Mission
The Automotive Hall of Fame is a non-profit 501(c) 3 organization dedicated to:
• Recognizing outstanding achievement in the automotive and related industries
• Preserving automotive heritage
• Educating future generations of industry participants
History
On October 18, 1939, a group of men who had dedicated their lives to the progress of the motor vehicle industry, met in New York City to create an organization that would perpetuate the memories of the early automotive pioneers as well as the contemporary leaders in the industry. From the beginning, this organization – originally called “Automobile Old Timers” -- was dedicated to honoring automotive people from all industry segments and from around the world.
The organization moved to Washington, D.C. in 1960 and then, in 1971, to Midland, Michigan, about 120 miles north of Detroit.
In 1975, the first permanent Automotive Hall of Fame building was opened in Midland.
After residing in Midland for 22 years, the present Automotive Hall of Fame building, in Dearborn, Michigan, was opened on August 15, 1997.
Over 200 individuals have been inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame and include such pioneers and leaders as Benz, Bosch, Bugatti, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Citroen, Daimler, Dodge, Durant, Duryea, Ferrari, Ford, Honda, Maybach, Olds, Peugeot, Porsche, Renault, Sloan and Toyoda.
Today, the Automotive Hall of Fame welcomes nearly 30,000 visitors a year and recognizes achievement in the automotive and related industries through four recognitions:
Induction
This is the single greatest honor in the motor vehicle industry, intended to honor a career and/or lifetime achievement. To become a “Hall of Famer” the nominee must be either retired or deceased. Recipients must have significantly impacted the development of the automobile or the motor vehicle industry. Typically, four to eight individuals are inducted each year.
Distinguished Service Citation
The Automotive Hall of Fame’s oldest recognition, initiated in 1940, the Distinguished Service Citation recognizes an individual who has significantly improved the industry or their respective organizations. Recipients are currently employed in the industry or recently retired. Five or six individuals receive Distinguished Service Citations each year.
Industry Leader of the Year
Awarded to a single individual each year who has demonstrated outstanding industry leadership.
Young Leadership & Excellence Award
This recognition reflects the Automotive Hall of Fame’s commitment to the future by identifying the next generation of leadership in the industry. To be eligible, nominees must be 35 years of age or younger. Only four individuals are honored each year.
To nominate individuals for the various recognitions, go to the Contact Us section of this site.
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