Innovative Design Showcased At 2007 North American International

DETROIT, Jan. 11, 2007 / PRNewswire / — Design was a major focal point again this year at the 2007 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). Several design-focused events were featured including EyesOn Design Awards, AutoWeek Design Forum, the Michelin Challenge Design and the "My Other Car Is…" student project, as well as exclusive innovative exhibits and many exciting production and concept vehicles.

"Design continues to be an essential element driving our exhibitors who, once again are featuring elaborate displays showcasing jaw-dropping production and concept vehicles," said Robert Thibodeau, Jr., senior co-chairman for the NAIAS 2007. "Each and every year, we see the best in innovation and design that will drive our automotive industry in the future."

In its second year, the EyesOn Design Awards are quickly becoming a highly anticipated event at the NAIAS. Presented by the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology, the EyesOn Design Awards feature the presentation of international design awards to honor and recognize the most significant automotive designs on display at NAIAS. The categories and award winner's included; Concept Implementation - Cadillac CTS; Aesthetics and Innovation - Chrysler Nassau; Spirit of Industrial Design - Jeep Trailhawk; and Functionality - Kia Kue .

In addition, the AutoWeek Design Forum, in its 14th year, examined and celebrated design as the ultimate differentiating factor. Featured speakers included Robert Boniface, director of design, Advanced Design, General Motors; Moray Callum, design director, North America Car, Ford Motor Company; and Ralph V. Gilles, vice president - Jeep®/Truck and Component Design, Chrysler Group.

"It's exciting to have so many unique design events associated with the NAIAS," said Carl Galeana, co-chairman for the NAIAS 2007. "A lot of creativity and hard work goes into designing the vehicles on display, so the NAIAS is proud to have the opportunity to help honor the work of these designers."

The Michelin Challenge Design was created to celebrate, promote, publicize and give visibility to creative thinking and innovation in vehicle design. Candidates of this annual international design competition were presented with the challenge of illustrating outstanding automotive design and safe interaction for a variety of roadway users.

Lastly, transportation design students from Detroit's College for Creative Studies (CCS) and engineering students from the University of Michigan (U-M) were put to task with the "My other car is…" assignment during the 18th annual American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) summer design internship. Students from CCS and U-M produced exhilarating concept vehicles that targeted Generation X, Baby Boomers and the Millennial generation. The models of these "other car" concepts are displayed at NAIAS 2007.