GMC PAD Wins The 2006 Los Angeles Vehicle Design Challenge

General Motors Displays Limitless Creativity with Concept: GMC PAD Wins Design Los Angeles Vehicle Design Challenge

The General Motors West Coast Advanced Design Studio hoists the trophy for the 2006 Design Los Angeles Design Challenge with the creation of the innovative GMC PAD. The design team created what the judges proclaimed a "LAV," Living Activity Vehicle.

The concept of the GMC PAD is that of an urban loft with mobility. Featuring a diesel-electric hybrid system for propulsion, the engine also serves as a generator for the onboard power grid. The media rich environment is unlike any other, and comes with an endless variety of entertainment, information and security options.



The GM design team consisted of Steve Anderson, Senon B. Franco III, Jay Bernard, Phil Tanioka, Sidney Levy, Brian Horton, Alessandro Zezza, Christine Ebner and Frank Saucedo. Choosing between the ten entries were design experts Imre Molnar, dean of the College for Creative Studies; Tom Matano, director of Industrial Design for Academy of Art University and Stewart Reed, chairman of Transportation Design at the Art Center College of Design.

"We chose this vehicle because it was the pinnacle of creativity," said Reed. "All the entrants were fantastic designs, but this design was the one which took the biggest risk."



"This is the true all-around vehicle," said Matano. "This creates a new segment between the RV and the SUV. The future of this Living Activity Vehicle would appeal to many buyers including corporations, future home-owners, traveling business people and constant travelers looking to go beyond the stereotypical RV."

"This challenge embodies the aspects which make this show unique," said Chuck Pelly, Design LA conference director. "The ever-changing trends of Southern California allow for fresh thinking, and we saw something truly unique with this year's winner."

--GMC PAD (General Motors West Coast Advanced Design Studio) - WINNER
--Audi Nero (Volkswagen/Audi Design Studio California)
--Honda LA Rolling Film Festival (Honda Research & Development)
--Hyundai Gator (Hyundai Kia America Design Center)
--Kia Sidewinder (Hyundai Kia America Design Center)
--Maybach California Gourmet Tourer (Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design of North America
--Mercedes-Benz Mojave Runner (Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design of North America)
--Mitsubishi Roadster Konzept (MRK) (Mitsubishi Research & Design of North America)
--Scion Exile (Calty Design Research)
--Smart Rescue Vehicle (Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design of North America)



The entries are on display inside the LA Auto Show, which is open from Jan. 6-15 and can be found at http://www.LAautoshow.com/

The Design Challenge competition debuted at the 2005 LA Auto Show to rave reviews from media worldwide and this year was brought back for an encore battle of automotive designers. The theme, "An LA Adventure," is a reflection of the myriad of activities inherent to Southern California. Designers were challenged to create vehicle designs which best signified this theme.


GMC PAD
GM West Coast Advanced Design Studio

Designers: Steve Anderson, Senon B. Franco III, Jay Bernard, Phil Tanioka, Sidney Levy, Brian Horton, Alessandro Zezza, Christine Ebner, Frank Saucedo

Why commute? Adapt. That's the thinking behind the GMC PAD, which offers an innovative look at an urban loft with mobility. It's a home ownership concept that enables cultural and geographic freedom for the modern city dweller. The GMC PAD features a diesel-electric hybrid system for propulsion while in DriveMode, and serves as a generator for the onboard power grid for LifeMode. The media rich environment is unlike any other, and comes with an endless variety of entertainment, information and security options. With the GMC PAD, home is where you want it. And commuting is what other people do.

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