EyesOn design awards 2012 winners announced at NAIAS

The Detroit-based EyesOn Design competition winners have just been announced at their traditional time, late on the second press day of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The jury, which this year included Ralph Giles (Chrysler), Derek Jenkins (Mazda), Lorenzo Ramaciotti (Fiat/Chrysler), Peter Schreyer (Kia) and Franz Von Holzhausen (Tesla) had a much greater array of products to choose from than in recent years; this is a somewhat rejuvenated Detroit auto show.

From the cars on display at the show, the judges shortlisted the Ford Fusion, BMW 3-Series and Cadillac ATS for the best production car award. And for the best concept car, the Lexus LF-LC, Lincoln MKZ and Chevrolet Tru 140S.

Crediting it as being "a real pure, clean and well-executed statement, demonstrating effortless design," the judges announced the Ford Fusion as the best production car.

Meanwhile, the much admired Lexus LF-LC won the best concept car award, judges saying "it was a great exploration of design themes...super cool....very innovative interior."

Speaking after the announcement to CDN, Ford of Europe Exterior Design Director, Stefan Lamm said of the Fusion's award: "It's a great endorsement and I'm very proud and pleased for all the team." The Fusion's thematic development took place in Ford's Cologne studio, before being realized under the gaze of Chris Hamilton in Ford's North American studios.

Most people we spoke to seemed particularly pleased that the Lexus scooped the concept car award. It is, in most people's eyes, by far the best concept on show here in Detroit and ushers in a new, more sophisticated design language for Lexus. It's also a ringing endorsement for the four year old Lexus (Caltay) studio in Southern California, led by Kevin Hunter.

Related Articles:
Show Review: EyesOn Design 2011
2011 EyesOn Design Awards

By Joe Simpson