Habiba’s happy car design wins prize

A YOUNGSTER has won a Samsung tablet in an art competition held by a car giant.

Habiba Khalid achieved success in the under-eight category of the 2022 Toyota Dream Car Art Contest with her Happy Recycled Car.

Habiba, of Cheadle, created a heart-warming dream car, made from recycled materials, which is designed to let in people who are feeling sad or lonely.

Inside the car, the passengers have the company of each other to make them feel less lonely. The passengers also deliver presents to people outside Habiba’s dream car, to spread happiness.

The Toyota Dream Car Art competition required children to come up with innovative ideas about what their dream future vehicle would look like, aligning with the company’s transition from a car manufacturer to a business dedicated to providing mobility for all.

This year’s competition attracted a bumper response, with more than 500 entries, including newly eligible digital artworks. The judges were impressed by the number of entries that focused on how cars might be used as more than just a means of transport, helping to tackle some of the world’s wider social and environmental issues.

Habiba learned of her success in a virtual awards ceremony in which Steve Backshall, TV adventurer, author and wildlife expert, was joined Agustín Martín, Toyota (GB) President and Managing Director, and Darren Morris, Toyota (GB) Chief Financial Officer, to reflect on the quality of this year’s entries and announce the prize winners. Habiba will receive a Samsung tablet and a Toyota goody bag as her prize.

In addition, her entry, along with those of all the nine finalists, will go forward to compete in a global final for a chance to win $5,000 (approximately £3,600) for themselves and $10,000 (approximately £7,200) for their school or college, for educational use.