Now entering its eighth year, this fast-growing international design forum has encouraged better mobility solutions through innovative design and leading technology.
Designers this year are asked to render unique vehicle concepts that demonstrate emotional appeal, design courage and technical execution when reviewed by a jury of transportation industry professionals whose names will be announced later in 2008. Additional consideration will be given to entries with attributes that benefit safety and the environment and include a separate rendering of the tire and wheel component assembly. Vehicle designs that best represent the theme will receive prominent display in the Michelin Challenge Design exhibit at the 2009 North American International Auto Show.
"Every designer dreams of creating an object that achieves iconic stature," said Tom Chubb, vice president of marketing for Michelin’s Automotive Industry Division. "In the automotive world, design is a primary differentiating factor and helps consumers connect to a vehicle. With next year’s theme, we offer a fantastic opportunity to see what the international design community – veteran and student – thinks about the future of transportation in America and what designs will shape the next generation of great American icons."
Previous Michelin Challenge Design competitions have featured design themes including: Italian (2002); French (2003); Cars for the Emerging Chinese market (2004); German (2005); California (2006), Road Safety for Everyone (2007) and Smaller, Safer, Better (2008).
Entry forms, instructions for the 2009 program are available at www.michelinchallengedesign.com. (Tire Review/Akron)
