Now entering its ninth year, Michelin Challenge Design targets the international student design community. The new theme challenges students to create concepts that could "dramatically improve energy efficiency, minimize environmental impact and satisfy consumer demand for an attractive and usable vehicle design."
(Michelin's other challenge, "Challenge Bibendum," which spotlights environmental efforts to create and sustain mobility, is being postponed until 2010.)
According to Tom Chubb, vice president of marketing for Michelin North America Inc.'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.
Winners of the 2009 challenge, "Brave + Bold -- America's Next Iconic Vehicle," will be celebrated at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit this month.
For more information, visit www.michelinchallengedesign.com.
