GM Design Celebrates 75 Years Of History With Eyes On Design

Event Brings Together Largest Ever Collection Of Concept Vehicles

WARREN, Mich. -Three-quarters of a century ago, General Motors revolutionized the automotive industry.

Recognizing the growing importance of a car's styling and emotional appeal among the nation's burgeoning consumer market for automobiles, GM established the industry's first department devoted to automotive design in the summer of 1927. The then-newly formed GM Art and Colour Section - the forerunner of GM Design - would soon establish GM through its various brands as the undisputed design leader.

As part of its year-long observance, GM will celebrate the accomplishments of the past 75 years and its role in identifying the strategic importance of design when it hosts the 16th Annual Eyes on Design on June 20-22 at the General Motors Technical Center.

"Compelling design is passionate design," said Wayne Cherry, GM vice president of design. "It stirs us emotionally and creates a sense of excitement. We were pioneers in this area. That's a source of great pride."

"Hosting Eyes on Design is a great way to celebrate the fantastic history of automotive design, which has its roots as a discipline right here in Michigan," said Cherry. "And, of course, all this fun benefits a very worthy cause."

The three-day charity event, whose proceeds benefit the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology (DIO), culminates on June 22 with the Eyes on Design Automotive Exhibit that will feature more than 300 of the world's finest automobiles and the largest collection of concept vehicles ever assembled in one place. More than 100 concept cars and trucks from GM, Ford, DaimlerChrysler and other automakers will be on display.

GM and the DIO have collaborated to create unique opportunities to enhance the upcoming Eyes on Design activities. GM has donated a 2004 Chevrolet SSR as a raffle prize, with all proceeds to benefit the DIO. Tickets are $100 each and available by calling 1-800-869-9833. Auto exhibit attendees also may purchase rides in notable GM concept cars.

This year's Eyes on Design will mark the first time the GM Tech Center, designed by the late world-renowned architect Eero Saarinen, will be open to the general public. Saarinen's Tech Center designs are noted classic examples of mid-20th century modernist architecture. Show-goers may visit the public spaces of some of the historic buildings and tour a working design studio.

The 2003 Eyes on Design Automotive Exhibit is co-chaired by Robert A. Lutz, vice chairman for Product Development and chairman, GM North America; and Gary Cowger, president of GM North America.

The complete list of Eyes on Design activities scheduled for June 20-22:

Friday, June 20 What: Eve of the Eyes - An informal social event honoring the design profession. The event will honor Ron Hill of the Pasadena Art Center College in California, as the Honored Design Educator. Eve of the Eyes is hosted by Standard Federal Commercial Lending and Wealth Management Groups.

Location: Design Auditorium, GM Technical Center - Warren, Michigan Time: 6 - 9 p.m. Tickets: $35 / $20 for students with I.D.

Saturday, June 21 What: Vision Honored and Night Vision After Glow - Creative Formal/Black Tie Automotive Design Banquet sponsored by ASC Incorporated, Decoma International, and Milliken & Company. Automotive Art Auction sponsored by Intier Automotive. The Night Vision after glow - new this year - follows, featuring live entertainment by internationally acclaimed recording artist Peter Cincotti, sponsored by General Motors.

Location: Vehicle Engineering Center, GM Technical Center - Warren, Mich. Time: 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. for Vision Honored; Night Vision After Glow begins at 8:30 p.m. Tickets: $250 for Vision Honored & Night Vision After Glow $100 for Night Vision After Glow only

Sunday, June 22 What: Private Eyes Brunch - An elegant brunch for automotive professionals. Hosted by Delphi and Solutia Automotive.

Location: Design Auditorium, GM Technical Center - Warren, Mich. Time: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Tickets: $100 / $50 children 12 & under

What: Eyes on Design Auto Exhibit - A celebration of Automotive Design featuring more than 300 of the world's finest vehicles. Judging by automotive designers will take place with crystal awards being presented mid-day to the owners of the "Best of" vehicles in 17 unique categories.

Location: GM Technical Center Campus Time: 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Tickets: $15 / $12 in advance (children 12 & under free)

Tickets for all events can be obtained by calling Eyes on Design at (313) 824-EYES (3937), or purchase tickets online at: www.acteva.com/go/eyeson.

Eyes on Design is a benefit for the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology (DIO), a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation. Eyes on Design is the primary source of revenues for the DIO's research, education and support group programs that enhance the independence of the visually impaired. For more information about Eyes on Design and the DIO, visit: www.eyeson.org.