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Automotive Hall of Fame to Recognize Inductees and Young Leaders

Industry Heroes Enter the Hall and Four Under 35 are Celebrated as Future Leaders

DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 21 -- Seven individuals representing racing, design, manufacturing, management and bold innovation will be inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame on Tuesday, October 3 in Dearborn, Michigan. The Inductee class of 2006 includes Nuccio Bertone, Dale Earnhardt, Bill France, Jr., Wayne Huizenga, Shojiro Ishibashi, Arjay Miller and Bruno Sacco.

Nuccio Bertone (1912 - 1997) presided over one of the most fabled and influential design, engineering, and prototype houses that the automotive industry has known. An exacting administrator of the family business, Bertone was also known for his ability to nurture top design talent, including the legendary Giorgetto Giugiaro.

Dale Earnhardt (1951-2001), known as "The Intimidator," was a legendary figure in NASCAR racing long before his tragic death in 2001. Among the winningest drivers, Earhardt was a team owner and one of the most respected motorsports personalities on and off the track.

When Bill France, Jr. (1933- ) succeeded his father, NASCAR founder Bill France, Sr., he inherited a racing organization that was primarily regional in appeal. The younger France took NASCAR to new heights in popularity and success, and is widely recognized for making NASCAR one of the most popular forms of entertainment in the world today.

H. Wayne Huizenga (1937- ), a multi-faceted entrepreneur, is best known in the auto industry as the founder of AutoNation, the world's largest automotive retailer. AutoNation represents 370 new car franchises in 272 dealership locations nationwide. Founded only a decade ago, AutoNation is ranked 112 on the "Fortune 500" list.

Shojiro Ishibashi (1889-1976) dreamed of supplying Japan's new automobile industry with tires developed and manufactured with local capital and expertise. Ishibashi created Japan's first locally developed tires in 1930 and established Bridgestone Tire Co., Ltd., in 1931. Today Bridgestone Corporation is one of the largest manufacturers in the world.

Arjay Miller (1916- ) was one of the ten "Whiz Kids" who as a group left the U.S. Army Air Force after World War II, and played a major role in improving the fortunes of the Ford Motor Company. He was president of Ford from 1963 to 1968 and vice chairman until 1969 and served with distinction as Dean of the Stanford University Graduate School of Business.

Bruno Sacco (1933- ) holds the distinction of being chief of design at Mercedes-Benz for nearly a quarter century, a design career spanning 39 years at Mercedes-Benz, where for decades Sacco designs were synonymous with classic beauty, luxury and performance.

Young Leadership and Excellence Awards

The Automotive Hall of Fame also will present four individuals with its "Young Leadership and Excellence Awards," the auto industry's only celebration of rising stars under the age of 35 and have demonstrated significant potential as future industry leaders. Recipients are:

   * Aaron Bickford, Director of Warranty, Light Vehicle Systems,
     ArvinMeritor, Inc.
   * Ann Fandozzi, Director - Product Marketing, DaimlerChrysler Corporation
   * Michael J. Gingell, Vice President of Strategic Markets,
     R.L. Polk & Co.
   * and, Frank Orsini, President - GM Division, Lear Corporation

Leestma adds that the recipients will join the ranks of an elite few: only 61 have been selected since the award began in 1980. Award recipients will be formally recognized along with the 2006 Class of Inductees on October 3, 2006, at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Dearborn. For information about attending the 2006 Automotive Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, call (313) 240-4000.

The Automotive Hall of Fame, located in Dearborn, Mich., is the only industry-wide means to honor the men and women of the global motor vehicle and related industries. It is dedicated to preserving the history of mobility by celebrating the creativity, toil and genius of the individual. The Automotive Hall of Fame is both a visitor attraction and an educational resource for inspiring others to higher levels of achievement in their own work and lives. For more information about the Automotive Hall of Fame, visit http://www.automotivehalloffame.org/.