Maruti Suzuki India Limited, recognized as the leading passenger vehicle manufacturer  in the country, has successfully wrapped up its inaugural Maruti Suzuki Design  Challenge. This initiative was designed to forge a meaningful connection between  budding design talent and the automotive sector. The challenge saw enthusiastic  participation, with over 400 students from 70 esteemed Indian and international design  institutes joining in. Through this innovative competition, Maruti Suzuki encouraged  young designers to envision futuristic mobility solutions and inventive car designs,  pushing them to think beyond traditional limits. 

Thorough Evaluation Process Highlights Top Teams 

The design challenge featured a rigorous four-round evaluation process, ensuring that  each idea was judged based on creativity, practicality, and its relevance to future  mobility requirements. After careful consideration, teams from the MIT Institute of  Design in Pune, the Association of Designers of India at VIT in Vellore, and the Strate  School of Design in Bengaluru were crowned as the top three winners. Their concepts  were distinguished by their originality and practical applicability, showcasing a deep understanding of the evolving trends in mobility. 

Winners Receive Internships and Industry Insights 

The victorious teams were rewarded with cash prizes and a six-month internship  opportunity with Maruti Suzuki’s in-house design team. During this internship, the  students will collaborate closely with professional designers, gaining invaluable hands on experience in shaping future vehicle models. Additionally, the next seven shortlisted  teams received gift vouchers and may also be considered for internships after further 

evaluations. This initiative offers young designers a unique chance to gain real-world  exposure and mentorship within the industry early in their careers. 

Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Industry 

With the launch of this design challenge, Maruti Suzuki aims to enhance collaboration  between academic institutions and the automotive industry. The programme enables  students to apply their classroom knowledge to practical challenges while allowing the  company to harness fresh ideas and diverse viewpoints. Such engagement is vital for  nurturing designers who are ready to contribute significantly to India’s evolving mobility  landscape. 

Leadership Highlights the Importance of Design in Future Mobility 

Mr. Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director and CEO of Maruti Suzuki India Limited, spoke  about the initiative, emphasizing India’s rich pool of creative talent and innovation. He  mentioned that while Maruti Suzuki has been actively collaborating with start-ups to  explore mobility solutions, the Design Challenge broadens the company’s open  innovation efforts by providing young designers with a platform for real-world industry  experience. He stressed that design is pivotal in shaping customer preferences, making it crucial to engage with young minds who offer fresh perspectives and challenge  conventional approaches. 

A Commitment to Cultivating India’s Automotive Design Talent 

The Maruti Suzuki Design Challenge underscores the company’s long-term dedication  to fostering automotive design capabilities in India. By co-creating future mobility  solutions with emerging designers, Maruti Suzuki aims to develop vehicles that resonate  with shifting consumer expectations and global trends. This initiative not only  empowers students but also lays a solid foundation for innovation-driven growth within  India’s automotive sector.