The Automotive Hall of Fame has named Mary Simonson Rehwald as one of the five inductees of the 2001 Distinguished Service Citation. The recipients will be honored at the Automotive Hall of Fame & Popular Mechanics Annual Awards Luncheon Sunday, Jan. 27, in New Orleans during the National Automotive Dealers Association annual convention.
The citation recognizes men and woman who have made significant contributions to the motor vehicle industry through either sustained superior performance or a specific achievement.
Simonson Rehwald is president-emeritus of W.I. Simonson, Inc. Mercedes Benz, which was founded in 1937 by her father W.I. Simonson. She was one of first female Mercedes-Benz owner/dealer principals in the world. In 1976, when Simonson Rehwald became chief executive officer, the annual sales figures were $13.6 million. In 2001, overall dealership sales topped the $87 million mark, with more than 190 employees.
Today, W.I. Simonson is among the most successful Mercedes-Benz dealerships, with its parts department having led the nation in sales for seven consecutive years.
Accepting this award for Simonson Rehwald are her daughters, Judy Rehwald Richards and Francie Rehwald.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on January 19, 2002. Read the original PDF.