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Automotive Hall of Fame | Meet the Masters of Manufacturing and Design

Picture32RICHARD E. DAUCH: MASTER OF MANUFACTURING

 
 
As education and remote learning have taken over our lives, we’re reflecting on our honorees who have taken an interest in education.
 
2019 Automotive Hall of Fame Inductee Richard E. “Dick” Dauch was a staunch supporter of furthering education. He and his wife, Sandy, created a scholarship for the high school they graduated from, encouraging students to work their hardest and better their futures.
 
Photo courtesy of American Axle & Manufacturing
 
They were heavily involved in supporting his Alma Mater, Purdue University, and created the Dauch Center for Management or Manufacturing Enterprises and the Dick and Sandy Dauch Alumni Center.
PININFARINA CELEBRATES 90 YEARS
 
By Nick Gargaro, Alumni Relations
 
 
The storied Italian design house, Pininfarina S.p.A proudly celebrates 90 years from its founding in 1930 by the legendary Battista “Pinin” Farina. Since its humble beginnings in Turin, Italy, Pininfarina has seen much change and growth. Paolo Pininfarina, grandson of the founder, is now at the helm of the company.
 
Sergio and Battista Pininfarina. Photo courtesy of Pininfarina
 
In his own words, Paolo describes the significance of this anniversary: “In its genes, Pininfarina today is the same as it was in the 30s: the central role of design, aesthetic sensitivity capable of creating timeless beauty, constant striving for innovation, the strength of a tradition that brings together industry, technology and stylistic research, the capacity to interpret the client’s requirements thus maintaining its brand identity, and a propensity for long-term collaborations. These values, together with the commitment of the entire Group, will enable us to build a bridge towards the future.”
 
AT THE HALL: FROM THE ARCHIVES
 
 
At the Automotive Hall of Fame, our collections include many diverse objects celebrating the numerous accomplishments of our inductees. One of these is a landscape watercolor painting by 1989 Inductee Soichiro Honda, founder of Honda Motor Company. In his later years, Honda became a highly accomplished artist. He also enjoyed skiing, golf, racing cars, hang gliding and ballooning.
 
Photo courtesy of The Automotive Hall of Fame
 
STAFF PICK: DETROIT STYLE EXHIBIT
 
 
By Brian Baker, Principal Historian
 
A few of us remember the original exhibition in 1984 at the Detroit Institute of Arts called Detroit Style. It was a grand affair that honored the first half century of the art of automobile design. This sequel is worthy of the first. It is filled with the design talent that populates the Automotive Hall of Fame. 
 
Photo courtesy of Brian Baker
 
As the exhibit begins, 1986 Automotive Hall of Fame Inductee Harley Earl styling leadership is ending, and 1995 Inductee Virgil Exner is creating the finned “forward look” at Chrysler. The swinging 60s features 1993 Inductee Bill Mitchell‘s groundbreaking 1958 Stingray Racer. The next gallery highlights the iconic mid 60s Mustang and 1970 Hemi Cuda. In the 80s, the aerodynamic invasion of 1992 Inductee Jack Telnack‘s Probe IV and 2012 Inductee Tom Gale‘s Portofino and Chrysler Atlantic concepts. Ford rounds out the exhibition with two Ford GTs from 2004 and 2019.
 
THE HALL AT HOME: ED WELBURN LECTURE
 
 
The 2019 – 2020 Automotive Hall of Fame Honoree Lecture Series has continued on Zoom through the challenges of the recent months.
 
On November 5, we welcomed 2017 Automotive Hall of Fame inductee Ed Welburn and former head of GM design. Welburn shared details of his inspirational automotive design career in a presentation entitled “Tunnel Vision.” 
 
Photo courtesy of The Automotive Hall of Fame
 
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
 
This has been a challenging year, filled with stories that we will undoubtedly be telling for years to come. Many of us have persevered through hardships and heartbreaks. My thoughts and reflections are with you and our global community.
 
For institutions like the Automotive Hall of Fame, challenging times require us to take advantage of new opportunities when things seem impossible. Fortunately, we have some great examples of perseverance in our awardees. Some of these examples are highlighted here in this newsletter.
 
Richard E. “Dick” Dauch supported manufacturing education as a tool for industry success; Battista and Sergio Pininfarina followed their vision and launched Carrozzeria Pinin Farina and expanded it globally; Soichiro Honda found opportunity in the wreckage of WWII; and Ed Welburn who fell in love with Cadillac at 5 years old and never lost sight of his dream to work at General Motors.
 
We have taken these lessons to heart. When we postponed the 2020 Induction and&nb

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