DaimlerChrysler Hosts 'Build Your Dream Vehicle' National Finals

12 May 2000
DaimlerChrysler Corporation Hosts First 'Build Your Dream Vehicle' National Finals
  May 25 Education Competition Previews Vehicles and Designers of the Future

    AUBURN HILLS, Mich., May 11 What will the vehicles of the
future look like?  Judging from the entries in the DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Build Your Dream Vehicle competition, the future of transportation looks
bright.
    On May 25, nine student teams from high schools across the country will
present their "dream" vehicles to a panel of leading automotive designers,
engineers and educators during the first Build Your Dream Vehicle National
Finals at DaimlerChrysler's North American Headquarters in Auburn Hills,
Michigan.  The finalist entries include a vehicle that flies, one that is
specially designed for the handicapped and aging population, and one that runs
on bio diesel fuel, which includes vegetable oil.
    The nine finalist teams were first place winners in regional competitions
that took place earlier this year.  The schools participating in the National
Finals are: Forsyth High School (Atlanta), Perry Hall High School (Baltimore),
William Fremd High School (Chicago), Dakota High School (Detroit), Barbara
Jordan High School (Houston), Los Altos High School (Los Angeles), Suncoast
High School (Miami), Poway High School (San Diego), and Auburn Riverside High
School (Seattle).
    DaimlerChrysler's "Build Your Dream Vehicle" program exposes high school
students to career opportunities in the automotive industry and provides
opportunities for them to enhance their professional skills.  Students are
challenged to create, design, and present a futuristic, environmentally
friendly concept vehicle -- complete with a three-dimensional model and/or
drawings.  An integrated curriculum developed by DaimlerChrysler guides
teachers and students on how to apply science, technology, and design; time
management; creativity; teamwork; oral presentations; and development of
marketing strategies and financial statements.
    "We are looking forward to hosting some of the nation's most creative and
innovative students during the Build Your Dream Vehicle National Finals," said
A. C. (Bud) Liebler, Sr. Vice President of Global Marketing for the
Chrysler/Jeep and Dodge brands.  "This program is full of learning
opportunities, but the most important one is that the best projects are those
that start with a good idea, but are successful because of teamwork,
collaboration and an effective plan."
    Since it began in 1994 with one market (Chicago), the Build Your Dream
Vehicle program has expanded to nine markets with nearly 5,000 students from
more than 700 high schools submitting their "dream" entries to date.
DaimlerChrysler has recognized the outstanding achievements of these student
teams by awarding more than $200,000 to participating high schools.  For more
information about "Build Your Dream Vehicle," educators should call
888-839-BYDV (2938), or visit www.info@BYDV.org" target="_new">http://www.info@BYDV.org.