Detroit Diesel Corporation & UAW Local 163 Partner with Redford Township to Help Community in Louisiana

DETROIT, Dec. 21, 2005 -- Detroit Diesel Corporation (DDC) and UAW Local 163 yesterday announced its intention to partner with Redford Township to help the hurricane-devastated community of Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana.

To kick off the project, DDC and Redford Township gathered at the former Redford Township Library to send-off a DDC truck filled with donations from Redford residents and Detroit Diesel employees to Plaquemines Parish. Items collected to help those in need included non-perishable food items and cleaning supplies, as well as new and gently used clothing and household items.

"Detroit Diesel is committed to contributing to the communities where we live and work," explained Chris Snodgrass, Detroit Diesel Director of Operations. "In light of the extraordinary devastation suffered earlier this year by our neighbors in the south, we were compelled to expand our scope. Together with the UAW Local 163 and Redford Township, we intend to work with Plaquemines Parish over the long-term to identify ways in which we can help during this challenging time."

DDC provided a truck -- powered by its flagship Series 60(R) engine -- as well as a driver to transport the donated items to Plaquemines Parish, and covered the fuel costs for the trip.

"The UAW Local 163 is happy to support this joint effort to help the residents of Plaquemines Parish as they face the challenge of rebuilding their community," said Joe Street, UAW Local 163 Chairman. "The UAW places a high importance on giving back to our communities, and our membership is eager to help in whatever way they can. In fact, one of our own UAW employees volunteered for the special assignment to drive the truck to Louisiana."

Donations collected from Redford Township residents at the former Redford Township library also filled the truck bound for Plaquemines Parish.

"The residents of Redford have already demonstrated their generosity and concern for our neighbors in the south as evidenced by the outpouring of donations we received," explained R. Miles Handy, Redford Township Supervisor. "In addition to the items being loaded on the truck today, Redford residents also donated $20,000, which was sent to Plaquemines Parish in November. We are looking forward to partnering with Detroit Diesel and the UAW on this project and are grateful for the transportation to ensure that these donated items reach those who need them most."

Plaquemines Parish is Louisiana's southernmost parish and is located just southeast of New Orleans. Located in the Gulf of Mexico, Plaquemines Parish is almost completely surrounded by water and suffered severe destruction from both hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Prior to the storms, Plaquemines Parish had more than 28,000 residents. Much of the community was completely destroyed including more than 10,000 private residences, countless businesses, and most of the Parish's community/government buildings including schools, libraries, and community centers. For more information about Plaquemines Parish, visit http://www.plaqueminesparish.com/ .

Detroit Diesel Corporation is the leading manufacturer of on-highway heavy-duty diesel engines for the commercial truck market. The company offers a complete line of engines from 170 to 515 horsepower for the on-highway and vocational markets. Through its corporate headquarters in Detroit, Michigan, Detroit Diesel is engaged in the design, manufacture, sale, and service of these products, in addition to supporting alternative and hybrid engine strategies for the commercial truck marketplace. Detroit Diesel is a subsidiary of DaimlerChrysler and part of the Freightliner group of companies.

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