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DaimlerChrysler AG and its Mercedes-Benz Plant in Alabama Donate $500,000 for Tornado Relief Efforts

18 December 2000

DaimlerChrysler AG and its Mercedes-Benz Plant in Alabama Donate $500,000 for Tornado Relief Efforts

            * Funds to Directly Benefit Tuscaloosa Tornado Victims
           * Mercedes-Benz Employees and Families Affected as Well

    TUSCALOOSA, Ala., Dec. 18 Mercedes-Benz U.S.
International, Inc., (MBUSI) with support from its Stuttgart, Germany-based
parent company, DaimlerChrysler AG, will donate $500,000 to the American Red
Cross to assist victims of the December 16th tornado that claimed at least
11 lives and destroyed countless homes in Tuscaloosa County and other parts of
Alabama.  The funds will be specifically earmarked for victims in the State of
Alabama.
    "The loss of life suffered by residents of Tuscaloosa County from this
tornado was devastating," said Bill Taylor, President and CEO of MBUSI.
"There are so many families and individuals in need, including some of our own
team members.  Of course, it will take time, but we hope that our contribution
will help these victims get back on their feet and experience some sense of
normalcy as soon as possible."
    MBUSI, the Tuscaloosa, Alabama-based manufacturing company responsible for
the production of the Mercedes-Benz M-Class sport utility vehicle, has nearly
1,900 team members who work at the Tuscaloosa County plant.  Of those team
members, approximately 30 are believed to have been directly impacted by the
tornado through damage to their homes, although the company is still surveying
team members to determine the full extent of the damage.  The manufacturing
plant itself was not damaged in the tornado.
    "The outpouring of support from this community has been tremendous," said
Taylor.  "Neighbors have come from all walks of life to reach out and offer
their support to those who are suffering.  The State of Alabama has been a
good friend to Mercedes-Benz and we want to do what we can to be a good
neighbor as well."
    MBUSI also has established a "team member" fund, where additional
donations from employees will be generated.  Food and supplies also are being
collected for tornado victims.
    MBUSI maintains an active community outreach program that includes the
provision of corporate grants for the support of local projects and
organizations that help improve the quality of life in the local community and
a team member matching gift fund.  The company contributes annually to
hundreds of organizations that provide services to the community.

    MBUSI is a subsidiary of DaimlerChrysler AG, the world's third largest
automotive transportation company with 1999 revenues of $151 billion.