The Design and Innovation Competition that was organized by Proton late last year turned out to be such a big success, that most that organized and took part in the competition were astounded by the creations that were unveiled during the course of the competition. With only RM2,000 in hand, but with access to Proton’s R&D wasteland to salvage anything that could be used to construct prototypes, 38 teams submitted their proposals to take part in the competition.
With “Futuristic” chosen as the theme, the competition got underway after the selection jury gave the nod to 20 teams to start building their prototypes. Only Proton’s staffs were allowed to take part in the competition, as it was a closed-event for those working within Proton’s organization. The teams were also allocated a base vehicle of their own, and the vehicles ranged from the likes of the Savvy, Exora, Satria Neo and Wira. To create and modify their prototypes, participants were allowed to take anything that they could find at Proton’s R&D wasteland, where countless prototypes, engine components and other items could be found. Every team was given 3 months to complete their prototypes, and all work had to be done before or after office hours.
Pro-ED 8 team’s pearl white Rhino Beetle emerged as the victorious team at the competition, as the vehicle (which was originally an Exora) was modified to such extents that it was now a mobile office! The team cut the Exora in half, and extended the chassis to include a third axle to the rear of the vehicle. There are no rear doors, thus the only way you could get into this mobile office was through the front passenger door. This invention garnered the team RM8,000 in price money, and the distinction of being the champion of the inaugural Proton Design and Innovation Competition.
Second place went to team Fairplay, one that swapped their Satria Neo base-car into a shoe, or that’s what you would think the moment you set eyes on the team’s invention! Roofless, seat-less (bar for the driver’s seat) and filled with fabric, the car looks more like a shoes than a vehicle if you ask me! Nevertheless, the team walked away with RM6,400 for second place, must be for the sheer cheekiness of the team’s invention! Third place went to team Evolution 8 that transformed their Wira Aeroback into a supercar that looks more like Ferrari than a Wira! Aptly named the Ferra-Wi, the car certainly looks promising, and sizzling to say the least!
As Proton celebrates its 25-year anniversary this year, look forward to a more fulfilling and exciting event this time around!
