Michelin Challenge Design Announces Record Number of Entries

Six international designers selected to judge German themed entries for display at 2005 North American International Auto Show

DETROIT, May 19 -- Michelin North America today announced a record number of participants for the rapidly growing 2005 Michelin Challenge Design(TM).

Michelin has received more than 250 entries from 50 countries from designers across the globe accepting Michelin's challenge to create vehicles that demonstrate the influence of German design -- the events, people and icons that have inspired the international automotive design community.

"We are delighted by the tremendous growth in entries and countries represented in the 2005 Michelin Challenge Design," said Tom Chubb, vice president of OE marketing, Michelin Automotive Industry Division. "In only three years, Michelin Challenge Design has become one of the fastest growing design competitions in the world."

Michelin North America today also announced a distinguished panel of transportation designers who will serve as the jury for the Challenge.

The Michelin Challenge Design Jury will convene in Detroit July 12-13 to review designs received from individuals, companies and students -- all vying for coveted display space in the Michelin exhibit at the 2005 North American International Auto Show in Detroit next January.

This year's international jury includes the following:

* Wolfgang-Dieter Appel, Director of Vehicle Engineering, Audi Sport, Ingolstadt, Germany

* Ronald Ihrig, owner of Ihrig Design, Worfelden, Germany

* Professor Harald Leschke, Director Advance Design Projects-Corporate Design, DaimlerChrysler, Sindelfingen, Germany

* Stewart Reed, founder of Stewart Reed Design, Holland, MI USA

* Dick Ruzzin, Design Director, General Motors Europe (Retired), Detroit, MI USA

* Gerhard Steinle, president of Prisma Design International, Inc. Tustin, CA USA

For complete information on Michelin Challenge Design, including specific entry requirements, entry process, rules and theme details, visit www.michelinchallengedesign.com .

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 23,920 and operates 21 plants in 17 locations.