Urban Wheel Awards To Include Latinos.

On Wheels, Inc. will expand its 2002 Urban Wheel Awards program to include the recognition of Latinos in the auto industry and Latino car buyers, announced Randi Payton, On Wheels, Inc. founder and CEO. The Sixth Annual Urban Wheel Awards will be held Wednesday, January 9, 2002, at the Detroit Institute of Arts. Hosted yearly by African Americans On Wheels magazine, the event will expand to include Latinos On Wheels magazine, which published its premiere issue October 2001.

For six years, On Wheels Inc., a multicultural, multimedia automotive communications company, has been instrumental in bringing the economic power of African Americans to the forefront of the auto industry. In October 2001, the company united its efforts to incorporate the Latino culture with the launch of Latinos On Wheels magazine.

Latinos On Wheels is a consumer-oriented magazine that offers an informative, enjoyable and most importantly, an accurate reflection of the contributions Latinos are making in today’s automotive industry.

“I’m delighted that Latinos are playing an integral part in the Urban Wheel Awards,” says Andres Tobar, publisher and editor-in-chief of Latinos On Wheels, LLC. “This distinguished event, which now joins two powerful ethnic groups, will become even greater because of our respective strengths.”

The Sixth Annual Urban Wheel Awards is invitation-only event recognizing the achievements of African Americans and Latinos in the automotive industry. Top auto executives, suppliers, auto dealers, media owners, community and political leaders from around the world attend the Urban Wheel Awards gala, held annually in conjunction with press preview week of the North American International Auto Show, in Detroit, Mich.

“Latinos are emerging as leaders across all industries — The Urban Wheel Awards will celebrate the presence of our leaders within the auto industry, and recognize individuals and companies which have made significant achievements in the practice of diversity,” Tobar added.

For the Sixth Annual Urban Wheel Awards, African Americans and Latinos are being considered for Executive of the Year, Woman of the Year and Minority Supplier of the Year. The 2002 program will also include a Latino of the Year award. The Company of the Year award will not only recognize a company’s efforts to reach out to African-American car buyers, but judges will consider efforts to embrace Latino car buyers as well. A Vehicle of the Year award will also be presented.