LOS ANGELES -

As dealers and automakers put more emphasis on reaching out to Latino car shoppers — who are becoming more and more influential in the market — a group of Hispanic auto journalists has released its list of the vehicles considered to be the most attractive to this group of consumers.

The Hispanic Motor Press Association’s 2012 Car of the Year Awards are  composed of models that “reflect the distinctive style, tastes and needs of the influential Latino U.S. population." They are picked by a panel of influential Latino leaders that includes auto journalists, as well as a car designer and a motorsport artist.

Leading the way in this year’s awards was Chrysler/Fiat, which took four of the 10 spots on the list. The Dodge Charter SRT8, the Fiat 500 Abarth, Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Dodge Ram all received honors.

General Motors, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Land Rover, Honda and Kia each picked up one award.

“California is known for setting the trends in the automotive industry and with the largest Hispanic population in the USA, it is the place to find out what we like," said Ricardo Rodriguez-Long, jury committee director.

The complete list of winners is as follows:

—Deportivo Americano (American Sportscar): Ford Mustang 5.0
—Sedan Americano (American Sedan): Dodge Charger SRT8
—Auto de Lujo (Premium Car): Mercedes Benz C63 AMG
—Convertible: Chevrolet Camaro Convertible
—Compacto (Compact Car): Fiat 500 Abarth
—SUV: Jeep Grand Cherokee
—Crossover: Land Rover Evoque
—Minivan: Honda Odyssey
—Camioneta (Pickup): Dodge Ram
—Tecnología Alternativa (Alternative powerplant): Kia Optima Hibrido

Offering some perspective from one of the winners, Kia Motors America’s vice president of marketing and communications Michael Sprague had this to say about the award: “Kia has undergone a dramatic brand transformation over the past three years, including the addition of our first-ever hybrid model in the U.S., and the Hispanic Motor Press Association’s recognition of the Optima Hybrid is further evidence of Kia’s unprecedented growth in the market.

“More and more consumers are looking at Kia for the first time, and Optima Hybrid’s ‘Top 10 Cars of the Year’ designation demonstrates how Kia is reaching new audiences, including the important and growing Hispanic community,” he added.

The judging panel included:

—Al Vázquez: editor, FAMA Magazine (Miami)
—Alejandro Rodriguez : photographer (Phoenix)
—Andres Aiello: editor, Auto A Fondo magazine (Los Angeles)
—Diego Cichero: editor, Univision Autos (Miami)
—Diva Rescia: host, Univision TV (Denver)
—Guillermo de la Corte: journalist, NEXOS magazine (Dallas)
—Hector Cademartori: Bellas Artes (La Verne, Calif.)
—Jaime Florez: director, Ruedas ESPN Radio (Miami)
—Joaquin Barroeta: editor, Auto A Fondo.com (Long Beach, Calif.)
—Pepe Forte: radio host, Automania Radio (Miami)
—Ricardo Gonzalez: journalist, Rides Magazine  (New York)
—Ricardo Rodriguez-Long: host, "Auto A Fondo TV" & "Canal Speed" (Burbank, Calif.)
—Roger Gutierrez: auto designer (Long Beach, Calif.)
—Simón Gomez: journalist, MSN Latino (Seattle)