ANC, a leading higher education provider in Sri Lanka for the past 22 years, has been proudly partnering with Northwood University since 2004 to offer undergraduate programs. This long-standing collaboration has now paved the way for NUCARS 2025 to be hosted in Sri Lanka, marking a significant milestone in our shared commitment to academic excellence and global engagement. Twenty-two ANC students proudly participated in NUCARS 2025, actively engaging and competing alongside international peers. This experience reflected ANC’s commitment to delivering education that meets global standards, empowering their students to confidently perform on par with their international counterparts.
The 2025 edition of the Northwood University Computer Automotive Retail Simulation (NUCARS) was held at the ANC Education in Sri Lanka from 7th April to 11th April, bringing together students from across the globe for a dynamic, hands-on experience in automotive retail strategy. The event draws student teams from Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands, the United States (Northwood University), and Sri Lanka.
This year marks the 28th anniversary of NUCARS, a milestone in what has become a celebrated tradition of international collaboration, business learning, and cultural exchange. NUCARS is a web-based international strategy simulation that immerses students in the fast-paced world of automotive retail. Designed as an active learning tool, it encourages participants to step into real-world business scenarios and make strategic decisions across key areas such as product development, operations, finance, and marketing.
Students are provided with the opportunity to work in diverse international teams, analysing market conditions and crafting strategies tailored for various global markets. The programme places a strong emphasis on teamwork, cross-cultural understanding, and social skills – all essential qualities in today’s interconnected business world.
Originally developed by Toyota Motor Sales in Torrance, California, NUCARS was initially created to train the company’s management trainees and dealership staff. It was later introduced to students at Northwood University in the early 1990s. Since then, the simulation has evolved and expanded globally, with the first international NUCARS event, then called ICARS, held in Geislingen, Germany in 1997. In 2017, the programme celebrated its 20th anniversary, and today it continues to grow in reach and impact.
The simulation has been hosted by universities across North America, Europe, and Asia, rotating each year to give students exposure to different regions and business cultures. This year, Sri Lanka plays host to the experience for the first time at ANC Education, adding a unique South Asian flavour to the programme.
