DaimlerChrysler Donates to City of Detroit and Detroit Firefighter's Association Fund * Unique Fire Chief's smart Vehicle is one of a kind in U.S. * Detroit Fire Commissioner Accepts Donations * Historic Firehouse Becomes Auto Show Hotspot DETROIT, Jan. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- DaimlerChrysler's smart brand donated a unique fire vehicle to the City of Detroit Fire Department last night at a historic firehouse in Detroit. Also, DaimlerChrysler's Chrysler Group donated $25,000 to the Detroit Firefighter's Association Fund, and $25,000 to the Mayor's Time Public Safety Academy. The donations were presented last night by DaimlerChrysler Board of Management member and Chrysler Group President & CEO Dieter Zetsche, and the President of smart, Ulrich Walker. They were accepted by Detroit Fire Commissioner Tyron Scott. "With these donations, DaimlerChrysler recognizes the valiant efforts of the heroes who are responsible for Detroit's public safety," said Zetsche. "In addition, we're supporting the Public Safety Academy in its mission to develop Detroit's next generation of public safety officers." Such donations have become a tradition associated with the North American (Detroit) International Auto Show (NAIAS). Since 2002, DaimlerChrysler has hosted thousands of journalists and other guests at the former "Engine Company No. 1," which was founded in 1929. Now an administrative facility, the classic garage area sets the tone for a unique gathering spot for one of Metro Detroit's and the automotive industry's biggest events. DaimlerChrysler's smart brand donated one of its innovative fortwo micro cars to the Detroit Fire Department. This version of the eight feet, four- inch-long halo product of the smart brand in fire engine red features emergency flashing lights, is emblazoned with the logo of the Detroit Fire Department, and can serve as an emergency vehicle. For the first time in the United States, the global automotive brand that is revolutionizing the design of premium small vehicles around the world will display its entire product range at the NAIAS. The smart brand family includes a fortwo, fortwo cabrio, roadster, forfour and even the radical crossblade. The Firefighter's Fund Association gives aid to disabled firefighters and widows and children of fallen firefighters. Mayor's Time Public Safety Academy provides entry-level academic foundations and technical skills in law enforcement, fire fighting, emergency medical services, and homeland or private security. At the Firehouse, DaimlerChrysler executives including Zetsche and Dr. Eckhard Cordes, DaimlerChrysler Board of Management member responsible for Mercedes Car Group, serve as bartenders while interacting with the visiting media. In addition to hosting journalists during auto show press days, the Firehouse will also be used this week to host select DaimlerChrysler suppliers and also serve as an afterglow stop for selected guests following the Black Tie Charity Preview. DATASOURCE: DaimlerChrysler CONTACT: Edward Saenz of Chrysler Group, +1-248-512-2674; or Julia Knittel of smart, +1-201-315-3655 Web site: http://www.media.daimlerchrysler.com/

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