New date for Coventry University MA Automotive Design Show
08 Jun 2005
Corus, the international metals company, has now entered its seventh year as exclusive sponsor of Coventry University’s MA Automotive Design Show. 2005 sees the beginning of a new era for the Show, which moves from its traditional slot in September, to a new date in December. This year’s event will be held at the prestigious Coventry Transport Museum on Thursday 1 December.
The change in timing was explained by Coventry University’s Head of Industrial Design, Chris Johnson, who said: “In order to maximise on our MA student’s abilities, it was decided to extend the course from 12 months to 15, allowing them more time to develop their skills. Our international reputation has recently been recognised with the award for a Centre of Excellence in teaching and learning. The award is primarily focussed on establishing global networks. This will further enhance the learning experience of our MA’s.
The 2004 award for Best Vehicle Design’ was presented to Charles Drury for his concept - ‘God is in the details, but nobody saw Him coming’. The winning design was chosen from a line-up of twenty-one international students by a distinguished judging panel, which included Kevin Rice, Project Manager, BMW 1 Series design and also a Coventry graduate. Charles’ concept looked at modern disenchantment with the car and asked the important question, has the industry lost its magic and if so, how can it get it back?
Once again prior to the MA Design Show guests will be invited to take part in the Corus Industry Forum. This year’s forum will follow a different format than that of previous years. As always it will feature a number of high profile panellists focusing on a range of topics affecting the automotive industry, but for 2005 it will have a more ‘Question Time’ style. Hot industry topics from previous years have included sustainability, legislation and ever increasing cost pressures. Past panellists include; Peter Horbury, Executive Director of Design, Ford North America, Steve Cropley, Editor in Chief, Autocar, Professor Garel Rhys, director of the Centre for Automotive Industry Research at Cardiff Business School and Steve Ross Director, Product Development, Land Rover.
Commenting on Corus’ involvement Professor Jon King, Director of Corus Automotive said: “As a company focused on materials solutions that address the issues faced by engineers and designers both today and in the future, we are delighted to continue our support for Coventry University. The Industry Forum and the MA Design Show allow many leading figures from the industry the opportunity to discuss the challenges that lie ahead and view the work of the young designers of tomorrow”.
Ends
Notes to Editors:
Captions read:
- The 2004 Coventry University MA Automotive Design Show at Coventry Transport Museum
- Kevin Rice (left) Project Leader BMW 1Series Design team and 2004 winner Charles Drury (right)
Corus Automotive
Corus is one of the leading suppliers of steel products, services and technology to the automotive industry. A broad range of Corus steel from strip, engineering steels, special strip and tubes are used to make products that go into automotive applications including body-in-white, closures, chassis and suspension systems, powertrain, seats, safety systems and other components. Corus is committed to the global automotive industry, and, uniquely, combines its materials and vehicle engineering knowledge to respond cost-effectively to key drivers of importance to the sector, such as safety, fuel-efficiency, innovation and the environment. The Company actively supports supply chain initiatives that improve efficiency and enhance the value of steel used in automotive applications. For further information, view the Corus automotive website (www.corusautomotive.com).
Coventry University
Coventry School of Art & Design is known for the excellence of its education and research in the field of Transport Design. This unique position has enabled us to redefine our prestigious MA Automotive Design, taking into account input from the world's automotive industries and from past students of this mature course.
The MA Automotive Design at Coventry is a fifteen month course aimed both at aspiring practitioners of automotive design and at those aiming for design management positions within the industry. Recent graduates have been recruited by manufacturers and consultants in Europe and the Far East keen to acquire their skills in and knowledge of the automotive design process.
Corus Automotive media enquiries:
Marco Ferrari +44 (0) 207 494 8050 mferrari@automotivepr.com
Belle Wilson + 44 (0) 207 494 8053 bwilson@automotivepr.com
Coventry University media enquiries:
Katie Beales + 44 [0] 24 7688 8352 K.Beales@coventry.ac.uk
Wendy Hunt + 44 [0] 24 7688 7796
