The Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn will induct a class of seven industry luminaries at its annual Induction and Awards Ceremony Sept. 19 at a yet-to-be-announced venue in Detroit.
The inductees of this year’s class include Bill Ford, Betsy Ancker-Johnson, Vic Edelbrock Sr., Vic Edelbrock Jr., John James Sr., Wendell Scott, and Vivek Sehgal.
“Once again, this year’s class of inductees highlights the breadth of contributions individuals have had on this industry and all that it influences,” says Sarah Cook, president of the Automotive Hall of Fame. “This diverse group of trailblazing innovators and leaders has played a critical role in shaping our industry, and we couldn’t be more pleased to recognize their achievements and welcome them into the Hall of Fame.”
Ford has played a role advancing the industry while positioning the 120-year-old company that bears his name for the future. Since becoming executive chair 25 years ago, he has led Ford Motor Co. through periods of change and uncertainty with an approach that demonstrates corporate responsibility and success can go hand in hand.
He was an early and influential advocate for sustainability and environmental responsibility, a force behind mobility innovation, and continues to be a champion for the revitalization of the Motor City.
Ancker-Johnson broke barriers as the first woman vice president in the automotive industry, hired in 1979 at General Motors. She oversaw two of the industry’s most controversial areas at the time — environmental compliance and vehicle safety. She was an acclaimed plasma physicist known for her research, numerous patents, and impact on automotive environmental and safety issues.
Edelbrock Sr.’s pioneering spirit and innovative engineering defined the aftermarket sector, introducing high-performance components that revolutionized vehicle performance. Edelbrock Jr.’s continuation of his father’s legacy, coupled with his commitment to quality, innovation, and global expansion, solidified the Edelbrock name as an enduring symbol of excellence, earning them both a place among the industry’s most esteemed leaders.
James opened the commercial trucking industry to minorities who had previously been excluded. After court battles and relentless advocacy, he was the first African American given the ability to transport goods within Michigan and across state lines. Today, The James Group is an award-winning logistics and automotive services leader.
Scott was the first African American team owner and driver to win a Grand National Series of NASCAR (now Cup Series) race, His victory shattered racial barriers and opened doors for greater diversity in racing. His legacy of perseverance, innovative mechanical skills, and pioneering spirit serves as an inspiration to future generations and underscores his significant role in shaping the narrative of inclusion and progress within the automotive world.
Sehgal and his mother founded Motherson company in 1975; first in trading and graduating into manufacturing. Motherson focused on earning the trust of all stakeholders, learning operational excellence and sustainable practices, and creating value for all.
By earning trust with its customers as a committed solutions provider, Motherson evolved from one country, one facility with one product to a global, diversified Tier 1 supplier. Today, with more than 200,000 people, it supports the world’s major OEMs via 350 facilities across 42 countries with thousands of parts across business verticals, while maintaining its core principles.
For event sponsorships information, contact Morgan Pigott at mpigott@thedrivingspirit.com or call 313-240-4000, ext. 103.
