Cuauhtémoc Blanco spokeperson for Toyota Dealers of Chicago.

Professional soccer star Cuauhtémoc Blanco of the Chicago Fire has agreed to become the Hispanic market spokesperson for the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana Toyota Dealers Association. The official announcement will take place at 5:30 p.m. CT today during the Chicago Auto Show, being held at the Toyota display in McCormick Place.

Blanco will appear in the association’s Spanish-language advertising beginning in the spring of 2008, coinciding with the start of the 2008 MLS season. Now in his second year with the Fire, Blanco has played professionally in his native Mexico and Spain. He remains among the sport’s most recognizable international icons.

“Serving the Hispanic community continues to be a high priority for Chicago-area Toyota dealers,” said Bob Loquercio, representative from the Toyota Dealers Association and Chairman of the 2008 Chicago Auto Show. “Choosing a spokesperson of Mr. Blanco’s stature illustrates our commitment to this increasingly important and influential market. We’re proud to partner with him in our advertising efforts, and are thrilled that he calls TOYOTA PARK home throughout the summer”.