The theme for the 2013 Michelin Challenge Design competition is "HALF! Lightweight with a passion."
For next year's challenge, competitions are asked to explore lightweight vehicle development by designing a family vehicle. Designers can achieve lightweight designs through choice of materials and various manufacturing techniques.

With their designs, participants must meet consumer demands for safety and comfort, be drivable on the current road infrastructure and be feasibly produced using materials, powertrain solutions or manufacturing solutions that are in use today or in development for use in the foreseeable future.

"As an industry, we've come to an interesting crossroad. Consumers and governments are pushing for dramatic gains in fuel efficiency as the automotive industry is designing and developing lightweight next-generation vehicles," said John Moloney, vice president of original equipment marketing for North and South America. "We look forward to seeing how participants in the 2013 Michelin Challenge Design will respond to these concerns."

In past years, themes have revolved around safety, alternative powertrains and urban mobility.

Registration for the 2013 competition is open now until Oct. 1, 2012. For more information or to register for the competition, visit michelinchallengedesign.com .