Celebrating Future Innovation: 2025 Stellantis Drive for Design Contest Winners Announced

Celebrating the Next Generation of Automotive Designers

The eagerly anticipated results of the 2025 Stellantis Drive for Design Contest are in, celebrating the remarkable talent of high school students passionate about automotive design. This year, the grand prize is awarded to Ryan Panizzoli from Michigan, whose impressive design of a Chrysler brand vehicle showcases a vision that is both innovative and creative. As the grand prize winner, Ryan not only receives an internship opportunity in the prestigious Ram Truck design studio but also earns an invitation to serve as a student judge at the esteemed EyesOn Design car show in Grosse Pointe, Michigan.

The contest, now in its 13th year, invited high school students from across the United States to put forward their design ideas for future Chrysler vehicles. Nearly 30 students participated, showcasing their artistic skills and ingenuity through their sketches. The entries were evaluated by a panel of accomplished designers from Stellantis, who found themselves faced with an abundance of outstanding candidates this year.

Noteworthy Winners

Apart from Ryan Panizzoli, the competition unveiled two other promising talents. Second place was secured by Felix Bucaro from Wisconsin, while third place went to Owen Bronson, also from Michigan. All three winners demonstrated exceptional creativity and dedication, validating the goal of the contest to encourage and educate young individuals about pursuing careers in automotive design.

As part of their prize packages, each of the top three winners received an Apple iPad Pro and Apple Pencil, along with featured posts on Stellantis North America's social media platforms to highlight their achievements. Additionally, they were afforded the opportunity to network with the Stellantis design team, further enriching their educational experience.

The Importance of Automotive Design

Mark Trostle, head of Ram Truck and Mopar design, acknowledged the impressive caliber of this year's entries, noting that the judging process was particularly challenging due to the remarkable creativity on display. He commended the winners for their impressive talent, especially at such a young age, emphasizing the significance of fostering the next wave of designers in the automotive industry.

The Chrysler brand is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, a milestone that serves as a fitting backdrop for nurturing young talent in automotive design. This contest is more than a competition; it’s a platform that aligns with Stellantis's mission of promoting design excellence and innovation.

A Legacy of Innovation

The Drive for Design Contest continues to build on a legacy that has produced notable winners over the years, many of whom have gone on to make substantial contributions to the industry. Previous winners have secured internships and full-time positions with Stellantis, exemplifying the contest's role in bridging the gap between education and professional opportunities.

Through this contest, Stellantis underscores its commitment to innovation and excellence, empowering young creators to envision and craft the cars of tomorrow. As they look ahead, the organization remains dedicated to becoming a carbon net zero mobility tech company by 2038, setting ambitious goals for the automotive landscape's future.

For young designers like Ryan, Felix, and Owen, the path forward is illuminated by the vision and potential they have demonstrated. As the automotive world evolves, so too does the evolving talent that will shape its future — and Stellantis is proud to be at the forefront of this transformative journey.