From Feb. 2-4, EcoCAR students, sponsors, and organizers gathered at the American Axle and Manufacturing (AAM) headquarters in Detroit, Mich. for the Year 2 Winter Workshop. With 240 training sessions, the three-day workshop provided a unique opportunity for the students to receive direct mentorship from the competition’s subject-matter experts — its sponsors.
In addition to training, sponsors gave real-time feedback to teams during the industry-style Technical Design Reviews, where students presented to a panel of judges covering subteam-specific topics explaining their engineering analysis, methodology and conclusions. Teams can now revisit their designs and make modifications in preparation for the Year 2 competition.
The Winter Workshop also provided the opportunity for the Communications Managers to visit the General Motors (GM) EV Live studio. EV Live is an interactive, virtual experience that allows customers to connect with EV specialists. The Communications Managers were able to learn more about the EV lifestyle, and GM’s ecosystem of EV products, services and technology offerings. CMs then visited Detroit’s local brand agency, CRIMSON, for a brand immersion tour and deep dive into the various careers in marketing and public relations.
Back at AAM, all students toured the Competitive Analysis, Product and Experience Center (CAPEC), which is critical to AAM’s innovation process. CAPEC houses AAM’s fleet of demonstration vehicles, latest interactive display units showcasing AAM’s ICE, hybrid and electric drive technologies, and a full lineup of competitive and AAM product teardowns.
Thanks to all who made the Year 2 Winter Workshop a great success! Special thanks to AAM for hosting the event at their headquarters. All photos from the event can be found HERE.
