This year’s North America International Auto Show kicked off the season showcasing the urban chic side of the auto industry. Beyond just providing dazzling cars, high-tech displays and models at this year’s show, GM was extremely instrumental in helping to highlight the stars behind the cars … African Americans who had a major hand in driving the industry over the past year.

Check out this gallery of folks you should know!

Jeff Fortson is an auto analyst and editor of a car-buying website for women and minorities. To learn more about his popular car-buying workshop and/or to price a new-vehicle, drive on over to JeffCars.com. Follow him on Twitter @jeffcars