A SMART motor retailer in York, whose staff tapped into the student mind as part of a design project, has been nominated for the Evening Press business awards.

Motor retailer Mercedes Benz of York is vying for the top Education Link title in the awards following its successful venture with students at York College.

Based at its £3.2 million site on Centurion Park, Clifton Moor, the company is the driving force behind the area's Smart car franchise.

The Smart first hit the roads in 1998 and has won recognition for being innovative, stylish, economic, and the perfect vehicle to cope with the pressures of urban driving.

In a joint design project with York College, Mercedes Benz of York ran a competition with 23 final year HND students, challenging them to devise innovative new ideas for marketing Smart.

The judges' criteria were creativity and originality, execution of the idea, practicality in implementation and communication of the key Smart brand messages.

The £250 first place prize went to graphic design student Marie Taylor for her series of mail shots linked to fashion seasons to reflect the mood of Smart.

The imagery was continued on a range of key fob giveaways, which could be used at retail outlets and other venues such as exhibitions.

The £150 runners-up prize went to Jonathan King, from Selby, and Andy Jones, from York. Mike Davies and Gavin Brearley - both from York - shared the £100 third prize. Mark Tomlinson, general sales manager for Smart of York, said the students had devoted considerable time and effort into producing the ideas.

Updated: 11:17 Thursday, September 16, 2004