Design accolade for  VE Sportwagon

An Aussie local has taken out the top spot in the automotive section of this year's Australian International Design Awards.

GM Holden and its VE Sportwagon won the Best Overall Design award in the automotive and transport category. It finished ahead of five other cars, a Ford-based hearse and VW's seven-speed DSG transmission.

"With the Holden VE Sportwagon, the family wagon stereotype is completely reconsidered with such great packaging and finishes," said the judging panel.

"The innovative tailgate and a solid rear tray offer excellent access and other changes are subtle yet intelligent."

The Sportwagon design was another successful brainchild of VE Commodore and Efijy designer Richard Ferlazzo.

This year, 43 Australian International Design Marks and 30 Australian International Design Awards were handed out across the board.

The Design of the Year award went to the Qantas A380 Economy Seat by Qantas Airways, Marc Newson Ltd and Recaro Aircraft Seating (pictured below).

The other major automotive awards were handed out to the Volkswagen Passat CC for Best Exterior Design, and the Peugeot 308 Touring was awarded Best Interior Design. Watch for the full article in a future issue of Wheels magazine.

Winners - Automotive and Transport category

Holden VE Sportwagon
Australian International Design Award
Wheels Automotive Design Award Best Overall Design

Passat CC

Australian International Design Award
Wheels Automotive Design Award Best Exterior Design

Peugeot 308 Touring

Australian International Design Award
Wheels Automotive Design Award Best Interior Design

ALLONGÉ GSB (hearse)

Australian International Design Mark

Audi A4 and A4 Avant

Australian International Design Mark

Ford FG G series G6, G6E, G6E Turbo

Australian International Design Mark

i30 CW

Australian International Design Mark

7-speed DSG transmission

Australian International Design Mark