'FIRST' National Robotics Competition Showcases Delphi Team Excellence

TROY, Mich., April 14 -- Some 300 high school teams gathered in Houston, Texas, for a competition full of innovation, hands-on learning and fun, at the 11th Annual 2003 FIRST Robotics Competition Championship held at Reliant Park on April 10-12, where Delphi Corp. sponsored an award, scholarship and eight high school teams at this year's FIRST National competition.

FIRST, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, is a non-profit organization that pairs businesses and universities with schools to encourage students in engineering, science and technology professions. The FIRST Robotics competition immerses high school students in the exciting world of engineering by challenging them to design and build robots that must complete specified tasks with other teams.

"Since its inception, Delphi recognized the importance of supporting FIRST and the future of technology through professional and student mentorship," said J.T. Battenberg, chairman, CEO and president, Delphi Corp., and a FIRST Board member. "FIRST is unique in that it is the only program where the kids get to 'play with the pros.' It helps build self-confidence and knowledge, while motivating students to pursue interests in science, technology and engineering. And our engineers really enjoy it too."

A FIRST founding sponsor, Delphi took part in sponsorship of a total of 12 teams throughout the year, and contributed to a scholarship with the Purdue University School of Engineering that provided a $30,000 scholarship to a student pursuing a baccalaureate degree in engineering. Battenberg also presented the Delphi "Driving Tomorrow's Technology(TM)" Award to the team with the most elegant and advantageous machine feature at the national competition.

Highlights from this year's competition include:

* The Delphi Energy & Chassis Systems TechHounds won the General Motors Industrial Design award, which celebrates form and function in an efficiently designed machine that effectively achieves the game challenge.

* Delphi Delco Electronics System's engineer, Andy Baker, won the prestigious Woodie Flowers award, which celebrates effective communication in the art and science of engineering and design. Each year, FIRST gives this award to an engineer or teacher identified and described by students as the one person who has given them the best understanding of the challenges, opportunities, and satisfaction involved in the discipline of engineering and design. Baker has been involved with the Delco-sponsored Technokats of Kokomo, Ind., since 1998.

* The Delphi Thermal Systems Circuit Stompers placed first in the Newton Division and finished third with their alliance in the Championship Finals. Delphi Safety & Interior Systems Chief Delphi placed second in the Arcomedes Division and finished seventh with their alliance in the semi-finals.

The competition brought together nearly 300 teams randomly divided into four divisions, and teams competed within their divisions to advance to the finalist rounds. The eight highest ranked teams in each division automatically advanced to the finals. Each division's finalist teams were able to choose three additional teams, and one back-up team, to join them in the finals. Winning teams from the finals advanced to the championship. Of the 300 teams, Delphi had five teams that finished within the top third of the competition.

For more information about Delphi and its operating subsidiaries, visit Delphi's Media Room at www.delphi.com/media .

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