2003 Urban Wheel Awards Set for Jan. 7

DETROIT, Nov. 18 -- On Wheels Inc., the publishing arm of African Americans On Wheels and Latinos On Wheels magazines, today announced the 7th Annual Urban Wheel Awards (UWA) ceremony will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 7. The invitation-only event, scheduled to begin at 6 p.m., will take place at The Detroit Institute of Arts during the press preview week of the 2003 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).

Every year, in conjunction with NAIAS, the UWA has attracted a national audience of top automotive executives, suppliers, dealers, media owners and community and political leaders to acknowledge the achievements of individuals who have demonstrated an unparalleled commitment and dedication to their careers, and to diversity in the automotive industry. The UWA also recognizes the most significant new car and truck/SUV to urban-based drivers, and acknowledges major corporations and minority suppliers for their efforts toward diversity and excellence in the automotive community.

This year also marks the second year for the Urban ADvantage category. This consumer-driven award selects the most effective print advertisement developed by a minority-owned advertising agency. The contest is facilitated through the On Wheels Inc. Web site, onwheelsinc.com , and the general public is encouraged to participate.

"During these tough economic times, it's important for the UWA to recognize the companies and individuals in the industry who continue to acknowledge and represent the significance of African Americans and Latinos," said OWI CEO and President Randi Payton. "We salute them for their accomplishments, and commitment toward creating a diverse automotive landscape."

Sponsors for this year's UWA ceremony are AC Delco, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Aston Martin Jaguar Land Rover, Audi of America, Inc., Comerica Inc., DaimlerChrysler Corporation, Ford Motor Company, General Motors Acceptance Corporation (GMAC), General Motors Corporation, GlobalHue, Hyundai Motor America, Kia Motors America, Mercedes-Benz of North America, MINI USA, Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., Nissan North America, Pontiac GMC, Reynolds & Reynolds, State Farm-Meharry College Alliance, Subaru of America, Inc., The BMW Group, Uniworld Group, Incorporated, Volkswagen of America, Inc., and Volvo Cars of North America. El Central, Michigan Chronicle and The Michigan Front Page are media sponsors for the event.

Categories for submissions include: Company of the Year, Latino and African American Executives of the Year and Minority Supplier of the Year. The deadline for entries is Nov. 22.

On Wheels Inc. is the publishing arm of African Americans On Wheels and Latinos On Wheels magazines. The Detroit-based company also facilitates the Edward Davis Education Fund and the Urban Wheel Awards. For more information regarding Urban Wheel Award nominations, contact (313) 963-2209 or go to www.onwheelsinc.com .