Bill Ford 1 of 7 Automotive Hall of Fame inductees
Bill Ford is being inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame, the organization announced Friday.
Ford, the executive chair of Ford Motor Co. and great-grandson to its founder Henry Ford, is also a former CEO of the Dearborn automaker. He is one of seven 2024 inductees.
For decades, global honorees have included race car drivers, automotive designers, engineers and even the authors of "The Green Book" (Alma and Victor Green), who provided a travel guide for Black drivers through the South during segregation that was later the basis of a Hollywood movie, "Green Book."
In recognizing Ford, the nonprofit organization wrote in a news release:
"Bill Ford has played a pivotal role advancing the industry while positioning an iconic, global, 120-year-old family company for the future. Since becoming executive chair 25 years ago, he has led Ford Motor Company through periods of change and uncertainty with a values-driven 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 driving force behind mobility innovation, and continues to be a champion for the revitalization of the Motor City."
Michigan Central Station, a high-profile project led by Bill Ford, is scheduled to open this summer.
This is the full list of inductees and their accomplishments, as described by the Dearborn-based Automotive Hall of Fame:
Betsy Ancker-Johnson, who "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. Johnson was an acclaimed plasma physicist known for her research, numerous patents and impact on automotive environmental and safety issues." She died in 2020 at age 93 in Austin, Texas.
Vic Edelbrock Sr., who designed and produced a flathead Ford manifold in 1938 which he used on his roadster racing vehicles to exceed 100 mph. He founded the Edelbrock Company that today is based in Olive Branch, Mississippi. His"pioneering spirit and innovative engineering defined the aftermarket sector, introducing high-performance components that revolutionized vehicle performance." He died in 1962.
Vic Edelbrock Jr., carried on his father's dream and built the Edelbrock business of designers, manufacturers, and distributors of performance and replacement parts for the automotive aftermarket. Products include carburetors, crate engines, cylinder heads, fuel injection, fuel systems, gaskets, ignition, intake manifolds, sensors, superchargers, thermostats, tools, turbochargers, valve train components, and water pumps. He is being honored for "seamless continuation of his family's legacy, coupled with his commitment to quality, innovation and global expansion, solidified the Edelbrock name as an enduring symbol of excellence." He died in 2017
at age 80.
John James Sr., who "opened the commercial trucking industry to minorities who had previously been excluded. After court battles and relentless advocacy, James was the first African American given the ability to transport goods within Michigan and across state lines. The James Group is an award-winning logistics and automotive services leader." The Detroit-based company is now run by his son, Lorron James.
Wendell Scott, the first Black team owner and driver to win in the Grand National Series of NASCAR (now Cup Series) race, "Scott's triumph 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." Scott, who died in 1990 at age 69, lived in Danville, Virginia.
Vivek Sehgal, who founded with his mother the Motherson company based in Noida, India, 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, one product to a global, diversified Tier 1 supplier." Motherson Group makes wiring harnesses, plastic components and rearview mirrors for passenger vehicles.
Sarah Cook, president of the Automotive Hall of Fame, said in a news release, “Once again, this year’s class of inductees highlights the breadth of contributions individuals have had on this industry and all that it influences. This diverse group of trailblazing innovators and leaders have played a critical role in shaping our industry.”
General Motors CEO Mary Barra were inducted in 2022. The organization, founded in 1939, has recognized more than 700 industry leaders for their impact and influence. The 2024 Automotive Hall of Fame’s Induction & Awards Ceremony will be held on Sept. 19 at a location not yet revealed. Attendees traditionally fly in from around the world to recognize inductees.