Over 1,500 Auto Execs and Car Enthusiasts Attended the 16th Annual Urban Wheel Awards

DETROIT, MI (Tell Us USA) - More than 1,500 automotive executives, celebrities, local dignitaries and car enthusiasts attended this year’s Urban Wheel Awards on Sunday, January 8th, 2012 at the MotorCity Casino, Sound Board Theater. From the afternoon reception in honor of Bill Perkins, the first African American chairman of the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), to the late-night afterglow featuring Larry Lee and the Back in the Day Band, the event was an exciting star-studded fete.

“This was our biggest year yet,” said Randi Payton, publisher of Decisive Magazine, organizers of the show. “Every year, we look forward to honoring those who promote diversity in the auto industry and awarding scholarships to students pursuing auto-related careers.

The evening began with a Green Car Exhibit and reception honoring NAIAS chairman Bill Perkins. The green carpet replaced the traditional red carpet as celebrities, media personalities and top automotive executives were met by flashing lights and television cameras.

The awards show was the main event. Tony award-winning actress Phylicia Rashad and Emmy award winning co-anchor John Quinones graced the stage as co-host of the show. Presenters included actress Debbi Morgan of the soap opera, Young and the Restless, Fox 2 News Anchor Roop Raj, U.S. Representative John Dingell, Congresswoman Debbie Stabenow and more.

Awards were presented in eight categories, including the Executive of the Year, Pioneer of the Year and the Lifetime Achievement Award. Fletcher Campbell, Toyota Motor Sales’ group vice president and general manager won the Executive of the Year award, Bill Perkins, Bill Perkins Automotive Group won the Pioneer of the Year Award and legendary automotive journalist Warren Brown of the Washington Post, won the 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award.

Representatives from almost every major automotive manufacturer and minority supplier were in attendance along with media outlets, and other organizations that represent the industry. Proceeds from the event will go to support the Emerging Diversity Education Fund, which provides internships, scholarship and mentoring to students pursuing careers in the auto industry, communications and Green jobs.

The 16th Annual Urban Wheel Awards is a world-class awards show held during the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). The only official multicultural event held in conjunction with the NAIAS, the awards promote diversity inclusion in the nation’s largest auto show and brings together celebrities, automotive executives, international media, government representatives and the multicultural community to celebrate diversity accomplishments in the automotive industry.