Ford Australia has announced it will host the annual Formula SAE-A university automotive engineering competition from 3rd-5th December, 2004 at the Victoria University Campus in Werribee.

Now in its fifth year in Australia, the competition pits students from around the world against each other to design, build and race their own formula-style, open wheel racing cars.

Ford Australia Vice President Product Development Trevor Worthington said the competition provided Australian car makers with the opportunity to see the best engineering talent in Australia.

"Ford Australia has a strong belief in the value of education and hands-on experience,” said Mr Worthington.

"Formula SAE gives Ford Australia and other representatives from the automotive industry the opportunity to contribute to the education of a large number of enthusiastic and talented students by supporting this unique engineering-based event.

"Hosting the event is a great way for Ford Australia to reinforce its commitment to automotive research and development here in Victoria, while at the same time encouraging young engineers."

Now in its fifth year in Australia, Formula SAE began in the USA in 1980. It has evolved to become an international competition for Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) student members to form teams for the purpose of designing, building and competing in a small high-performance racing car.

Executive Director of SAE Australasia, Stuart Charity, said the student-designed cars are judged in categories including design, fuel economy and endurance.

"Students working on these vehicles represent the leaders of the next generation of engineers that will help guide and shape the future of Australia’s car industry," Mr Charity said.

"Formula SAE offers young engineers the opportunity to work on a meaningful, complex engineering project in a dedicated team environment.

"Students manage the complete project including scheduling, budgeting, fund raising and cost control, design, sourcing equipment, materials and components, manufacturing and testing."

SAE-Australasia has staged annual Formula SAE-A competitions since 2000.