GM donates Insignia prototype to Coventry University

Though the cloud of uncertainty is currently looming over General Motors' Opel and Vauxhall brands, the economic climate hasn't deterred its Vauxhall division from showing a bit of generosity.

Recognizing the burgeoning talent at one of the UK's leading design schools, the British arm of the American automotive giant recently offered car design students from Coventry's School of Art & Design an Insignia prototype, which will be used for 'real life' styling exercises.

"We are delighted that Vauxhall has chosen to donate this vehicle to the university for our students to work with. It is a uniquely valuable teaching aid and will be used extensively to raise awareness of the many aspects of car design, build and assembly," said automotive design course director, David Browne upon receiving the vehicle from GM UK special projects manager Paolo De Luca.

The car will be used in numerous areas of teaching, ranging from ergonomics evaluation to appreciation of assembly methods, as well as a basis for discussing form, styling subtleties and brand characteristics.

"We will also be able to take off the easily-removable front and rear ends so the students can work on full-size clay model ‘facelift' designs, mirroring industry practice," Browne added. "The same could be done with interior items such as door trims and the steering wheel. Having a full-size car to work on gives us so much scope for realistic design study."

The car will initially be housed at the design studio in Coventry University's Bugatti Building, and will be ready for use at the beginning of the new academic year in September 2009.

By Eric Gallina