Automotive Hall of Fame

Detroit-The Automotive Hall of Fame has inducted a wide range of contributors to the automobile industry ranging from Enzo Ferrari to Douglas Fraser, labor activist and former president of the UAW. The list of those inducted last month includes:

Ettore Bugatti (1881-1947)

Ettore Bugatti created Bugatti Motors when he was 27 years old. Under the motto, "Nothing is too beautiful, nothing is too expensive," Bugatti automobiles became well known for their progressive technology, luxury, and speed. Bugatti body shapes were entirely unique, including the "Tank de Tours," built in 1923 in the shape of an aircraft wing. A racing enthusiast, in the 1920s Bugatti's automobiles won more Grand Prix races than any other manufacturer in history.

Enzo Ferrari (1898-1988)

After serving in World War I, Enzo Ferrari worked as a test driver and achieved fame in 1919 at the Parma-Berceto race. He spent the next two decades as a leader of the racing team for Alfa-Romeo and then rose to be Director of the Alfa Racing Division in 1939. Seeking independence, in 1929 he founded the Scuderia Ferrari in Modena and in 1940 he broke off relations with Alfa-Romeo. Under his leadership, Ferrari won over 5,000 worldwide races and 25 world titles.

Douglas Fraser (1916-)

Douglas Fraser is recognized as one of America's great labor leaders. He began his career on the assembly line, worked his way up the union ranks to be elected president of the United Auto Workers in 1977 and held the post until mandatory retirement in 1983.

Alice Ramsey (1886-1983)

At the age of 22, Alice Ramsey became the first woman to make a transcontinental drive from New York City to San Francisco. This trip helped the automotive industry prove that women could actively participate in using the new automobile invention.

August Horch (1868-1951)

August Horch's contribution to the motor vehicle industry includes work as an engineer, designer, and entrepreneur. In 1899, he founded August Horch & Cie, Motorwagen Werke, now part of Audi.

Wally Parks (1913-)

Wally Parks was the first editor of Hot Rod magazine and founded the National Hot Rod Association. He is recognized for progress in the performance and specialty vehicles industry.

Warren Avis (1915-)

When Warren Avis started his airport car rental business in 1947 he revolutionized the industry by being the first to set up airport service counters and renting new rather than used cars.