At an event where all eyes are on new cars from world-class designers, budding automotive designers are getting their feet wet w

At an event where all eyes are on new cars from world-class designers, budding automotive designers are getting their feet wet with a show of their own. The Transportation Design Department of Detroit’s College for Creative Studies(CCS)is(26)exhibiting the 2- and 3-D automotive design work of 19 students at the North American International Auto Show this year, as well at the school’s A. Alfred Taubman Center for Design Education.
    "The(27)entire auto industry here is dependent on College for Creative Studies," said Ed Welburn, Vice President of Global Design at GM and member of the school’s Board of Trustees. GM, the large auto company,(28)for instance, currently has more than 170 CCS graduates on staff. Automakers, including Ford and Honda, sponsor programs at the school and have present industry designers teaching classes there.
    In addition to having a handle on up-and-coming talent, getting a look at automotive design student work also(29)benefits car companies in other ways. GM regards the design(30)choices and tastes of students as one way to(31)figure what young car buyers want.
    "We’re getting a better understanding of what young people are looking for in a(32)vehicle at this moment," Welburn said. This is really a double-winning way. Mark West, who chairs the Transportation Design Department,(33)stressed the role the mentioned auto company has played in this program, from sponsoring projects to(34)partnering with the college.
    According to West, the back-and-forth between the auto industry and CCS(35)pays off in jobs for students. Car companies sponsor 15-week projects that offer the manufacturers a chance to "test drive" students and their work. Future employers then have an eye on new talent before the students have even graduated.