Accelerate Auto Recognizes Universus as First Official Partner
Industry support continues to grow for Accelerate Auto as it continues the push to attract, develop, and promote Black talent in Canada’s automotive industry.
TORONTO, Sept. 20, 2021 — Accelerate Auto, a newly established not-for-profit organization dedicated to increasing opportunities for Black people and tackling systemic racism in Canada’s automotive industry, is pleased to announce Universus as the organization’s first Official Partner.
“Universus has been with us since our inception, and has been instrumental in helping us launch and sustain our organization,” said Christopher Nabeta, Founding Member of Accelerate Auto. “From helping us develop our visual identity and brand, building our website and creating videos, to ongoing involvement in our organization, they’ve been fully supportive of our mission.”
The Canadian automotive industry has a severe lack of Black representation across all sectors: dealerships, manufacturers, suppliers, aftermarket — and at all levels, from entry-level to the C-suite. With one in seven jobs in Canada connected to automotive, there are lots of opportunities and Accelerate Auto’s goal is to see Black professionals better represented in the industry.
“It’s been great to see the growth and impact of Accelerate Auto,” said Niel Hiscox, President of Universus, a content marketing and video production agency based out of Markham, Ontario that serves a host of clients across the automotive industry. “This is an issue our industry has to face and address. We are proud to offer our ongoing support as the organization continues to grow and make a positive impact.”
Accelerate Auto aims to attract more Black talent to automotive by building awareness about the great opportunities that exist in the industry and establishing career pathing opportunities. At the same time, they’re looking to develop more Black leaders for senior positions by facilitating mentorship networks.
The founding members of the organization are made up of representatives across dealerships, manufacturers, industry associations, the aftermarket, suppliers and the media. Accelerate Auto is calling on the automotive industry in Canada to step up and get involved. To achieve their goals, Accelerate Auto will require the support of industry partners, and have already gained backing from leading organizations.
Accelerate Auto has set up a LinkedIn page to help spread the word and to create a network of Black professionals in automotive to support mentoring, peer-to-peer networking and other initiatives.
To get involved, or to learn more about how you can support, email: info@accelerateauto.ca
About Accelerate Auto
Accelerate Auto is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to increasing Black representation in the Canadian automotive industry. We provide Black professionals and leaders with access to mentorship for skills building and peer networking to support professional growth and career development. We facilitate career pathing to attract more Black talent to automotive and build awareness of opportunities within the industry. We are dedicated to creating a stronger and more diverse automotive workforce.
It’s time to Accelerate Change. It's time for Accelerate Auto.
About Universus
Universus is a full service Canadian video production and marketing agency based in Markham, Ontario. It produces print, digital and video content throughout Canada’s automotive sector, including for manufacturers, dealer associations, dealerships, and suppliers. The company also publishes Canadian auto dealer and Affaires automobiles magazines, the leading media titles for Canada’s car dealers. For more information visit: www.universusmedia.com
Media Contacts:
For any media inquiries, please contact:
Jennifer Okoeguale, Founding Member, Accelerate Auto
Todd Phillips, Founding Member, Accelerate Auto