The future of the automotive industry Design looks even more innovative thanks to three young designers who were recently selected as finalists in the 11th annual Stellantis Drive for Design competition.
The grand prize winner, Rocco Morales, is a past winner of the Drive for Design competition, finishing first in 2022 and second in 2021. Morales, a 12th-grader from Northville, Michigan, submitted a plan for Ram Stadium that would “create a new segment of pickup trucks.” Morales’ winning design sees a fully capable all-terrain vehicle easily transform into a place to relax with stadium seating and a removable roof.
Morales’ grand prize is a summer design internship at the Ram Truck Exterior Design Studio and a Wacom MobileStudio Pro 16 tablet.
“Rocco is clearly a passionate designer with a bright future ahead of him,” said Mark Trostle, head of Stellantis Ram Truck and Mopar Exterior Design. “It will be great if someone is willing to learn and experience a professional design studio.”
This year’s competition is the 10-12. asked 1st grade students to draw the next generation Ram EV truck. Creative submissions revealed brand new concepts and gave a glimpse into the minds of emerging designers.
Rohan Seiber, a 10th grader from Portola Valley, California, and Benjamin Miller, an 11th grader from Birmingham, Michigan, rounded out the top three finishers in this year’s competition. Seiber’s Ram Rex truck “reimagines the TRX as the ultimate go-anywhere, do-anything, full-size electric pickup,” including a configurable bed platform and unique exterior lighting and exterior rail system. Miller’s Ram Ultima is built around a modular design that allows the owner to add more power and traction as needed.
Seiber and Miller will receive an Apple iPad Pro and Apple Pencil, a Virtual Day of Design portfolio review with members of the Stellantis Design Team, and a scholarship to the College for Creative Studies’ four-week summer program.
“Every year I am amazed by the creativity and enthusiasm of these students,” said Trostle, whose victory in a similar high school competition has guided her own career. “It’s very difficult to pick a winner because each design is so unique and thoughtful. Our entire team is excited to work with these students, and I look forward to next year’s competition.”
To see the best entries from this year’s competition, go here www.StellantisDriveForDesign.com and follow Stellantis’ North American social media channels.
