Next Generation of Scientists and Engineers Engage Automakers

“We look for young people who aspire to careers in the automotive industry,” said Georgette Dulworth, director of talent acquisitions and diversity at FCA US. “When we can work with other organizations, like Shell, who are promoting science, technology, engineering and math fields, we see it as an opportunity to engage the pipeline of our future employees.”

April 2015 marks the first time this signature event will be held in the heart of the US auto industry’s historic birthplace in Detroit. Student teams will drive their low-slung, futuristic vehicles on the city streets around Cobo Center to achieve one goal: to drive the farthest distance, using the least amount of energy.

“We learned a lot during the tours with Ford and FCA. It was great to see that we have a lot of the same test facilities on our campus as does Ford and FCA - just on a much smaller scale,” said Seth Anderson, a student at Louisiana Tech University. “Now we can take some of their same simulations and test our cars to see how we can best optimize them for an urban setting.”

Programs like Shell Eco-marathon Americas provide tangible hands-on, project-based learning examples of innovation, passion and teamwork in action and help inspire ways to use less energy and promote efficiency and sustainability.

“It’s great to see a group of young people who are spending their time to solve a considerable challenge as a team,” said Craig C. Stephens, chief engineer for controls engineering research and advanced engineering at Ford Motor Company. “It’s exciting to look at the wide variety of vehicles and ideas that they come up with. It shows that ingenuity and innovation are alive and well today.”

Last year, Shell and The Henry Ford announced a multi-year “Partnership in Innovation” based on a shared vision: to inspire future innovators who will tackle critical challenges like the future of energy and sustainable mobility.

“At Shell, our aim is to help meet the world’s growing energy needs in a responsible way. We are taking action today through programs like Shell Eco-marathon to help prepare future engineers for tomorrow’s energy and environmental challenges,” said Niel Golightly, Shell vice president external affairs for the Americas. “We value the collaboration that’s needed to help uncover innovative solutions that could have a positive impact on our use of energy in the future.”

The public is invited to witness these feats of innovation and to also go on a free, interactive journey for all ages into the world’s energy future while visiting Shell Eco-marathon Americas, April 10-12, 2015, inside Cobo Center.

Free tickets for Shell Eco-marathon Americas are available at www.shellecomarathon.us. For more information about all 2015 events across the globe, including additional details on vehicle class requirements, official rules and details on prizes, please visit the Shell Eco-marathon website at www.shell.com/ecomarathon.