DaimlerChrysler Names Patrick Dougherty as Dodge Commercial Vehicles Director; New Position Will Be Responsible For Sprinter Vans And Future Commercial Products.

Automotive Writers

CHARLOTTE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 25, 2002

DaimlerChrysler Vans LLC, the US distributor of Sprinter Vans, has announced the appointment of Patrick W. Dougherty as Director, Dodge Commercial Vehicles.

In this newly created position, Dougherty will succeed DC Vans President and CEO Tim A. Reuss and assume overall responsibility for all sales, marketing, after-market, finance, and dealer development functions in support of the ongoing U.S. market launch of the Sprinter van. He will further be responsible for all future commercial products as part of a new strategic emphasis by Dodge on the commercial market.

In commenting on the appointment of his successor, Reuss said, "Pat's experience, attitude and leadership ability is exactly what is needed for this important and challenging position. I've personally had the pleasure of working with him and can attest to his ability to be an excellent leader. I have every confidence Pat will do a great job in continuing the work that we have already begun and wish him every success in his new position."

Dougherty will report to Darryl Jackson, Vice President of Dodge Marketing who said, "We're very happy to be able to bring Pat on board as we continue with the transition of Sprinter operations and staff into the Dodge family. He adds a great degree of depth to our team for his experience, work ethic, and great relationship with dealers. In this important leadership role, we're more than confident that Pat is up to the task and will step right in to ensure a continued smooth transition for both this great DC Vans team and van product."

Prior to this appointment, Dougherty served as Vice President, Sales and Service for DaimlerChrysler Canada where he was responsible for all sales development and strategy, business management, dealer development, national service, fleet sales and regional office operations. Before that he held increasingly responsible positions in the sales organization, most recently as Zone Manager in New York. Dougherty also worked for E.& J. Gallo Corporation as a National Account Manager before joining DaimlerChrysler in 1983 as a District Manager Trainee. Married with three sons, he lives in Birmingham, Michigan and is a 1981 graduate of Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration.

Dougherty said, "With great anticipation, I look forward to this new opportunity and the many challenges awaiting. Internationally, the Sprinter remains the leader in its class and, with the expertise and support of my new colleagues and team, I have every confidence that global success and leadership role will continue here."

Currently sold as a Freightliner, the Sprinter will be introduced as a Dodge in January 2003 and both operations and staff from DC Vans will be relocating to the DaimlerChrysler Auburn Hills headquarters in Michigan.

DaimlerChrysler Vans LLC, the US distributor of the Sprinter van, is a subsidiary of DaimlerChrysler AG, one of the world's leading automotive, transportation and service companies. Its passenger car brands include Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and smart. In addition to Sprinter vans, commercial vehicles are produced under the Mercedes-Benz, Freightliner, Sterling, Western Star, Setra, Thomas Built Buses, Orion and American LaFrance. It offers financial and other services through DaimlerChrysler Services. With nearly 400,000 employees, DaimlerChrysler achieved revenues of $136.1 billion in 2001.

Additional information and news about the Sprinter and DaimlerChrysler Vans is available by visiting their web site at www.daimlerchrysler-vans.com or calling [phone].