03.04.2004 THE NEW MASERATI QUATTROPORTE WINS THE HIGHLY PRESTIGIOUS RED DOT: BEST OF THE BEST AWARD

In recognition of its exceptional design, the new Maserati Quattroporte has received one of the most sought-after design prizes in the world, the red dot: best of the best.

This seal of quality is awarded every year by the Design Centre of North Rhine/Westphalia in the international "red dot design award" competition for exceptional design quality.

The growing significance of high-quality design is demonstrated in a particularly impressive way by the entries for the red dot award: product design 2004.

After last year’s total of 1,494 submissions, the Design Centre of North Rhine/Westphalia received a record number of 1,673 submissions from 148 designers and 449 manufacturers in a total of 32 countries in this year’s competition.

In view of the noticeable rise in the quality of the designs, the panel of international judges awarded the red dot no fewer than 381 times this year, to products in eleven categories (2003: 339 times). Thirty-three products received the "red dot: best of the best" award for being the best in their category (2003: 33 awards).

The red dot design award is one of the oldest and most sought-after design competitions in the world. The winners will be honoured on 5 July 2004 at a prize-giving ceremony in Essen’s Aalto Theatre, the perfect setting for this special, noteworthy event. Numerous designers and entrepreneurs from all over the world will be meeting up again and honouring the best industry designs in a truly cultural setting.