#United States #Detroit #Automotive Hall of Fame #Akio Toyoda #TomTom Founders

Automotive Hall of Fame's Class of 2026 Inducted

On February 9, 2026, the Global Automotive Hall of Fame (AHF) proudly unveiled its Class of 2026 inductees, celebrating distinguished figures whose contributions have fundamentally transformed the automotive landscape. Hosted during the exclusive REVEAL 2026 event in Naples, Florida, this announcement brought together industry leaders and enthusiasts for a night of recognition and future insight.

The Class of 2026 consisted of notable figures:

• - Akio Toyoda: Celebrated for his visionary approach, Toyoda has redefined automotive leadership by prioritizing a driver-first philosophy that champions passion and purpose in modern mobility. Under his guidance, Toyota has not only excelled in performance but also made strides toward sustainable automotive development.
• - Giampaolo Dallara: Renowned for his engineering prowess, Dallara is the creative force behind one of the most influential race car manufacturers globally. His focus on precision and performance has set benchmarks in motorsport engineering.
• - Harold Goddijn, Corinne Vigreux, Peter Frans Pauwels, and Pieter Geelen: The founding members of TomTom have revolutionized navigation technology, reshaping travel and mobility by enhancing how we connect with the world. Their achievements in mapping and navigation have made a lasting impact on global transportation.
• - Tom Barrett and Russ Jackson: Founders of Barrett-Jackson, these two have transformed the collector car auction industry into a global cultural phenomenon, bridging automotive history with contemporary enthusiasm. Their work has elevated automotive culture and showcased the artistry and legacy of cars.

Sarah Cook, the President of the Automotive Hall of Fame, remarked, “Induction into the Automotive Hall of Fame is the highest honor bestowed in the automotive industry. The Class of 2026 exemplifies the vision, courage, and profound impact that honor embodies.” Each inductee has not only influenced their era but also inspired future generations of engineers, leaders, and car enthusiasts across the globe.

The formal induction ceremony, scheduled for September 23, 2026, will take place in Detroit, Michigan. This prestigious black-tie event, presented by MEMA, will gather inductees alongside global automotive leaders and guests to celebrate excellence and innovation within the industry. Jon Husby, Chair of the AHF Board of Directors, emphasized the careful selection process behind the inductees, noting their significant contributions to mobility and the automotive sector’s future.

Following the REVEAL 2026 event, the announcement ignites the Automotive Hall of Fame's 'Road to Induction' campaign. This initiative will span several months, offering storytelling and engagement activities to honor each inductee's achievements through various digital platforms, live activations, and interviews.

Since its inception in 1967, the Automotive Hall of Fame has recognized over 300 individuals whose work has transformed and advanced the automotive industry worldwide. With the Class of 2026, the legacy continues, showcasing how visionary leadership can steer the future of mobility. For more insights and updates, visit automotivehalloffame.org, and follow AHF across social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

This momentous occasion cements the inductees' places in history, highlighting their significant influence and contributions that will inspire generations to come, fostering innovation in the automotive world.