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DaimlerChrysler New Global Sales and Marketing Organization

15 December 1998

DaimlerChrysler Decides on New Global Sales and Marketing Organization for Passenger Cars and Commercial Vehicles

     STUTTGART, Germany and AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Dec. 14 -- As
one of the first results of the integration process of DaimlerChrysler AG
, the company today announced a new operational structure in its
worldwide automotive sales and marketing operations.  The new structure is
designed to support sales growth and protect and grow the brand values of the
company's six brands in the passenger car business and four brands in the
commercial vehicle business.
    The new Global Sales and Marketing Organization of DaimlerChrysler's
automotive businesses identifies the responsibilities for three key market
regions in the world, while at the same time setting clear reporting
relationships for the various brands of the group.
    In this matrix organization, James (Jim) Holden holds dual responsibility
for worldwide brand management and strategic marketing for the Chrysler,
Dodge, Plymouth and Jeep(R) brands and simultaneously for the North America
Region.  Dieter Zetsche is responsible for both the worldwide brand management
and strategic marketing of Mercedes-Benz and smart cars and sales in the
regions of Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia/Pacific.  Kurt Lauk will be
responsible for the global brand management of the Commercial Vehicle brands
Mercedes-Benz, Freightliner, Sterling and Setra (buses) as well as sales of
Freightliner and Sterling products.  Theodor (Ted) Cunningham will hold the
responsibility for Regional Sales and Marketing for the Latin American
Markets, with additional responsibilities for the worldwide integration of
common systems and processes.
    "With this new organization, we will be able to identify both synergies
and growth opportunities quickly and at the same time protect the integrity of
the brands," said the two Chairmen Juergen E. Schrempp and Robert J. Eaton.
"With these regional responsibilities, Dieter, Jim and Ted will identify new
growth opportunities and operational synergies and implement them swiftly."
    In general, the primary point of responsibility within a country or region
will be the DaimlerChrysler Country Chief Executive Officer.  In this central
function, the entities of both organizations will be consolidated, enabling
DaimlerChrysler to rationalize support functions such as Finance and
Controlling and Parts Management Logistics and Administration.  In the U.S.,
the CEO of Mercedes-Benz of North America, Mike Jackson, will directly report
to Jim Holden on regional matters.
    In each country or region, the individual brands will be managed by
specific brand managers, keeping the brand identities separate, while
appealing to their separate market segments and demographics.
    "We have said that the most valuable assets we have are our brands, and we
will develop their individual position further," Schrempp and Eaton said.  "As
a multi-brand company, we can simultaneously deliver synergies and benefit
from each others' strengths."
    As a central function for this new Global Sales and Marketing
Organization, DaimlerChrysler will establish a Marketing Integration Council,
including Ted Cunningham, Jim Holden, Kurt Lauk and Dieter Zetsche.  This
Marketing Integration Council will be responsible for setting volume targets,
establishing central services and agreeing on profit targets.