DaimlerChrysler Procurement and Supply Head Promotes Transatlantic Trade and Global Purchasing

- Tom Sidlik accepts Recognition Award from French American Chamber of Commerce - DaimlerChrysler's $140 billion in annual global purchasing based on supplier Quality, Cost, Technology and Delivery measurements

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Oct. 2 -- DaimlerChrysler Executive Vice President of Procurement and Supply, Tom Sidlik, said today the Company will continue its strong support of transatlantic trade between the United States and Europe and is committed to finding and purchasing the best quality parts from suppliers in the most competitive regions in the world.

Sidlik, a member of DaimlerChrysler's Board of Management, accepted a Recognition Award on behalf of DaimlerChrysler from the French American Chamber of Commerce in Michigan. The award honored DaimlerChrysler for its contributions to the transatlantic trade industry, which includes $1.5 billion in annual spending on production parts and services from French companies.

Sidlik, who assumes the role as head of DaimlerChrysler Global Purchasing on December 16, 2003, stressed that the United States and the European Union (EU) combined, account for fully 40 percent of the world's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as well as 80 percent of global foreign direct investment. "In fact," said Sidlik, "transatlantic trade has doubled since 1990 to become a $2.5 trillion economic engine."

Specifically, France is one of the five most important markets of DaimlerChrysler's global enterprise. The Company currently employs almost 5,000 employees at four production facilities and a corporate office in Paris. Also, the smart -- a two seat, innovative and fun small vehicle, is manufactured exclusively in Hambach, France.

Sidlik also highlighted that "DaimlerChrysler now has a leading role in every major car and truck market around the world. Our team of more than 350,000 people creates products in 37 nations and sells them in more than 200."

The Procurement and Supply group at DaimlerChrysler is committed to supporting this global reach. In conjunction with its alliance partners, DaimlerChrysler purchases $140 billion of production material and services annually.

"At DaimlerChrysler, we base our sourcing decisions on specific measures -- quality, cost, delivery and technology," said Sidlik. "No matter whom the supplier, what the supplier makes, or where they make it, each has to meet the same parameters -- quality parts, with appropriate technology, delivered on time, at a fair price."

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