(Paris - July 4, 2003) For the fifth time in eleven years a Nissan model has received the red dot award for high-quality design from the Design Zentrum Nordrhein-Westfalen in Germany. This year's award for the Nissan Micra adds to previous successes in 1993, 1996, 2001 and 2002.
The annual red dot design awards, which have existed since 1955, judge manufacturers and designers across a broad range of industrial products. This year, 25 members on the judging panel assessed 1,494 entries in eleven product design categories focusing on a number of different design aspects including innovation, functionality, quality, ergonomics, durability, and emotional appeal.
According to the judging panel, "The Nissan Micra is friendly in appearance, thanks to its distinctive face, created by the trademark winged grille and large oval headlamps. It has a certain simplicity, but also cleverly thought-out technology and excellent workmanship."
The judges also praised the small car for its optimisation of space, created by its arc-shaped body structure.
The Micra was designed by international teams of Nissan designers in Japan and Europe, resulting in "a synthesis of European and Asian styles" according to the judges.
Nissan Design Europe's Studio Chief Designer Christopher Reitz, who was responsible for the interior design said: "We are very honoured to receive this prestigious design award for the new Micra. The award acknowledges the work of the entire design team, and demonstrates that people understand the message that we wished to convey with the new Micra."
Nissan employs around 12,000 people in its European design, research and development, production, logistics, and sales and marketing operations. Last year, the company produced a total of 382,638 vehicles in its Spanish and British plants and sold 474,000 vehicles in Europe.
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