William Clay Ford Jr, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Ford Motor Company, has been nominated as the 2006 Automotive Industry Executive of 2006.

The award, made annually since 1964 and presented in April, has been presented in the past to Dieter Zetsche, Rick Wagoner, Henry Ford II, Robert Eaton, Thomas Stallkamp, Roger Smith, Harold E. Poling, Lee Iacocca and John DeLorean.

"This award recognizes the insightful leadership Bill Ford has shown in committing Ford Motor Company to rebuilding long-term, trusting relationships with suppliers, as well as his courage in continuing to make tough decisions to secure his company's future," said Robert Djurovic, DNV Certification's director of automotive services - North America and chairman of the nominating committee.

The award is jointly sponsored by DNV and the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG). The nominating committee includes automotive industry media, various industry analysts and automotive supplier CEOs.