General Motors CEO Mary Barra joined an exclusive club, having been inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame, along with five other people who have influenced the auto industry.
The Automotive Hall of Fame explained her selection:
“Mary Barra became the first woman CEO in the automotive industry in 2014. Barra navigated GM through the ignition switch recall, established gender equity and equal pay, and is viewed as one of today’s most inspirational leaders,” the Automotive Hall of Fame said. “As chairman and CEO of General Motors, Barra envisions a world with zero crashes, to save lives; zero emissions, so future generations can inherit a healthier planet; and zero congestion, so customers get back a precious commodity---time.”
Joining Barra on the list of 2023 Automotive Hall of Fame inductees are Takeo Fujisawa, one of Honda’s most recognized leaders; Fred Bauer, a serial entrepreneur who built two companies that advanced the automotive components industry; McKinley Thompson, the first African American industrial designer; Juan Manuel Fangio, one of the greatest drivers in the history of motorsports; and Larry Wood, widely known as Mr. Hot Wheels.
Barra and her fellow inductees will be formally recognized in a July 20 ceremony at The Fillmore Detroit. It should be noted the six inductees are not the final list of awardees for this year. Additional inductees are expected to be announced in the spring.
Automotive Hall of Fame President Sarah Cook said this year’s inductees include a number of admirable individuals, some of whom are innovators and leaders who have affected the automotive industry as a whole.
“This year’s class of inductees continues to recognize the breadth of contributions to this industry. This group includes trailblazing innovators and leaders who have left an impact globally on the automotive industry and we couldn’t be more pleased to recognize their achievements and welcome them into the Hall of Fame,” Cook said.
Abby Andrews