Successful Start for DaimlerChrysler
10 March 1999
Successful Start for DaimlerChrysler
* More than 4 million DaimlerChrysler vehicles sold in 1998
* Integration proceeding on schedule
* One world and two European premieres at the Geneva Auto Show
GENEVA and STUTTGART, Germany, March 9 -- DaimlerChrysler
sold more than four million cars and light trucks worldwide
between its six brands in 1998, its first year as a merged company. The total
figure breaks down to almost 3.1 million Chrysler, Jeep(R), Dodge and Plymouth
vehicles, more than 905,000 Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and more than 17,000
smarts. Total revenues from the passenger car business reached nearly 89
billion. ($98.8 billion, DM 173.9 billion). The four brands Chrysler,
Jeep(R), Dodge and Plymouth accounted for revenues of 56.3 billion, the
Mercedes-Benz and smart brands for 32.6 billion.
DaimlerChrysler Integration Proceeding on Schedule
DaimlerChrysler is already in top form just four months into the
successful merger. In the first year of merged operations, revenues, sales
and profits were substantially higher than corresponding previous figures for
the separate companies. Integration of the former Daimler-Benz AG and
Chrysler Corp. is proceeding completely on schedule and the company is
celebrating one world and two European premieres at the Geneva Auto Show,
which is now underway.
DaimlerChrysler's global 1998 revenue amounted to 131.8 billion ($154.6
billion, DM 257.7 billion), up 12 percent from 1997 (117.6 billion).
Preliminary figures on its first year of business show DaimlerChrysler's
operating profit at 8.6 billion ($10.1 billion, DM 16.8 billion DM), an
increase of 38 percent from the comparable 1997 figure of 6.2 billion. The
8.2 billion ($9.6 billion, DM 16 billion) pre-tax profit corresponds to an
increase of 32 percent. DaimlerChrysler's net income in 1998 was 5.2 billion
($6.5 billion, DM 10.9 billion), up 29 percent from the combined net incomes
of the two former companies (4.1 billion). Earnings per share (EPS) of 5.58
($6.54, DM 10.90) are 30 percent higher. The comparable figure for 1997 was
calculated without one-time effects, and of course does not include the one-
time expenditures associated with the merger in 1998.
World Premiere for the Mercedes-Benz CL
The Mercedes-Benz CL, the new coupe based on the new Mercedes-Benz S-
class, will celebrate its world premiere at the 69th Geneva Auto Show. The CL
500 and CL 600 versions will be available for delivery from Mercedes-Benz
dealers and distributors in late fall 1999.
Driving pleasure through innovation -- that's the message with which the
CL lays claim to being the best that German automobile production has to offer
in its class. A mixture of state-of-the-art technology and innovative design
highlight the exclusiveness of this new Mercedes coupe. The newly interpreted
four-headlighted front end, the stretched silhouette and the bow shaped roof
line strengthen the dynamic accents of this two-door vehicle.
In addition, the futuristic top-of-the-line technology aboard the
Mercedes-Benz CL also puts this vehicle in a class by itself. Particularly
striking is the Active Body Control system. Here high pressure hydraulics and
two powerful mini-computers quickly adapt the damping of the body to changing
driving situations. In this way Active Body Control (ABC) almost completely
compensates for body movements when accelerating, in curves and during
braking. The system enables the new CL to take curves with virtually none of
the usual leaning, making for a vehicle that combines unique driving dynamics
with the highest comfort.
European Premiere for the Chrysler Neon and the PT Cruiser
The new Chrysler Neon is the second representative of the new Chrysler car
generation after the Chrysler 300M. The completely redeveloped lower mid-
range model was developed in just 28 months at a cost of $700 million.
Although both the name and overall character of the Neon have remained
unchanged, the body architecture is completely different from the forerunner
model. Characterized by a modern American design, the new Chrysler Neon will
be launched on the German and other key European markets this summer.
With the Chrysler PT Cruiser, DaimlerChrysler is presenting something of a
compact "space wonder" in Geneva. Although more compact than a minivan, the
PT Cruiser boasts a spacious, versatile interior with the space of a much
larger sedan. All wrapped up in the latest American automobile design, the
new vehicle will start selling worldwide in 2000.
The Chrysler PT Cruiser is based on the innovative concept cars Pronto and
Pronto Cruizer, presented by Chrysler in recent years. As far as appearance
is concerned, the result is a design that evokes classic cues yet with a
thoroughly modern interpretation arouses emotions. For example, the side view
features a uniquely curved roof line and high belt line. These striking
features are amplified by strongly accentuated wheel housings and a slight
flaring of the side skirts. The body is inset from the wheels and fenders,
giving the Chrysler PT Cruiser good proportion and a confident stance.
Bringing up the rear is a large hatch made of half glass and half metal.
Equally eye-catching are the rear lights, which feature a ball-shaped
nostalgic design.