AS EXETER College celebrates Green and Fairtrade Fortnight (February 28 to March 12), with the help of city-based vehicle dealership Exeter Diesels, students and apprentices have been exploring new technology – some of which could shape the future of the automotive industry and how our vehicles are powered and designed.

Exeter Diesels staff scoured the country to locate a Toyota Prius hybrid car – designed to run on both electricity and fuel – which was then presented, together with a Smart car, to students in Exeter College’s Automotive Faculty at Marsh Barton for use in their training.

Lecturer Mark Tully says: “The cars are of great value to us, as they incorporate the very latest technologies available in the automotive industry.

“It is exciting to know that our students and apprentices are now going to be able to gain a practical as well as theoretical understanding of the engineering science behind a Smart Car construction and hybrid vehicles.

“With the help of Exeter Diesels, students across all our Automotive programmes – ranging from light vehicle to body repair – will now be able to learn about these emerging technologies at an early stage in their careers. We are both delighted and grateful for their support.”

Gary Herrington, an Automotive lecturer and a member of Exeter College’s Sustainability Task Force, adds: “The Toyota Prius represents the automotive industry’s commitment to developing sustainable transport. The College’s Automotive team recognises that this commitment is essential for growth and development of all communities and caring for the environment in future.

“For this reason, we are investing in green technologies, as we are aware that we should train our students with our community’s current and future transportation needs in mind.”

The Prius created a quite a stir when first launched in 1995 at the Tokyo Motor Show back in 1995 and Exeter Diesels were delighted to have been involved in securing one for their city’s College.

Sean Barber, Company Secretary for Exeter Diesels, said: “Exeter Diesels was delighted to play a role in securing these vehicles for Exeter College. The technology behind the Prius hybrid, with its use of electricity as well as fuel, is likely to be of particular interest to students and staff, as this may well be one of the ways forward for the industry in future.”

The new additions to the garage follow the expansion of the College’s Automotive training faculty to a second site on Marsh Barton last year when it leased the Clifton Garage site in response to a sharp increase in the students demanding industrial standard workshops.

The College is already planning further growth and developments, with plans to combine Engineering, Aerospace and Automotive disciplines at a new Technology centre near Exeter Business Park.