The Automotive Hall of Fame will welcome eight new members in 2005, including famed race car driver Mario Andretti. The black-tie induction ceremony will take place on Oct. 11 in the "Motor City," Detroit, Mich., at the Marriott Renaissance Center Hotel.
This year's inductees are varied, from the late 19th century American auto pioneer Alexander Winton to 1970s drag racer Shirley Muldowney, the first woman licensed to drive a Top Fuel dragster. Living nominees Jim Moran, one of the first auto dealers to embrace television advertising, former General Motors CEO Jack Smith, Jr., and Andretti will also be inducted, while posthumous honors will be awarded to Jaguar founder Sir William Lyons, manufacturer John M. Studebaker and Scotland's John Dunlop, inventor of the first successful pneumatic tire.
The ceremony also will commend President and CEO of Daimler Chrysler Corporation Dieter Zetsche as 2005 Industry Leader of the Year. Born in Istanbul, Turkey, Zetsche was named one of Fortune magazine's "People to Watch" in 2003. Young Leadership and Excellence Awards will be awarded to Kristy L. Coles of American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc., Sanjeev C. Mirle of General Motors, and Brandon Faurote and Julie A. Roehm, both with Daimler Chrysler.
