Jury for Michelin Challenge Design Named

The 2009 judging panel for Michelin Challenge Design has been announced, and in July the panel will meet to select the vehicle designs and concepts that will make up the special exhibition at the 2009 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.

The central theme for this year, the eighth in which the international competition has been held, is ‘Brave and Bold, America’s Next Iconic Vehicle’, and Michelin says that companies, studios, design teams and individual designers from more than 45 countries have submitted full-size vehicles, scale models and renderings. The designs will be evaluated, says Michelin, for uniqueness, emotional appeal, design courage and technical execution.

The current Michelin Challenge Design Jury, in alphabetical order, includes:

Chuck Jordan, Retired, Vice President of Design, General Motors

Geza Loczi, Director of Design, Volvo Monitoring Concept Center

Dave Marek, Chief Designer & Sr. Manager, Automotive Styling Group, Honda R&D-Americas

Stewart Reed; Chair, Transportation Design Department, Art Center College of Design, Consultant and Jury Chairman, Michelin Challenge Design

Frank Saucedo, Director, General Motors Advanced Design Studio

John (Jack) J. Telnack, Retired, Global Vice President, Design, Ford Motor Company

Freeman Thomas, Director, Strategic Design, Ford Motor Company

Geoff Wardle, Director of Mobility, Industrial Design, Art Center College of Design

“The panel of judges we have assembled this year is truly outstanding,” said Tom Chubb, vice president of marketing for Michelin Automotive Industry Division. “Their dedication and willingness to participate reinforces the quality and importance of the Michelin Challenge Design programme.”