Frequently Asked Questions | Michelin Challenge Design

Michelin Challenge Design for 2014

Q.	What is Michelin Challenge Design?
A.	Michelin Challenge Design is a collection of events and activities reflecting Michelin North America’s interest in and commitment to innovative design.
Q.	What are some examples of Michelin’s commitment to design?
A.	Here in North America, Michelin supports the College for Creative Studies Design Competition; Michelin Challenge Design and the cardesignnews.com website in addition to other events and programs.
Q.	Why is design important?
A.	Design is central to the process of innovation. Design influences the marketplace.
Q.	Why does Michelin care about design?
A.	Michelin wants to assist in the evolution of transportation. Michelin’s corporate culture places a high value on design and innovation as important to consumer satisfaction and maintaining Michelin’s role as the industry leader.
Q.	What was the theme for the 2014 Michelin Challenge Design?
A.	Driven / Undriven:The Duality of Tomorrow’s AutomobileAutonomous technology can allow greater freedom in vehicle design. Designers will have new areas for exploring features and aesthetics that express an owner’s particular passions and functional needs while providing newfound flexibility in time management when in an autonomous mode.This year’s Challenge takes dual forms: Design your future vehicle with unique features and capabilities to engage you and your interests while in the autonomous mode required by increasingly dense urban environments. Demonstrate how your creative design transforms your driven vehicle into an extension of your lifestyle and allows you to experience driving pleasure and life’s adventures in new or more meaningful ways. Michelin Challenge Design will recognize exciting and passionate designs that employ innovative vehicle architecture and interactive technologies, without compromising functionality, safety or comfort. The vehicle’s capabilities must include dimensional specifications and visual detail of the tire/wheel assembly.
Q.	Who is eligible?
A.	Transportation designers, including OEM and suppliers, studio designers, consultants, design schools, students and individual designers. (For more information, please see Rules & Procedures)
Q.	How do I enter the Michelin Challenge Design?
A.	Information is available on the Michelin Challenge Design web site at www.michelinchallengedesign.com.
Q.	Who decides what is displayed at the Michelin Challenge Design-NAIAS?
A.	A panel of international design professionals and teachers.
Q.	Does Michelin ever get involved directly in vehicle design projects?
A.	Michelin supplies concept tires for many of the OEM concept and show vehicles introduced each year. Michelin periodically partners with design studios in the creation of specific concept vehicles.
Q.	Will Michelin provide financial support to entrants of the Michelin Challenge Design-NAIAS?
A.	Michelin does not provide financial support to entries in the Michelin Challenge Design.
Q.	Who can I contact if I have questions or need assistance?
A.	Contact information is available at www.michelinchallengedesign.com or contact us via email at design@emcpr.com.