Project Overview
In July 2021, Southern Cross University unveiled one of Australia’s most ambitious electric vehicle prototypes – a long-range converted Volkswagen Kombi. The project, almost all done on campus, was a collaborative effort between the University, NSW State Government, our students and lead contractor EV Machina. In July 2021, Southern Cross University unveiled one of Australia’s most ambitious electric vehicle prototypes – a long-range converted Volkswagen Kombi.
The project, almost all done on campus, was a collaborative effort between the University, NSW State Government, our students and lead contractor EV Machina. It delivers on three fronts:
1. A retro-fitted electric vehicle with a driving range that suits regional Australia.
2. A tangible learning resource about renewable energy that is now available as a classroom-ready curriculum unit for schools.
3. Feature a Southern Cross University graduate as lead contractor and include hands-on engineering experience for current Southern Cross students.
Organisation
Team
Chief marketing officer (who dreamed up the idea) - Dean Gould
Design Lead- Stephen Harris
Content Lead - Lee Adendorff
Digital Marketing Co ordinator - Caitlin Lee
Partnerships Officer - Rhianna Poole
Project Brief
Campaign objectives / Project Brief
• Build the University’s reputation as a leader in the field of environmental engineering and sustainable energy
• Engage with students, teachers and schools through the development of a STEM curriculum packageIncrease social media and news media engagement and drive traffic to website
• Deliver a unique promotional vehicle for thoughtful and provocative engagement with future students at high schools, career expos and events.
Project Need
We took our vintage promo Kombi and turned it into an electric billboard for clean transport technology.
User Experience
The electric Kombi is now part of a narrative about a University determined to find solutions to today’s challenges. Our students, alumni, staff and the community are part of this narrative, from the conversion on campus, trip through the iconic Northern Rivers coast to hinterland, and involvement at community events such as Swell Sculpture Festival and Byron Writers Festival. Our current students are stars of the video and photoshoot, media interviews, and the voices of the social media campaign.
Project Marketing
1. Social
•4-week campaign on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
• Target audience: engineering, sustainability, electric and vintage vehicles;
SEQ and NSW East coast.
Results:
• 944,423 impressions
• 12,720 clicks
• 1.35% average CTR
• Instagram stories CTR of 3-4%
2. News
• 41 mentions/articles (including RACQ, Carsales.com.au, Motor Trader magazine, The Australian, Education Today, Daily Telegraph, ABC North Coast radio)
•569,783 readers/audience
•$206,555 value
3. Landing page with information about the Kombi, supported by infographics, video, photo and blog of conversion process:
https://www.scu.edu.au/kombi/ - over 14 000 page views
4. Kombi Conversion Curriculum Package, a unique unit program for educators with 30 lesson plans aligning with iSTEM program objectives. Created by Southern Cross Education PhD researchers, the package has already been accessed by 70 schools + many other electric vehicle enthusiasts ranging from DIY to . Available as a free download: https://www.scu.edu.au/kombi/kombi-stem-resources/
Tags
Digital - Education
EdTech focuses on how education is changing through technology, changing the way we learn and process knowledge. What will stand out here is those that enhance the learning experience and make a lasting impression.
More Details