DaimlerChrysler Financial Services and Cranbrook Academy of Art Select First Recipient of Emerging Artist Award FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., June 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- DaimlerChrysler Financial Services, the world-wide vehicle financing unit of DaimlerChrysler, and Cranbrook Academy of Art, the internationally-acclaimed graduate program in art, architecture and design, have selected Mark Moskovitz as the recipient of the first-ever Emerging Artist Award. The Emerging Artist Award was jointly created by the company and the Academy of Art as a way to recognize the graduating artist whose collective work embodies the values shared by both entities: integrity, openness and respect; financial and social responsibility; inspired and empowered people; and commitment to excellence. The work of Moskovitz and nine other Cranbrook graduates, all of whom comprised the 10 finalists under consideration to receive the award, will be presented in an exhibition this summer in the lobby atrium at the company's headquarters at Potsdamer Platz in Berlin. The unveiling of the exhibit will be July 21, starting with a press conference introducing Moskovitz, his work and the work of other Cranbrook artists. "This graduating class represents the leading-edge modern artists of tomorrow and all of us at DaimlerChrysler Financial Services are excited to have the opportunity to be supportive of their visions of the future," said Juergen Walker, Chairman of DaimlerChrysler Financial Services. "This award is a leap forward in our working relationship with this acclaimed Art Academy." The 10 finalists represent the 10 artistic disciplines graduate students pursue at the Cranbrook Academy of Art. Moskovitz, representing 3D Design, was selected for his work of art entitled: "Writer's Cabin." It is a full- scale cabin completely furnished with Moskovitz's conceptual designs, each addressing the "deliberate living" advocated by American philosopher Henry David Thoreau. The other nine finalists and their artistic disciplines are: Steve Bowden - 2D Design; JoanMarie Turbek - Ceramics; Aaron Hillman - Sculpture; Roland Lusk - Print Media; Jacob Feige - Painting; Brett Kallusky - Photography; Abigail Newbold - Fiber; Peter Evonuk - Metalsmithing; and Ginger Kreig - Architecture. Gerhardt Knodel, Director of Cranbrook Academy of Art, said the Emerging Artist Award is a tremendous opportunity for Cranbrook graduates to have their work exhibited in Berlin, a cultural center in the art world. "This award reflects an emerging opportunity of discovery and experience for our graduates," Knodel said. "It is a reflection of the strengthening partnership between Cranbrook and DaimlerChrysler Financial Services." In addition to the exhibition of the work of the Cranbrook Academy graduates, a separate exhibit of the painting of Beverly Fishman, Artist-in- Residence and Head of the Painting Department at Cranbrook Academy of Art, will be displayed in Berlin in the company's atrium gallery at the headquarters. Ms. Fishman recently received a Guggenheim Fellowship Award for 2005. Guggenheim Fellows are appointed on the basis of distinguished achievement in the past and exceptional promise for the future. About DaimlerChrysler Financial Services DaimlerChrysler Financial Services is internationally and strategically well-positioned as the third-largest captive financial services provider in the world. Regarding commercial vehicles, DaimlerChrysler Financial Services is the leading captive finance company in the world. With a comprehensive product portfolio ranging from financing, leasing and insurance concepts to fleet management and mobility services, DaimlerChrysler Financial Services supports the DaimlerChrysler Group's automotive and commercial vehicle sales and contributes to the profitability of the Group. DaimlerChrysler Financial Services finances one out of every three DaimlerChrysler vehicles sold worldwide. The company, based in Berlin, Germany, maintains more than 100 vehicle financing subsidiaries in 39 countries. DaimlerChrysler Financial Services manages a contract volume of approximately EUR 105 billion and has around 11,000 employees worldwide. About Cranbrook Academy of Art Cranbrook Academy of Art is an independent graduate degree-granting institution offering an intense studio-based experience where artists-in- residence mentor students in art, architecture and design to creatively influence contemporary culture. Cranbrook Art Museum is a dynamic forum for contemporary art, craft, architecture and design and an integral component of Cranbrook Academy of Art. Through its broad-based educational programs, permanent and changing exhibitions, collections and research, the Museum engages diverse public audiences in emerging artistic forms and ideas of visual culture. The Museum's collections document outstanding examples of art, architecture and design from the 20th and 21st centuries, with a special interest in recognizing the history and innovations of Cranbrook and the achievements of its artists. DATASOURCE: DaimlerChrysler Financial Services CONTACT: Jack Ferry of DaimlerChrysler Financial Services, +1-248-427-3124, ; or Felicia Molnar of Cranbrook Academy of Art, +1-248-645-3329, Web site: http://www.daimlerchryslerservices.com/na

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