Batmobile Rumbles Into Convergence 2002 as Part of Student Display

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Sept. 24, 2002 -- Where else would you find a huge, black, superhero-vigilante's vehicle? Not prowling the streets of Gotham City in search of villains but inside an 800-square-foot student exhibit titled, "Focus on the Future" at Convergence 2002.

Hosted by the Convergence Education Foundation (CEF), nearly 150 select students from fifth grade through high school will display their projects in automotive electronics ranging from Lego robotics, global positioning and computer electronics simulations, while rubbing elbows with engineers from companies from all over the globe. All CEF students and teachers will be recognized by their bright jerseys, supplied by Microsoft Corporation, that display the program's theme, "Kids With Drive."

"Given the new exhibit we've created, the record student participation we've received and the support from OnStar and our other sponsors, Yazaki North America and Microsoft Corporation, we're extremely excited about this year's Convergence 2002," said Joseph F. Ziomek, chairman of the CEF. "Our organization exists to demonstrate how exciting and rewarding the field of automotive engineering can be to young people. We feel this exhibit really showcases the innovation of youth in creating new and exciting applications for existing technologies."

Prior to Convergence 2002, the CEF will partner with the New Detroit Science Center (DSC) to host the General Motors' EV1, a revolutionary electronic vehicle on display since early September at the DSC. The EV1 will potentially be used as an outreach project for auto-tech students in the region. Engineering support for this display is provided by Delphi Corporation.

The CEF was founded by a coalition of automotive and electronics industrialists and educators with the belief that children should be provided with an early introduction to science and mathematics and motivated to pursue careers in technology. With a high demand in the marketplace for engineers, the CEF's mission is to positively influence participation in engineering- based projects in schools while fostering the development of enthusiastic teachers and administrators.

The following is a sample of the 40 schools that have benefited from the CEF:

Bennett Elementary, Detroit, Mich.

Carver Elementary, Detroit, Mich.

Cleveland Metro Catholic, Cleveland, Ohio

Harding Elementary, Ferndale, Mich.

Huron Intermediate School District, Bad Axe, Mich.

Miller Elementary, Centerline, Mich.

Our Lady Queen of Apostles, Toledo, Ohio

Polk Elementary, Dearborn, Mich.

Since its inception in 1992, the CEF has awarded $1.2 million in grants to elementary, junior high and high schools in Michigan and Ohio. CEF has also provided support for the redesign efforts at The New Detroit Science Center. CEF funds are available to any school that demonstrates a commitment to a math and science curriculum but lacks resources to provide one.

The CEF is funded by the Convergence Transportation Electronics Association (CTEA), the Convergence Conference and through individual and corporate contributions.

Convergence 2002, the premier global automotive electronics conference, will be held October 21-23, 2002, at Cobo Center in Detroit.

Convergence 2002 will feature more than 75 technical papers addressing important technological, societal and business issues affecting the application of electronics in the automobile. Hosted this year by DaimlerChrysler, the 2002 theme, Transportation Electronics = Business + Technology + Process, addresses three important aspects of automotive electronics -- the product, the process and the business.

Convergence 2002 Gold Sponsors are DaimlerChrysler, Robert Bosch Corporation, Delphi, DENSO Corporation, Ford Motor Company, General Motors Corporation, Motorola, Toyota Motor Corporation, Visteon Corporation and Yazaki North America.

For general conference information contact Denise ("denny") Freitag at 248-944-0975. To register on-line visit the Convergence 2002 website at www.convergence2002.org . To learn more about the CEF, contact Joe Ziomek at 305-664-1044. Additional information about CEF, its schools and efforts, can be obtained at www.cef-trek.org .