Michelin Challenge Design Announces 2013 Theme

DETROIT--Jan. 10, 2012: Registration is open for the 2013 Michelin Challenge Design competition (Michelin Challenge Design). Over the years, participants have been challenged to explore safety, alternative powertrains and urban mobility. For next year's challenge, entries will address weight reduction through design, which is becoming a new battleground in the struggle for increasing fuel efficiency.

"As an industry, we've come to an interesting crossroad. Consumers and governments are pushing for dramatic gains in fuel efficiency as the automotive industry is designing and developing lightweight next-generation vehicles," said John Moloney, vice president of original equipment marketing for North and South America. "We look forward to seeing how participants in the 2013 Michelin Challenge Design will respond to these concerns."

Designers create the inspirational forms that drive desire for vehicle ownership or usage, but they also contribute to lightweight vehicle development through choices of materials and using the most-effective manufacturing techniques. More than ever before, successful design requires closer cooperation with engineering, manufacturing and planning.

Through the 2013 challenge, Michelin is looking to bring forward passionate designs that employ innovative vehicle architecture for weight reduction, without compromising safety or comfort.

For the 2013 Michelin Challenge Design, participants are asked to explore lightweight vehicle development by designing a family vehicle. The vehicle must meet consumer demands for safety and comfort, be usable on the current road infrastructure and be feasibly produced using materials, powertrain solutions or manufacturing solutions that are in use today or in development for use in the foreseeable future.

Dedicated to the improvement of sustainable mobility, Michelin designs, manufactures and sells tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, heavy-duty trucks and motorcycles. The company also publishes travel guides, hotel and restaurant guides, maps and road atlases. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America ( Michelin US ) employs more than 22,200 and operates 18 major manufacturing plants in 16 locations.