DaimlerChrysler Services Promotes Creative Consciousness Through Art; Dynamic Local Artist Commissioned to Create Mural, Work to Begin April 25

Art Fosters a Creative Work Environment

WHAT: Since DaimlerChrysler Services North America opened the doors to its new Farmington Hills headquarters in September 2002, the company has taken measures to foster a creative work environment through the disbursement of artwork, both permanent and changing exhibitions, throughout the building. Providing a creative atmosphere in turn molds a creative awareness in employees. In the spirit of creativity, DaimlerChrysler Services is hosting a local artist commissioned to do a work in progress. Thomas Gelsanliter -- mural artist -- will create a mural, drawing on the DaimlerChrysler Services work environment, building and natural surroundings.

  WHO:  Thomas Gelsanliter -- mural artist
  WHEN:  Friday, April 25, 2003 at 2 p.m. EDT
  WHERE:  DaimlerChrysler Services North America Headquarters
          27777 Inkster Rd., Farmington Hills, Mich. 48334
          Building A at the courtyard level

  DETAILS/OTHER:  About the Artist

After dedicating five years of his life as a print and electronic journalist aboard aircraft carrier USS George Washington, Gelsanliter realized his passion for ceramics. He graduated with a master's degree in ceramics from the Cranbrook Academy of Arts in 2002.

Gelsanliter is currently employed as the moldmaker and tile press coordinator for Motawi Tile Works in Ann Arbor, Mich. His work includes overseeing tile production as well as fabricating new tile for the Motawi product line.

About DaimlerChrysler Services North America LLC

DaimlerChrysler Services North America LLC provides brand specific financing for automotive dealers' inventories and their retail consumers and does business as Chrysler Financial and Mercedes-Benz Credit. As DaimlerChrysler Services Truck Finance it also finances commercial vehicles for affiliate products such as Freightliner, Sterling and Western Star. The company serves as the headquarters for the operations in the United States, Canada and Mexico and has over 5,000 employees who manage a portfolio of $82 billion with nearly five million contracts. DaimlerChrysler Services North America is a member of the DaimlerChrysler Services Group, headquartered in Berlin, Germany which operates in 39 countries with an employee base exceeding 10,000 and a global portfolio of EUR 109 billion. DaimlerChrysler Services is one of the leading financial services companies worldwide.

About Cranbrook Academy of Art

Founded in 1932, the Cranbrook Academy of Art is acknowledged worldwide as a pre-eminent graduate level school of art, design and architecture. This independent graduate degree-granting institution offers an intense studio- based experience where artists-in-residence mentor students in art, architecture and design to creatively influence contemporary culture. Cranbrook is an internationally renowned educational community dedicated to excellence in the arts, education and science. Cranbrook is located at 39221 Woodward Avenue in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., and includes the Academy of Art, Art Museum, Institute of Science, Schools and other affiliated cultural and educational programs. Cranbrook's Academy of Art grants master of fine arts degrees in eight disciplines and master of architecture degrees. For more information, call (248) 645-3300 or visit the Web site at www.cranbrook.edu .

Additional information and news from DaimlerChrysler is available on the Internet at: www.media.daimlerchrysler.com

PRNewswire -- April 22