About the Challenge X Competition

In today's rapidly changing world, the need for more fuel efficient and environmental friendly vehicles is in high demand. The United States Department of Energy (U.S. DOE) has joined forces with General Motors (GM) to create a competition, Challenge X, to increase fuel economy as well as reduce emissions.

Challenge X is an automotive student design competition involving teams from across North America. The competition is driven by the need to reduce dependence on foreign oil, as well as to address environmental issues. The competition overall is striving for its participants to lead North America in becoming global competitors in the automotive industry.

Ever since the fuel shortage in the 1970's, gasoline prices have steadily risen to their all time highs in today's world. With gasoline prices reaching historical highs it is inevitable that advanced technology and more fuel efficient vehicles will be in demand.

Along with the increase in gas prices is the increase in the number of vehicles being purchased, in particular, a larger number of Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV's). According to the U.S. DOE new SUV purchases accounted for 20% of the vehicle market shares in 2003.