DETROIT, Oct. 6, 2010 – Eight individuals representing automotive company founders, product development, marketing, design, and racing have been selected for induction into the Automotive Hall of Fame. Formal induction ceremonies will take place in Dearborn, Mich. on Oct. 12 at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center. The 2010 Inductees class includes:
- Francois J. Castaing, a record of accomplishment in motorsports and automotive product development
- Lewis M. Crosley and Powel Crosley, Jr., visionaries and automotive inventors
- Howard A. “Dutch” Darrin, designer of iconic European and American automobiles
- Edward S. “Ned” Jordan, automotive pioneer and innovative marketer
- Henry J. Kaiser and Joseph W. Frazer, American industrialists and co-creators of the Kaiser-Frazer Corporation
- George N. Schuster, winner of the 1908 New York-to-Paris Automobile Race in a Thomas Flyer
All but Castaing are being inducted posthumously.
In addition, four individuals will receive the Automotive Hall of Fame’s Young Leadership & Excellence Award. As a way of identifying the next generation of leadership in the automotive industry, these recipients must be 40 years or younger and be making outstanding contributions to their respective companies or the industry at large.
The 2010 recipients are:
- Damoni A. Hurt, leader of product development and communications launch strategy for the Ford Transit Connect at Ford Motor Company
- VeRonica L. Mitchell, manages mass (weight) performance on GM’s compact crossover vehicles
- Andrew D. Sexton, holds the highest ranking position for Federal-Mogul’s Powertrain Sealing and Bearings operations in China and Korea
- Christopher M. Son, directing investor relations and corporate communications for American Axle & Manufacturing during one of the most brutal times in the auto industry The Automotive Hall of Fame’s Annual Induction and Awards Night will take place at 6:00pm, Tuesday, Oct. 12 at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, 15801 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn, Mich. Tickets are $125 per person and can be purchased online at www.automotivehalloffame.org.
About Automotive Hall of Fame
The Automotive Hall of Fame, located in Dearborn, Mich., is the only industry-wide means to honor the men and women of the global motor vehicle and related industries. It is dedicated to preserving the history of mobility by celebrating the creativity, toil and genius of the individual. The Automotive Hall of Fame is both a visitor attraction and an educational resource for inspiring others to higher levels of achievement in their own work and lives. For more information about the Automotive Hall of Fame, visit www.automotivehalloffame.org.
