Four finalists battle for YouClip glory in Dacia student design contest
Dacia’s YouClip design competition has reached its final stages, with just four innovative projects left standing
Three renowned design schools, 65 projects and four finalists. What began as an ambitious challenge launched at the 2024 Paris Motor Show has now boiled down to the final stage.
The YouClip competition challenged students to create a YouClip accessory that enhances the driving experience in true Dacia fashion – smart, practical, and robust. The prize? A chance to see their design turned into a real, practical accessory for Dacia vehicles.
With a panel of European journalists set to cast their votes during the Bigster road tests later this month, the contest is not just a test of design skills but a gateway to industry recognition of young talent.
Dacia design director David Durand told Car Design News: “At Dacia, we’re keen to empower the next generation of designers. It has been inspiring to see over 65 great ideas come forward for our YouClip Design Contest! Now there are four. All practical and useful solutions, with the Dacia spirit at their heart. I look forward to crowning a winner in the next month!”
Car Design News takes a closer look at the final four battling it out for the top spot.
“Dog Set” project designed by Garance Probsting (ENSAAMA)
The “Dog Set” is a must-have for pet lovers who frequently travel with their four-legged friend.
This accessory integrates three essential elements for canine care: a food and water bowl, a detachable compartment for waste bags and a multi-function hook for securing a lead or harness.
Easily attachable to the boot or passenger headrests, this design ensures that all the essentials needed for a dog are in one place.
“Comfort+ Set” project designed by Hadrien Costrejean (ENSAAMA)
Designed to solve the universal struggle of finding a comfortable way to nap in a car, the “Comfort+ Set” is an inflatable cushion that uses air from an open window while the car is in motion.
Once fully inflated, it provides a plush and supportive headrest, and when not in use, it neatly folds away onto the rear mounting point or the headrest adapter.
“Legătură” project designed by Hector Vanquaethem (Rubika)
Taking its name from the Romanian word for “link”, a reference to Dacia’s origins, “Legătură” is a multipurpose storage solution with an adventurous twist.
Its sturdy strap-adjusting mechanism makes securing cargo a breeze, while the second component – a flexible, perforated storage layer – keeps small items organised and prevents them from rolling around.
But the real magic lies in its versatility: flip it inside out to reveal a waterproof protective layer that doubles as a boot liner, makeshift outdoor mat or tote bag.
“RoadBin” project Designed by Zoé Dusollier (Strate)
With the environment firmly in mind, the “RoadBin” is a compact travel bin which secures neatly inside the car with YouClip, ensuring easy access without getting in the way.
The airtight lid locks in odours, and there’s also a built-in compartment for bin liners.
Designed for adventurers who love both the road and the great outdoors, “RoadBin” even comes with hooks and carabiners, so it can be clipped onto a backpack, bike or tent.