DETROIT – For the second consecutive year, ArvinMeritor has entered into a heavy duty truck design partnership with one of the nation’s leading art and design universities, the College for Creative Studies (CCS) in Detroit. This year’s semester-long program involves 15 senior-level students who focused on impending government regulations to slash fuel consumption and emissions by 10 to 20 percent. Navistar International’s truck designers also consulted on the project.

The multi-phase design program included extensive research and on-site visits with suppliers. Students developed digital models and physical scale exterior models of their concepts with input from ArvinMeritor, along with engineering designers at Navistar International Corp. The student models that will be built to scale and displayed at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Ky., in March are from Stephen Rapaski, Devon Palmer and Austin Fodell.

“The new government regulations will change the way companies make trucks,” said Mark West, professor and assistant chair of MFA Transportation Design at CCS. “As professionals in the field, we know that it is important that students stay abreast of any new laws. Designers must look at the entire picture when designing a vehicle, not just the aesthetics. We are confident that our CCS students are well-prepared in this regard. The students also closely considered the vehicle’s life expectancy, hybrid powertrains, integrated solar panels, highway safety, driver comfort and safety and serviceability.

West added that the students’ designs addressed fuel-efficiency, sustainability/recycling and aerodynamic issues.

New this year, some students were selected to receive scholarships. This year’s first-place scholarship winner was Kelly Stieler, followed by second-place winner Stephen Rapaski and third-place winner Robert Liddell.

“Community service is ingrained in ArvinMeritor’s culture,” said Jerry Rush, senior director, Government and Community Relations, ArvinMeritor. “The scholarships provided are examples of our on-going commitment to building partnerships that advance education.”

The collaboration between CCS and ArvinMeritor was established in 1998 with the "Visions of the Future" automotive design competition. The company continues to support educational institutions and programs worldwide with more than 50 percent of its contributions budget.