NUCARS Automotive Simulation - Northwood International

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NUCARS is a web-based international strategy simulation with a case study from the automotive industry. This simulation promotes active learning for students to develop strategy and execute plans for product development, operations, finance, marketing, etc.

In addition to the simulation content, each team will work with globally diverse team members to analyze market and make decisions.

The NUCARS program was first introduced to Northwood University by Toyota Motor Sales in Torrance, California. Toyota originally developed this program to train their Management Trainees and dealers and then introduced it to Northwood students in the early 1990s.

The first NUCARS (previously ICARS) was held in Geislingen, Germany in 1997 and 2017 marked the 20th anniversary of NUCARS.

Participating universities rotate hosting the simulation. So far, it has been hosted in 12 different countries.

Spirit of NUCARS

Developing cooperation in the team
Open to business culture in other countries
Social skills
Making friends and building networks

The Founders’ Award

A special recognition, the Founders’ Award is given away annually and is accompanied with a cash prize of $100.

2027 NUCARS Dates & Location

April 4 (Sunday) – April 10 (Saturday), 2027

Location: Esslingen, Germany

Program Cost: $2,800
Includes airfare, lodging, 3 meals per day, and transportation.

Register for NUCARS

A woman in a white shirt stands and smiles while clapping in a room with other people, possibly celebrating a successful Northwood University Computer Automotive Retail Simulation. The background is slightly blurred.

2026 NUCARS Dates & Location

April 6 (Monday) – April 10 (Friday), 2026

Location: Atlanta, Georgia

Program Cost: $1,350
Includes airfare, lodging, 3 meals per day, and transportation.

A large group of people stands in a semi-circle in a bright indoor atrium with large windows, marble floors, and the word “COX” on the floor, gathered for the Northwood University Computer Automotive Retail Simulation event.

2025 NUCARS

Colombo, Sri Lanka

This past April, students traveled to Colombo, Sri Lanka for NUCARS. Team Explo Edge was the winning team!

2024 NUCARS

Montreux, Switzerland

On May 19-25, 2024, students attended NUCARS in Montreux, Switzerland.

Partner Institutions

Schools participating in the NUCARS program.

United states

University of Hawaii Maui College

Sri Lanka

American Education Centre Limited

Switzerland

Hotel Institute Montreux

Germany

HfWU Nuertingen-Geislingen

Germany

BFC-Northeim

France

ESSCA

France

GARAC

China

Jilin University – Lambton College

Denmark

Business Academy Aarhus

Denmark

Copenhagen Business Academy

The Netherlands

IVA Driebergen Business School

United States

Northwood University

Take the Next Step

For more information and specific details, please contact our International Admissions.