The Automotive Hall of Fame was originally founded on October 18, 1939 in New York City by a group of men that had devoted their lives to the automotive industry. They met in New York City with the intention of creating an organization that would forever perpetuate the memories of the early automotive pioneers as well as the leaders in the industry at the time. The original organization was known as the 'Automobile Old Timers' and has since had its name changed to the Automotive Hall of Fame. The organization is dedicated to honoring automotive people from all of the industries segments and from around the world.
The Automotive Hall of Fame was originally based in Washington D.C. but has since moved and made its permanent home in Midland, Michigan. Midland is roughly 120 miles out of Detroit, the hub of the automotive world in the United States. The organization moved to D.C. in 1960 and then left for Midland in 1971. The first Automotive Hall of Fame building was constructed in Midland, Michigan in 1975.
After 22 years in Midland, the Automotive Hall of Fame decided to move once again. This time, in 1997, the organization moved to Dearborn, Michigan. Since its inception over 60 years ago, the Automotive Hall of Fame has enshrined over 200 members that include pioneers from Benz, Bosch, Bugatti, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Citroen, Daimler, Dodge, Durant, Duryea, Ferrari, Ford, Honda, Maybach, Olds, Peugeot, Porsche, Renault, Sloan and Toyoda. The Automotive Hall of Fame welcomes nearly 30,000 visitors on a yearly basis.
There are four categories recognized by the Automotive Hall of Fame. Those four categories are induction, the distinguished service citation, the industry leader of the year, and the young leadership and excellence award. To become an inducted member in the Automotive Hall of Fame that person must either be retired from the industry or deceased. The Hall of Fame's standards say that that person "must have significantly impacted the development of the automobile or the motor vehicle industry." Usually there are anywhere from four to eight members inducted each year.
The distinguished service citation is the organization's oldest award and was initiated in 1940. To win this award, one must either be employed in the industry or recently retired. Anywhere from five to six people are given this award each year. The industry leader of the year award is given to one individual each year that demonstrates outstanding industry leadership. The fourth award, the young leadership and excellence award, is awarded to people in the industry 35 years or younger. The award is given out annually and is awarded to only four people. The purpose of the award is to recognize the future of the industry and its next generation of leadership within the industry.
Anyone can nominate candidates for each award by simply logging onto the Automotive Hall of Fame's website. The Automotive Hall of Fame is operated by a Board of Directors currently headed by Chairman Jason Vines who is the Senior Vice President of Communications for the Compuware Corporation. There are also two vice chairmen, a treasurer, a secretary, executive directors, a president, directors, and directors emeriti.