DEARBORN, MI — Seven individuals representing racing, design, manufacturing, management and innovation were inducted this week into the Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn, MI. The Inductee class of 2006 includes Nuccio Bertone, Dale Earnhardt, Bill France, Jr., Wayne Huizenga, Shojiro Ishibashi, Arjay Miller and Bruno Sacco.
Nuccio Bertone (1912 – 1997) presided over one of the most fabled and influential design, engineering and prototype houses that the automotive industry has known. An exacting administrator of the family business, Bertone was also known for his ability to nurture top design talent, including the legendary Giorgetto Giugiaro.
Dale Earnhardt (1951-2001), known as "The Intimidator," was a legendary figure in NASCAR racing long before his tragic death in 2001. Among the winningest drivers, Earhardt was a team owner and one of the most respected motorsports personalities on and off the track.
When Bill France, Jr. (1933- ) succeeded his father, NASCAR founder Bill France, Sr., he inherited a racing organization that was primarily regional in appeal. The younger France took NASCAR to new heights in popularity and success, and is widely recognized for making NASCAR one of the most popular forms of entertainment in the world today.
H. Wayne Huizenga (1937- ), a multi-faceted entrepreneur, is best known in the auto industry as the founder of AutoNation, the world’s largest automotive retailer. AutoNation represents 370 new car franchises in 272 dealership locations nationwide. Founded only a decade ago, AutoNation is ranked 112 on the "Fortune 500" list.
Shojiro Ishibashi (1889-1976) dreamed of supplying Japan’s new automobile industry with tires developed and manufactured with local capital and expertise. Ishibashi created Japan’s first locally developed tires in 1930 and established Bridgestone Tire Co., Ltd., in 1931. Today, Bridgestone Corp. is one of the largest manufacturers in the world.
Arjay Miller (1916- ) was one of the 10 "Whiz Kids" who as a group left the U.S. Army Air Force after World War II, and played a major role in improving the fortunes of the Ford Motor Co. He was president of Ford from 1963 to 1968 and vice chairman until 1969 and served with distinction as dean of the Stanford University Graduate School of Business.
Bruno Sacco (1933- ) holds the distinction of being chief of design at Mercedes-Benz for nearly a quarter century, a design career spanning 39 years at Mercedes-Benz, where for decades Sacco designs were synonymous with classic beauty, luxury and performance.
Young Leadership and Excellence Awards
The Automotive Hall of Fame also will present four individuals with its "Young Leadership and Excellence Awards," the auto industry’s only celebration of rising stars under the age of 35 and have demonstrated significant potential as future industry leaders. Recipients are:
* Aaron Bickford, director of warranty, Light Vehicle Systems, ArvinMeritor, Inc.;
* Ann Fandozzi, director – product marketing, DaimlerChrysler Corp.;
* Michael J. Gingell, vice president of strategic markets, R.L. Polk & Co.; and
* Frank Orsini, president – GM Division, Lear Corp.;
This year’s recipients join the ranks of an elite few: Only 61 have been selected since the award began in 1980. Award recipients were formally recognized along with the 2006 Class of Inductees on Oct. 3, at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Dearborn.