Automotive Hall of Fame Presents 2007 Distinguished Service Citations, Names 2006 Industry Leader of the Year

LAS VEGAS, Feb. 4, 2007; The Automotive Hall of Fame presented its 2007 Distinguished Service Citations to six industry leaders at its Annual Awards Luncheon in Las Vegas, held in conjunction with the National Automobile Dealers Association Convention. The Hall of Fame also presented its 2006 Industry Leader of the Year Award to James E. Press, president of Toyota Motor North America.

The Automotive Hall of Fame's oldest recognition, initiated in 1940, the Distinguished Service Citation recognizes an individual who has significantly improved the industry or their respective organizations. A recipient must be currently employed in the industry or recently retired.

"Distinguished Service Citations are aptly named," said Automotive Hall of Fame president Jeffrey Leestma, "for they recognize individuals who have provided distinguished service to the automotive industry and to the recipients' respective organizations."

The 2007 Distinguished Service Citation recipients are Dr. Amar G. Bose, Chairman and CEO, Bose Corporation; Jeffrey A. Cook, Technical Leader, Ford Motor Company; Allan D. Gilmour, Vice Chairman, CFO (retired), Ford Motor Company; Timothy D. Leuliette, Chairman, President and CEO, Metaldyne Corporation; Elizabeth Lowery, Vice President, Environment and Energy, General Motors Corporation; and Phil Smart, Sr., Chairman, Phil Smart Mercedes-Benz.

The Automotive Hall of Fame also announced its 2006 Industry Leader of the Year, James E. Press, president of Toyota Motor North America. This recognition is presented to a single individual each year who has demonstrated outstanding industry leadership and whose respective company has enjoyed significant success in the previous year.

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 www.automotivehalloffame.org.