Nissan North America Receives Company of the Year and Car of the Year Honors From On Wheels, Inc.
LOS ANGELES--Jan. 7, 2003--On Wheels, Inc. has named Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) the recipient of both 2003 Urban Car of the Year and Company of the Year awards. In the seven-year history of the Urban Wheels Awards, NNA is the first import automaker to receive the Company of the Year honor and the first to receive both awards at the same time.
"It is an honor and a privilege to be the first import automaker to receive such recognition from On Wheels, Inc.," said Jim Morton, NNA senior vice president. "Both distinguished awards represent Nissan's vision to accomplish everyday, produce quality products and invest in the diverse communities of America."
The Patterson-Greenfield Company of the Year Award is named after the only known African American auto manufacturing company in the United States. The award recognizes an automotive company's commitment to diversifying its workforce, building relationships with African American and Latino suppliers and dealers, creating marketing and advertising campaigns targeted to the African American and Latino communities and community support in all aspects. NNA is the first import automaker to receive the award.
"In 2002, Nissan demonstrated exceptional industry leadership through their product, sales and manufacturing operations, as well as their corporate diversity and safety initiatives and community relations," stated Randi Payton, President and CEO of On Wheels, Inc. "We congratulate Nissan for their outstanding performance in 2002 and thank all of the candidates, our sponsors and supporters for their on-going participation."
NNA was also awarded Urban Car of the Year for the 350Z. The Urban Car of the Year Award is given annually to a vehicle that is new to the marketplace or has undergone significant modifications. To be considered, the vehicle must have been on the market during the previous year. Vehicles are judged for performance, as well as suitability for urban-based drivers.
The awards were announced during the annual Urban Wheels Awards ceremony. The event was held at Detroit Institute of the Arts during press preview week of the 2003 North American International Auto Show. A panel of eight multicultural automotive journalists from Automotive News, The Detroit News and Washington Post among other notable media outlets judged each category. The judges voted based on their knowledge of the industry, products and marketplace.
"For seven years the Urban Wheels Awards have served as a signature diversity event of the automotive industry," said Jim Morton. "Nissan is excited to make Urban Wheels Awards history by receiving such honors. Like On Wheels, Inc., Nissan has made a shift and has become a trendsetter in recognizing and valuing the diversity of consumers that purchase our products."
In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.nissanUSA.com or www.infiniti.com or contact the corporate media line at 310/771-5631.
