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Toyota Veteran Donald W. Dees Appointed To Key DaimlerChrysler Corporation Quality Post

31 August 2000

Toyota Veteran Donald W. Dees Appointed To Key DaimlerChrysler Corporation Quality Post

    AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Aug. 31 DaimlerChrysler Corporation
announced today that Donald W. Dees is appointed Vice President - Quality,
reporting to Richard O. Schaum, Senior Vice President Platform Engineering &
Quality and General Manager - Power Train Operations.  Dees joins
DaimlerChrysler Corporation in Auburn Hills, Mich., from Toyota Motor Company,
where he most recently served as General Manager - Green Field Quality and
Manufacturing.
    "We are very excited to have Don join the DaimlerChrysler team," said
Schaum.  "With his extensive background in quality engineering, manufacturing
and plant management, he will be a strong asset as we continue to progress in
our quality initiatives."
    In this position, Dees is responsible for leading DaimlerChrysler
Corporation's quality improvement initiatives -- which have been recognized as
accelerating faster than any other manufacturer -- then aiding in their
execution through analysis, training and facilitation of problem prevention
efforts, as well as repair cost reduction efforts.  Additionally, Dees has
responsibility for DaimlerChrysler Corporation quality and customer
satisfaction surveys and warranty parts return and analysis activities.
    His career with Toyota included assignments in quality, manufacturing, and
plant management, with a particular emphasis on "green field" or start-up
operations.
    Prior to joining Toyota, Dees worked for General Motors Corporation, where
he served as Director - Paint and Quality Engineering, Passenger Cars; Works
Manager for GM's Vauxhall, England operation; and Lean Production Systems
Advisor for Adam Opel in Germany.