Nissan V2G Scores as Winner of Youthmobile 2030 Design Challenge

LOS ANGELES — The Nissan V2G, described by its creators as an "eco-neutral commuter car," defeated the GM Car Hero, the Honda Helix and others to take home the top prize at the Los Angeles Auto Show's 2009 Design Challenge. Designers were asked to create "Youthmobile 2030," the perfect vehicle for a generation raised with social media and cell phones.

"The Nissan V2G (Vehicle to Grid), was chosen for its holistic approach in answering the future's design questions," said organizers of the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show in a statement late Thursday. "With the consensus that the future will be much more integrated, the V2G offered a great vehicle design that took environmental aspects into consideration."

The eco-neutral commuter car from Nissan was lauded for its "combination of story and design."

Left in the dust were GM's Car Hero concept, which turned driving into gaming, and the Honda Helix, which incorporated human DNA into the car's design. Design studios from Audi, GM, Honda, Mazda, Nissan and Toyota were among the participants in this year's contest.

Entries were judged by professional designers, who picked the winner based on its originality, integration of futuristic design elements and level of adaptation to the needs of the youth consumer in 2030.

Inside Line says: This is what your kids may be driving in 2030. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent