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DaimlerChrysler Launches 1999-2000 'Build Your Dream Vehicle' Contest

21 September 1999

DaimlerChrysler Launches 1999-2000 'Build Your Dream Vehicle' Contest; Adds Two New Markets and National Competition

    AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Sept. 21 -- Everybody has their own
ideas of what the car of the future should be -- more stylish, more powerful,
more flexible and more fun.  You name it.  Somebody wants it.  Now one auto
manufacturer is giving high school students in nine cities across the country
an opportunity to share their ideas with the people who really do design and
build the cars of the future.
    DaimlerChrysler is inviting high school students to bring
their ideas to life through its 1999-2000 "Build Your Dream Vehicle"
competition, being launched to coincide with the start of the new school year.
    As a result of the program's success over the past six years,
DaimlerChrysler has added two new markets -- Houston and Atlanta -- to this
year's "Build Your Dream Vehicle" competition schedule.  These two markets
join programs already existing in Chicago, Detroit, Seattle, Miami, Washington
D.C./Baltimore, San Diego and Los Angeles.
    And for the first time, the winning team from each local contest will be
invited to compete for the national "Build Your Dream Vehicle" title at
DaimlerChrysler's World Headquarters in Auburn Hills, Mich., in April.
    While at the company's headquarters, students will not only have the
opportunity to show off their product development and design work, but to tour
DaimlerChrysler's technical and design facilities, and meet with designers and
engineers about career opportunities in the automotive industry.
    "With the success of the past six years, we think it makes sense to move
the 'Build Your Dream Vehicle' competition to the next level by introducing
two new markets and a national competition so more students can benefit from
the real-world lessons being taught through this program," said A.C. "Bud"
Liebler, Senior Vice President of Marketing for DaimlerChrysler.  "While
opening a student's eyes to possible career paths and exposing promising young
designers and engineers to us, the program also teaches students that even the
best idea requires collaboration and an effective business plan in order to
compete in today's marketplace."
    Created by DaimlerChrysler in 1994, "Build Your Dream Vehicle" exposes
high school students to career opportunities in the automotive industry and
teaches them teamwork and employment skills.  Students are challenged to
conceive, design and present a futuristic, environment-friendly automobile --
complete with a three-dimensional model and marketing plans.  The program's
integrated curriculum helps students polish work skills such as the
application of science, technology and design; time management; creativity;
teamwork; oral presentations; and development of marketing strategies and
financial statements.
    From all the entries received in a given market, a total of eight teams
are chosen to compete in the semi-final regional competition.  The top three
winning teams receive cash prizes and trophies for their schools -- $3,000 for
first place, $2,000 for second and $1,000 for third.  The semi-final judging
will begin in February.