Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited (SAVWIPL) continues to strengthen its commitment to skill development with the Student Car Project, in alignment with the government’s ‘Skill India’ initiative. This year, students from SAVWIPL’s mechatronics program have created a unique pickup truck concept, combining elements from the Taigun SUV and the Virtus sedan.
The project, completed over a span of nine months, involved multiple phases, including concept finalization, market research, development, procurement, and testing. Students utilized 3D printing technology to fabricate several vehicle components, demonstrating their proficiency with modern manufacturing techniques. The final pickup truck design includes additional accessories like underbody protection, studded tires, ambient lighting, and roof-mounted spotter lights.
Guided by industry professionals at SAVWIPL, the students collaborated with suppliers and experts to turn their concept into a fully functional vehicle. The initiative supports the government’s emphasis on youth skill development, as outlined in the Union Budget 2024. SAVWIPL’s Dual Vocational Training program in mechatronics, launched in 2011, is modeled after Germany’s vocational education system. Spanning 3.5 years, the program aims to cultivate technological innovation and problem-solving skills in students.
Key Features of the Pickup Truck:
- Honeycomb Body Graphics: The vehicle showcases honeycomb-inspired decals, created with multi-layered foil technology, which amplify its rugged and bold appearance.
- Illuminated Rear Volkswagen Lettering: The rear features illuminated “Volkswagen” lettering with coded animation, adding a modern flair to the truck’s aesthetics.
- Animated Ambient Interior Lighting: The cabin is equipped with ambient lighting that can be animated and controlled via smartphone, offering a dynamic, personalized atmosphere.
- Orange Brake Calipers: The truck’s design incorporates bright orange brake calipers, aligning with the vehicle’s orange, black, and grey color scheme.
- Illuminated Front Volkswagen Logo: The front grille is adorned with an LED-lit, animated Volkswagen logo, enhancing the truck’s futuristic appeal.
- VW Logo Puddle Lamps: These premium puddle lamps project the Volkswagen logo onto the ground when the doors open, adding a touch of luxury.
- Roof-Mounted Spotter Lights: Roof-mounted lights enhance the truck’s off-road functionality, providing powerful illumination for rough terrains.
- 360-Degree Underbody Lighting: Customizable via smartphone, the animated underbody lights offer a striking visual effect, adding to the truck’s unique aesthetic.
- Starry Headliner Lighting: The interior ceiling features approximately 750 star-shaped lights, creating a starry-night effect that can also be controlled for ambiance.
- Snorkel Intake Kit: A functional snorkel intake improves the truck’s water-wading capabilities, enhancing its off-road performance.
Statements from Skoda Auto Volkswagen India:
Andreas Dick, Member of the Board of Management for Production and Logistics at Skoda Auto a.s., commented, “The successful completion of the Student Car Project 2.0 in India demonstrates how young talent can harness cutting-edge technology and precision to create world-class vehicles. By implementing global manufacturing practices in India, our aim is to nurture young innovators who will become the changemakers of tomorrow, positioning India as a key player in global manufacturing.”
Piyush Arora, Managing Director and CEO of SAVWIPL, added, “It is impressive to witness our Mechatronics students develop this unique pickup truck concept as part of the Student Car Project. This initiative provides a platform for students to explore and shape the future of mobility, aligning with the ‘Skill India’ mission. At Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, we are dedicated to fostering hands-on learning and empowering local talent within a global framework. Through such initiatives, we aim to contribute to the nation’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India), ensuring that the next generation drives innovation on a global scale.”
