The distinguished group of automotive design leaders will meet in July at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, Calif., to select the vehicle designs and concepts for special exhibition at the 2010 North American [...]]]> Michelin Challenge Design, one of the world’s top design competitions, is proud to announce its panel of judges for 2010.

The distinguished group of automotive design leaders will meet in July at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, Calif., to select the vehicle designs and concepts for special exhibition at the 2010 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit next January. This year, the Jury will review a record 291 entries from 59 countries.

This year marks the ninth year for the international competition where individual designers, teams, studios, and companies submit full-size vehicles, scale models and renderings in support of the central theme. The theme selected for 2010 is Electrifying! Beautiful, Innovative and Radiant in response to the many innovative technologies that are emerging within the technical and design communities supporting the electrification of vehicles, as well as the renewed importance of an aesthetically and functionally beautiful execution.

Entrants this year are creating concepts that could dramatically improve energy efficiency, minimize environmental impact and satisfy consumer demand for an attractive and usable vehicle design. They are also encouraged to explore the future of transportation and to design 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.

The Michelin Challenge Design Jury confirmed to date, in alphabetical order, includes:

•John Boesel, President and CEO, CALSTART

•Geza Loczi, Director of Design, Volvo Monitoring & Concept Center

•Victor Nacif, Vice President, Design Business Aspect, Nissan Design America, Inc.

•Dave Rand, Executive Director of Global Advanced Design, General Motors

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

•Burt Rutan, Aerospace Designer & Entrepreneur

•Frank Saucedo, Director, General Motors Advanced Design Studio

•Freeman Thomas, Director, Strategic Design, Ford Motor Company

Tom Chubb, vice president of original equipment marketing for Michelin North America made these comments,

We’re honored to have so many distinguished designers accept the invitation to review this year’s global entries. The design community has enthusiastically embraced the electrification theme – as evidenced by our record number of entries, but also the caliber of jury that requested an opportunity to review their designs.

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.