BISB students compete in Land Rover 4x4 in schools world final 2016

Coventry, UK: Slovakian students have joined the world final of the prestigious Land Rover’s 4x4 in Schools Challenge for the first time. The competition brings science, technology, engineering and maths subjects to life and is designed to inspire young people to pursue a career in the automotive industry in the future.

Over the last three months, 18 students from three schools in Slovakia have designed and built a remote control four wheel drive vehicle capable of tackling tough off-road test tracks including rope water dips, rope bridges and rocky terrains.

Alexander Wortberg, Operations Director, Jaguar Land Rover Nitra commented, “We’re delighted that Slovakian students have joined the Land Rover 4x4 in Schools Challenge for the first time. I hope that taking part in this exciting competition has inspired some of them to consider a future career in the automotive industry, perhaps even at Jaguar Land Rover’s new plant in Nitra when it opens.”

The world final event in the UK brought together 130 students from 13 countries to compete for the World Champion title. The teams were judged on their vehicles’ off-road capability as well as the research, marketing, and manufacturing skills demonstrated throughout the project.

16 year-old Tyger Plant, British International School’s ‘Alpacapunch’ Team Manager, said “We’re thrilled to win the ‘Best Social Media’ award and are proud of our online campaign, which included Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Snapchat. The Land Rover 4x4 Challenge has been an amazing experience and it’s been great to meet the other teams, make new friends and find out about their vehicles.”

“Our team is now event more passionate about STEM careers and we would like to work at Jaguar Land Rover’s plant in Slovakia in the future.”

The scheme will be rolled out to schools nationally across Slovakia during the next academic year.

As part of its commitment to create new opportunities for 12 million people by 2020, Jaguar Land Rover works closely with the communities close to its manufacturing facilities around the world.  In the last six months, Jaguar Land Rover has started to develop relationships with local neighbourhoods in Nitra and the surrounding area. Last month, employees supported community projects in Nitra and Dražovce to support Slovakia’s ‘National Volunteering Day’.

Alexander Wortberg continued, “We are proud of the strong links that we have established with communities close to our existing plants and we are looking forward to forging new relationships in Slovakia in the future.”

Last December, Jaguar Land Rover confirmed plans to open a world-class manufacturing facility in Nitra. Since then, almost 40,000 people have registered their interest in working at the new plant, which will eventually have around 2,800 employees.

Nelson Vale, International Project Manager, Land Rover 4x4 in Schools, added, “The Land Rover 4x4 in Schools challenge inspires and engages with students through its practical application of classroom learning. All our World Final teams have taken on the challenge and produced outstanding work. We’ve seen a very close-fought competition with ingenious designs as well as plenty of passion and commitment which has helped the teams to produce their premium, go anywhere vehicles.”

Ends

Notes to editor

• Countries competing are Australia, Brazil, Cyprus, Czech Republic, England, Greece, Malaysia, Portugal, Scotland, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa and USA.
• The Slovakian Schools involved in this year’s challenge were: SP Š E Karola Adlera 5, The British International School, Bratislava and Gymnázium, Poštová 9.
• The Land Rover 4x4 in Schools Technology Challenge World Final takes place with the valued support of lead sponsor Jaguar Land Rover and supporting sponsors and partners, The Institution of Engineering and Technology, Denford Ltd and LUKE 1977.
• Event results: