GM, Chevrolet Help College Students Find New Roads to Automotive Careers

Every day our engineers are busy reinventing the automobile, focusing on innovations that make vehicles more efficient. We’re developing next-generation technologies for the next generation of drivers, paving the road to a more sustainable transportation future.

But give the next generation a fuel efficient car, they’ll drive greener for a day. Teach the next generation how to engineer a fuel efficient car, they’ll drive greener for life.

That’s why we’ve been mentoring college engineering students for more than 15 years in advanced vehicle competitions.

Established by GM and the Department of Energy, EcoCAR 3 is the latest four-year engineering competition that challenges college students at 16 universities to reduce a vehicle’s environmental impact.

And not just any vehicle. These 200 students will have the opportunity to get under the hood and behind the wheel of the next generation Chevrolet Camaro, unveiled last month.

This first year of EcoCAR 3 emphasized the use of math-based design tools and simulation techniques for designing a successful vehicle architecture that reduces energy consumption, well-to-wheel greenhouse gas emissions and tailpipe emissions. Students also consider cost and explore innovation, while retaining the vehicle’s performance, safety and consumer appeal.

After nearly a year of engineering analysis, hundreds of hours of infrastructure planning, pre-testing and presentation practice, the teams came together earlier this month to present their work in 11 different events, in front of industry professional judges representing the EcoCAR 3 sponsors. The Ohio State University took the prize as the overall competition winner.

Take a look at their experience at the Year One Competition in Seattle.