Autocar Trucks announces the induction of its President, James 鈥淛immy鈥� Johnston, into the prestigious NWRA Hall of Fame. 聽Active in the industry since 1987, Jimmy has led Autocar Trucks since 2003. During his storied career, Jimmy has been a leader in the development and integration of body and chassis systems with a focus on improving safety and operational efficiency. He spearheaded the development of Autocar鈥檚 innovative Power of One庐 (PO1) methodology that seamlessly integrates the work from multiple body and chassis manufacturers to allow them to work as one and seamlessly create a fully-integrated, work-ready truck.
Other key innovations in which Jimmy was involved include one-touch dashboard diagnostics and lightweight front-loader bodies. 鈥淸Jimmy鈥檚] extraordinary level of energy and enthusiasm has made him a great ambassador for our industry,鈥� said Garwin McNeilus, Founder of refuse collection vehicle-maker McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing. 鈥淲hat I personally appreciate most about Jimmy is his openness to new, innovative ideas and his willingness to incorporate customer recommendations into the design and manufacturing process. His commitment to the customer is second to none.鈥�
鈥淚nduction into the NWRA Hall of Fame is the highest recognition we can bestow on a member,鈥� said Don Ross, NWRA Chairman. 鈥淭hese women and men have made extraordinary lifetime contributions to our industry and our association. Their leadership, innovation, and service have shaped the waste and recycling sector into what it is today.鈥�
The induction ceremony will take place on May 5, 2025, during the NWRA Awards Gala at WasteExpo 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Hosted in partnership with industry news outlet Waste360, WasteExpo is North America鈥檚 largest solid waste, recycling, organics, food waste recovery, and sustainability tradeshow featuring exhibitors and panelists from the public and private sectors. The NWRA Awards Gala will be hosted from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Fontainebleau Hotel.
Andrew Taitz, Chairman of Autocar said, 鈥淲e are extremely proud of Jimmy, his focused customer obsession, his passion for the industry and the people he has faithfully served throughout his career. Jimmy has always treated Autocar as family and continued to think differently about how to solve customer problems, in what at times is a very challenging environment. When problems arise, as they do, Jimmy has always instilled the need to 鈥榬aise your hand and not point fingers.鈥� Jimmy has driven an immense sense of pride and accountability at Autocar and every other organization in which he has played a role over a long and storied career.鈥�