FutureTruck Competition Addresses Shortage of U.S. Engineering Students

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 18 -- For centuries, engineers have imagined, introduced and improved upon thousands of things we use every day, from the highways we travel to the automobiles we drive. As society becomes more advanced, the need for engineers will be greater than ever before, however many of today's college students are shying away from this important field.

According to a Detroit Free Press report from the Information Technology Industry Council, fewer American students are pursuing degrees in high-tech fields. The report states that between 1987 and 1997, the number of mathematics degrees declined 21 percent, computer science degrees declined 37 percent and electrical engineering degrees declined 45 percent. In stark contrast, the U.S. Department of Labor predicts the number of engineering jobs that will need to be filled will grow nearly 20 percent by 2008.

To bridge the gap and engage students in pursuing careers in engineering, Ford Motor Company and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) -- through its Argonne National Laboratory, are sponsoring the 2002 FutureTruck competition. FutureTruck challenges teams of students from 15 top North American university engineering departments to re-engineer a mid-size 2002 Ford Explorer SUV to improve fuel economy while retaining the vehicle's utility and customer appeal.

``This is a crucial time to be reaching out to students and encouraging innovative methods in both engineering applications, and overall reduction of petroleum usage,'' said DOE Assistant Secretary of Transportation Technologies, Tom Gross. ``It is programs like FutureTruck that will propel our country forward to improve over-the-road fuel economy.''

``Ford's commitment to the FutureTruck competition fosters the training ground for developing engineers who will lead our industry into the 21st Century,'' said Bob Himes, Director of Engineering for Ford Motor Company. ``What better way to attract young minds to engineering than for them to play a part in developing the next generation of low-emission, fuel-efficient, advanced-technology vehicles.''

The FutureTruck competition brings together government, industry and academia to explore clean, fuel-efficient, advanced automotive technologies. Ford has supplied new 2002 Explorers, engineering consulting for each team and more than $200,000 in seed money and cash prizes. More than 10 other government and industry sponsors also will support the program.

Vehicle telematics is one field that is creating excitement among electrical engineering and computer science students. Participating students are working with Cisco Systems; National Instruments; Dearborn Group; Ampro Computers, Inc.; Cellport Systems; SiRF Technology, Inc.; PenTeleData; and Ensco to explore wireless communications, in-vehicle networking, on-board computing and navigation. The partnership has inspired enthusiastic innovations that may improve driver and vehicle safety and potentially reduce the vehicle's overall environmental impact.

``FutureTruck provides hands-on engineering experience that teaches students how to translate their thoughts and ideas into real-world applications,'' says Bob Larsen, Director of the Center for Transportation Research at Argonne National Laboratory. ``Developing a real vehicle that is viable for the market is much more challenging and engaging than just drawing it on paper.''

The headline sponsors for 2002 are Ford Motor Company and the U.S. Department of Energy. Other sponsors include: National Science Foundation; Cisco Systems; ArvinMeritor Inc.; Delphi Automotive Systems; National Instruments; Natural Resources Canada; Aluminum Association; Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs; The MathWorks; BP; Ricardo, Inc.; and Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company.

Competing universities for FutureTruck 2002 are: California Polytechnic State University - San Louis Obispo; Cornell University; Georgia Tech; Michigan Technological University; The Ohio State University; Pennsylvania State University; Texas Tech University; University of California, Davis; University of Idaho; University of Alberta; University of Maryland; University of Tennessee; University of Wisconsin-Madison; Virginia Tech; and West Virginia University.

Additional information about the FutureTruck 2002 program is available on the Web at http://www.futuretruck.org .