2017 Michelin Challenge Design “Le Mans 2030” Announced

Michelin, in association with the Automobile Club l’Ouest (ACO), announced the theme for the 2017 Michelin Challenge Design, “Le Mans 2030: Design for the Win.”

“Our Michelin Challenge Design jurors and team see Le Mans as one of the most innovative, relevant and exciting design opportunities in the world today,” said Thom Roach, vice president of original equipment marketing for Michelin North America.

“We believe this challenge will provide a tremendous opportunity for designers from around the world to present their ideas and innovations in an exciting competition.”

“Our story with Michelin started when Michelin tires won the first edition of Le Mans 24 Hours in 1923,” said Pierre Fillon, president of the ACO. “We have today a common ambition: encourage the advent of new technologies and design.

“Beyond an endurance race, Le Mans 24 Hours is a laboratory of innovation and we are glad to join this amazing and ambitious 2017 Michelin Challenge Design.”

Since its inception in 1923, an encyclopedia of the world’s most respected auto manufacturers —Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ferrari, Ford, Honda, Jaguar, Maserati, Mazda, McLaren, Nissan, Peugeot, Porsche, Toyota and others — have used Le Mans 24 Hours to present their latest innovations, technology and designs and to prove their capabilities in the 24-hour competition.

“The ACO strongly supports innovation and design. We are truly delighted that ACO has enthusiastically agreed to collaborate with us for the 2017 Michelin Challenge Design,” said Roach.

Created by Michelin in 2001 to encourage and recognize young designers, the Michelin Challenge Design has become one of the most prestigious global design competitions, thanks in part to its jury members, who are often the advanced design leaders for major automakers. \

Since its inception, the competition has drawn more than 8,000 entrants from 121 countries.

The 2017 Michelin Challenge Design theme, “Le Mans 2030: Design for the Win,” invites entrants to create a breakthrough race car to win the Le Mans 24 Hours in the year 2030 using future-looking technologies, innovations, and pioneering problem solving skills.

Designers are encouraged to design a car that reinforces the premium brand image of a company that is either famous for its historical success, or ready to elevate its brand through a prestigious Le Mans win.

Entries opened on October 19 at www.michelinchallengedesign.com