Automotive Hall of Fame Names New President

    DEARBORN, Mich., April 2 The Automotive Hall of Fame has
appointed Jeffrey K. Leestma as its new President.  He joins the Automotive
Hall of Fame from DaimlerChrysler Corporation, where he served as a
communications executive.  He succeeds Gene McKinney, who is retiring after
serving eight years as President.
    "We are extremely pleased to have Jeff Leestma lead the next phase of
growth for the Automotive Hall of Fame," said Jim Olson, Chairman of the Hall
of Fame and Senior Vice President, Toyota Motor North America.  "He brings to
the position a depth of experience and an impressive range of industry
contacts that will serve the Hall of Fame well as it continues to honor the
individuals who put the world on wheels."
    Leestma was most recently responsible for e-business communications at
DaimlerChrysler, ending an eight-year tenure that included a variety of
domestic and international assignments.  Prior to joining Chrysler in 1993,
Leestma served eight years managing the Detroit office of American Honda Co.
    McKinney joined the Hall of Fame in 1993 from the Motor Vehicle
Manufacturers Association and was instrumental in relocating the Hall of Fame
to Dearborn from its previous location in Midland, Michigan.
    The Automotive Hall of Fame, adjacent to Henry Ford Museum, is a visitor
attraction and educational resource.  Through interactive exhibits and
one-on-one demonstrations, it celebrates the accomplishments of the worldwide
motor vehicle industry for the purpose of encouraging others, especially young
people, to higher levels of achievement in their own lives.