DaimlerChrysler AG Recognizes its Outstanding Suppliers of 2005

* Third annual ceremony honors top global suppliers for benchmark performance in quality, systems cost, technology and supply * Award winners span four countries, three continents * Thomas W. Sidlik, member of the DaimlerChrysler AG Board of Management: "Support of our suppliers is indispensable for the company's success"

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 12 -- DaimlerChrysler AG has honored eight members of its international supply base for their outstanding performance in 2005 at the company's third annual Global Supplier Awards program. As in the previous years, yesterday's event was held in conjunction with the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit and reflected the guiding theme "Together on the Road of Success."

"DaimlerChrysler has a unique approach to cooperate with its suppliers. That approach is based on transparency, objectivity and close collaboration. We consider the support of our supply base to be an indispensable contribution to DaimlerChrysler's success in today's automotive marketplace," said Thomas W. Sidlik, DaimlerChrysler AG Board of Management member, responsible for Global Procurement and Supply. "Our ultimate goal is to deliver the highest value to our customers all over the world and we are committed to helping our suppliers to become a benchmark in their industries. With our Global Supplier Award we want to recognize our top performing partners, who are exceeding our expectations -- especially, despite the current challenges in the economic environment."

Suppliers with the Mercedes Car Group, the Chrysler Group and the Commercial Vehicles Division and with an annual business volume of over $1.2 million (EUR1 million) are eligible for DaimlerChrysler's Global Supplier Award. This year's award winning suppliers are from four different countries on three continents. They are: Johnson Controls Inc., USA, (Category: Interior); Gentex Corp., USA, (Exterior); Mubea, Germany (Chassis); Yazaki Corp., Japan, (Electrical/Electronics); Denso Corp., Japan, (Powertrain); Dell Inc., USA, (General Goods and Services); NYK Line, Japan, (Logistics); and Marposs, Italy, (Manufacturing Goods and Services).

The winners are chosen based on their performance measures. In the company's measuring system, each supplier has the chance to compare their own performance -- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through an application on the DaimlerChrysler Global Supplier Portal.

"DaimlerChrysler bases its sourcing decisions on four objective measures: quality, systems cost, technology, and supply," said Sidlik. "The eight partners we recognized with our Global Supplier Award 2005 are all outstanding performers. They provide us with high quality parts and services, with appropriate technology, delivered on time, at a fair price. Last but not least they are all truly global companies, meeting our needs all over the world."

A unique commemorative trophy for the eight winners was created by Ericia Bartels-Dawkins, a design graduate from Detroit's College for Creative Studies. Bartels-Dawkins previously designed the trophy for the Global Supplier Award winners of 2003. This year's award is made of leather, bronze and walnut, all materials inspired from classic car designs.

The Awards ceremony was hosted by Thomas W. Sidlik, Member of the Board of Management and Executive Vice President - Global Procurement and Supply. The trophies were presented by members of DaimlerChrysler's Global Procurement and Supply organization:

  *  Peter Rosenfeld, Executive Vice President - Chrysler Group Procurement
     and Supply
  *  Stefan Buchner, Vice President - Commercial Vehicles Procurement
  *  Frank Deiss, Vice President - Mercedes-Benz Passenger Car Procurement
  *  Scott Garberding, Vice President - Chrysler Group Supplier Quality
  *  David Hodgson, Vice President - Chrysler Group Worldwide Supply
  *  Dr. Heinrich Reidelbach, Vice President - International Procurement
     Services
  *  Bob Schott, Vice President - Chrysler Group Worldwide Procurement

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