DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Eight individuals representing automotive racing, design, manufacturing, the aftermarket and management have been selected for induction into the Automotive Hall of Fame. The Inductee class of 2008 includes Paul V. Galvin, Robert W. Galvin, Phil Hill, Bob Irvin, William Metzger, Mort Schwartz, Jack Telnack and John Willys. Formal induction ceremonies will take place at the Ritz-Carlton Dearborn on Tuesday, October 7, 2008.

Paul V. Galvin (1895 - 1959). Co-founder of Motorola and responsible for the first commercial application of automobile radios.

Robert W. Galvin (1922 - ). Former Chairman, CEO and President of Motorola. Expanded the product range of Motorola and spearheaded Motorola's Six Sigma quality management process.

Phil Hill (1927 - 2008). First American and the only American-born racer to win the Formula 1 World Drivers Championship in 1961. Three-time winner of the 24 Hours of LeMans.

Bob Irvin (1933 - 1980). Legendary automotive journalist, who reported for UPI, the Detroit News and Automotive News.

William E. Metzger (1868 - 1933). Automotive pioneer and promoter, America's first car dealer, and founded Detroit's E-M-F Motor Company.

Mort Schwartz (1934 - ). Founder of the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium and the automotive aftermarket's greatest ambassador.

John J. "Jack" Telnack (1937 - ). Former head of design, Ford Motor Co. Oversaw the team that created the groundbreaking Taurus in 1986 and was the creator of Ford's "Aero Look" and "New Edge" design philosophies.

John North Willys (1873 - 1935). Automotive pioneer and businessman. Founded Willys-Overland and Willys-Knight.

In addition, the Automotive Hall of Fame will honor four Young Leaders, individuals who represent the next generation of leadership in the motor vehicle industry. They are:

Lisa Drake, Chief Engineer for Global Hybrid Strategy and Applications, Ford Motor Co.

Trang D. Hamm, President and General Manager, Smart Center Portland and Smart Center Denver.

    Mathew E. Hargett, Chief Engineer, Honda R&D Americas, Inc.

    David M. Nowicki, Manager of Advance Program Engineering, Ford Motor Co.

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 or call 313-240-4000.

    CONTACT:  Jeffrey K. Leestma
              313-240-4000 or
              Marc Harlow
              810-599-2558 or
              Joe Rohatynski
              313-378-6570

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