14 DAY TRIAL // After following an ample series of sustainability goals, like energy-efficiency, greenhouse gas reduction and the implementation of renewables, the Vatican is eager to expand its beneficial projects, announcing a new objective.
During the expected Autostyle Design Competition, organized every year, 200 participants will have the chance to compete against each other to create the most reliable, safe and eco-friendly alternative to the current popemobile.
High safety standards have to be combined with green technologies seeking to reduce the air pollution triggered by the vehicle, National Catholic Reporter informs.
After eliminating the less trust-worthy options, the jury will have to select 12 finalists who will have up to eight months to deliver a sketch revealing environmentally friendly innovations, according to Sara Ferraccioli, the spokesperson from Berman, the Italian company backing the contest.
The worldwide famous competition will gather major brands under the same roof; experts from Toyota Audi, Ford, Ferrari, Bentley, Maserati, Nissan will have to decide which project could provide the most desirable results and reward the winner.
It is the first time when the competition seeks to find the most ingenious ideas for a high-tech, eco-conscious popemobile.
Even so, this strategy has been taken into consideration since June, when the Vatican welcomed its collaboration with Mercedes-Benz, hoping to come up with a new hybrid, meant to be used by Pope Benedict.
The main challenge is to create a prototype that can be entirely safe, bulletproof and at the same time lightweight and with a zero impact on the environment.
This is somehow considered a paradox, since the features complying with high safety standards make the car heavier than any other electric vehicle.
After installing solar panels and solar collectors, and developing several recycling projects, The Vatican is eager to witness beneficial changes meant to green up the current popemobile. All the winners of the competition will be announced in October, in Italy, according to Ferraccioli.