VIP Tours

As Emmy® Award-winning producer, host and creator of MotorWeek, television's original and longest running automotive series, John Davis can be seen and heard throughout the U.S. on PBS broadcast and the MAVTV cable networks. Through media appearances, Davis' automotive industry expertise is tapped by commercial radio and television programs nationwide (CNN, Weekend Today, and Live with Regis and Kelly) as key industry developments arise. A sought-after speaker, Davis frequently addresses automotive executives, consumer groups, automotive enthusiasts and students interested in the field.

As MotorWeek's host for the show, now celebrating its 40th season, Davis has the opportunity to put all of the new car models through extensive road tests and to judge their practicality for buyers. He also acts as final editor on all of the new car road test segments and writes many of the test opinions as well as other portions of the program. MotorWeek offers him that rare chance to bring the enjoyment of a hobby to his professional life, and to use his broadcasting, engineering and analytical expertise to bring information and insight to those who enjoy cars.

William West Hopper is sought after for his in-depth automotive knowledge, as well as his knowledge of local history, interior design, art and antiques. He has published articles on a variety of subjects, authored guidebooks on local history, and on the art of secondhand shopping in the Washington DC area. A lifelong automotive enthusiast, Mr. Hopper currently serves as the President of the Washington Automotive Press Association, and has served as a Director for the Mercedes-Benz Club of America, overseeing club publications, website and social media. Mr. Hopper graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Albright College in Reading PA, and has worked for corporations such as Hartford Steam Boiler Insurance Company, GTE, IBM and Segway. He currently owns and manages WWH Communications, providing freelance automotive and lifestyle marketing, as well as event management services. Called a “consummate consumer with a nose for a bargain” by The Washington Post, Mr. Hopper produces the Automotive Business Report, Queer4Cars, and Queer4Travel blogs which focus on the automotive lifestyle, with a special interest in road trip destination travel. He is the author of 'A Guide to Washington’s Thrift and Consignment Shops,' and other well-received resource books.

Celebrating nearly 40 years as a broadcaster, Alvin Jones started his career as the host of the number one rated Quiet Storm on WHUR-FM. Currently, he hosts and is executive producer of automotive television show Planet Vehicle. Through his parent company The Alvin Jones Communications Group he also executive produces business television show Women’s Business Report and hosts radio & television program PlanetJazz. His work at Black Entertainment Television helped take BET from an eight-hour a day cable network to the 24-hour powerhouse for the music video genre. Known as “The Unseen VJ”®, he hosted and produced music video programs Video Vibrations, and Midnight Love and created Rap City. Alvin originally hosted T.M.I. (Too Much Information) while on Sirius/XM Radio channel The Power and was producer for C-SPAN’s Book TV. His other company, Aye Jay Productions, offers video production, webcasting, sound reinforcement, public relations, and event production solutions. Projects include Cannes Film Festival segments for the TV Guide Channel, arrival of The Pope at The U.S. Capitol, live streaming of Senate and Congressional hearings, and coverage of the NAACP Image Awards, the Grammys, and pre-Oscar events for MSN.com. Giving back gives Alvin a sense of pride. Always one with a message, he connects well with his audience and is highly requested as a public speaker and Master of Ceremonies

Patrick Min is the founder and Chief Carsplainer at Carsplain, an automotive review site and media channel. He also is currently a Senior Product Manager with Amazon Automotive. Patrick worked directly in product planning and strategy at Toyota where he helped develop the Toyota Tacoma pickup line, as well as the launch of the TRD Pro off-road sub-brand. He has consulted with every OEM across the globe through his prior work at Automotive Lease Guide, the industry benchmark in residual values, as well as automotive strategy at J.D. Power. Patrick also co-founded a mobility services startup, FreshCar, which provides automotive subscription technologies to operators around the world. A board member of the Washington Automotive Press Association and electric car owner, Patrick also endeavors to teach his young daughters how to drive a manual transmission one day, preferably with a V8.

Joe Thomas has been a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association for 30 years participating in test drives, factory tours and interviews with stylists, engineers and automotive executives. Currently he is a docent at the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum where he lectures on the Space Shuttle, Concorde, Blackbird and even some flying cars. He is also a tour guide at the Kennedy Center. He served as a Naval Air Intelligence Officer, then produced National Geographic documentaries and later sold jet engines for General Electric. He owned the same 1966 Corvette for 45 years and drove a 1971 Jaguar XKE for many years of parades, rallies, concours and charity events. Today he rides his 1973 Honda CB-350 emotional support motorcycle. He holds a commercial pilot’s license and has a master’s degree in public relations.

Kevin Joostema currently serves as President of Car-ED, a media and marketing company co-founded with Andres Valbuena. Besides contributing to Car-ED, Kevin is a Washington Automotive Press Association (WAPA) Board member and provides marketing services and consultation on a range of product development and consumer research topics. Kevin is a constant champion of innovative product concepts due to the customer voice and, ultimately, customer appeal. Kevin’s experience in the auto sector has always been driven by the needs of the consumer through research and observation. His own study of architecture and research drives his interest in the global auto sector, and has allowed him to work among the top brands from all 3 of the major auto-producing regions for the past 25 years – the US, Japan, and Germany.

Jake Maynard is a senior at George Washington University studying Business and Public Policy. In his free time, you can catch him running, playing video games, and filming car reviews for his YouTube channel Gas Guzzler Reviews! Jake started Gas Guzzler Reviews in his senior year of high school and is now a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association. His videos focus on exploring all kinds of new vehicles from a holistic perspective. As a young car enthusiast Jake appreciates speed and power; but also keeps up with the latest tech trends in the automotive world.