Young car designers the target

The Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC) is offering school and tertiary students a total of $26,000 in prize money for designing a car of the future, as part of the organisation's bid to unearth the next generation of local car designers.

The "Target 2030 Automotive Design Awards" challenges school, TAFE and university students to create a model or develop a design for what they think would be a car of 2030.

Three categories split into two age groups will reward budding designers with cash prizes - the best model and best design each receiving $3000, and the best essay $500, split across high school and tertiary age levels respectively.

Half of the $26,000 prize pool will be awarded to the winning students schools/colleges/universities and the initiative has the support of local manufacturers, who are obviously keen to get a heads up on the emerging talent.

The Victorian Minister for Higher Education and Skills, Peter Hall, has also put his weight behind the project and will be announcing the winners of the Target 2030 Automotive Design Awards at BMW Edge, Federation Square, on July 12, 2012.

"Victoria has a proud tradition as the skills centre and knowledge base for Australia's automotive industry and Target 2030, supported by the local manufacturers, continues that tradition," said Minister Hall.

"I commend VACC for promoting automotive careers through the Target 2030 program and I encourage Victoria's students to register for the event as soon as possible."

First rolled out in 2006, Target 2030's main aim is to get students interested in a career in the automotive industry.

VACC Executive Director, David Purchase, believes that this design competition is one of the best ways to inspire young designers.

"For nearly 100 years, VACC has believed in and fostered talent and we have an ongoing commitment to promoting the automotive industry. Target 2030 is no different," said Mr Purchase.

"Now is the time for students to get their skates on and register for the Target 2030 Automotive Design Awards. Thursday 12 July at the BMW Edge in Federation Square will be an exciting occasion and we are delighted the Minister for Higher Education and Skills, Peter Hall, will present the Awards" he said.

Students who are interested in entering Target 2030 should visit the competition website. Entries close on June 22, 2012.

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