Pair of GTA youths part of nine finalists for Toyota’s annual car-drawing contest

A pair of kids from the GTA is helping Toyota design cars intended to make the world a better place.

As part of Toyota Canada’s annual Toyota Dream Car Art Contest, hundreds of young Canadians shared their vision for the ultimate car that would also make the world a better place.

Nine finalists were chosen from three different age groups.

Six-year-old Emily Hao of Oakville is a finalist for the under-eight category. Hao came up with an idea for “The Shopping Car,” which makes shopping easier and more convenient by flying people around stores—it even includes an “auto-arm grabber” that can help carry heavy items and reach items that are out of reach.

Eleven-year-old Shaivee Bhatt of Brampton is a finalist for the eight-to-11 category. Bhatt came up with the “BeeMobile,” which is intended to protect one of the most underrated and important members of our ecosystem—bees. The BeeMobile is intended to protect bees from pesticides so they can go about their… BEESiness.

“Over the years, the Toyota Dream Car Art Contest has evolved from an art competition to an opportunity for children to bring forward their world-changing ideas,” Larry Hutchinson, president and CEO of Toyota Canada and one of this year’s judges, said in a news release.

“I’m truly impressed by their ideas–from making our planet more sustainable, to fighting viruses and bacteria, to making the world more inclusive through physical accessibility,” he continued.

Other judges include Jennifer Flanagan, CEO of Actua; Petrina Gentile, automotive journalist, children’s book author, and publisher; Buzz Bishop, journalist, broadcaster, and blogger at CyberBuzz Media; and Caitlin Keeley, executive creative director at Dentsu McGarryBowen.

All nine finalists will be entered in the World Finals of the contest, which includes that chance to win a prize valued at $15,000 USD.