DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund Presents On the Edge: Contemporary Art From the DaimlerChrysler Collection at the Detroit Institute of Arts

* International collection features more than 150 works by major contemporary artists * Demonstrates DaimlerChrysler's vision to further dialogue between countries, cultures, communities and employees through the arts

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Oct. 9 -- Modern art will take center stage when the Detroit Institute of Art's (DIA) major fall exhibition, On the Edge: Contemporary Art from the DaimlerChrysler Collection, opens on October 29, 2003. Detroit is the only U.S. stop for the collection, which will be on exhibit until January 18, 2004. The exhibition opened in Germany earlier this year and will move from Detroit to South Africa and Asia.

The On the Edge exhibition represents a unique opportunity for American audiences to experience contemporary works from the DaimlerChrysler Collection that have never been on public display in the United States until now. The collection ranges from commissioned works by contemporary artists such as Andy Warhol to influential pieces by artists who were part of the German abstract movement in the first half of the 20th century.

The DaimlerChrysler Collection is unusual among corporate collections because of the emphasis on very recent art by emerging artists. Many of the pieces have enlivened conference rooms and dining areas to help create a stimulating work environment where new ideas are encouraged. "Our support of young, talented artists allows them the freedom to experiment and push boundaries," said Dieter Zetsche, Chrysler Group President and CEO. "It is our hope that this collection will in turn inspire innovation, creativity and originality from all of our employees worldwide."

The DaimlerChrysler Collection, which was started in 1977 and has grown continuously since, reflects some of the most important developments in abstract art from the 20th century. To date, the collection contains approximately 1,200 works by almost 300 international artists, and includes abstract-constructive, conceptual and minimalist artwork.

For the On the Edge exhibit, 150 works by approximately 80 artists from the 1950s through the present are on display and include paintings, sculpture, photography, video and installation art. Artists from all over the world, including Europe, the United States, Asia, Africa and Australia are represented in the exhibit.

"One of the primary goals of the DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund is to help enrich the cultural needs of our communities," said Frank Fountain, Chrysler Group Senior Vice President, Government Affairs and President of the DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund. "The On the Edge exhibit offers visitors the opportunity to learn about contemporary artists, some of whom may not be well known in the United States, but whose impact on 20th century art is significant."

Support from the DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund will allow guests to visit the exhibit at no additional cost with paid museum admission.

Now in its 50th year, the DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund is the primary source of charitable grants made by DaimlerChrysler Corporation. The Fund annually supports hundreds of charitable organizations with an emphasis on community growth, arts and education, throughout the United States and increasingly throughout the world.

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