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Canada's Design Winner Competes a Second Time in Challenging international Competition
TORONTO, ONTARIO: Students from Canada’s own Humber College will compete in the third annual World Automotive Design Competition on Thursday, February 13, 2003, hosted by the Canadian International AutoShow (CIAS).
Design students from Canada, China, France, Japan, England, Italy, Korea, India, Sweden, and the USA have been challenged to create an economical, ‘essential’ transportation vehicle that reflects the country where the applicant lives or studies. The first place finisher of the World Automotive Design Competition 2003 will be flown in with his or her instructor to personally receive the grand prize of $10,000 US on Thursday, February 13, 2003. Second place finishers will take home $5,000 US, while third place finishers will receive $2,500 US.
Last year, Humber College students Andy Anissomoff, Bruno Mediati and Jeff Young achieved an impressive third place finish. Bruno and Andy were recently interviewed by the CIAS. When asked how they reacted to news of their win last year in front of hundreds of Canadian press, Bruno Mediati replied, “Surprised. I still can’t place my reaction into words. It was a great feeling to have in my life.” Andy Anissomoff agreed and added, “(I’m) proud to be considered against such strong schools with outstanding reputations.”
After graduation, Bruno hopes to start his own design and custom automotive accessories business, while Andy plans to look for employment in the design industry.
What did Andy and Bruno do with their share of the $2,500 US in prize money? Andy paid off student debts, while Bruno invested in a future personal business endeavor.
Five leading automotive designers will judge this year’s event. They are in alphabetical order:
- Robert Cumberford (Automobile and Auto & Design magazines; honorary judge - 50th Anniversary Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance)
- Akira Fujimoto, (Chief Editor, Car Styling magazine; judge of the Louis Vuitton Classic Concours d’Elegance)
- Ken Gross (Automotive Industries and The Robb Report magazines; Chief Class Judge - Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance)
- Peter Horbury (Executive Director of Design, Premier Automotive Group - Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo)
- Tom Tjaarda (designer of the Ford Fiesta, Ferrari California Spyder, de Tomaso Pantera and the Ferrari 330 GT)
Judge Robert Cumberford comments: “This contest serves to focus the attention of young aspiring designers toward today’s most pressing urban problems.”
The judges will review the entries and choose the winners during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, MI. On January 6 & 7, 2003, media will have the chance to preview all the design entries, as well as take advantage of interview and photo opportunities with the distinguished judges.
Competition winners will be kept confidential until the official announcement on Thursday, February 13, 2003 during a press conference that launches the third annual Design Forum hosted by the CIAS.
The Canadian International AutoShow is one of only two OICA endorsed international shows in North America, placing the city of Toronto in the elite group of internationally recognized motor shows that take place in Detroit, Paris, Tokyo, Frankfurt and Geneva.
Where do Bruno and Andy see automotive design 10 years from now? Bruno commented he would “… like to see automotive design focus more on alternate fuels. In regards to aesthetics, I see the automotive industry taking a look back to the mid to late 90’s for a ‘retro’ influence. They always do.” Andy believes we will see more “organic looking hatchbacks.”
For further information on the Canadian International AutoShow and the World Automotive Design Competition, visit the official website at www.autoshow.ca
Photos of the Canadian winners can be viewed at http://en.carpoint.msn.ca/cias2002/Feature_design_competition.asp. To obtain copies, please contact us directly.
| FOR MORE INFORMATION |
Beth Xenarios
Director, Media Relations
t. 905-940-2800
f. 905-940-2804
bethx@autoshow.ca |
Canadian International AutoShow
85 Renfrew Drive
Markham, Ontario
L3R 0N9 |
| www.autoshow.ca/media |
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