 Ford has announced a challenge to five universities from around the world to create a “Model T concept” for the 21st century.. Click image to enlarge |
Dearborn, Michigan – In honour of both the 100th anniversary of the Model T and the launch of the compact Fiesta, Ford has announced a challenge to five universities from around the world to create a “Model T concept” for the 21st century. In 1921, the inexpensive, mass-produced Model T accounted for almost 57 per cent of the world’s automobile production; 15 million were built between 1908 and 1927.
Teams of undergraduate and graduate students will work to create revolutionary concepts that address transportation needs of the future. The universities selected are Aachen University in Cologne, Germany; the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California; Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia; Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, Michigan; and the University of Michigan-Dearborn in Michigan. The winner of the four-month challenge will earn US$25,000 in scholarship funds for the school.
“The Model T is a true product of an engineering genius,” said Paul Mascarenas, Ford’s vice-president of engineering for Global Product Development. “Although simple and practical, it changed the way we live, work and play and met the needs of millions. In that same spirit, Ford continues to deliver high-quality, affordable products and technologies for the masses. Through this challenge, we’re looking for the students to push the boundaries and deliver and alternative transportation concept for tomorrow and beyond.”
Each university received US$75,000 from Ford Global Technologies to support the creation of a vehicle concept through sketches, models, research papers, and potentially even working models. The teams must create a vehicle that accommodates at least two passengers, offers solutions that address assembly, powertrain and sustainability, have a range of at least 200 km, and have a base target price of US$7,000. The students must submit their proposals by September 1, 2008; each will be critiqued by a panel of five judges who will determine the winner.
