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Detroit Announcement Occurs at SAE 2001 World Congress DETROIT, March 8 /PRNewswire/ -- In a salute to all of the best and brightest "hands-on" automotive personalities in the global automotive community, celebrated design and product innovator Tom Gale has been named Car Guy of the YearTM for 2000 by a select group of automotive industry representatives and was presented with the award at the SAE 2001 World Congress. The announcement and presentation of the fifth annual Car Guy of the Year award was at the Public Relations Society of America Automotive Council tour of the 2001 SAE World Congress. "On behalf of the entire committee of automotive colleagues that made this vote, I am honored and pleased to be announcing Tom Gale as the most deserving role model," said Lorraine Schultz, international director of the Women's Automotive Association International and member of the Car Guy of the Year Committee. "We reviewed a number of outstanding individuals this year, and the vigorous discussions and careful selection process that this unique award includes gives the Car Guy of the Year award special merit," Schultz added. "It means more than a general 'success' in the car world. This award salutes an achievement in making a notable contribution to the car community that also reflects a requisite combination of a genuine passion for cars, proven product insights, involvement in the enthusiasts' arena and respect among peers." PAST WINNERS Previous award winners of the Car Guy of the Year award include Jacques Nasser, Chairman and CEO, Ford Motor Company -- ; Bob Lutz, Chairman and CEO Exide -- 1998; Dick Guldstrand, race car driver and president of Guldstrand Engineering -- 1997; and Bob Sinclair, former president of Saab Cars, USA, and industry consultant -- 1996. AWARD HISTORY "Here at the SAE 2001 World Congress one of the great things about the industry is reflected in the vast number of different languages that are being spoken by industry colleagues who are visiting from around the world," said Steve Ford, award co-administrator and host of The Car Guy(R) Show radio program. "Yet, the one language that we all speak and the one that brings us together is 'cars.' And we began this award five years ago to provide a unique salute to those who speak this language best in any given year," he noted. "You can call a person who likes cars a car buff, motor head, gear head, car nut, or car enthusiast, but a 'car guy' is distinguished from all of these. This award is a salute to the best in the world." Ford explained that the annual award plaque is sponsored by Auto Zone, Birmingham, Mich., and media relations services are sponsored by PR Newswire. TOM GALE BACKGROUND Tom Gale served a thirty-three year career at Chrysler that culminated with his earning the title of member of the board and executive vice president, product design and development at DaimlerChrysler prior to his retirement at the end of 2000. Best known for leading a series of concept and later production vehicle introductions that began to change the Chrysler and Dodge brands from conservative, boxy-styled automobiles to bold, clean and forward-looking vehicles, Gale and his team introduced the "cab-forward" design architecture to mainstream automobiles. He began his career in 1967 as a body engineer in the engineering office. With his retirement, Gale's plans include continued involvement in the automotive industry as a design consultant, with ongoing work with the Chrysler Group, as well as new consulting in the automotive aftermarket. Gale is a graduate of Michigan State University with respective B.A., M.A. and MBA degrees. He is a member of the board of trustees for the Center for Creative Studies and is a charter member of the national advisory council of the Michigan State University College of Arts and Letters. Award Criteria The "Car Guy of the Year" award committee’s guidelines for determining the accomplishments, character and contributions of the annual award winner include a focus on the following key factors for nominations and the voting process:
THE CAR GUY SHOW # # # # TO VISIT AND LEARN ABOUT THE AWARD WINNER - JAC NASSER - CLICK HERE |
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