Finalists Selected for Michelin’s Design Awards Display

Designs and models from the Annual Michelin Challenge Design have been selected for display at the 2003 North American International Auto Show in January.
Since it’s founding in 1701 by Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac, Detroit has been influenced by French culture. Detroit will get another influx of French culture next January when Michelin Challenge Design(TM) displays the most creative French-influenced vehicle designs at the 2003 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).
The “French” themed design competition enlisted entrants from around the globe to interpret the past, present and future of vehicle design. A six-person international jury reviewed more than 125 entries from 40 countries.
The best of those works where chosen for display as full-size vehicles, scale models or two-dimensional drawings at the Michelin stands in Michigan Hall and on the main floor of Cobo Center during press and public days of the 2003 North American International Auto Show.
“It was extremely difficult for the jury to whittle down the number of entries for display,” said Dick Ruzzin, jury chairman for Michelin Challenge Design.
“My colleagues and I spent two days locked in a room reviewing the entries we had received from individual designers, corporations and students. The quality of the work was excellent; and as a result, we selected more works to display than we originally intended.”
Michelin will display the works of 17 individuals and companies representing 12 countries including Argentina, Australia, China, Columbia, England, France, India, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Sweden, The United States and Venezuela.
The Michelin Challenge Design was established in 2002 as a way to bring forward and display significant design work that would not normally have the opportunity to be displayed at a major international auto show. At the 2002 NAIAS, works based upon the theme of Italian design were displayed during press and public days.
“Good designs are created by individuals with passion,” said Jean-Michel Guillon, chief operating officer for Michelin Automotive Industry Division, the original equipment division of Michelin North America, Inc. “It is our passion and commitment to every aspect of vehicle design that inspired Michelin to create a platform, the Michelin Challenge Design, to feature the works of designers from around the world and to work more closely as a partner with the auto manufacturers in design projects.”