DaimlerChrysler Named Top Domestic Auto Stock Performer In 2001 by Morgan Stanley

NEW YORK, March 26 -- DaimlerChrysler was recognized by Morgan Stanley last evening as the leading domestic automotive manufacturer stock performer in 2001. The award was presented as part of Morgan Stanley's 17th Annual Global Automotive Week, in conjunction with the New York International Automobile Show.

Dieter Zetsche, Chrysler Group President and Chief Executive Officer and Member of the Board of Management, accepted the award on behalf of DaimlerChrysler.

``DaimlerChrysler was the only one of the primarily domestic automotive companies to reach their target in an extremely difficult environment,'' said Stephen Girsky, Senior Auto Analyst, Morgan Stanley.

Moving forward, the Chrysler unit of DaimlerChrysler will introduce 11 new vehicles in the 2002 - 2004 time period, as part of a five-year, $30 billion investment plan in new products and programs.

``In 2001, Chrysler Group over-achieved on all its cost targets, and the efficiencies are starting to pay off,'' said Zetsche. ``The $30 billion program spending over the next five years is far less than the previous plan of $42 billion, but actually adds five more products to the pipeline than that previous plan.''

In addition, Zetsche reiterated that ``Chrysler Group is committed to achieving all elements of its Turnaround Plan in 2002, including break-even.''