldy, managing director, McLaren GT added: “Congratulations to Teo Martin and the entire team at Teo Martin Motorsports on securing a win, two podiums and the overall International GT Open title in one weekend. A fantastic weekend of results for the team, and a real high point to end the season on for the first McLaren GT Young Driver Programme with Andrew [Watson] taking the overall win in the first race.

‘These latest results are the end result of a long hard season by the team at Teo Martin Motorsports and by the entire team at McLaren GT in Woking. This season is one of the most competitive I can recall in GT3 racing, with global grids boasting some of the most talented drivers, and with a range of manufacturers and models that are all capable of contesting and winning races. We have seen some fantastic battles in every series, and for the 650S GT3 to be claiming podiums and victories in all championships, and now securing a title in its debut season, really highlights just how competitive a proposition it is.”

Review: 2016 Acura MDX

Acura, Reviews Comments Off

Nov 012015

With the launch of its platform mate, the all-new 2016 Honda Pilot, the Acura MDX also gets upgraded for 2016. While it may still look like the 2014 redesign, it contains more technology, luxury, and options than before.

Sharing a platform with the Pilot, there are several similarities, like push buttons for Park, Reverse, Drive, and Neutral rather than a shift knob. The seven-inch touchscreen in the center stack is similar to the Pilot’s except the MDX adds haptic touch—that buzzing sensation or thump you feel on your fingertips to help navigate the screen without looking at it.

All 2016 models are now equipped with a nine-speed automatic transmission to improve fuel economy. Paired with the 3.5-liter V6 and Variable Cylinder Management, it should achieve an EPA estimated 19 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The test model I drove included idle stop technology that shuts the engine down at idle for saving even more gas, as well as Super Handling all-wheel drive. I averaged 21.2 mpg.

Additional luxury upgrades for 2016 include a frameless rearview mirror, Siri Eyes Free voice recognition, a tire pressure monitoring system with an audible alert to signal that the tire has been inflated to the correct pressure, and a Multi-View Angle Rear Camera with Dynamic Guidelines.

More advanced safety technology, however, will cost extra via the AcuraWatch, Advance or Technology packages. All the good stuff is here, e.g. Forward Collision Warning, the Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), a blind spot warning system, even a parking sensor. It would be nice if one or more of these features were standard, especially at this price point.

The blind spot warning is located on the A-pillar rather than in the side mirror.

LKAS adds muscle with the new Road Departure Mitigation System that will keep you in your lane, including nudging the steering wheel or braking if necessary, so that it may feel like there’s a ghost in the machine.

The third generation MDX includes one of my favorite innovations, a push-button release on the side of the second row-seat and at the back of the headrest that moves the second row forward and to the side for easy access to the third row—no more broken nails at the hands of levers!

Second-row seat release button in headrest.

Second-row seat release button near the headrest.

Standard luxury features, like leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, wood accents, a premium audio system, and tri-zone climate control combined with available technology should keep the popular SUV at the top of its segment, but ultimately, it’s all in the package.

Indeed, there’s a veritable alphabet soup of available features and packages, like the MDX AWD ADV ENT (MDX with all-wheel drive, Advance, and Entertainment packages) that I drove. Totaling 16 variations, it may make choosing what MDX you’d like a little challenging.

Pricing for the 2016 MDX starts at $43,785. The as-tested pricing came to $58,000.

Sí: Love the push button release on the second-row seats for access to the third row.

No: Too many safety features are available in optional packages rather than standard.

Toyota Invests in Education for Latino Families

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Oct 192015

Alejandra Ceja, executive director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics and NCFL president and founder Sharon Darling in Washington D.C.

NEW YORK, Oct. 16, 2015 — Toyota and the National Center for Families Learning (NCFL) answered a call to action made by the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics, and in the spirit of what President Obama calls a “shared responsibility,” that challenges public and private sectors to create Commitments to Action that will build on, and accelerate federal, state, and local investments in high-quality education, from cradle-to-career, for the nation’s Latino communities.

Toyota Family Learning, a partnership between Toyota and NCFL, is among the 150 Commitments to Action that total an investment of $340 million announced by the President today on the culmination of the 2015 Hispanic Heritage Month.

“It is an honor to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and the Initiative’s 25th anniversary with the release of nearly 150 commitments to action that will help strengthen the educational outcomes and opportunities for the Hispanic community from cradle-to-career,” stated Alejandra Ceja, executive director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics. “These commitments will bring critical resources to Latino students and families across this country, are examples of meaningful investments being made in support of the largest, youngest and arguably the fastest growing minority community in the country and will help fulfill America’s future.”

WASHINGTON - APRIL 20: Ana Maria Archila (R) and Carly Fox, of the New York State Dream Act Task Force, hold each other during a mock graduation ceremony at the West Front of the U.S. Capitol April 20, 2004 in Washington, DC. Several hundred students and advocates took part in the ceremony and urged Congress and the Bush administration to pass the Dream Act, which would put U.S.-raised immigrant students on the path to college and U.S. citizenship. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

(Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Toyota Family Learning is a two-generation solution to educational challenges that responds to societal changes and opportunities. This six-year nationwide program was created to address educational needs and provide opportunities for low-income and ethnically diverse families to roll up their sleeves and build stronger communities.

“Toyota Family Learning promotes an inclusive approach to a child’s education that empowers families to learn together through service learning and mentoring, leveraging technology in the process,” said NCFL president and founder Sharon Darling.

“Toyota is proud to join the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics with Toyota Family Learning, helping to bring education into family life,” said Patricia Salas Pineda, group vice president of Toyota’s Hispanic Business Strategy Group.

To learn more about the Initiative and to view the major commitments to action in response to the initiative’s call to action, visit: https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2015/10/15/fact-sheet-25-years-hispanics-fulfilling-americas-future. To view the full list of Commitments to Action visit www.ed.gov/HispanicInitiative. To learn more about Toyota Family Learning visit toyotafamilylearning.org.