"Our win in the Ford Global Challenge has really put Deakin University right out in front in the quest to design and build post-petroleum, emission friendly vehicles,” said Professor Peter Hodgson, Director of Research at Deakin’s Institute for Technology Research Innovation (ITRI).

"It was great to see Deakin invited to be a special part of the launch of the Government’s new $6.2 billion automotive package.

"I know the members of the Ford Global Challenge team who got to meet the Prime Minister were very excited that their work could be showcased in this way.