MOTOR TREND and the California International Auto Show Announce 2004 International Design Contest; The Theme: Brand It Your Way

ANAHEIM, Calif.--May 3, 2004--MOTOR TREND magazine and the California International Auto Show (CIAS) today announced the details of the sixth-annual MOTOR TREND/CIAS International Design Contest. Open to amateur, student and professional designers from around the world, the theme of the 2004 MOTOR TREND/CIAS International Design Contest is "Brand It Your Way," challenging contestants to conceptualize a vehicle design that embodies the characteristics and traits of a specific, non-automotive brand. The winners will be announced during Media Day at the California International Auto Show on October 27, 2004 where the finalists' designs will be displayed throughout the show.

This year's prestigious MOTOR TREND/CIAS International Design Contest challenges entrants to design a car, truck or SUV conceived, built and brought to market by a company that is not currently an automotive producer. With companies around the world maximizing brand recognition to set themselves apart from their competitors, such as McDonalds'(R) Arches and Nike's(R) Swoosh, this year's "Brand It Your Way" theme challenges contestants to bring the attributes and characteristics of their chosen brand to life by conceptualizing a vehicle that clearly exemplifies the traits of the product. For example, what would a truck be like if it could deliver the energy and endurance levels promised by a PowerBar(R)? How about a sedan that had the sparkle and undeniable elegance of a Rolex(R) or a sport/utility that had the balance and precision of a new pair of Timberland(R) hiking boots?

"This year's theme really leaves the door open for creativity and gives contestants a chance to let their imaginations go to work," said MOTOR TREND Executive Editor Matt Stone, who serves as the contest's chief judge. "There are so many directions the designs can go and we're looking forward to seeing how innovative and creative they will be."

Entrants may participate in one of four categories - design professional, design student, amateur 17 years of age and younger, or amateur 18 years of age and older. Each design submission must be represented in a minimum of three different perspectives, with at least one being a rendering of the passenger compartment that identifies the instrumentation and driver controls. Entries must also include a brief synopsis to explain how the design was conceptualized, as well as the car's technical and general specifications.

Registration for this year's competition runs June 1, 2004 through August 20, 2004. The deadline for entries to be received is September 13, 2004. Interested designers should visit the official contest web site, www.mtdesigncontest.com, or call (717) 566-6100 for free registration and access to the participant booklet.

Each year, an impressive panel of judges comprised of automotive designers, MOTOR TREND editors and industry professionals evaluate the hundreds of submitted entries. Previous judges include Eddie Paul, famed automotive designer of the vehicles from the 2003 blockbusters 2 Fast, 2 Furious and XXX, and Henrik Fisker, executive director of Global Advanced Design for Ford Motor Company and Aston Martin design director. Judges will select the top three winners in each amateur category, as well as the top five student and professional finalists in early Fall. The student and professional finalists will receive an expense-paid trip to the California International Auto Show in Anaheim, California to attend the final round of judging and awards press conference.

Awards include a $2,500 prize for the overall "Best of Show" winner; $1,000 prize for the first-place winner of the design professional category and $1,000 scholarship towards the college or university attended by the first-place design student winner. Amateur prizes will be announced online. Winners will also receive a trophy, free subscription to MOTOR TREND and have their achievement recognized in a future issue of MOTOR TREND and online at www.motortrend.com and www.mtdesigncontest.com.

The public is invited to view the top contest submissions in person at the California International Auto Show, which runs October 27, 2004 through October 31, 2004 at the Anaheim Convention Center. Winning entries will also be featured online at www.mtdesigncontest.com.

The 2004 MOTOR TREND/CIAS International Design Contest is administered in conjunction with the California International Auto Show and managed by MOTOR TREND Auto Shows, Inc. MOTOR TREND Auto Shows, Inc. is the nation's leading new-model auto show producer and a division of the Consumer Automotive Group, a subsidiary of PRIMEDIA Inc. , the leading targeted media company.

* Logos reproduced on entries are used purely for design purposes and in no way indicate source sponsorship or authorization by the trademark owner