DaimlerChrysler Services Establishes Emerging Artists Award at Cranbrook Academy of Art

* Emerging Artists extend their reach out into the world * Strengthening the relationship between DC Services and Cranbrook

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., Nov. 8 -- DaimlerChrysler Services North America announced the establishment of the Emerging Artists Award at Cranbrook Academy of Art during the Academy's premier fundraising event -- Fanfare. The event was held on Saturday, November 6, 2004.

The DaimlerChrysler Services Emerging Artist Award will acknowledge the outstanding and innovative achievement of a graduate student at the Cranbrook Academy of Art. The award will be given annually to an artist whose work exemplifies the spirit of DaimlerChrysler Services' core values: integrity, openness and respect; social responsibility; inspiration and empowerment; and commitment to excellence.

"This exciting opportunity further redefines the support that the corporate world can give to an institution of higher learning. By embracing a forward thinking culture we can foster an environment where barriers are torn down and the limits of the imagination are constantly stretched," said Juergen Walker, President and CEO - DaimlerChrysler Services North America. "This award represents another step that DaimlerChrysler Services and Cranbrook are taking in strengthening our unique relationship."

The award recipient will be announced at the Academy Commencement Ceremony in May of each year and be provided the opportunity to have their work exhibited in Berlin, Germany. In addition DaimlerChrysler Services will provide lodging, transportation and funding for art exploration and mentoring opportunities during their one-month stay in Berlin.

"This generous award by DaimlerChrysler Services will help emerging artists find their voice within the global culture," says Gerhardt Knodel, Director of Cranbrook Academy of Art and Vice President, Cranbrook Educational Community. "The award also exemplifies the shared belief, by both the Academy and DaimlerChrysler Services, that individuals can make a difference in building bridges between nations," added Knodel.

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 $85 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 $123 billion. DaimlerChrysler Services is one of the leading financial services companies worldwide.

About Cranbrook Academy of Art

Founded in 1932, the Cranbrook Academy of Art is acknowledged world wide as a preeminent graduate level school of art, design and architecture. This independent graduate degree-granting institution offers an intense studio- based experience where artists-in-residence mentor students in art, architecture and design to creatively influence contemporary culture. Master's of Fine Arts degrees are offered in nine disciplines including 2D Design, 3D Design, Ceramics, Fiber, Metal, Painting, Photography, Printmaking and Sculpture and a Master's of Architecture degree. Cranbrook is an internationally renowned educational community dedicated to excellence in the arts, education and science. Cranbrook is located at 39221 Woodward Avenue in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, and comprises its Academy of Art, Art Museum, Institute of Science, Schools and other affiliated cultural and educational programs. For more information, call (248) 645-3300 or visit the web site at http://www.cranbrook.edu/ .