DaimlerChrysler Corporation Drives into 2000 Political Conventions With Exciting New Vehicles and 'Investment in America' Story
17 July 2000
DaimlerChrysler Corporation Drives into 2000 Political Conventions With Exciting New Vehicles and 'Investment in America' Story
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. - Just as the presidential conventions have been central
to the American political process for more than a century, the automobile has
also played a key role in the history, growth and mobility of the U.S. --
politically, socially and economically.
Adding an "unconventional" twist to the convention scene this year,
DaimlerChrysler Corporation will highlight the company's impact on the
American landscape in two impactful exhibits at the Republican and Democratic
conventions this summer. This marks the second consecutive time the automaker
has had a major presence at the presidential conventions.
"DaimlerChrysler comes to the conventions because we are strong advocates
of the American political process. The conventions represent a unique
opportunity to showcase our products and tell our story directly to the
opinion leaders of this country," said James P. Holden, President and Chief
Executive Officer of DaimlerChrysler Corporation, the North American arm of
DaimlerChrysler AG. "For more than 75 years, our company has played a
significant role in the vitality of the American economy. DaimlerChrysler
continues to invest in the revitalization of American cities, including urban
centers, and positively impacts the quality of life in thousands of
communities across the U.S."
"The delegates, opinion leaders and policy makers who attend the
conventions are leaders in their respective communities," added Robert G.
Liberatore, DaimlerChrysler Senior Vice President of External Affairs and
Public Policy. "And many are actually part of the extended DaimlerChrysler
family. We salute them and want to continue partnering with them to benefit
our nation's economic growth and urban revitalization."
DaimlerChrysler has more than 224,000 employees and retirees throughout
the U.S. and 15 manufacturing facilities that produce Chrysler, Jeep(R) and
Dodge brand products. The company's U.S. vehicle sales account for almost one
percent of the nation's economy -- $79 billion of the $9.2 trillion Gross
Domestic Product (GDP).
"In recent years, DaimlerChrysler has invested more than $10 billion in
the urban centers of America's cities through cleaning up and redeveloping
historic plant sites, which we call turning 'brownfields into greenfields',"
said W. Frank Fountain, DaimlerChrysler Senior Vice President of Government
Affairs and President of the DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund. "Additionally,
we support educational and community outreach programs nationwide through the
DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund, which has given charitable organizations
more than $300 million since it was established in 1953."
At its Republican and Democratic convention exhibits, DaimlerChrysler will
host individual functions for delegates and political leaders. The exhibits
will provide a unique opportunity for convention goers and the general public
to see DaimlerChrysler's people, products and places that play an integral
part in shaping the American economy.
At the Republican National Convention in Philadelphia (July 29-August 3),
exhibit visitors will get a firsthand look at the 2000 Chrysler PT Cruiser,
the most talked-about new vehicle on the road today. Additionally, the
exhibit will feature an assortment of current models including Mercedes-Benz
products and the next generation of the company's minivans and Chrysler
Sebring. The company's commercial truck subsidiary, Freightliner, will also
have a display.
Continuing its history of introducing industry-leading vehicle designs and
technological innovations, many of the company's most innovative concept
vehicles will also be on display.
As an added bonus, visitors to the exhibit will have an opportunity to win
a Chrysler PT Cruiser, simply by correctly answering questions on a "PT
Cruiser Sweepstakes" entry form. The questions pertain to information
provided in the DaimlerChrysler exhibit area. A winner will be selected in a
random drawing at a "Too Cool Party," Thursday, August 3 from 4-5:30 p.m. The
winner does not have to be present to win.
The convention exhibit will be open to the public from 10 a.m.- Noon
Monday through Thursday.
At the Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles (August 11-17),
DaimlerChrysler and the United Auto Workers-DaimlerChrysler National Training
Center (UAW-NTC) will partner on a dramatic exhibit celebrating the "Proud
Past, Promising Future" of the DaimlerChrysler and UAW partnership of
investing in American workers, products and communities. The
DaimlerChrysler/UAW exhibit will be at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los
Angeles.
DaimlerChrysler and the UAW will jointly host community groups, delegates
and public officials at the museum.
Exhibit visitors can win a 2000 Jeep Wrangler in a contest similar to the
one held at the Republican National Convention. A lucky winner will be
selected in a random drawing Wednesday, August 16 when DaimlerChrysler hosts
the Ohio delegation. Jeep vehicles are manufactured in Toledo, Ohio.
"Both conventions provide an excellent opportunity to tell our story and
showcase our products," said Holden. "It is not often that you can be in one
place and reach the huge number of opinion leaders, policy makers,
international media and the public all at the same time."
DaimlerChrysler Corporation is part of DaimlerChrysler AG , a
global corporation that is one of the world's leading automotive,
transportation and services companies. Its passenger car brands include
Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler, Jeep(R), Dodge and smart. Commercial vehicles are
produced under the Mercedes-Benz, Freightliner, Sterling, Thomas Built and
Setra brands. The group also manufactures aircraft and equipment at
DaimlerChrysler Aerospace (Dasa) and offers financial and other services
through DaimlerChrysler Services (debis).
DaimlerChrysler has a global workforce, a global shareholder base, global
brand awareness and a global outlook. DaimlerChrysler is the first
automotive, transportation and services company with a truly global structure.
With 466,900 employees, DaimlerChrysler achieved 1999 revenues of Euro 150.0
billion ($151.0 billion).