What's Happening?
Stellantis, a leading global automaker, has announced the expansion of its 2026 Drive for Design contest, which now includes a new category for younger students. The contest, traditionally open to U.S. students in grades 10-12, will now also feature the Drive for Design Junior
competition, inviting participation from students in kindergarten through ninth grade. The competition encourages young designers to imagine the next generation of Street and Racing Technology (SRT) vehicles, with a theme of 'Design the Future of Fast.' The contest is hosted by the Stellantis North America design team and aims to inspire creativity and innovation among young aspiring designers. Mark Trostle, vice president of Ram Truck, Mopar, and SRT exterior design, is a key figure in the contest, having been a past winner himself. The contest will award one grand-prize winner and two additional finalists, with entries due by April 23, 2026.
Why It's Important?
The expansion of the Drive for Design contest by Stellantis is significant as it opens up opportunities for younger students to engage in automotive design, potentially inspiring the next generation of designers. By including students from kindergarten to ninth grade, Stellantis is fostering early interest in design and engineering, which could lead to a more diverse and innovative future workforce in the automotive industry. This initiative also highlights Stellantis' commitment to nurturing talent and creativity, which are crucial for maintaining competitiveness in the rapidly evolving automotive sector. The contest not only benefits the participants by providing them with a platform to showcase their skills but also benefits Stellantis by potentially identifying and cultivating future talent.
What's Next?
As the contest progresses, Stellantis will likely see increased engagement from schools and communities across the U.S., as educators and parents encourage students to participate. The company may also consider expanding the contest further in the future, possibly including international participants or additional categories. The results of the contest could influence Stellantis' design strategies, as fresh ideas from young minds might inspire new directions in vehicle design. Additionally, the contest could lead to partnerships with educational institutions to further support design and engineering education.
