Automotive organizations helping out the community
By Gary S. Vasilash*
Although automotive journalists, in some circles, have a reputation of being first in the buffet line, it is worth knowing that the 50 jurors who make the selections for the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY) Awards™, along with the Detroit Auto Dealers Association (DADA), have just made $40,000 in charitable contributions.
$10,000 each were presented to:
Noted Gary Witzenburg, NACTOY president, “As automotive journalists, we are privileged to drive, test and evaluate the finest new cars and trucks each year, and for the second consecutive year, we have been able to give something back with these charitable donations.”
Added Rod Alberts, DADA executive director, “NACTOY has always supported the Detroit auto show by announcing its annual awards at our show. We value that partnership and are thrilled that we were able to help make these charitable donations possible once again this year.”
Alberts is referring to the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), which, like other auto shows, has been on something of a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The NACTOY awards were established in 1994 and the winners were first, and have been subsequently announced, in the building still widely known as “Cobo” during NAIAS events.
*Full disclosure: I am a NACTOY juror
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