The national finals of the "2025 Ford U-Mobility Innovation Challenge," hosted by Ford China, recently concluded in Shanghai. The competition attracted nearly 3,000 university students, and after a rigorous selection process, 36 students showcased their creativity and talent at the finals.
This year's challenge, themed around Ford's "FUN by Nature, Go Wild" brand proposition, focused on fostering innovative thinking and applying AI technology. Over the past several months, participants participated in a comprehensive online livestream training program, along with company visits and in-person workshops, gaining a deeper understanding of Ford's brand culture and cutting-edge automotive industry trends. This allowed them to explore market needs in a real-world business environment and translate theoretical knowledge into practical solutions.
On the first day of the finals, students visited the Changan Ford Hangzhou factory and witnessed the complete manufacturing process, from parts to complete vehicles. In subsequent innovation workshops, students explored new possibilities for car enthusiasts, including self-driving, camping, and parent-child travel. The winning project, Liema Pancang, designed a motorized tent for the Ford Liema, accessible from inside the vehicle and offering shared access to the vehicle's air conditioning.
Yang Meihong, Vice President of Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility at Ford China, said: "Ford hopes to continue to empower the younger generation through the U-Drive Innovation Challenge platform, helping them achieve greater success in the workplace and injecting momentum into the industry's innovative development."
It is reported that since the launch of the "Ford Excellence Innovation Challenge" in 2018, the project has empowered nearly 9,000 college students with in-depth innovation, and more than 300 Ford volunteers have participated in it, providing professional guidance and companionship to college students.
