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DaimlerChrysler's "Build Your Dream Vehicle" program for high school students |
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Jan 25, 2001 - Innovation, design and creativity are the backbone behind such groundbreaking vehicles as the Chrysler PT Cruiser and Dodge Viper. With the help of DaimlerChrysler's annual 'Build Your Dream Vehicle' (BYDV) program for high school students, the next head-turning vehicle might be right around the corner. Beginning now through May 2001, high school students will present their best automotive design ideas at BYDV competitions across the country. Student teams from Miami, Houston, Seattle, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C./Baltimore, Detroit, Atlanta and Chicago have submitted more than 200 entries. Following regional competitions, eight finalists will be selected to present their "dream" vehicles to a panel comprised of leading automotive designers, engineers and educators during the BYDV National Finals in May. "The Build Your Dream Vehicle curriculum gives students a taste of the exciting career opportunities in the automotive industry through a dynamic, cross-disciplinary format," said Arthur "Bud" Liebler, Senior Vice President, Chrysler Group Marketing. "Requiring much more than just a model or drawing, the program seeks excellence in all areas of product development including research, ergonomics, safety, marketing, finance, the environment and most importantly, teamwork," he said. BYDV challenges high school students to utilize technology and design to create futuristic, environmentally-friendly concept vehicles - complete with three-dimensional models or drawings and marketing plans. As part of the classroom curriculum for BYDV, students learn production planning and communication strategies that are applied to their design concepts. "My students are extremely dedicated to this project and have worked hard to make their 'dream vehicle' concept car designs a reality," said John Malecki, Applied Technology teacher at William Fremd High School in Palatine, Ill. "The time they invest is justified because they evolve not only as individuals but also as teammates. They're not just building a vehicle, they're building skills they will use in future careers," Malecki said. The regional finals competition schedule is as follows: February 22 - Miami Museum of Science and Space March 1 - University of Houston - Downtown March 6 - Seattle Museum of Flight March 13 - San Diego State University March 15 - Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles March 20 - Northwestern University, Chicago March 29 - Georgetown University, Washington D.C./Baltimore April 5 - Lawrence Technical University, Detroit April 10 - Scitrek Science & Technology Museum, Atlanta May 24 - National Finals, DaimlerChrysler Corporation. Since its inception in 1994, the program has expanded into nine markets with nearly 5,000 students from more than 700 high school teams submitting entries reflecting their design concepts. DaimlerChrysler has recognized the outstanding achievements of these student teams by donating more than $500,000 to participating high schools. For more information about DaimlerChrysler's 'Build Your Dream Vehicle' program, educators should call 1-888-839-BYDV (2938), or visit the website at www.daimlerchrysler.com/bydv.  |
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