Legends In Automotive

Lecture Series

At the Automotive Hall of Fame, we offer educational programs that challenge young and old alike to higher levels of personal achievement. Our Legends in Automotive Lecture Series introduces high school and college students to some of the top minds in the automotive industry and inspires the next generation of leaders.

In 2024, we are thrilled to welcome a new lineup of influential speakers to continue this tradition of mentorship and knowledge-sharing. Committed to expanding access and fostering inspiration on a global scale, we endeavor to provide free and unparalleled opportunities for aspiring automotive leaders, nurturing a community poised to shape the industry’s future.

The Automotive Hall of Fame is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. The Lecture Series is supported by generous donors. Learn more.

Made possible by the generosity of the Lawrence P. & Maria Elena Fisher Fund, the B.D. & J.E. McIntyre Foundation, and the MotorCities National Heritage Area.

2024 Lecture Series

Register for the 2024 lectures by clicking here.

Mary Joyce, Global Vice President at UL Solutions

March 19, 2024

John J. Murphy, Managing Director at Bank of America Merrill Lynch

April 11, 2024

Larry Woods, Former Chief Designer and Innovator at Hot Wheels

September 26, 2024

2022 Lecture Series

The Past, Present and Future of Pininfarina Design
Paolo Pininfarina, CEO and chairman of Pininfarina S.p.A
October 20, 2022


On October 20, 2022, Paolo Pininfarina, CEO and chairman of the famous design firm Pininfarina S.p.A., spoke to high school and college students at the Automotive Hall of Fame and online. The grandson of the company’s founder, Battista “Pinin” Farina, Paolo has taken his family’s company to staggering new heights, proving the power, versatility and longevity of Pininfarina’s design aesthetic. Paolo spoke live online from Italy.

Lessons for the Future from an Industry Icon
2013 AHF Inductee Bob Lutz
March 15, 2022
Click here to watch Instagram Live video
Click here to watch the complete lecture

 

2021 Lecture Series

Beyond Internal Combustion
Automotive Journalist Gary Witzenburg
October 7, 2021

2019-2020 Lecture Series

Ed Welburn Talks Design: Tunnel Vision
2017 AHF Inductee Ed Welburn
November 5, 2020

Mobility in the Future: How did we Get Here?
AHF Principal Historian Brian Baker
October 22, 2020

Electric Vehicle History: Recharged for Tomorrow
AHF Principal Historian Brian Baker
July 30, 2020

Lightning Strikes Twice
AHF Principal Historian Brian Baker
July 16, 2020

Foxbody Mustang
2008 AHF Inductee Jack Telnack
October 17, 2019

What participants are saying

“Thank you for setting up the Ed Welburn talk and tour with the students. What an amazing opportunity for them to meet with a living legend.”

– Elisabeth Wetzel, co-director, Transportation Design, Lawrence Technological University


“I can’t thank you enough for inviting us to attend the lecture. It was an insightful and entertaining experience.”

– Ian, Transportation Design student, Lawrence Technological University


“Thank you for creating this opportunity for us to meet a real legend. I’m honored to have participated in this small and intimate event.”

– Spencer, Transportation Design student, Lawrence Technological University

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