DaimlerChrysler Partners With U.S. Paralympics

"Freightliner Sprinter Vans to be 'Official Vehicle Sponsor' of the U.S. Paralympic Team"

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., July 31 -- DaimlerChrysler has entered into a sponsorship agreement with the U.S. Paralympics to serve as an official sponsor of the 2004 U.S. Paralympic Team. The company's Freightliner Sprinter vans will serve as the team's official vehicle sponsor.

"We're extremely excited to be able to enter into this important and worthwhile sponsorship," said Craig Fisher, director of marketing for Sprinter vans. "We feel this is a perfect fit for the Sprinter. In addition to supporting one of the world's most prestigious sporting events, we are also able to expose our product to a new audience where the Sprinter is a clear product leader," he added. "Notwithstanding, in addition to supporting an under-served audience, the extended exposure, presence and visibility that comes with partnering with a marquee organization of this magnitude made this an easy decision."

In addition to the official event vehicle designation, sponsorship program elements include: wrapped vans (featuring U.S. Paralympics athletes) at events in the U.S.; Sprinters will be used daily by U.S. Paralympic teams; U.S. Paralympic athletes will make personal appearances at dealers and local community events; the vehicle will be highlighted in a special U.S. Paralympics section in Forbes magazine in December 2003; van demos at national charity events and designation as an official partner of the U.S. Paralympic Academy the details of the Academy to be announced this September.

"We feel this is not only the right fit, but a tremendous boost to our marketing and sponsorship efforts," said Jim McDonald, Chief Marketing Officer for the U.S. Paralympics. "In addition to addressing a number of transportation logistics demands, we feel we are doing our athletes, teams and other persons with a physical disability a service by making them aware of a high quality vehicle that can help them meet their unique needs."

In the United States, the disability market has 2.2 million non- institutionalized people in wheelchairs. Over 56 percent of them are employed and they spend over $1 trillion annually. Further, over 382,000 vehicles on the road today have been adapted for use by persons with disabilities, of which full size vans account for 35 percent -- over 133,000 vans -- of all modified vehicles.

Setting a new standard in the van market, the Freightliner Sprinter is a powerful resource for enhancing the lives of individuals with physical disabilities. For the paratransit and automobility market, Sprinter vans are quickly becoming the ideal vehicle of choice and its versatility is quickly seen when automobility applications come into play. Available in three wheelbases and two roof heights, Sprinter's interior is user-friendly for family, caregivers, or a medial facility staff.

Sprinter vans have been on the worldwide market since 1995 branded as a Mercedes-Benz. Freightliner Sprinters were introduced to the United States in mid-2001 and, earlier this year, a Dodge version was introduced in January 2003.

The Paralympic Games are the Olympic equivalent for athletes with physical disabilities and take place two weeks following the Olympic Games, using the same host city and its venues. More than 4,000 athletes are expected to attend the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens, Greece, making it the second- largest sporting event in the world (second only to the Olympics).

U.S. Paralympics is a division of the U.S. Olympic Committee and is charged with developing elite-level athletes with physical disabilities through enhanced funding, coaching and athletic opportunities.