Steering Students Toward Automotive Technology Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc. is a dedicated sponsor of automotive technology competitions throughout the United States. Automotive technology competitions are hands-on events where two-person, high-school-student teams work against the clock and each other to correctly identify, repair and record a series of "bugged" problems in a vehicle. The goal of these competitions is to give exceptional students the opportunity to hone their skills in a competitive environment; demonstrate the importance the automotive industry places on quality service; and to encourage students to continue their education by awarding thousands in scholarships and prizes. The skills students gain through automotive technology competitions benefit everyone. By placing highly trained and qualified applicants in the work force, the automotive industry is ensuring that vehicles are serviced at the highest standard of quality and safety. And the students benefit through an opportunity to train for a challenging and lucrative career. Since 1992, Mitsubishi Motors' investment in automotive technology includes: Sponsorship of regional competitions in Albany, NY; Orange County, CA; Philadelphia; New York; Boston; and Washington, D.C. Scholarship awards totaling $135,000 to date for students to use toward their education at an accredited post-secondary institution of their choice. A total of 10 new Mitsubishi Mirage Coupes committed through 1998 to national champions who earn a post-secondary degree. Three Mirages have been awarded to date. The donation of 13 vehicles, seven engines and various vehicle parts to high school automotive technology programs. Awarding Vo-Tech of the Year honors to the school and instructor of the winning national automotive technology team. The school and instructor receive a plaque commemorating the event and $5,000 to invest in supplies, tools and parts for their automotive technology department, for a total committment of $35,000 to date. The contribution of thousands of dollars in overall public relations support. Press information, photographs, awards and staffing all are important elements in the total success of the automotive technology competition program.