LOS ANGELES, Jan. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- GMC hoists the trophy for the 2006 Design Los Angeles Design Challenge with the rendering of its GMC PAD. The General Motors West Coast Advanced Design Studio team created the design 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 College for Creative Studies; Tom Matano, director of Industrial Design for Academy of Art University and Stewart Reed, chairman of Transportation Design for 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."

The designs will be on display for the entirety of the show in the mezzanine between the West and South halls of the LA Convention Center.

"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 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.

The Design Challenge competition is part of the Design Los Angeles automobile designers' conference. The conference is a forum where designers participate in workshops, listen to speakers in their field and given the opportunity to address common issues within the topic of design.

Manufacturers are unveiling more than 30 vehicles that are receiving their World or North American debuts. The LA Auto Show will open its doors to the public from January 6-15.

This is the last Los Angeles Auto Show to take place in January - as the show moves to November 2006. The move allows the LA Auto Show to have its own time period away from the Detroit show and avoid the winter holidays. With this new change in dates, automakers are preparing to make the most of this significant adjustment by debuting extensive lineups of new models and concepts in Los Angeles.