DaimlerChrysler Services North America Creates Platform For Transatlantic Dialogue on Fuel Cell Technology

* Company hosts Michigan House of Representatives Commerce Committee * Germany's Baden-Wuerttemberg State Parliament Economics Committee Attends Open Session * Honorary Consul of Germany Fred Hoffman Initiates Discussion on Fuel Cell Technology as Alternate Energy Source

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., Oct. 8 -- DaimlerChrysler Services North America, the captive finance arm of DaimlerChrysler, created a platform for the transatlantic discussion for members of the Michigan House of Representatives Commerce Committee and their counterparts from Germany's State of Baden-Wuerttemberg in Southern Germany. DaimlerChrysler Services hosted and sponsored the dialogue between the two Government delegations at the North American headquarters in Farmington Hills, Mich.

The dialogue was an open session in which members from both governments discussed the use of fuel cells as alternate energy in the hopes of gaining a better understanding for the transportation needs of both countries. The dialogue was the first of its kind between both governments and underlined the importance of global knowledge sharing between the automotive cities of both countries. "We are excited to open up our headquarters for this initial open session. As a global company we understand the importance of constructive dialogues as relationships are built, positions understood and progress made. By hosting these delegations we are reaffirming our position as a corporate citizen in the State of Michigan and in Germany," stated Juergen Walker, President and CEO of DaimlerChrysler Services North America.

In a series of presentations and testimonies relating to the fuel cell, the two delegations gained invaluable insight to the progress and potential of the fuel cell as an alternate energy source. Since the 1999 closing of the German Consulate General in Detroit, Michigan, limited dialogues between the two countries have taken place. Fred Hoffman, Director of State Relations at the Chrysler Group was appointed Honorary Consul of Germany in 2003. His position is to facilitate a constructive dialogue between the two countries and foster relations. "With the support of DaimlerChrysler Services, we are able to open up a constructive dialogue between the Commerce and Economics committees and in doing so, are in a position to share important information about the technology of the future," stated Fred Hoffman.

The dialogue represents the first of a host of joint sessions between the two governments, which will take place throughout 2003-2004.

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 5,500 employees who manage a portfolio of $83 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 10,800 and a global portfolio of EUR 103 billion. DaimlerChrysler Services is one of the leading financial services companies worldwide.