Driving Towards a Brighter Future: Flint Hills Technical College's Inaugural Benefit Car Show

Flint Hills Technical College (FHTC) recently hosted its first-ever benefit car show, a remarkable event that not only showcased the community's passion for classic and custom vehicles but also served as a platform to support the college's Wrangler Ranch food pantry. The one-day event, organized in collaboration with St. Mark's Lutheran Church and Beacon for Hope Suicide Prevention, was a resounding success, collecting 395 food items and raising $247 in donations to aid students in need.

Revving Up Support for Student Success

Bringing the Community Together

The idea for the car show was born out of a previous collaboration between St. Mark's Lutheran Church and Emporia State University's Corky's Cupboard food pantry. When Melissa Owen of Beacon for Hope Suicide Prevention was contacted by Brenda from FHTC, the opportunity to replicate the successful model and support the college's Wrangler Ranch food pantry was too good to pass up. "They asked if we'd be willing to help them put on a car show," explained St. Mark's pastor Kent Happel, "and the student body here wanted to do a car show, so here we are."The event's organizers were thrilled to see the community's enthusiastic response. "To have folks share their stories and vehicles with us this afternoon, enjoy some time on our campus, and support the Wrangler Ranch is just incredible," said FHTC President Caron Daugherty, reflecting on the day's success.

Showcasing Student Talent

One of the highlights of the car show was the involvement of FHTC students. The awards presented to the winning vehicles were handcrafted by the college's machine tool, welding, and automotive students, showcasing their exceptional skills and creativity. "They made some awesome trophies. I never would have dreamed of doing a trophy like what they did," Happel marveled, describing the unique trophies that featured a carved head design.The student involvement not only added a personal touch to the event but also provided an opportunity for the community to appreciate the talents and hard work of FHTC's learners. "It's been a joy to walk around and see the time and effort that people put into these vehicles," Daugherty said, expressing her admiration for the participants' dedication.

Addressing Student Needs

The Wrangler Ranch food pantry, which opened in 2022, has become a vital resource for FHTC students, providing food and essential items to those in need. Daugherty shared how the pantry is regularly utilized, especially during holiday seasons and long weekends, when students may face additional financial challenges.The car show's success in collecting donations and food items was a testament to the community's willingness to support the college's efforts to address student needs. Happel noted the strong turnout and the substantial contributions made, stating, "For a first-time show, it was a tremendous offering."

Fostering Collaboration and Community Engagement

The car show's organization and execution were a collaborative effort, with St. Mark's Lutheran Church and Beacon for Hope Suicide Prevention joining forces with FHTC to make the event a reality. This partnership not only strengthened the community's support for the Wrangler Ranch food pantry but also demonstrated the power of working together to address the needs of students and the broader community."It's been a joy to walk around and see the time and effort that people put into these vehicles," Daugherty said, expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to support the efforts of St. Mark's and Beacon for Hope. The success of the car show has left both organizers and participants hopeful for future events, where the community can continue to rally behind the college's mission of supporting student success.

Navigating the Electric Vehicle Revolution: Manufacturers Urge Accelerated Transition

The automotive industry is at a critical juncture, as European car manufacturers grapple with the race to phase out traditional combustion engines and embrace the electric vehicle (EV) future. Amid the ongoing tensions within the EU, industry leaders are sounding the alarm, calling for a swifter transition to green driving to stay competitive and profitable.

Powering the Future: Manufacturers Demand Faster Shift to Electric Vehicles

Tackling the Transition: Manufacturers Warn Against Prolonging the Shift

The chief executives of two of Europe's largest car manufacturers, Stellantis and Volkswagen, have issued a clear message: the transition to electric vehicles must be accelerated, not delayed. Carlos Tavares, the CEO of Stellantis, which owns brands like Peugeot, Vauxhall, Jeep, and Citroën, warns that prolonging the transition is a "trap" that will only increase production costs for automakers. "Making a longer transition is a big trap," Tavares told the Financial Times. "When you make a longer transition, in fact, you don't replace the old world by the new one. You add up the new world to the old." This sentiment is echoed by Martin Sanger, the sales chief of Volkswagen's passenger car business, who urges governments to move faster towards the end of combustion engines, not slower.

The Race to Electrification: Manufacturers Confront Challenges and Opportunities

The next five to 10 years are considered make-or-break for Europe's leading car manufacturers, as they navigate the complex landscape of the EV transition. The European Union has already taken steps to limit the impact of competition from China, imposing tariffs of up to 45% on EV imports. This move has forced several manufacturers to rethink their original plans to phase out internal combustion engines, as they struggle to meet the 2035 ban on new vehicles equipped with them.

Adapting to the New Landscape: Manufacturers Explore Strategies for Survival

Faced with these challenges, manufacturers are exploring various strategies to stay competitive and profitable. Tavares, under pressure after a profit warning in September due to weak demand in the US, has embarked on a media blitz, speaking at multiple events. In an interview with the French radio station RTL, Tavares did not rule out the possibility of job cuts and plant closures, stating that keeping up with Chinese competition and maintaining profitability may require such measures. Earlier this year, Stellantis had warned that plants in the UK were at risk.

Navigating the Global Landscape: Manufacturers Confront Tariffs and Consumer Concerns

The transition to electric vehicles is not without its global complexities. Stella Li, the executive vice-president of the Chinese conglomerate BYD, criticized the proposed introduction of tariffs by the EU, stating that these measures would ultimately burden consumers. "The problem is the very high price and that the EU now charges tariffs," Li told Reuters. "Who pays the bill? Consumers. So this makes people very concerned. It will stop poorer people from buying." This sentiment highlights the need for a balanced and inclusive approach to the EV transition, ensuring that the benefits of green driving are accessible to all.

Embracing the Future: Manufacturers Adapt to the Changing Automotive Landscape

As the automotive industry undergoes a transformative shift, manufacturers are navigating uncharted territory. The Paris motor show has become a battleground, with nine Chinese brands, including BYD and Leapmotor, unveiling their latest models alongside their European counterparts. This influx of Chinese competition underscores the global nature of the EV revolution and the need for European manufacturers to adapt and innovate to maintain their market share.In the face of these challenges, the call for a swifter transition to electric vehicles has become increasingly urgent. Manufacturers are urging governments and policymakers to provide clear commitments and signals that the future is electric, as they strive to meet the evolving demands of consumers and stay ahead of the competition. The road ahead may be uncertain, but the automotive industry's leaders are determined to navigate the electric vehicle revolution and secure their place in the future of transportation.