On Track

Talented youngsters at primary schools throughout Gwent responded in their hundreds to a creative competition to design and market their ultimate dream car. 

Following on from a series of workshops by the University of Wales Newport on Marketing, Design and Engineering, the award for his winning entry was doubly special for Ieuan Taylor, as he received a remote-controlled Formula One car and a Panasonic Toyota Racing Formula One jacket donated by Toyota World, Newport, on his 11th birthday.

The budding car designer, from Pontnewydd Primary School in Cwmbran, created a yellow pocket rocket with sparkling neon lights on the roof lining, curved seats and slide-out drawers for ‘sweets and treats’.

A range of demonstrations at a family learning day at Toyota World, Newport also gave youngsters and their parents a real taste of the motor vehicle industry.  Wayne Cartwright and Richard Wheeler from the School of Engineering at City of Newport Campus gave an interactive demonstration on how to repair small dents, and change and install spark plugs. 

Wayne said, “It was a really fun event, and the children and their families seemed to enjoy trying out the dent repair hammers in particular!”

The purpose of the initiative was to highlight to primary school children and their parents the creativity and range of skills involved in the marketing and design, engineering and motor vehicle sectors.