Michelin Challenge Design(TM) China Display Heads to Automotive Hall of Fame

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 9, 2004 -- The popular Michelin Challenge Design(TM) exhibit from the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) will be displayed at the Automotive Hall of Fame (AHF) in Dearborn, Mich. from Feb. 9, 2004 through April 2, 2004.

Themed, "Designs for the emerging Chinese auto market," the 2004 Michelin Challenge Design received over 100 entries from 27 countries. A jury of international designers selected the displayed works.

On display at the Automotive Hall of Fame will be ten scale model concepts and 28 renderings or drawings. The designs were part of the official Michelin Challenge Design event, which was created in 2002 to bring forward and display significant design work from around the world.

"The Michelin Challenge Design presentation at NAIAS drew a great deal of interest and we are pleased to offer people another opportunity to learn more about what is happening in China," said Jeffrey Leestma, president of the Automotive Hall of Fame. "This is a great addition to the Automotive Hall of Fame and we feel this exhibit is a true learning experience about China and the automotive industry."

"Our designs for the Chinese market theme drew a great deal of attention at NAIAS due to the timeliness of the subject and the creativity of the design work," said Tom Chubb, vice president of OE marketing, Michelin Automotive Industry Division. "We are pleased to again work with the Automotive Hall of Fame in showcasing these works to an additional audience."

Complete information on the Michelin Challenge Design, including 2005 entry requirements, themes, news and details, is available at www.michelinchallengedesign.com .

The Automotive Hall of Fame and Museum is the highest place of honor in the international motor vehicle industry. Through visual and interactive exhibits, automobiles and authentic artifacts, it recognizes outstanding achievement in the global motor vehicle and related industries. The Automotive Hall of Fame is open Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., with admission $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, students under 18 are $3 and children under 5 are free.

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 employs 24,290 and operates 21 plants in 17 locations.