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A Transport Design student from Coventry University has been awarded first prize in the inaugural Autocar-Courland Next Generation Award.

Mohsin Basharmal, who is in his third year, collected his prize at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders’ annual dinner in London last night (Wednesday 25 November).

His prize is the dream start to any automotive career: four months work experience with award partners Ford, Harley-Davidson, Honda and Marshall Motor Group, as well as a cash prize of £6000.

Presenting the award, Autocar editor-in-chief Steve Cropley (who is also a visiting Professor at Coventry University) said:

“Mohsin is a very worthy winner. His idea of integrating Piezoelectricity into tyre design and road building in the future is environmentally beneficial and economical. All of the team involved with the awards process very much look forward to following Mohsin as he embarks on his automotive career.”

The Autocar-Courland Next Generation Award was created to find the automotive industry leaders of tomorrow, who can answer challenges with new and imaginative solutions.

David Browne, Course Director for Automotive Design at Coventry University, said:

“It’s always great to hear that our students are triumphing in open competition. Mohsin has won an award in something that the University is less well known for and that is writing about creative ideas rather than designing them.

“The judges were impressed with his presentation and in spite of a hard cross examination from some of the industry chiefs, he presented himself well and put across his ideas in a professional, confident manner. He is an excellent ambassador for the University and its transport design courses.”  

The competition was open to students in further education; each entrant was required to submit a 600-word summary detailing their original idea for the automotive industry’s next big development.

Six shortlisted entrants spent a day with senior management from the award partners at Autocar’s headquarters in Teddington, London. They presented their ideas in a ‘Dragons Den’ style atmosphere, which was filmed.

Year two will be launched in January 2010 when the hunt starts again to find the next young big thinker.

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For further information, contact Ali Bushnell, External Press and Media Relations Officer, Coventry University, on 024 7688 8245.