Judging Begins in Detroit for 2003 Michelin Challenge Design

DETROIT, July 15 -- A six-person international jury of judges has gathered today in Detroit for the first annual Michelin Challenge Design(TM) judging. Judging of entries will take place today and tomorrow, with the jury selecting several top entries for display at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, January 5-20, 2003.

The jury, made up of an international body of professional transportation designers and educators, are gathered at the Detroit Athletic Club to review hundreds of entries received from individuals, corporations and students representing more than 40 countries.

"This is an extensive and impressive group of entries," said Dick Ruzzin, chair of the Michelin Challenge Design. "The level of creativity and innovation is extraordinary. Choosing the best from this excellent selection will be difficult."

Ruzzin will be joined by five other design professionals including Luciano D'Ambrosio, general director and design chief for Segna Design in Milano Italy; Ronald Ihrig, founder of Ihrig Design in Worfelden, Germany; William Porter, an instructor at the College for Creative Studies (CCS) in Detroit, Mich.; Stewart Reed, founder of Stewart Reed Design in Holland, Mich.; and Dan Sturges, executive director of Mobility Lab in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

The 2003 Michelin Challenge Design is focused on the past, present and future vehicle designs that reflect the unique and special character of French design, for France and other world markets. The jury will review each design and consider the following:

Relevance to the theme; Concept originality; Design value and quality; Developmental potential; and Design displayability. Those selected will have their vehicles, drawings, computer renderings and/or models displayed by Michelin at the 2003 North American International Auto Show. An announcement will be made in August as to the entries selected.

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