The DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund Helps Fight the AIDS Pandemic in Africa

DaimlerChrysler's Frank Fountain Chairs the U.S.-Africa Business Summit in Washington, D.C.

* Fountain to host President George W. Bush at African Summit * Key Themes Focus on Economic Development and AIDS support for African Countries

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., June 26 -- The DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund has donated $100,000 to the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) to help retard the AIDS pandemic, and to further economic development in Africa.

"The health status of a region can impact its economic viability," said Frank Fountain, President of the DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund and Chrysler Group Senior Vice President -- Government Affairs. "For this reason, we are dedicated to building social and economic conditions that help people and communities prosper in the United States and in Africa."

Fountain, who also serves as Chairman of the CCA, will host President George Bush during the organization's U.S.-Africa Business Summit in Washington, D.C. this week. More than 2,000 leaders of African nations and U.S. corporations are participating. President Bush is expected to discuss the future of relations between Africa and the U.S. during a plenary session today.

"As the leader of the one of the world's superpowers, President Bush fully appreciates the economic benefits of globalization -- and the importance of bringing those benefits to every nation," said Fountain. "At the same time, he also understands the difficulty of promoting free trade and investment in nations impacted by the menacing advance of the HIV/AIDS epidemic."

Organized by the CCA, the Summit serves as a forum to discuss issues important to Africa, such as economic development and the need for global support of HIV/AIDS. The CCA's mission is to enhance economic ties between the U.S. and 53 countries in Africa.

The DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund is the primary source of charitable grants made by DaimlerChrysler Corporation. Now in its 50th year, the Fund annually supports hundreds of charitable organizations throughout the United States and, increasingly around the world.

Prior to this donation, the Fund has taken a leadership role to educate and prevent HIV/AIDS in Africa by providing support for abstinence training and medications.

Additionally, DaimlerChrysler has a long history of conducting business in Africa. The company's office in Cape Town, South Africa, is the base of operations for the distribution, training, sales, and marketing of all Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep(R) products in South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa.