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/

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