High school and University students are being encouraged to get started on designs for this year’s VACC Target 2020: Design the Car of the Future competition.

The Ford Discovery Centre, Geelong, is launching an exhibition of finalists’ works from last year’s Target 2020 competition, on Thursday 15 June, 5.30-7pm.

Target 2020 is an initiative of the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC), with the aim of promoting the industry as a vocation to young people, as well as providing a glimpse of the future through fresh eyes.

Adam Ty Dean Smith, last year’s winner of the Tertiary Design category, will also be attending the event. He now works in the design department at Ford.

VACC Executive Director, David Purchase, said the design competition comprises three categories, worth $3000 each to the winner and their school or tertiary institution.

“This is the event’s second year, and last year’s finalists and winners were truly inspirational,” he said.

“The standard of work amazed our judges and we’re excited to see what this year’s event will produce.

“These personal visions from students are fascinating as they not only push the boundaries of design, but they also give us an idea of the sorts of features these young people expect to see on the roads in future.”

Mr Purchase said VACC gave $36,000 in prize money away to students and their schools or tertiary institutions as a result of last year’s competition, announced at the Melbourne International Motor Show earlier this year.

Students interested can enter three categories; Make the car of 2020, Design the car of 2020, or, Describe the cars and the world of personal transport of 2020.

Target 2020 entries must be submitted by 15 December and the winners will be announced and their work displayed at the Melbourne International Motor Show next ear.

Students and their schools can log onto www.vacc.com.au for entry forms and more information about Target 2020.