DaimlerChrysler Shows Its Stars and Stripes in Nation's Capital
06 Juin 2005 - 8:00PM
PR Newswire (US)
DaimlerChrysler Shows Its Stars and Stripes in Nation's Capital
WASHINGTON, June 6 /PRNewswire/ -- DaimlerChrysler is demonstrating
its long heritage and vast commitment to America this week in the
nation's capital, through the "DaimlerChrysler Impact on America"
exposition, featuring product displays, manufacturing and public
policy events, and an innovation symposium, which includes the
world premiere of a concept vehicle that sets new benchmarks in
emissions and efficiency. (Logo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020212/DCXLOGO ) "We are
proud to be part of the industrial backbone of America," said
Professor Juergen E. Schrempp, Chairman of DaimlerChrysler AG, who
is participating in the event. "And we are very, very grateful for
the loyalty of the 100,000 Americans who dedicate so much of their
lives to producing the exciting, innovative products and services
that make us one of this country's largest and most successful
companies." Independence U.S.A. From a small GEM electric car to an
American La France Fire Truck, and from the new Mercedes-Benz SL65
AMG sports coupe to a classic 1940 Jeep(R) Willys MB, the breadth
of the passenger cars and commercial vehicles DaimlerChrysler sells
and produces in the U.S. will be on display at the centerpiece of
the "Impact on America" event in a town called "Independence
U.S.A." The town, constructed in the Washington Convention Center,
features a town hall, playground, financial center, truck stop and
sports bar, among other locations. Within each location,
DaimlerChrysler is demonstrating how its vehicles contribute to
life in America. DaimlerChrysler's revenues amounted to almost $100
billion in North America in 2004, accounting for almost 1 percent
of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product. With 37 production facilities
in 13 states, $8 billion in U.S. annual wages, and $36 billion paid
to its U.S. suppliers, DaimlerChrysler is responsible for 1.5
million direct and indirect jobs in the U.S. Worldwide,
DaimlerChrysler is the largest automotive employer with 385,000
employees. In 2004, it generated $192 billion in revenues, with
sales in more than 200 countries. "The DaimlerChrysler Expo is
designed to showcase our heritage and commitment to the U.S. Our
North American business is growing and that is good for America. We
plan to invest about $40 billion here over the next five years,"
said Rob Liberatore, Senior Vice President of External Affairs and
Public Policy for DaimlerChrysler. "People may know we produce Jeep
or Chrysler or Mercedes-Benz cars and trucks, but they may not be
aware that we are also the largest truck and school bus
manufacturer in America. When you put all of our businesses
together, only two other auto companies match our scale. "We are
particularly delighted to have leading public officials and
academia join the event, including the governors from Alabama,
Michigan and Ohio, where we have major manufacturing operations,
along with dozens of members of Congress," added Liberatore.
Professor Schrempp; Dr. Dieter Zetsche, DCAG Board of Management
Member and Chrysler Group CEO; Mr. Tom LaSorda, DCAG Board of
Management Member and Chrysler Group COO; Mr. Tom Sidlik, DCAG
Board of Management Member responsible for Global Procurement and
Supply; Dr. Thomas Weber, DCAG Board of Management Member
responsible for Research and Technology; Chris Patterson, President
and CEO of Freightliner LLC; Paul Halata, President and CEO of
Mercedes-Benz USA; and Mr. Liberatore are among many executives,
officials and experts attending "Impact on America."
DaimlerChrysler will also be hosting a manufacturing and public
policy symposium. Panelists include Alabama Governor Bob Riley;
Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm; Ohio Governor Bob Taft; Sean
P. McAlinden, Chief Economist, Center for Automotive Research;
Frank Ewasyshyn, Executive Vice President of Manufacturing of
Chrysler Group; Roger Nielsen, COO of Freightliner L.L.C.; Bill
Taylor, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz U.S. International; and
Nancy Rae, Senior Vice President of Human Resources of Chrysler
Group. Discussion topics include issues such as manufacturing
investments, job retention and creation, economic development,
diversity suppliers, state incentives, environmental regulations,
health care and legacy costs, and many others. Full Range of
Products Displayed The Company is displaying more than 28 vehicles
including Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Liberty and Jeep Commander; the new
2005 Dodge Charger, Dodge Ram Truck and Dodge "Hot Rod" Magnum;
Chrysler 300C, Chrysler Town & Country minivan; Mercedes-Benz
ML500, Mercedes-Benz R 500, Mercedes-Benz E320 CDI, Mercedes- Benz
SL65 AMG, Mercedes-Benz CLS 55AMG; a hydrogen-powered fuel cell
vehicle based on the Mercedes-Benz B-Class; GEM (Global Electric
Motors) utility vehicle and four door vehicle; Sterling Dump Truck;
Freightliner Truck; Western Star Truck; Thomas Built School Bus;
American LaFrance Fire Truck; a Detroit Diesel Engine display and a
DC Off-Highway Gradall Backhoe. Four classic vehicles are also on
display: a 1968 Charger R/T, 1955 Chrysler 300 HEMI(R), 1940 Jeep
Willys MB, and a 1905 Mercedes-Benz, built in the U.S. Innovation
Symposium The event also features an innovation symposium,
including presentations and test drives that showcase
DaimlerChrysler's leadership in safety, fuel economy, automotive
engineering and design. The symposium will feature the worldwide
premiere of a concept car that sets new benchmarks in emissions and
efficiency. Participants will be able to drive the Mercedes-Benz
E500 equipped with radar sensors to avoid collisions and the Dodge
Durango equipped with vehicle-to-vehicle communications to warn
drivers of dangerous conditions. DaimlerChrysler is unique in the
automotive industry with a product portfolio that ranges from small
cars to sports cars and luxury sedans and from versatile vans to
heavy duty trucks and comfortable coaches. DaimlerChrysler's
passenger car brands include Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Maybach,
Mercedes-Benz and smart. Commercial vehicle brands include
Mercedes-Benz, Freightliner, Sterling, Western Star, Setra and
Mitsubishi Fuso. It offers financial and other automotive services
through DaimlerChrysler Financial Services. Further information on
DaimlerChrysler is available on the Internet:
http://www.media.daimlerchrysler.com/
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020212/DCXLOGODATASOURCE:
DaimlerChrysler CONTACT: Dennis Fitzgibbons, +1-202-414-6764, or
Han Tjan, +1-212-909-9063 Web site: http://www.daimlerchrysler.com/
Copyright