National Press Release

DETROIT, Jan. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- At a time when vehicles are becoming more fuel-efficient and automotive manufacturers are tasked with bringing consumer-friendly vehicles to market that will contribute to environmental sustainability, Michelin appropriately announces the theme for its 2010 global vehicle design competition, Michelin Challenge Design(TM) (MCD) as: Electrifying! Beautiful, Innovative and Radiant. Now entering its ninth year, the new theme of this fast-growing international design forum recognizes there are a number of innovative technologies emerging within the technical and design communities to support the electrification of vehicles, as well as the renewed importance of an aesthetically and functionally beautiful execution.

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MCD Participants for 2010 are challenged to create concepts that could dramatically improve energy efficiency, minimize environmental impact and satisfy consumer demand for an attractive and usable vehicle design. They are encouraged to explore the future of transportation and illustrate their vision for a vehicle equipped with an alternative powertrain that integrates one or more electric-driven components, and uses innovative technologies, materials, electronics, size and shapes in new and unprecedented ways.

Additional consideration will be given to entries that include a separate rendering of the tire and wheel component assembly.

According to Tom Chubb, vice president of marketing for Michelin's Automotive Industry Division, the Michelin Challenge Design theme gives participants an opportunity to address real-world issues faced by automakers and designers around the globe. "Through Michelin Challenge Design we are encouraging the future of design and mobility. The entrants also benefit from an unprecedented opportunity to get their ideas and answers in front of some of the world's top transportation designers and educators serving on the MCD jury," said Chubb.

As in years past, a jury of transportation industry professionals whose names will be announced later in 2009 will review the work and decide on the winning designs.

Previous Michelin Challenge Design competitions have featured design themes including: Italian (2002); French (2003); Cars for the Emerging Chinese market (2004); German (2005); California (2006); Road Safety for Everyone (2007); Smaller, Safer, Better (2008); and Brave + Bold-America's Next Iconic Vehicle (2009).

Entry forms, instructions for the 2010 program are available at: www.michelinchallengedesign.com.

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, motorcycles and the space shuttle. The company also publishes travel guides, hotel and restaurant guides, maps and road atlases. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America (www.michelin.com) employs more than 22,500 and operates 19 major manufacturing plants in 17 locations.

SOURCE Michelin