On Wheels Inc. Launches Two 'Firsts' with Auto Industry Leaders -- Efforts Promote Diversity and Education

MIAMI--Nov. 4, 2003--On Wheels Inc., (OWI) publishers of African Americans On Wheels and Latino On Wheels Magazines, join the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers (NAMAD) to host the first diversity awards program recognizing local auto dealers. The Inaugural Urban Wheel Dealer Awards (IUWDA) (November 6, 2003, at the South Florida International Auto Show) is the first and the only auto industry event to celebrate the contributions minority auto dealers make in their local community. Proceeds from the awards ceremony will benefit the Edward Davis Education Foundation and provide two scholarships of $1,000 each to students pursuing automotive-relative study at The University of Miami and Florida Memorial College.

"As an automotive media company, our goal is unite top minority journalists, automotive executives and key community leaders to increase diversity at the local level", said Randi Payton, OWI CEO and President. "Auto dealers need to be recognized for educating and informing minority consumers; making our workplaces racially accepting and the countless other diversity efforts they provide to the local community."

Several leading auto manufacturers have joined OWI in its effort to celebrate and heighten awareness of minority dealers and their work in their communities. Urban Wheel Dealer Award sponsors include: General Motors Corporation, Ford Motor Company, Volvo Cars of North America, Aston Martin Jaguar Land Rover, Earthlink, Volkswagen of America Inc., DaimlerChrysler Corporation, Audi of America, Inc., General Motors Acceptance, Diversity Inc.com, Letstalkcars.com, The Network Journal and InFocus Magazine.

Through its non-profit arm, the Edward Davis Education Foundation, OWI has awarded more than $200,000 in scholarships and launched a national safety campaign promoting vehicle safety among Latinos and African Americans.

The IUWDA will take place on Thursday November 6, from 6-9 p.m. at the Miami Beach Convention Center (Hall D237-239). On Wheels Inc. is also hosting the first-ever "Minority Ride & Drive" on November 6 at the Biltmore Hotel from 9:00 a.m. - 12 noon. At the Ride & Drive, minority journalists will test drive the newest vehicles - an opportunity normally reserved for mainstream media. Both events are open to the press.

Detroit-based On Wheels Inc is a multicultural multimedia company that publishes African Americans On Wheels and Latinos On Wheels Magazines.