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Automotive Hall of Fame Selects Lear's Ken Way 2000 Leader of the Year

14 November 2000

Automotive Hall of Fame Selects Lear Corporation's Ken Way 2000 Automotive Industry Leader of the Year

    DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 13 The leader of the world's fifth-
largest automotive supplier, Kenneth L. Way of Lear Corporation has been named
the Automotive Hall of Fame's Automotive Industry Leader of the Year for 2000.
    Way, Lear Chairman, will be honored on February 4, 2001, at the Automotive
Hall of Fame and Popular Mechanics Annual Awards Luncheon at The Mirage in Las
Vegas, during the National Automobile Dealer Association's Annual Convention.
    The honor is bestowed each year to the individual who best exemplifies the
"image, foresight, leadership, integrity and purpose contributing most to the
advancement of the motor vehicle industry," says Jim Olson, Hall of Fame
Chairman.
    "Way's achievements at Lear, combined with his extensive community and
business activities, led to his selection as this year's Automotive Industry
Leader," says Olson.
    Way has been affiliated with Lear and its predecessor companies for 34
years.  He joined American Metal Products in 1966 as an industrial engineer
just before Lear Siegler, Inc., bought the company.  He subsequently held a
number of engineering, manufacturing and general management positions and in
1984 was appointed Vice President of Lear Siegler's Automotive Group.  Way was
named Chief Executive Officer of Lear in 1988 and held that position until
October 1, 2000.  He remains Chairman, a position he has held since 1988.
    A native of Detroit, Way graduated from Cooley High School before
enrolling at Michigan State University (MSU) where he received a Bachelor of
Science Degree in 1961.  He subsequently received a Master in Business
Administration Degree from MSU's Advanced Management Program in 1971.
    Way is Chairman of the Economic Club of Detroit, Vice Chairman of
Leadership Giving and immediate past Board Chairman of United Way Community
Services.  He sits on the board of directors for Comerica Incorporated, CMS
Energy Corporation, and WESCO International, Inc.
    He is a member of the Board of Trustees for Kettering University in Flint,
Michigan, and the Henry Ford Health Systems of Detroit.
    Way also serves on the boards of Detroit Renaissance, the Automotive Hall
of Fame, the Detroit Regional Chamber and the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer
Institute.
    Last year's Automotive Industry Leader of the Year was John F. Smith, Jr.,
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of General Motors Corporation.  Past
honorees include Lee A. Iacocca, (Ford Motor Company and Chrysler
Corporation), Roger Penske, (Penske Corporation), Heinz Prechter (ASC, Inc.),
Roger B. Smith (General Motors Corporation) and Alex Trotman, (Ford Motor
Company).
    The Automotive Hall of Fame recognizes and celebrates accomplished
individuals in the worldwide motor vehicle industry.  Through a variety of
engaging interactive exhibits and presentations, visitors experience the
fascinating lives and stories of the automotive industry's pioneers and
leaders.