DETROIT — Brembo S.p.A. Chairman and President Alberto Bombassei recently was inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame, which honors those who have made a significant impact on the automobile.
Mr. Bombassei joined Brembo in 1961, almost immediately after it was founded in Bergamo, Italy, by his father, Emilio Bombassei, and his uncle, Italo Breda. He become chairman in 1993 and continued the brake manufacturer's expansion, opening facilities in the U.S., China, Japan and England.
"It comes natural to me thinking that this prestigious recognition is somehow a confirmation of the great passion for cars I have always had, ever since dreaming of driving my father's car when I was a young boy," Mr. Bombassei said. "Such passion has grown with time thanks to the many cars that have marked my history and enthusiasm for the driving experience.
"As of today, Brembo has won over 300 world championships in the different racing categories and I can assure you that we are not stopping here. For Brembo, competition is an essential laboratory for transferring our technology over time to our customers for their road applications. From 'Racing to the Road' is one of my favorite mottos, and believe me, that's what's happening every day at Brembo."
Mr. Bombassei was honored along with vehicle designer Ed Welburn, motorsports entrepreneur Jack Roush and August Fruehauf, founder of the Fruehauf Trailer Co., during a ceremony July 20 at Detroit's Cobo Center.