DaimlerChrysler Vans Announces Introduction of New Dodge Branded Sprinter.

Business Editors/Automotive Writers

CHARLOTTE, N.C.--(AutomotiveWire)--July 22, 2002

DaimlerChrysler Vans:

-- Logical next step in response to overwhelming customer demand

-- Affords immediate increase in sales and service locations

-- Provides seamless integration into the full line of Dodge commercial vehicles

-- Expanded financing considerations through DaimlerChrysler Services

-- Unmatched single brand volume through a full line of pickup, SUV, van and passenger car offerings

DaimlerChrysler Vans LLC, the US distributor of Sprinter Vans, has announced the introduction of the company's new Dodge Sprinter. With the introduction of the Dodge Sprinter, a host of expanded benefits will become available to the company's customer base including a strong increase in sales and service locations, easy access to the full line of Dodge commercial vehicles, and financing through DaimlerChrysler Services.

"The introduction of the Dodge Sprinter is both a logical next step and natural evolution in the DaimlerChrysler global van strategy," said Dr. Rolf Bartke, Senior Vice President of DaimlerChrysler AG and Head of the Mercedes-Benz Vans Business Unit. "With over three quarters of a million units in service, the Sprinter is an enormous success around the world. This move to incorporate the Sprinter into the strong line of Dodge light-duty vehicles complements our ongoing commitment to broaden the availability and appeal of our products worldwide."

DaimlerChrysler Vans President and CEO Tim Reuss added, "We are excited and extremely pleased to move into this next phase of our U.S. product launch. We recognize the combination of the commercial expertise of select Freightliner dealers, coupled with the broad distribution network of Dodge, will ensure that the Sprinter continues on its natural path to success here in the United States."

Explaining the rationale behind this decision, the company emphasized several factors - foremost among them, an overall demand by customers for more service locations, and company-wide volume advantages afforded through a full product line of pickup, SUV, van and passenger car sales offered under the established brand umbrella of Dodge.

Moreover, before today's action, DC Vans was limited to operating within the boundaries of the traditional Freightliner heavy truck customer base. Now, in their new expanded role with Dodge, the company will be able to access a host of new consumer segments through Dodge's historic and strong position in the light duty vehicle market.

"Clearly this transition is a tremendous opportunity to advance our U.S. launch efforts and will be of great benefit to our dedicated team of employees who have been the driving force behind our current progress and success. We will be relocating our staff to the DaimlerChrysler Auburn Hills complex in Michigan where, in collaboration with colleagues there, we will continue to effectively and positively manage our continuing launch operations," said Reuss.

James C. Schroer, Executive Vice President of DaimlerChrysler Corporation Global Sales and Marketing, commented, "Teaming Sprinter with Dodge creates a brand new force in the marketplace. Adding Sprinter vans to the Dodge line-up is an important part of our strategy to add incremental sales across all of our brands in the next few years. Sprinter will expand and enhance the Dodge product offering, providing Dodge dealers new opportunities to grow their customer base by marketing products that have been successful the world over," added Schroer. "Clearly, this new combination is yet another example of the benefits of the DaimlerChrysler merger."

A new standard in passenger and cargo vehicles, the Sprinter van remains not just a product, but a tailored business solution that raises the bar on efficiency, ergonomics, safety, reliability and quality. Moreover, it is a unique and intelligent response to the demands on commercial vehicles placed by today's burgeoning business-to-customer sector. As the market leader in its class in Europe, the Sprinter is one of the most successful products of the entire DaimlerChrysler Commercial Vehicles Division. With its large load capacity and a powerful and economical engine, it easily stands out among the competition as a unique, premium product. Coupled with a host of attractive product benefits such as its impressive fuel mileage, all this translates into a competitive advantage for DC Vans' core customer base of fleet owners, retailers, delivery companies and other vocational service companies.

The Sprinter is more than the simple combination of good ideas and construction techniques. Its resounding success in Europe is the direct result of careful, consistent implementation of an integrated concept. Emphasizing quality, all aspects of the Sprinter are held to the highest premium standards. Its pioneering body layout, innovative engine, transmission and drive technology, comprehensive and customized maintenance package, and the long-term quality of each and every component easily make Sprinter the best commercial van on the global market.

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. 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].