Model-based methods and techniques continuously evolve to meet the increasing challenges of modern-day technical landscapes. Parallel to Model-based methods, other paradigms are similarly maturing and being integrated, and one such paradigm is DevOps. Model-based methods and DevOps are perceived to provide benefits when viewed in isolation. Recently, there has been an increased interest in matching the two paradigms, with various proposals and early adoption results. However, little focus is put on the practitioners' view. In this paper, we propose a methodology that aims to utilise Model-driven engineering and DevOps practices in conjunction. Together with the methodology, we present an early evaluation of it from a practitioner's perspective. In particular, we study a large and long-running student project aiming to build a solar vehicle, by presenting the current integration and potential future directions. In this paper we limit the observation to the development phase. Early feedback from the case study indicates significant benefits for several identified project pain points, and it's expected that more benefits will emerge when more advanced DevOps aspects are integrated with model-based methods, and the project matures. © 2022 Owner/Author.