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 and educating future generations of industry participants.
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 Toyota. 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, Distinguished Service Citation, Industry Leader of The Year, Young Leadership & Excellence Award.