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DaimlerChrysler to Establish Latin America Regional Headquarters in Miami

23 August 1999

DaimlerChrysler to Establish Latin America Regional Headquarters in Miami

    AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Aug. 23 -- DaimlerChrysler
today announced plans to establish the headquarters for its Latin America
automotive operations in Miami, Florida.  The office will house regional
sales, marketing, finance and administrative support staff from Mercedes-Benz
and Chrysler, Jeep(R) and Dodge brands and be in the same building with
Mercedes-Benz Latina and debis Financial Services Latin America.
    "Bringing together the regional management for Mercedes-Benz and Chrysler
brands in one location is an important step in the DaimlerChrysler integration
process," said Theodor R. Cunningham, Executive Vice President - Latin America
Sales and Marketing.  "This will allow us to quickly implement synergies,
reduce operating costs and maximize our sales, marketing and customer service
support throughout Latin America."
    "Miami-Dade County is pleased to welcome the Latin American headquarters
of DaimlerChrysler into our community," said Executive Mayor Alex Penelas.
"This move is a strong indication of Miami-Dade County's position as the
business center of the Americas."
    DaimlerChrysler's Miami office will be headed by Myke Jacobs, Vice
President for the Latin America Region. The office will provide sales,
marketing, parts and service, human resources, communications, financial,
legal and administrative support for Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge
brands in the Caribbean, Central and South America.
    "In addition to Miami's proximity and easy access to major Latin American
markets, it offers excellent import and export facilities, numerous regional
banking institutions and the availability of many multi-lingual services,"
said Jacobs.
    Approximately 30 employees from DaimlerChrysler's Auburn Hills facility,
plus additional staff from other areas of the company, will be relocated to
Miami.  They will join about 30 Mercedes-Benz Latina and 10 debis Financial
Services employees already based there.  The new office, located in downtown
Miami, will be fully operational by January 2000.
    DaimlerChrysler has a total of seven automotive and truck manufacturing
facilities throughout Latin America (excluding Mexico, which is part of the
company's North American operations).  In 1998 sales in South America, the
Caribbean and Central America totaled 8,000 Mercedes-Benz passenger cars,
58,000 Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles and 49,500 Chrysler cars, Jeep sport
utility vehicles and Dodge trucks.  The region generated approximately US$3.4
billion in revenues for DaimlerChrysler.
    DaimlerChrysler's decision to move to Miami was made with assistance from
The Beacon Council, Miami-Dade County's official economic development
partnership.  "DaimlerChrysler's decision to put its Latin American
headquarters here underscores Miami-Dade County's viability as a premier
destination for global business," said Frank R. Nero, President and CEO of The
Beacon Council.