Earlier this year, Toyota Canada asked Canadians, "What should a car be?" Those with children ages 15 and under were invited to participate in Canada's local segment of the Toyota Dream Car Art Contest, and to encourage their children to explore their imagination and creativity in designing their "Dream Car." The entries submitted this year covered a wide array of concepts within three age categories: (1) under 10 years old; (2) 10-12 years old; (3) 13-15 years old.
"We were very impressed by the bold ideas and innovative artwork designed by Canada's youth," said Seiji Ichii, President and Chief Executive Officer, Toyota Canada Inc. "This was the first year Canadians were eligible to participate in this annual contest, and we are proud of the creative entries that will represent Canada at this global competition."
The winning Canadian entries are:
• Hope Delivery Car by Noreen (age 8)
• Food Bank Car by Adrian (age 4)
• The World of Bubble Ball Cars by Giorgio (age 7)
• GOTOYO by Yoon (age 12)
• Fuel-Free Flying Car by Brooke (age 10)
• F-3 S3 by Kyle (age 12)
• Protector Toyota by Sherry (age 15)
• Harmony by Harini (age 14)
• The S.I.D. by Adrian (age 15)
Contest entries were judged on originality, creativity and relevance to the "Dream Car" theme. This year's judging panel included:
· Sheri Radford, Canadian author of the popular Penelope series
· Christine Tripp, Canadian illustrator of more than 50 children's books
· Sandy Di Felice, Director of External Affairs, Toyota Canada Inc.
"The Toyota Dream Car Art Contest entries made it clear to me that, not only are there very talented young artists in Canada, they are also a caring and concerned generation," commented Christine Tripp. "Many of the entries showed vehicles running on alternative energy, were non-polluting and actually function to deliver things, such as food, love and peace to the world."
This year's judging panel selected the nine Canadian finalists (three in each age category) among a number of talented submissions. Many were thoughtfully designed with surprising attention to detail and with great expressions of colour.
"It was great to be a part of this contest – I had so much fun reviewing the entries," remarked Sheri Radford. "The contest winners and everyone who submitted an entry should feel proud of their work."
The nine Canadian finalists each receive a 7" 8GB Tablet device, and their entries will advance to the World Contest to compete with semi-finalists from 70 countries. Winners of the World Contest will be provided with an opportunity to participate in an awards ceremony held in Japan, late August 2013.
"We want to thank everyone who participated in the 2013 Toyota Dream Car Art Contest, including our judges," said Seiji Ichii. "This contest has demonstrated that with a little imagination and big dreams, creativity can inspire the future generation of the automotive industry."