Date: 30th August 2001 Reference: PR/093/01 14th Pilkington Automotive prize goes to Jeong Hoon Yu Jeong Hoon Yu from Korea, a student on the world-renowned Royal College of Art Vehicle Design course, has won this year's Pilkington Automotive award for his futuristic open-top sports car complete with glass canopy. This is the 14th year that Pilkington has sponsored the award which is presented for the most innovative use of glazing in vehicles and carries a £1,500 prize. Jeong’s concept beat 13 other designs from an international group of students. He explains the inspiration behind this award winning design: "I was interested in using glass as part of the design to give different effects. For example, I used the glass canopy to create optical shadowing effect, giving the driver different visions in different lighting conditions.” Alan Woodward, shaping technology manager at the Pilkington Technology Centre in Lathom, Lancashire and head of the judging panel, explains the judging decision: "Jeong’s design shows radical and creative thinking away from the usual school of thought about the way that glazing is used in designs. It is not only visionary but Jeong has also given thought to the feasibility. This design could be converted into practical application, perhaps with a combination of glass and plastic. The design manages to retain the feel of an open top sports car but offers the protection from the elements for the car occupants." Jaguar's principal designer Keith Helfet, also a judge, comments: "Although this novel idea is actually quite simple, the glass canopy which envelops the car really gives it a visual identity, showing the designer’s creativity and attention to detail. I’m sure that he has a promising career ahead of him.” Alan Woodward continues: "Through our sponsorship of the award, Pilkington seeks to build relationships with the vehicle designers of the future as well as giving them a much deeper insight into the real life practicalities faced by vehicle designers, providing a link between industry and academia." Jeong’s experience in the automotive sector includes an internship at Volkswagen. Commendations also went to: Anthony Pugh for his advanced American sports pick-up truck and Jorge Diez-Perez for his six-seater compact MPV car. Ends