Automotive Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2027 in Berlin

Sir Ron Dennis CBE, Paul Bracq, Rodney O'Neal, John Fitch and Les Kelley selected for induction into the global Automotive Hall of Fame

BERLIN, Nov. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Automotive Hall of Fame today announced its Class of 2027 at the Automobilwoche Kongress in Berlin, recognizing five individuals whose achievements have made a lasting impact on the automotive industry.

The Class of 2027 includes Sir Ron Dennis CBE, Paul Bracq, Rodney O'Neal, John Fitch and Les Kelley. Their contributions span automotive design, motorsport, business leadership, vehicle valuation and safety, reflecting the many ways individuals have shaped the automobile and the industry around it.

With influence spanning Europe, North America and the international automotive industry, the Class of 2027 reflects the breadth of achievement recognized by the Automotive Hall of Fame.

The five members of the Class of 2027 will be formally inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame in Detroit on September 23, 2027.

"The Class of 2027 represents five very different paths to making a lasting impact on the automotive world," said Sarah Cook, president of the Automotive Hall of Fame. "From design and motorsport to business transformation, vehicle valuation and safety, each of these individuals changed an important part of our industry. Announcing this class in Berlin reflects our commitment to sharing these stories with an increasingly international audience as we begin the Road to Induction."

Class of 2027

Paul Bracq helped shape the visual identity of some of Europe's most recognized automotive brands. His work included the iconic Mercedes-Benz W 113 "Pagoda" SL and the groundbreaking BMW Turbo concept before he spent more than two decades at Peugeot. His influence across Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Peugeot helped define generations of European automotive design.

Les Kelley pioneered a more consistent and trusted approach to determining the value of a vehicle. Beginning with a Los Angeles used-car business in 1918, Kelley developed pricing lists relied upon by dealers and banks that evolved into Kelley Blue Book in 1926, establishing an automotive institution whose influence would extend far beyond its origins.

Rodney O'Neal led Delphi through one of the most consequential transformations in the automotive supplier industry. Becoming CEO while the company was operating under Chapter 11 protection, O'Neal lead its unexpected emergence, return to the public markets and shift toward technologies focused on safer, greener and more connected mobility — helping set the foundation for the company that later became Aptiv.

John Fitch raced at the highest levels of international motorsport, winning Sebring, competing for Mercedes-Benz and helping establish Chevrolet's early Corvette racing program. After witnessing the devastating 1955 Le Mans crash, he increasingly turned his experience toward protecting others, pioneering the Fitch Inertial Barrier — an energy-absorbing safety system that continues to help protect motorists from dangerous fixed roadside hazards.

Sir Ron Dennis CBE is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of Formula One. Beginning his career in motorsport in 1966, he restructured and took full control of McLaren in the early 1980s, transforming the team into a motorsport powerhouse with 158 Grand Prix victories and 17 World Championships.

Sir Ron's leadership and vision extended beyond Formula One racing, developing McLaren into a globally recognized and revolutionary automotive and technology business. His impact continues to reflect a career defined by ambition, precision and innovation.

Inductee Reactions

Reflecting on his selection, Rodney O'Neal said:

"I am deeply honored to be selected for induction into the Automotive Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2027. This recognition means far more than a personal achievement. I believe it reflects a lifetime dedicated to innovation, teamwork and accomplishment. I have deep gratitude and appreciation for everyone who was part of that journey."

Sir Ron Dennis CBE added:
"I feel very fortunate to have spent almost eighty years on this planet and to have received many awards and accolades. Nothing has given me more satisfaction in my motorsport career than building a technology group that competed successfully at the highest levels, produced some of the world's best high-performance sports cars and advanced electronics, and pioneered advanced technologies. In being selected for induction into the Automotive Hall of Fame, I accept this honour on behalf of the many people who contributed to my small chapter in automotive history." 

The Road to Induction

The Berlin announcement begins the Automotive Hall of Fame's 2027 Road to Induction, a year-long program highlighting the stories, achievements and lasting impact of each member of the Class of 2027.

Over the coming year, the Automotive Hall of Fame will share additional stories, archival material and industry perspectives exploring the contributions of the five inductees and the influence their work continues to have today.

The Road to Induction will culminate with the 2027 Automotive Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on September 23, 2027, in Detroit, Michigan, USA.

About the Automotive Hall of Fame

Founded in 1939, the Automotive Hall of Fame (AHF) is a global institution dedicated to recognizing the people whose achievements have shaped the automotive industry and advanced mobility worldwide. Since 1967, AHF has inducted over 300 individuals whose leadership and influence have left a lasting impact on the automotive world.

Induction into the Automotive Hall of Fame is AHF's highest honor, recognizing individuals whose contributions have changed the industry and continue to influence how the world moves.

Learn more about Automotive Hall of Fame online at automotivehalloffame.org or on our LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram pages.

Media Contact
Siddharth Parashar
Director, Marketing & Brand Strategy
Automotive Hall of Fame
[email protected]
313.240.4000 x113

Media Assets
High-resolution Class of 2027 graphics, approved inductee headshots and additional media assets:
https://ahf.stockpress.co/s/dac92b17

SOURCE Automotive Hall of Fame