Latino Traffic Report

Nissan Helps Soldiers Build New Homes

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Apr 222015

Iraq War veteran Brenda Lopez builds her home with help from Nis

Nissan North America, in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity and Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), today started construction of a Dallas-area home in partnership with Brenda Lopez, a current member of the Army Reserves who served with the 360^th Brigade in Iraq during 2008 and 2009.

“I’m building my house! I’m excited,” Lopez enthused. “It means a lot to have the other veterans here, especially with the Wounded Warrior Project. They are like another family to me.”

Volunteers from Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity, WWP Alumni and employees of Nissan Motor Acceptance Corp. in the Dallas area will donate their time and construction skills as they work alongside Lopez and her dad, Teodoro. The new home will be located in the Oak Cliff Gardens neighborhood, which is located near the Dallas Veterans Administration Medical Center.

A Specialist in the Reserve, Lopez, a Dallas native, is a recipient of the Army Commendation Medal. She has two preschool children and is taking classes at Mountain View Community College, in addition to working as an office cashier at a local home improvement store.

Nissan has been a partner to both organizations for many years, donating $1 million to the two nonprofit organizations for the project.

“We are grateful to Nissan for their commitment to help families realize their dream of home ownership,” said Colleen Finn Ridenhour, Habitat for Humanity International deputy director Corporate, Foundation & Institutional Relations. “We were honored to be part of the Nissan Super Bowl campaign and to be building with the Wounded Warrior volunteers.”

Since 2005, Nissan’s total support for Habitat for Humanity has surpassed $11.6 million. In response to hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, Nissan donated 50 Nissan Titan trucks to assist Habitat’s response efforts in the Gulf Coast and mobilized employees to partner in home building.

Nissan employees have helped to build 63 homes across the United States, including nine in Dallas, over the past eight years, logging more than 70,000 volunteer hours building homes with Habitat for Humanity.

The company’s support of the WWP includes a recent “Project Titan” adventure, in which two injured veterans piloted a custom-built Nissan Titan pickup on a 10-day adventure through the Alaskan wilderness.

2015 Nissan Juke SV

Nissan, Reviews Comments Off

Apr 172015

On a recent weeklong test drive of the 2015 Nissan Juke, the five-door hatchback or “sport cross” as Nissan terms it, justified the appeal for this growing segment. It’s versatile, affordable, and fuel-efficient, a trifecta for the Latino car buyer.

Since its launch for the 2011 model year, the Juke’s appeal begins with its design. The distinctive profile, from the headlamps to the taillights, is matched with sporty two-toned cloth seats featuring the unique motorcycle tank-inspired center console, finished in high-gloss paint.

The rear 60/40-split fold-down bench seat adds versatility and 35.9 cubic feet of cargo room. I was able to fit a mountain bicycle in mine.

For 2015, the Juke includes standard LED Signature Accent Lamps, projector beam headlights, and bold new colors, like the Cosmic Blue (with a purplish hue) that came with the test model. It was matched to an interior with red accents, but the JUKE Color Studio program allows buyers to customize the colors of select exterior and interior pieces, such as wheels, spoilers and mirror caps. I might have chosen a different color, like black purple, instead of red.

While the test model was configured as a front wheel-drive (FWD), the Juke is available as an all-wheel drive, a nice option for this segment.

Powered by a fairly peppy 1.6-liter four-cylinder and matched to the Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT), the Juke FWD has an EPA estimated fuel economy of 28 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. I achieved an average mpg of 34.1. A six-speed manual is available on the supped-up Juke NISMO and NISMO RS.

Standard technology for 2015 includes a RearView Monitor with a 5.0-inch color display, Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Start, and Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System and Hands-free Text Messaging Assistant.

An AM/FM stereo with a CD player and USB connection port for iPod interface and other compatible devices, is also standard.

The Juke SV adds the I-CON system drive mode selector—another great feature at this level—and auto climate control digital display, privacy glass, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, premium cloth seating materials, SiriusXM Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately) and a power/sliding sunroof.

Packed with function and fun, the Juke, however, isn’t perfect. The front armrest can get in the way of the second drink holder and there’s no auto setting for the headlights, i.e. they have to be turned off manually.

Offered in a range of five trim levels, S, SV, SL, NISMO and NISMO RS, pricing for the 2015 Juke starts at $21,075. The as-tested price came to $23,585.

Sí: Great look and good fuel economy.
No: Armrest blocks drink holder, weak stereo.

Jeep Introduces Its Latest Offspring, the Renegade

Launches Comments Off

Apr 152015

It’s been said you can never get enough of a good thing. When it comes to compact sport utility vehicles (SUVs), Jeep apparently agrees.

Expanding Jeep’s lineup for 2015, the Renegade was recently launched in San Jose, CA. It joins its diminutive siblings, the Compass and Patriot, at the smaller end of the Jeep spectrum, appealing to fans of Jeep capability, as always, but with better fuel economy. The Renegade sets itself apart with more of the Wrangler’s brawn.

Technically, the Renegade is the first Jeep to enter the small sport utility segment—the Compass and Patriot compete among compact SUVs. With few true competitors, the Renegade offers many first-in-class innovations starting with “My Sky” open-air roof systems with removable panels that take inspiration from the Wrangler.

“My Sky” open-air roof systems with removable panels

“The Renegade is true to the Jeep brand, offering open air freedom and packed with fuel efficiency and versatility,” asserted Jim Morrison, director, Jeep Brand, at the launch.

Another first-in-class is the Renegade’s nine-speed transmission. Matched to a choice of two four-cylinder powertrains—a 1.4-liter and 2.4-liter—it helps improve fuel economy. The Renegade Sport and Latitude (pictured at top) equipped with the six-speed manual, however, offer the best EPA estimated city/highway fuel economy of 24/31 miles per gallon (mpg). On the test drive, the 1.4-liter averaged 27 mpg.

Like all Jeeps, the Renegade will be at ease on the road as well as off. Available in four trim levels in 2×2 or 4×4 configurations, the trail rated Trailhawk will appeal to true rock crawling fans. At the launch, it moved along a trail at the Hollister Hills State Vehicle Recreation Area (pictured below) without a hitch.

Off-road capability begins with two new 4×4 systems, Jeep Active Drive and the class-exclusive Jeep Active Drive Low (Trailhawk only). Standard on all 4×4 models, Jeep Active Drive full-time 4×4 system automatically disconnects the rear axle and power transfer unit to help improve fuel economy.

Both 4×4 systems include the Jeep Selec-Terrain system with up to five modes (Auto, Snow, Sand and Mud, plus Rock mode on the Trailhawk model) for drivers to choose depending on road conditions.

Familiar design cues, like the seven-slot grille, keep the Jeep DNA in tact while others offer a new twist, e.g. the x on the tail lights was taken from military equipment like gasoline cans.

Described as Tek-Tonic, the new interior design takes inspiration from extreme sports like base-jumping. Colors like Tresspass Black monotone interior or Black and Warm Sand two-tone seats, and a gauge cluster with a mud-splatter design graphic accentuate the theme.

The cluster also includes the Driver Information Display (DID) with temperature, compass, tire-pressure monitoring, trip computer, distance-to-empty, range, vehicles messages and vehicle speed.

For better comfort and convenience, air conditioning, keyless entry with panic alarm, a UConnect AM/FM stereo with a Media Hub—audio jack input for mobile devices and remote USB port, vanity mirrors, a 60/40 split-folding rear bench, and a removable and height-adjustable cargo floor panel are standard.

The Renegade offers 70 available safety features including a blind spot monitor, forward collision warning, Rear Cross Path Detection, although not on the Sport model. A rear backup camera, however, is available on the Sport and standard on the three subsequent trim levels.

Standard safety features include Electronic stability control with Hill-start Assist, all-speed traction control, electronic roll mitigation, and trailer sway damping.

Designed in America and crafted in Italy, pricing for the 2015 Renegade begins at $18,990 with destination fees.

Ford Issues Safety Recall for Ford Explorer, Taurus, and Lincoln MKS

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Mar 312015

2012 Ford Explorer

Ford is issuing a safety recall for approximately 213,000 2011-2013 Ford Explorer and Ford Police Interceptor Utility vehicles in North America (actual 212,911) for an issue with the spring that controls the interior door handles. If the spring is unseated, the door may become unlatched in a side-impact crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Affected vehicles include certain 2011-2013 Ford Explorer and Ford Police Interceptor Utility vehicles built at Chicago Assembly Plant, Feb. 1, 2011 to Jan. 31, 2012; June 1, 2012 to June 30, 2012; and Oct. 1, 2012 to Nov. 30, 2012.
There are 194,484 vehicles in the United States and federalized territories, 12,392 in Canada and 6,035 in Mexico.

Ford is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this condition. This announcement comes on the heels of a recall of approximately 205,000 2010-2013 Ford Taurus, Lincoln MKS and Ford Police Interceptor sedans due to an issue with the spring that controls the interior door handles.

2010 Ford Taurus

Affected vehicles include certain 2010-2013 Ford Taurus vehicles built Dec. 1, 2009 to July 31, 2010 and Feb. 1, 2011 to Nov. 30, 2012 at Chicago Assembly Plant; certain 2010-2013 Lincoln MKS vehicles built June 2, 2011 to Oct. 31, 2011 at Chicago Assembly Plant; and certain 2010-2013 Ford Police Interceptor sedans built Dec. 1, 2009 to July 31, 2010 and Feb. 1, 2011 to Nov. 30, 2012 at Chicago Assembly Plant.

Ford is aware of 204,945 vehicles in North America, including 194,889 in the United States and federalized territories, 9,948 in Canada and 108 in Mexico.

Dealers will inspect all four interior door handle assemblies and repair or replace the handles as necessary at no cost to the customer.

Rocsi Diaz Receives Honorary Hyundai Hope On Wheels Award

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Mar 312015

Rocsi Diaz

Hyundai Motor America and its nonprofit organization Hyundai Hope On Wheels was recently joined by Emmy Award-winning journalist, actress and TV personality Rocsi Diaz to kick off of its annual Hyundai Hope On Wheels national grant program during the New York International Auto Show.

Diaz will serve as a Celebrity Hope Ambassador. This honorary position is given to influencers willing to help bring awareness to this importance cause. Diaz is involved in multiple Hope On Wheels activities while in New York, including serving as the moderator for a high-profile mom blogger event and panel discussion hosted in partnership with The MOMS, New York City’s most influential blogger network targeting this important demographic. Diaz will leverage her experience and talent as a TV correspondent and anchor as well as her strong digital following to create awareness for pediatric cancer. A strong supporter of philanthropic efforts, Diaz also has her own nonprofit organization RocStar Foundation, which raises money to build and refurbish schools devastated by Hurricane Katrina in her native New Orleans.

“We commend Rocsi for her charitable efforts and are grateful that she will join the fight against pediatric cancer alongside Hyundai Hope On Wheels this week as a Hope Ambassador,” said Zafar Brooks, program director, Hyundai Hope On Wheels. “Her strong social presence and willingness to be involved will aid in boosting awareness for our program and this worthwhile cause.”

“Childhood cancer is an important issue that should command more attention,” said

Diaz. “I’m proud to participate in Hyundai Hope On Wheel’s launch activities. I’m moved that Hyundai has been helping kids fight cancer for 17 years and I’m delighted to share that this year they will surpass $100 million in funding groundbreaking research aimed at finding a cure because one child fighting cancer is one child too many.”

Hyundai Hope On Wheels will carry on its “Just One Wish” campaign theme from last year. This theme is designed to convey the mission of the organization to end childhood cancer. The campaign connects thousands of families affected by the disease via social media. Parents who visit the Hyundai Hope On Wheels website and social media channels can join the effort by posting a photo of their child and sharing their own stories of courage and hope. The goal of the Just One Wish campaign is to show the collective wish of a cure for pediatric cancer. Families can join the effort by visiting the Hope On Wheels website under the section “we win together” or by posting a photo on social media @HopeOnWheels, using hashtags #EndChildhoodCancer and #HopeOnWheels.

For more information about Hyundai Hope On Wheels, please visit www.HyundaiHopeOnWheels.org.

2015 Volkswagen Passat SEL Premium

Reviews, Volkswagen Comments Off

Mar 272015

What defines an American car? Is it where it’s made or who profits from the sale of it? Made at the company’s Chattanooga, Tennessee plant, part of a $7 billion investment by the company in the North American market, the Volkswagen Passat sedan still maintains a decidedly European DNA.

On a recent test drive of the 2015 Passat V6 SEL Premium in Austin for Latino Traffic Report, I found the sedan to be elegant and nimble.

The largest Passat built to date, it measures 191.6 inches with a stretched 110.4-inch wheelbase and 72.2-inch width, offering plenty of space for five adults. It’s easy to get in and out too, with large, wide-opening doors.

The test model sits at the top of the model lineup that includes five trim levels, but even the base model, 1.8T S, includes a driver’s seat that adjusts eight ways, including lumbar. The SEL test model included heated front seats with suede inserts.

A powerful 3.6-liter V6 engine with 280 horses powers the SEL. Matched to a six-speed dual clutch automatic transmission, it has an EPA estimated fuel economy of 20 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. During the weeklong test drive, I averaged 27.4 mpg.

There are two, more fuel-efficient engines offered, a 1.8-liter TSI turbocharged four cylinder, and the new 2.0-liter TDI Clean Diesel as well as five- and six-speed manual transmissions.

The new electro-mechanical power steering gives the Passat responsive handling, perfectly weighted to provide a balance between highway speeds, and parking speeds.

Every 2015 Passat comes with Electronic Stability Control (ESC), anti-lock brakes, Brake Assist, a tire pressure monitor, and Volkswagen’s Intelligent Crash Response System that automatically unlocks the doors, shuts off the fuel pump, and even turns on the hazard warning lights in the event of a collision. Unfortunately, a blind spot monitor is unavailable, even on the SEL.

Standard features on the base model include air-conditioning, hill hold control for the five-speed manual transmission version, steering wheel controls, AM/FM stereo with a CD player and six speakers, Bluetooth technology, and a 60/40 split rear seat.

The SEL adds foglights, 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, partial leather seating surfaces (not sure why Volkswagen didn’t go with all-leather), keyless access with push-button start, navigation, the Fender Premium Audio System, wood grain interior, interior chrome accents, and chrome dual exhaust tips.

It also comes with an iPod cable and interestingly, it recognized my iPod Nano unlike other models and brands that no longer do.

Pricing for this American-made German sedan starts at $22,160. The as-tested price for the Passat SEL came to $36,480.

Toyota Celebrates Milestone in Latino Market

Noticias 1 Response »

Mar 182015

Latino Traffic Report has learned that Toyota recently held a special private show in Los Angeles with Grammy Award-winning artist Ricky Martin for loyal Latino Toyota owners. The event celebrated a milestone for Toyota as the No. 1 automotive brand in the Hispanic market for a decade.

To demonstrate its appreciation of that loyalty, the the world’s largest automaker recognized Latino owners as its special guests. Ricky Martin showcased his spectacular talent, performing his greatest hits and music from his new album, A Quien Quiera Escuchar, to a full-capacity crowd at Nokia Theatre L.A.

“We wanted to thank them for making Toyota their favorite brand for the past ten years. We couldn’t have found a more fitting partner than Ricky Martin who also understands the power of Latino loyalty,” commented Jack Hollis, group vice president of Toyota Division marketing at Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Through the years, Toyota has understood the importance of the Latino community, locating its Tundra truck plant in San Antonio, supporting Latino non-profit organizations like the National Council of La Raza, and creating culturally relevant campaigns. Most notably, Toyota launched a recent campaign called “More Than a Car,” or “Más Que Un Auto,” a program that acknowledges the role vehicles play in the everyday lives of Latino consumers.

The campaign recognizes that drivers see their cars as members of their families and give their vehicles nicknames. For instance, customers can order customized nameplates through the website www.masqueunauto.com to be mailed to them at no cost. Tens of thousands of people have ordered the 3-D-printed nameplates, which allow them to demonstrate their love for their trusted companion and immortalize its place in the family.

“In creating the campaign, our challenge was to find an idea that could truly express the love between the Latino consumer and the brand. For them, their Toyotas are almost members of their families. Once the team uncovered this insight, the execution took shape quickly,” said Javier Campopiano, Chief Creative Officer at Conill, Toyota’s Hispanic marketing partner. “Today, engagement continues, owners are sharing their stories through Toyota Latino social channels and this campaign – developed to thank Latino owners for their support – celebrates the long-standing relationship between Toyota and the Latino community.”

2015 Honda Fit EX-L

Honda, Reviews Comments Off

Mar 072015

Stretching a dollar never goes out of style, even when gasoline prices drop to new lows. Still very much married to the economy car market, Honda redesigned its popular subcompact hatchback, the Fit, for 2015.

As it did when first introduced in 2006 as a 2007 model, the new Fit continues to offer versatility and fuel economy in a cute affordable package. On a recent weeklong test drive of the Fit EX-L in Austin, the nimble subcompact slipped into the urban lifestyle like a glove.

Economy cars tend to be light on style and heavy on value but the Fit elevates its class with flair as well as function. On the outside, a roofline spoiler, slimmer headlights, LED taillights, and a segment-exclusive rearview multi-angle camera are standard on all Fits for a starting price just $100 more than the outgoing model.

Enhanced versatility begins with a larger interior that includes seating for five and 60/40 split rear seats that expand to 52.7 cubic feet of cargo room when folded flat.

A 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 130 horsepower commands all Fits. It can be matched to two new transmissions—a six-speed manual (available on LX and EX models only) or a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with G-Shift Control for improved fuel economy.

With the combination of the new engine and transmissions, the Fit has an EPA estimated fuel-economy rating of 29 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 37 mpg on the highway with the manual transmission, 33/41 mpg for the LX trim with the CVT, and 32/38 mpg for the EX and EX-L trim with the CVT. During the one-week test drive, I averaged 34.6 mpg.

Blue backlit instrument dials that turn green to signal fuel-efficient driving via the Eco-Assist System, further enhance fuel economy and the driving experience.

The new Fit also achieved its goal of winning the highest available crash-safety ratings—a five-star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program.

Standard safety features include Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control, side curtain airbags with rollover sensor, and anti-lock brakes with Brake Assist, and an expanded view driver’s mirror, among others.

Seven-inch touchscreen display with next generation Honda Link

The Honda LaneWatch display, that displays a camera view of the right passing lane when the blinker is engaged, is standard on EX and above trims. It’s neat to look at, but a little distracting and not as effective as a blind spot alert system.

Standard creature comforts include air conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, a center storage console with an armrest, illuminated steering wheel controls, and an AM/FM/CD/ stereo with an MP3 auxiliary jack.

As the top-of-the-line model, the EX-L also includes the first-ever heated leather seating, a Smart Entry Push Button Start, a one-touch operated moonroof, and a seven-inch touchscreen Display Audio with next-generation HondaLink. While the touch-screen looks good, it’s not as intuitive as I would like—I still prefer knobs for volume and tuning control, which are available on the LX.

All Fits sold in the U.S. will be produced for the first time in North America at the all-new plant in Celaya, Mexico.

Pricing for the 2015 Honda Fit starts at $16,470. The as-tested price on the EX-L came to $20,5990.

Long-term Review: 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage

Mitsubishi, Reviews Comments Off

Feb 272015

In the auto industry, more and more good things are coming in small packages. The newest addition comes from Mitsubishi with its all-new sub-compact, the 2014 Mirage.

I attended the launch last year in Canada but later was given the chance for an extended test over three months.

The little five-door hatchback offers seating for five plus the versatility of fold flat seats for added cargo room. The biggest selling point for this little cutie, however, is its fuel economy. It made the “Greenest Vehicles List” by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy and achieved an amazing 74.1 miles per gallon (mpg) in a driver challenge held by Mitsubishi. The potential fuel savings in a non-hybrid vehicle carries great appeal.

The Mirage and a field of Texas Paint Brush wildflowers.

The Automotive Science Group (ASG) named the Mirage the 2014 “Best All-Around Performance Award” winner—the organization’s highest award—along with the 2014 “Best Environmental Performance Award” in the mini-compact class for the 2014 model year. Most recently, the Mirage was also named “the most affordable vehicle shoppers can buy” by Cars.com.

The ASG’s analysis, “found the Mirage to hold the smallest environmental footprint, not only in its class, but also of any conventionally powered model year 2014 automobile available in the North American market.”

Powered by a three-cylinder 1.2-liter engine, the Mirage should earn an EPA estimated 37 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 44 mpg on the highway with the optional Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The Mirage ES that I drove came with the CVT and on a road trip to San Antonio, it reached an average 45.8 mpg. I beat that record later while driving around town when it reached 50.1 mpg.

The standard five-speed manual should earn an EPA estimated city/highway mpg of 34/42. A manual is always a plus with these leetle cars. The 1.2-liter produces a modest 74 horses with 72 lb.–ft. of torque and with the CVT, it’s loud and struggles sometimes to accelerate. I did appreciate the standard ECO light indicator that helps encourage fuel-efficient driving. My total accrued mileage came to 2839.3 and in that time I spent $183.85 on gasoline, or 53.49 gallons.

The test model did include the optional navigation system ($900) that comes with a back-up camera and a touch screen display. Even on a little car, extra visibility, especially parked between SUVs in a parking lot, comes in handy.

Purple cloth seats.

The navigation system does trump the mode button on the steering wheel so that it only turns the radio on and off and does not scroll through the radio preset groups, e.g. FM 1, FM 2, and AM, and it replaces the volume and tuning knobs with up and down toggles on the touch screen. This threw me for such a loop that I took it to the local dealership, Roger Beasely Mitsubishi, to make sure it wasn’t broken. Great service, by the way, from service department manager James Henson and mechanic Roy Medillon.

While the interior is rather plain, aside from the purple cloth seats, the touch screen for radio controls on the fully loaded version was refreshingly intuitive and simple to use. XM radio, however, was not included nor is it available and more than once, the navigation system took me on routes that I knew to be incorrect.

Other idiosyncrasies included a push start button located on the left side of the steering wheel, no vanity mirror on the front passenger side, and a light adjuster for the instrument cluster that was counter intuitive.

Backup camera.

The Mirage is well equipped with safety features including traction control active stability control, airbags including knee protection, and keyless entry with panic alarm.

For a first-time car buyer, the Mirage has great appeal as an affordable, fuel-efficient compact with versatility. The rear seats folded easily and offered 47 cubic feet of cargo room. Without the seats deployed, there’s still 17.2 cubic feet of space to hold grocery bags.

Mitsubishi goes back to basics with the Mirage, and while it is a bit plain, the fuel savings, affordability, and nice list of standard and available features, were mighty impressive.

Pricing for the 2014 Mirage starts at $13,790 but the as-tested price Mirage ES, considered fully loaded, was $16,890.

HACR Honors GM Engineers

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Feb 252015

Each year, the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR) holds a symposium highlighting the HACR Young Hispanic Corporate Achievers (YHCA) Program, which was created in 2007 to spotlight young Hispanics who have shown exceptional leadership qualities and capabilities within their corporation.

In 2014, two of GM’s Latina Engineers were among an elite group of recipients who received the Young Hispanic Corporate Achievers award. With more than 200 nominees, only 36 Hispanic professionals received the 2014 YHCA Award. Among the recipients were Diana Ortega, Quality Launch Manager from GM’s Detroit Hamtramck plant and Nydia Correa, who works on GM Product Engineering Quality. This year’s class was impressive, as 50 percent were Latinas. “I’m very grateful to GM and HACR for such an incredible learning and networking experience! To have met so many talented, civic minded and driven, young Hispanic professionals has been truly inspiring and empowering”, said Nydia Correa.

Recipients of the Young Hispanic Corporate Achievers award. Photo courtesy of HACR.

GM employees had an opportunity to participate in a series of forums, which included the Corporate Executive Forum, the Corporate Directors Summit and the Young Hispanic Corporate Achievers. Leaders from across the country came together to experience business sessions, training events, and listen to presentations from other companies.

Grace Lieblein, GM Vice President of Product Development, Purchasing & Supply Chain, participated in the Corporate Director’s summit and provided remarks at the Corporate Executive Forum. Newly retired Executive Director of Quality, Joe Ponce, also participated in the conference. Alma Crossley, Director of Corporate Diversity and George Velez, Legal Process Global Leader, represented General Motors in the Corporate Executive Forum.

The training program included team building activities and powerful networking sessions. One of the many highlights of the YHCA Program was Dr. Juana Bordas’ (HACR YHCA Program Lead and CEO of Mestiza Leadership Intl.) moving presentation of pivotal moments in the history and evolution of Hispanics since the 1950’s. All participants then shared their personal stories on the impact and influence these major historical events had in their individual cultural upbringing, values and future goals.

Grace Lieblein vice president, Global Purchasing and Supply Chain

“The Young Hispanic Corporate Achievers program has been so motivational, personally and professionally. The additional skills I have acquired were applied as early as the first day back as a leader. I’m ready to make a greater impact in my professional career and community”, said Diana Ortega.

HACR is an organization founded in 1986, whose mission is to advance the inclusion of Hispanics in Corporate America at a level commensurate with economic contributions. It is one of the most influential Hispanic advocacy groups in the nation representing 16 national Hispanic organizations, including NCLR, LULAC, NAHP, and USHCC. HACR activities provide opportunities to engage and share GM key messaging to many leaders in the both the non-profit arena, as well as Corporate America. GM has been a longstanding partner of HACR over the years and has contributed over a half million dollars to HACR since 1995.

Click to watch the 2014 HACR YHCA Recap Video.

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