Detroit’s 2023 Induction & Awards Ceremony by the Automotive Hall of Fame honored 11 impactful individuals for their remarkable contributions to the global automotive arena.
The premier institution for recognizing automotive excellence, the Automotive Hall of Fame, hosted the prestigious 2023 Induction & Awards Ceremony in Detroit on July 20, 2023. The event applauded pioneers and their profound influence on the automotive industry worldwide.
President Sarah Cook stated that the event spotlights innovation, culture, and societal impacts, underlining the exceptional achievements that the inductees and awardees have made in shaping the automotive landscape.
The Automotive Hall of Fame Inductees for 2023, a distinction marking a pinnacle of achievement, include:
- Mary Barra, USA: In 2014, Mary Barra became the first woman CEO in the automotive industry. As GM’s Chair and CEO, Barra’s leadership focused on zero crashes, emissions, and congestion, significantly impacting the industry.
- Fred T. Bauer, USA: Bauer’s pioneering spirit led to the creation of Gentex, known for innovations like the world’s first electrochromic auto-dimming rearview mirror, generating over $1.8 billion in global revenue.
- Juan Manuel Fangio, Argentina: Overcoming challenges of his time, Fangio became a legendary racer, mastering the treacherous Nürburgring racecourse and advocating for senior drivers’ rights.
- Takeo Fujisawa, Japan: Fujisawa’s partnership with Soichiro Honda shaped Honda Motor Company’s success, focusing on operational excellence and innovation.
- McKinley W. Thompson, Jr., USA: Thompson broke barriers by becoming Ford’s first African American industrial designer, playing a vital role in shaping iconic brands like Thunderbird, Mustang, and Bronco.
- Larry Wood, USA: Known as Mr. Hot Wheels, Wood’s designs revolutionized diecast cars, inspiring automotive enthusiasts and challenging industry norms.
Jensen Huang, Founder and CEO of NVIDIA, received the 2023 Mobility Innovator Award for transformative work in AI and accelerated computing, revolutionizing mobility solutions.
The 2023 Industry Influencer Awardees include:
- Mary Joyce, Global VP and GM of Mobility and Critical Systems, UL Solutions
- John Murphy, Head of North American Automotive Research, Bank of America
- Beth Paretta, Founder, Owner, and Team Principal, Paretta Racing
- Steve St. Andre, Chairman and Founder, Shift Digital
Established in 1939, the Automotive Hall of Fame has celebrated 762 individuals worldwide who have left an indelible mark on the automotive and mobility sector.