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The overwhelming response to the Victorian Chamber of Automotive Industries' future car competition, is prompting the chamber to take it national.
About 100 school and university students entered this year's "Target 2020" competition to design the car of the future.
Now in its fourth year, the competition has some significant design muscle behind it from the car industry.
The man behind the VE Commodore wagon and spectacular Efigy concept hotrod, GM-Holden chief designer Richard Ferlazzo is on board as one of the chief judges.
"This year's entrants are of an incredibly high standard," he says.
"It's also a great initiative."
Ferlazzo also singled out the quality of the entries from secondary school students.
"They are particularly good," he says.
The VACC's generation manager, communications and marketing, Tim O'Brien, says the award is gaining widespread credibility among young designers.
"It is now becoming a valid stepping stone," he says.
The entries were received across three disciplines, three-dimensional models, designs or essays.
O'Brien says some of detailing and the thought processes of the candidates were exceptionally good.
He says the students have not shied away from the economic, environmental and energy challenges facing all manufacturers.
"There is a green theme through a lot of them and that's inspiring to see," he says.
Secondary and tertiary entrants had a choice of three categories in Target 2020, model making, drawing/design or an essay.
Ferlazzo says the winner of the model making category, Kevin Lee from Monash University, answered the critical questions of mobility in the future.
Lee's space-saving Pendulous pod uses two gyroscopic wheels for movement and when stationary, can be mounted in a special space-saving pod when parked.
"He has really thought out the whole process of how we move around in 2020," Ferlazzo says.
Ferlazzo also applauded the Cub entry from Nishant Mathur of the Melbourne High School.
Mathur's entry won the secondary school drawing/design category.
"Great presentation and execution," Ferlazzo says.
Ferlazzo applauds the VACC for getting behind young designers.
"Competitions like this are a big help," he says.
"When they come through as graduates they tend to have a real feel for the car brands."
Last year, as with the previous year, the winning tertiary students found employment with Holden and Ford.
Winners for the model making and drawing/design categories receive $3000, while the essay winner receives $500.
Each winning entrant's school, TAFE or university also receives a similar amount.
Visitors to the Melbourne Motor Show will be able to check out the winners and the finalists.
The 11-day show starts on February 27.
The Winners
Secondary Design Category
Car: Cub
Nishant Mathur
Melbourne High School
Secondary Model Making Category
Car: Aero
Cameron Newnhan
Scotch College
Tertiary Design Category
Car: Velos
Matt Blythman
Swinburne University
Tertiary Model Making Category
Car: Pendulous
Kevin Lee
Monash University
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