Michelin Challenge Design Seeks Entries for 2004

Designers from around the globe participate in design challenge to meet the emerging needs of the Chinese Market

DETROIT, March 27 -- Calling all transportation designers, April 15, 2003 is the deadline to submit applications for the next Michelin(R) Challenge Design(TM) event. Selected designs will be considered for display at the 2004 North American International Auto Show through the Michelin Challenge Design exhibit.

The 2004 challenge will focus on designing for the specific needs of the emerging Chinese market. Designers from around the globe are being challenged to create vehicles that can successfully answer the accelerating demands for the emerging Chinese automotive market.

"China's automotive market is rapidly growing, with an increasing percentage of its population owning automobiles," said John Grimaldi president, Passenger and Light Truck Original Equipment Tires Worldwide for Michelin Group. "China has a unique opportunity to leap frog traditional technology and map out an automotive industry and roadway infrastructure that is environmentally sensitive, consumer-friendly and technically advanced. It is a perfect choice for Michelin Challenge Design event."

The challenge is open to all designers around the globe from students to seasoned professionals. Designers interested in participating in the challenge should review the competition criteria and complete a questionnaire on-line at www.michelinchallengedesign.com .

In 2003, more than 125 designs from 40 countries were submitted with works from 13 countries displayed at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.

The Michelin Challenge Design was established to bring forward and display significant design work that would not normally have the opportunity to be displayed at a major international auto show.

Michelin manufactures and sells tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, heavy-duty trucks and the space shuttle. The company also publishes travel guides, maps and atlases covering Europe, Asia, Africa and North America. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America (www.michelin.com ) employs 24,640 people and operates 22 plants in 18 locations.