Chrysler launches Autorama High School Design Competition for Michigan students

Michigan high school students with dreams of being a car designer have the chance to win themselves prizes and courses at the College of Creative Studies with the launch of a new competition from Chrysler.

The Autorama High School Design Competition 2014, which is open to high school students currently attending a Michigan public school, asks entrants to ‘design a vehicle that satisfies the needs of young consumers while remaining eco-friendly'. Students are recommended to draw inspiration from any of the Chrysler Group brands: Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram Truck, Fiat or SRT (Street and Racing Technology).

Mark Trostle, head of SRT, Mopar and Motorsports Design, says, "We created this design competition a year ago as a way to creatively connect with the youth of the Motor City. Now, with help once again from the College for Creative Studies and Detroit Autorama, we're opening the competition up to all Michigan public high schools to showcase talent throughout the entire state and hopefully inspire new and aspiring automotive designers."

The first-placed freshman will earn themselves an iPad and three passes to the Autorama, while second place is worth an iPad mini and three passes.

The winner of the sophomore class category will receive an iPad, a three-week summer car design course at CCS (including housing and meals) and three Autorama passes. The second-placed student also receives three Autorama passes and a place on the summer car design course along with an iPad Mini. 

First place in the junior class category is also worth an iPad, a CCS summer car design course (including housing and meals) and three Autorama passes, while the second-placed junior again receives an iPad Mini, a CCS summer car design course and three Autorama passes.

For the seniors, the first-placed student wins an iPad, a CCS summer car design course (including housing and meals) and a $2,500 scholarship to the school if they're accepted. Second place receives an iPad, a place on the course and three passes to this year's Autorama.

The judging panel will include designers from the Chrysler Group Product Design, along with CCS faculty.

The deadline for entries, which must reach Chrysler Group's Product Design Office by mail or email, is 10 January.

All the finalists will be revealed on 31 January, and the winners will be announced at a special presentation on 7 March at Cobo Hall in Detroit on the first day of the 62nd annual Detroit Autorama.

For more details and rules, visit the competition Facebook page. Students can follow competition updates on Chrysler Group's Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hash tag #DriveForDesign.

By Rufus Thompson