DaimlerChrysler Prepares Twelve Advanced Technology Vehicles for 2003 Challenge Bibendum(TM)

Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler, Dodge and Freightliner Vehicles Entered in Michelin's Fifth Environmental Event

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Aug. 25 -- DaimlerChrysler will be showcasing twelve vehicles at the 2003 Challenge Bibendum in Sonoma and San Francisco, Calif., Sept. 23-25, 2003. The team of production and concept vehicles highlights the advancements that have been made in diesel and fuel cell technology.

"DaimlerChrysler is pleased to be a part of Challenge Bibendum again this year," said Bernard Robertson, Chrysler Group Senior Vice President, Engineering Technologies and Regulatory Affairs. "It is an excellent way to demonstrate the wide array of technologies our company is investing in and the progress being made with advanced technologies. These technologies can reduce the impact vehicles have on the environment and show the way towards sustainable mobility."

DaimlerChrysler vehicles participating in the 2003 Challenge Bibendum include:

  Mercedes-Benz A Class "F-Cell":  Fuel Cell compact car powered by gaseous
                                   Hydrogen.  This vehicle is one of a fleet
                                   of 60 worldwide and emits only water
                                   vapor from the tailpipe.

  Mercedes-Benz Citaro:            Fuel Cell-powered bus that is part of the
                                   30 bus fleet located in ten European
                                   cities.

  Chrysler PT Cruiser (2):         European production vehicle powered by a
                                   2.2l turbodiesel engine. Two of these
                                   vehicles will participate.

  Chrysler Voyager:                European production minivan powered by a
                                   2.5l turbodiesel engine.

  Chrysler Voyager:                European production minivan powered by a
                                   2.8l turbodiesel engine.

  Dodge Ram 2500 (2):              Production pick-up truck powered by a
                                   Cummins 5.9l turbodiesel engine. Two of
                                   these vehicles are participating.

  smart:                           European production car powered by a 0.8l
                                   turbodiesel engine

  Mercedes-Benz E320:              Production vehicle powered by a
                                   turbocharged 3.2-liter inline six
                                   cylinder CDI (combustion direct
                                   injection) engine

  Freightliner:                    Safety-Environment-Technology (SET)
                                   Demonstration Vehicle. The SET Vehicle is
                                   an exhibition of numerous advanced
                                   systems designed to enhance the safety,
                                   reduce the environmental impact and
                                   increase the productivity of heavy-duty
                                   commercial vehicles. The systems are
                                   installed on a Freightliner Class 8
                                   Century Class S/T tractor, one of the
                                   most popular heavy-duty trucks on the
                                   road today.

"This wide range of vehicles, energy sources and technologies is exactly the kind of development Challenge Bibendum is meant to showcase," said Ron Musnug, Michelin's project manager for the 2003 Challenge Bibendum. "DaimlerChrysler has been with us since the beginning of Challenge Bibendum and we're thrilled to have them field a strong team this year. They have assembled an impressive group of vehicles that will delight attendees to Challenge Bibendum and consumers alike."

DaimlerChrysler is one of the world's leading automotive, transportation and services companies. Its passenger car brands include Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler, Jeep(R), Dodge and smart. Commercial vehicles are produced under the Mercedes-Benz, Freightliner, Sterling, Western Star, Setra, Thomas Built Buses, Orion and American LaFrance. More than 370,000 people are employed in manufacturing facilities in 37 countries while its products are sold in more than 200 countries.

Challenge Bibendum(TM), considered one of the premier global events for advanced technology vehicles, was established by the Michelin Group as an objective way to bring together and test the best available technologies for environmentally positive vehicles. The annual event features vehicles from major manufacturers on three continents and brings together all partners in the automotive world: vehicle manufacturers, designers, energy suppliers, technical leaders, policy makers, universities and government organizations.

The 2003 Challenge Bibendum will be held in Sonoma and San Francisco, Calif., Sept. 23-25. More than 100 passenger and commercial vehicles are registered to participate. In addition to DaimlerChrysler, other automakers participating in the event include: American Honda, Audi, BMW, General Motors, Ford Motor Company, Hyundai, Isuzu, Nissan, Toyota, Volvo and Volvo Truck.

A true competition, Challenge Bibendum is one of the few events to compare different advanced technologies head-to-head. The event is open to all energy sources from electric cars to hybrid fuel cells to hydrogen powered buses. Advanced technology vehicles are rated on emissions, acceleration, braking, handling, noise and energy efficiency during the annual competition.

Complete information is available at www.challengebibendum.com.

Michelin manufactures and sells tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, heavy-duty trucks and the space shuttle. The company also publishes travel guides, maps and atlases covering Europe, Asia, Africa and North America. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America (www.michelin.com) employs 24,640 and operates 22 plants in 18 locations.