The late Bob Rohrman, whose namesake dealer group operates about 30 new-car dealerships stretching from Indianapolis to Kenosha, Wisconsin, was named Feb. 18 as the 2021 recipient of the AIADA’s David F. Mungenast Lifetime Achievement Award.

Rohrman died Sept. 1, 2020, at age 87.

The annual award is presented by the American International Automobile Dealers Association to an industry leader who possesses a community spirit and devotion to the international nameplate auto industry.

"Those of us who knew Bob Rohrman and his legendary generosity saw that he embodied the spirit of the award more than almost anyone else in our industry," said AIADA President Cody Lusk. "There are many things we remember Bob for, but at the very top was his giving spirit and commitment to leaving the world a better place than he found it." 

Perhaps the most famous car dealer in the Midwest thanks to his iconic television commercials, Rohrman got his start in the car business in Lafayette, Indiana. During his life, he was the recipient of numerous awards, including Indiana’s 2019 Sagamore of the Wabash, and he served in multiple auto industry leadership roles, including on the AIADA’s board of directors. 

But Rohrman’s generosity was even bigger than his television personality. Highlights include a $15 million donation to Purdue University for Rohrman Field at Ross-Ade Stadium, $3.5 million for the Rohrman Performing Arts Center at Jefferson High School, and multiple other donations to organizations including Susan G. Komen, Meals on Wheels, and the Make-a-Wish Foundation. 

Since 1975, the AIADA has presented an annual lifetime achievement award to dealers who are set apart by a deep commitment and contributions to the international auto industry and community involvement.