Design show students reveal future vehicle concepts
23 Sep 2003
Meng Feng Hseih was awarded the ‘Best Vehicle Design’ accolade in the Corus sponsored ‘Streets Ahead’, the private view of the Coventry University MA Automotive Design Show 2003. The winning design was selected from a line-up of twenty-six international students by a distinguished judging panel, which included Peter Horbury, executive director of design at Ford’s Premier Automotive Group.
Meng Feng Hseih’s Lotus 2x2 concept recreates a vehicle that can be used for performance driving training in China and shows an innovative approach towards the requirements of motor sport vehicles.
Jon King, director of Corus Automotive and chair of the judging panel, said: We were very impressed with the standard of all the students’ work this year and found it hard to choose the eventual winners from an initial shortlist of ten. However, our three prize-winners highlighted an ability to look beyond the style and presentation in order to demonstrate a deep thinking behind their work.
Mr King continued: Meng’s concept was extremely well presented using the latest design technology and we were particularly impressed with his innovative 2x2 package in a mid-engined sports car.
Peter Horbury added: The different nationalities and cultures of the twenty-six international students have been strongly reflected in the design concepts on show this year. I believe national identity in automotive vehicle design is important and can go a long way to help sell a product in local markets.
Second prize at the Design Show was awarded to Chenwei Gao for his ‘drive back to the Tang Dynasty’ design concept. The judges commended Chenwei for the way he successfully integrated a number of historical and traditional elements related to the Tang Dynasty into a modern vehicle for the China of today.
The third prize went to Tom Webster for his ‘connection’ concept, which explores the interaction between buildings and vehicles on a physical and resource sharing basis. The judges praised the design for its overall good package and its obvious brand identity to Renault without looking like any existing model.
Nick Hull, course tutor of Coventry’s MA Automotive Design course commended the tenth graduating masters class. The calibre of concepts unveiled at this year’s show demonstrates that Coventry continues in its task of moulding the next generation of designers who will be responsible for the vehicles of tomorrow.
Sponsorship of the Coventry University Automotive MA Design Show, now in its sixth consecutive year, forms part of Corus’ work in bridging the gap between advanced metal engineering and leading edge product design.
Jon King concluded: By partnering an institute at the forefront of innovation in European automotive design, Corus gains valuable fresh insights into the future of the automotive industry.
Corus is committed to supporting new talent in automotive design and engineering, creating a platform to understand the needs and wants of young designers, which can impact the future material solutions being developed within Corus. <!-- End Insert article -->
Ends
<!-- Insert article end -->Corus Automotive media enquiries:
Rob Palmer +44 1582 763255 rpalmer@automotivepr.com
Marco Ferrari +44 207 494 8050 mferrari@automotivepr.com
The judging panel:
Peter Horbury, executive director of design at Ford’s PAG
Silvia Baruffaldi managing editor of Auto and Design
Ryan Borroff, editor of Interior Motives
Professor Michael Tovey, dean of Coventry University School of Art and Design
Adam Fairless, winner of Best Vehicle Design at the Coventry MA Design Show 2002
Jon King, director Corus Automotive. <!-- End Insert article end-->
