Celebrating Young Talent in Automotive Design
The 2025 Stellantis Drive for Design contest has announced its winners, showcasing the growing talent in automotive design among high school students. This year's contest, held by Stellantis North America, invited young aspiring designers to create their vision of a future Chrysler brand vehicle. This initiative aims to inspire the next generation of creatives in the automotive industry.
Spotlighting the Winners
This year, three outstanding students emerged from nearly thirty participants. Ryan Panizzoli, an 11th grader from Michigan, took first place, earning a coveted summer internship at the Ram Truck design studio. Along with the internship, he will also serve as a student judge at the prestigious EyesOn Design car show.
Following closely were Felix Bucaro, another 11th grader from Wisconsin, in second place, and Owen Bronson, representing Michigan, who secured third place. Their innovative sketches reflected their passion and vision for Chrysler's future, every one of them demonstrating remarkable talent.
Encouragement through Design
According to Mark Trostle, the head of Ram Truck and Mopar design for Stellantis, the judging process was incredibly challenging due to the high quality of submissions. "Each entry was filled with creativity and dedication, making it difficult to choose winners," he commented. This contest not only rewards creativity but also encourages students to pursue careers in automotive design, an industry known for its pioneering spirit.
A Journey into Automotive Future
As part of the prize for the top performer, Ryan will receive an Apple iPad Pro and Apple Pencil, providing him with tools to further develop his design skills. All finalists will also benefit from virtual networking opportunities with professionals from Stellantis, helping them to gain insights into the automotive industry.
Inspiring Futures
Winners will additionally be featured on Stellantis North America’s social media platforms, amplifying their achievements. An invitation to participate as a student judge at the EyesOn Design car show is a remarkable opportunity, allowing students to see their work recognized among industry leaders.
Chrysler's Centennial Celebration
As the Chrysler brand prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2025, the Drive for Design Contest highlights a continued commitment to innovation and excellence in design. Stellantis has a rich history of creating iconic vehicles that resonate with car enthusiasts globally.
Notable Alumni of the Contest
The Drive for Design initiative has been nurturing talent for over a decade, with noted winners from past years, such as Rohan Seiber and Ben Treinen, who have transitioned into successful careers within the company. This legacy of supporting young designers continues to thrive, demonstrating Stellantis's commitment to the future of automotive design.
Commitment to Sustainability
Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) is dedicated to a sustainable future, working toward becoming a carbon-neutral company. Their ambitious plans, outlined in the Dare Forward 2030 strategy, aim to lead in mobility technology while creating value for stakeholders. The focus on educational initiatives like the Drive for Design contest reflects the company’s investment in shaping future leaders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Stellantis Drive for Design contest?
The Stellantis Drive for Design contest is an annual competition inviting high school students to create designs for future Chrysler vehicles, nurturing their passion for automotive design.
Who won the 2025 Stellantis Drive for Design contest?
The grand-prize winner is Ryan Panizzoli, with Felix Bucaro in second place, and Owen Bronson in third place.
What are the prizes for the winners?
The grand-prize winner receives a summer internship, an iPad Pro, and an opportunity to serve as a student judge, while others also receive valuable design tools and networking opportunities.
How does Stellantis support aspiring designers?
Stellantis supports aspiring designers through contests like Drive for Design, offering internships, networking opportunities, and tools to enhance their design skills.
What is Stellantis's commitment to sustainability?
Stellantis is focused on becoming a carbon-neutral mobility tech company by 2038, emphasizing sustainability in its operations and products.
