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Auto Dealer Group on Daimler-Chrysler Merger

7 May 1998

Auto Dealer Group Comments on Daimler-Chrysler Merger

    WASHINGTON, May 7 -- The following statement was issued today
by Walter E. Huizenga, president of the American International Automobile
Dealers Association (AIADA), following the announcement of the agreement
between Daimler-Benz and Chrysler to merge:

    "This announcement underscores the fact that the automobile industry is
truly a global enterprise.  The lines between the U.S., European, and Japanese
automobile industries are blurring.  Joint ventures and production agreements
between them are becoming increasingly common.  Automobile dealers in the U.S.
sell BMWs built in South Carolina, Dodges built in Mexico, Toyotas built in
Kentucky, Hondas built in Ohio, Cadillacs built in Germany and Mercedes built
in Alabama.
    "Ignoring this business reality, the Big Three have attempted to cast
themselves politically and publicly as the only true American auto companies,
and other automakers building cars in the U.S. as foreign.  Today's
announcement demonstrates the fallacy of their position.
    "The important thing is that American consumers can choose from among cars
and trucks designed and built around the world to meet their transportation
needs.  The competitive market fueled by international automobiles means that
American consumers enjoy better prices, quality, safety, technology and fuel
economy."

    AIADA is the trade association representing America?s 10,000 franchised
international nameplate automobile retailers and their 330,000 employees who
sell and service world-class vehicles manufactured in the U.S. and abroad.

    For more information on America's international automobile dealers, check
out http://www.aiada.org or attend AIADA's Automotive Congress, May 18-19 in
Washington, DC.

SOURCE  American International Automobile Dealers Association