Through a recent donation from Gurley Leep Automotive Group of Mishawaka, students in Southwestern Michigan College’s Automotive Technology program now have the opportunity to work on a hybrid-electric vehicle. The dealership donated half the market value of a 2003 Toyota Prius or $2,325 and the college paid for the remaining amount.

“The college appreciates the donation of the car to our program,” said SMC President David Mathews. “Because of this donation, students in the automotive program will be able to develop the skills necessary to work on hybrid-electric vehicles.  This car is a tremendous asset to our program.”

The 1.5-liter gasoline engine in the Prius is offset by the electric capabilities of a battery – a battery so large that it consumes most of the trunk space, said John Piechocki, lead instructor in the auto program.

Currently, there are more than 80 students enrolled in SMC’s automotive technology program.  “We will use the car in various classes in the program,” said Piechocki. “The car will be very useful for students because some of the mechanics are different than with a gasoline engine.”