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2010 Automotive News All-Stars

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In the past year, the industry has endured bankruptcies, the death of brands, massive recalls by Toyota Motor Corp. and a still-shaky sales recovery. Through it all, some individuals didn’t just survive; they thrived. We unveil our annual Automotive News All-Stars, leaders who set the pace in tough times. Ford Motor Co. placed 10 individuals on our list — including CEO Alan Mulally, who is our Industry Leader of the Year for 2010.

ADVERTISING: Michael Sprague

Vice president of marketing, Kia Motors America

Sock monkey's big game: With the Kia brand capturing a bigger share of the U.S. market, it was time for Kia Motors America's first Super Bowl spot. That's a big chunk of change. But Sprague, 45, and ad agency David & Goliath spun a good-hearted tale of the secret life of a sock monkey and his posse of children's toys. For the big game telecast in February, the toys' bowling, snow-frolicking, Vegas-crawling lifestyle was an ideal showcase for the new 2011 Kia Sorento SUV. By spring, the New York auto show named Kia best auto advertiser.