Alvin Jones
By Rodney Branche

Copa: Alvin, where are you from?
Alvin: I was born in Kinston, North Carolina in 1959. Later my parents moved to the Washington DC area so I've been a Washingtonian ever since!
Alvin: I was born in Kinston, North Carolina in 1959. Later my parents moved to the Washington DC area so I've been a Washingtonian ever since!
Copa: Fantastic, where did you attend school?
Alvin: I attended Harris Elementary in SE Washington, then I went to Kelly Miller for I/2 year. In 1972 we moved to Maryland where I attended Thomas Johnson where Kristina McAuliffe taught. Afterwards there was Beltsville Jr. High, Duvall High School, from there It was Howard University.
Alvin: I attended Harris Elementary in SE Washington, then I went to Kelly Miller for I/2 year. In 1972 we moved to Maryland where I attended Thomas Johnson where Kristina McAuliffe taught. Afterwards there was Beltsville Jr. High, Duvall High School, from there It was Howard University.
Copa: What was your Major at Howard?
Alvin: I started with Radio Production and moved on to Television Production. My Minor was Public Relations.
Alvin: I started with Radio Production and moved on to Television Production. My Minor was Public Relations.
Copa: What sparked your interest with automobiles?
Alvin: It's more like what brought it back. From the age of 9 to 11 my dad had a gas station over on Capitol Hill/Stanton Park. I guess you would have called me a manager in training working on the weekends and the Summer. There was a fascination about cars at that time but not really a passion. Later I started working at XM Radio on a program called 'TMI' (Too Much Information), we were on Monday through Friday. I ran into Brian Armsted a friend of mine who was a journalist, we were working on a project on seatbelt safety with Congressman Bobby Rush during Congressional Black Caucus week in 2002. In 2003 he came on as an Automotive Journalist, his company was Auto Sense so we had the Auto Sense segment run at that time. A year later there was a trip to Portland, Oregon to preview the Mercedes Benz SLK, he couldn't take it so he asked me if I could go to other locations and from time to time I would go on one of the trips. There were exciting places like the Napa Valley, Paris for the Auto Show and South Africa for Jaguar. After a while figured I might as well branch out so people would know who you are...this is how "Planet Vehicle" got started around December of 2007 as an online presence. Later it became a television show, now we are going into our 5th year of "Planet Vehicle."
Alvin: It's more like what brought it back. From the age of 9 to 11 my dad had a gas station over on Capitol Hill/Stanton Park. I guess you would have called me a manager in training working on the weekends and the Summer. There was a fascination about cars at that time but not really a passion. Later I started working at XM Radio on a program called 'TMI' (Too Much Information), we were on Monday through Friday. I ran into Brian Armsted a friend of mine who was a journalist, we were working on a project on seatbelt safety with Congressman Bobby Rush during Congressional Black Caucus week in 2002. In 2003 he came on as an Automotive Journalist, his company was Auto Sense so we had the Auto Sense segment run at that time. A year later there was a trip to Portland, Oregon to preview the Mercedes Benz SLK, he couldn't take it so he asked me if I could go to other locations and from time to time I would go on one of the trips. There were exciting places like the Napa Valley, Paris for the Auto Show and South Africa for Jaguar. After a while figured I might as well branch out so people would know who you are...this is how "Planet Vehicle" got started around December of 2007 as an online presence. Later it became a television show, now we are going into our 5th year of "Planet Vehicle."
Copa: What makes "Planet Vehicle" different from other automobile shows?
Alvin: Most people who go to buy new cars dread the idea when the time comes to buy a new car. First they have to deal with the salesperson who only wishes to just sell them a new car. At "Planet Vehicle" we consider ourselves to be the "Entertainment Tonight" of the automotive industry. We show another side by interviewing engineers, designers and technical people who have put the blood, sweat and dreams into these cars. Automobiles reflect people's lifestyles, I speak to them and get to know who they actually are. Here's what's interesting...everybody knows 'Poppa Pope' from "Scandal" Joe Morton. Guess what his favorite car is? A Miata! So here's an actor that plays roles where he is the "Brother From Another Planet" and 'Olivia Pope's Dad who wishes to kill the President of the United States that drive a little Miata! Another star like Patrick Dempsey, Mc Dreamy from "Gray's Anatomy," he likes to race sports cars. He used to race Mazdas and now it's Porsche so there is much passion involved with the automotive industry. I can tell what kind of interview I will give on a car after driving it right away. It doesn't have to be a fancy sports car for someone to like it, maybe it would be the design. There are many things that take place behind the scenes in the automotive industry that are fascinating, for instance the leading designer for General Motors is a black man and many women work with him that create and choose the designs and colors for their broad line of vehicles. There are so many details to this business that many people of all races are into, it's totally universal. As you can see "Planet Vehicle" isn't just about cars.
Alvin: Most people who go to buy new cars dread the idea when the time comes to buy a new car. First they have to deal with the salesperson who only wishes to just sell them a new car. At "Planet Vehicle" we consider ourselves to be the "Entertainment Tonight" of the automotive industry. We show another side by interviewing engineers, designers and technical people who have put the blood, sweat and dreams into these cars. Automobiles reflect people's lifestyles, I speak to them and get to know who they actually are. Here's what's interesting...everybody knows 'Poppa Pope' from "Scandal" Joe Morton. Guess what his favorite car is? A Miata! So here's an actor that plays roles where he is the "Brother From Another Planet" and 'Olivia Pope's Dad who wishes to kill the President of the United States that drive a little Miata! Another star like Patrick Dempsey, Mc Dreamy from "Gray's Anatomy," he likes to race sports cars. He used to race Mazdas and now it's Porsche so there is much passion involved with the automotive industry. I can tell what kind of interview I will give on a car after driving it right away. It doesn't have to be a fancy sports car for someone to like it, maybe it would be the design. There are many things that take place behind the scenes in the automotive industry that are fascinating, for instance the leading designer for General Motors is a black man and many women work with him that create and choose the designs and colors for their broad line of vehicles. There are so many details to this business that many people of all races are into, it's totally universal. As you can see "Planet Vehicle" isn't just about cars.
Copa: What make or would you of car would you recommend for a potentional?
Alvin: It all depends on the buyers personality and what they wish to use the car for. Do they work for a charitable organization and move boxes around frequently or someone who just moves around and needs to place a set of golf clubs in their trunk? Sometimes you find an individual who wishes to spread the message that they have arrived in a new Mercedes, BMW or Lexus. It's very personalized, I would have to get to know the person. I was just speaking with a friend of mine who just made partner that has offices in the Watergate. She is very attractive and successful but she prefers the Mini Cooper. Sometimes people's interpretation of a car can take things to the next level.
Alvin: It all depends on the buyers personality and what they wish to use the car for. Do they work for a charitable organization and move boxes around frequently or someone who just moves around and needs to place a set of golf clubs in their trunk? Sometimes you find an individual who wishes to spread the message that they have arrived in a new Mercedes, BMW or Lexus. It's very personalized, I would have to get to know the person. I was just speaking with a friend of mine who just made partner that has offices in the Watergate. She is very attractive and successful but she prefers the Mini Cooper. Sometimes people's interpretation of a car can take things to the next level.
Copa: Do many people ask for consultation from you on their car choice?
Alvin: There are many things to consider when purchasing a new vehicle, trade ins, financing, the dealership, how to find information on the true cost with the manufacture's suggested price. What's the best way to pick the deal, would you want to get something off the lot or place a special order? We would like to recommend people who would focus on the type of car and design instead of just selling you a car. We provide information, videos and pictures to arm you with everything you need before you make that decision. We would like our audience to be comfortable. If you don't watch out you're going to feel as if you are attending a wedding and a funeral at the same time. No one should have to feel that way.
Alvin: There are many things to consider when purchasing a new vehicle, trade ins, financing, the dealership, how to find information on the true cost with the manufacture's suggested price. What's the best way to pick the deal, would you want to get something off the lot or place a special order? We would like to recommend people who would focus on the type of car and design instead of just selling you a car. We provide information, videos and pictures to arm you with everything you need before you make that decision. We would like our audience to be comfortable. If you don't watch out you're going to feel as if you are attending a wedding and a funeral at the same time. No one should have to feel that way.
Planet Vehicle Show with Idris Elba & Consumer Reports
Top 10 Pick for 2015
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Copa Style Magazine's Style & STEM Career Columnist Ingrid Campbell White shares views of her 2014 Jaguar XF
Copa: What do you look for in a luxury vehicle?
Ingrid: The performance must be exceptional, the ride is smooth and the handling is superb.
Ingrid: The performance must be exceptional, the ride is smooth and the handling is superb.
Copa: Would you say that the Jaguar reflects your lifestyle?
Ingrid: The Jaguar definitely reflects my lifestyle. I am a pretty classy/stylish woman and always loved the look and feel of Jaguars.
Ingrid: The Jaguar definitely reflects my lifestyle. I am a pretty classy/stylish woman and always loved the look and feel of Jaguars.
Copa: How would you describe the handling of the vehicle compared to your last car?
Ingrid: Compared to my last car the car is hands down the best. Service has been exceptional (on the few occasions when service is needed). It just could not be better.
Ingrid: Compared to my last car the car is hands down the best. Service has been exceptional (on the few occasions when service is needed). It just could not be better.
Copa: What are the special features that you enjoy the best in your car?
Ingrid: I enjoy the navigation, the audio and all other internal features. It's elegant, sleek & easy to drive. It's also powerful and quick and goes around curves like nobody's business.
Ingrid: I enjoy the navigation, the audio and all other internal features. It's elegant, sleek & easy to drive. It's also powerful and quick and goes around curves like nobody's business.
Copa: Would you considering another Jaguar in your next purchase of a new vehicle?
Ingrid: I would definitely purchase another Jaguar in future. There's nothing like the prrrr and whisper of my Jaguar.
Ingrid: I would definitely purchase another Jaguar in future. There's nothing like the prrrr and whisper of my Jaguar.
Women's Business Report Reception
Michelle Wiseman, Ethel Taylor, Angela Pryor and Sheena Gill for Dolly Oberoi were honored at the reception hosted by Aston Martin, Bentley, McLaren dealership Exclusive Automotive Group.
These women will be featured on the News Channel 8 televison program "Women's Business Report." The show will air Sunday, March 29, 2015.
Patricia Mitchell and Joyce Arndt will appear on the Sunday, April 26, 2015 broadcast. The Host of the 'Women's Business Report' is our very own Renee' Allen.
Music performed by Noona.
Cuisine by Catering at Uptown.
These women will be featured on the News Channel 8 televison program "Women's Business Report." The show will air Sunday, March 29, 2015.
Patricia Mitchell and Joyce Arndt will appear on the Sunday, April 26, 2015 broadcast. The Host of the 'Women's Business Report' is our very own Renee' Allen.
Music performed by Noona.
Cuisine by Catering at Uptown.
For more information on Alvin Jones: http://planetvehicle.com/planet-vehicle-host-alvin-jones/
~Copa