14th Annual AutoWeek Design Forum to Spotlight Applying Design Talent to Non-Traditional Projects

DETROIT, Mich., Nov. 16, 2006 -- An inside look at how some automotive designers are translating their design talent into exciting new non-traditional projects and visions will be featured at the 14th annual AutoWeek Design Forum, 8 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 10, 2007 at Cobo Conference/Exhibition Center in Detroit, Mich.

Design for Success is the theme of the day-long forum, which examines design in the auto and consumer product worlds and celebrates design as the ultimate differentiating factor between products, the catalyst of passion, and the primary force that drives consumers' interest and purchase decisions.

Michael Chetcuti, CEO, Quality Metalcraft Inc. and principal, Streetcar USA and Camilo Pardo, manager, Advanced Design Studio, Ford Motor Company -- designers of the Merkury furniture line -- will open the 2007 Design Forum, which features individual morning presentations, afternoon tours of the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) and a dinner program. Rounding out the morning speaker roster are:

* Robert Boniface, director of design, Advanced Design, General Motors;

* Moray Callum, design director, North America Car, Ford Motor Company; and

* Ralph V. Gilles, vice president-Jeep(R)/Truck and Component Design, Chrysler Group.

The event attracts more than 700 people from varied backgrounds -- students, car design professionals and designers allied to the field, as well as automotive enthusiasts.

Presentation of the AutoWeek Readers' Choice Awards is new to this year's dinner program, highlighting AutoWeek readers' favorite vehicles in nine categories from the 2006 model year. Earning honors will be: Best Sports Car -- Chevrolet Corvette, Best Exotic -- Bugatti Veyron, Best Sedan -- BMW 3- Series, Best People Mover/SUV -- Honda Odyssey, Best Economy Car -- Audi A3, Best Luxury Car -- Audi A8L, Best Coupe/Convertible -- BMW 6-Series, Best Truck -- Ford F-Series and Best First New Car -- Honda Civic. AutoWeek Readers' Choice winners were highlighted in the November 6, 2006 issue of AutoWeek magazine.

Additionally, AutoWeek Editors' Choice Awards will recognize the Best in Show, Most Fun, Most Significant and Best Concept vehicles of the 2007 NAIAS.

Advance registration for the day-long program -- which includes continental breakfast, lunch, NAIAS tour, reception and dinner -- is $275 for professionals and $125 for students. Advance tickets for full-day or dinner program only are $225 and $175 each, respectively. Deadline for online registration is Jan. 5, 2007. Limited on-site registration will be available during the Design Forum at $325 for full-day and $225 for dinner only attendance.