DaimlerChrysler - On the road to sustainability

DaimlerChrysler knows, that the manufacture and use of its products make demands on the ecosystem. At the same time these products make indispensable as well as progressive contributions to the freedom, growth and affluence of any society:

The research makes vehicles safer and more efficient;
The further development of environmentally-acceptable drive concepts shows us the way toward tommorow`s mobility;
The investments and our commitment to society create jobs and stability.

Our stated objective is to prepare sustainable rather than shortterm corporate and social initiatives.

DaimlerChrysler and the UN Global Compact

As a company operating on a global scale, DaimlerChrysler explicitly upholds the "UN Global Compact", which it has incorporated and made operational in guidelines of its own. Measurable success has also been achieved through introducing "Environmental Protection Guidelines" that are binding for all of the Group's employees and at all corporate locations. Adherence to the governance rules, too, is enforced and verified with the same degree of commitment. In 2003, we extended our existing structures by creating a body which would provide product-related environmental protection with a firm anchor in organizational terms. The newly established Global Product Environmental Council is responsible for ensuring a coordinated approach to product-related environmental issues.

How we strive for sustainable mobility?

The objective of DaimlerChrysler's five-stage roadmap for sustainable mobility is to tap the full potential for savings in modern engine systems, from exhaust gas cleaning to renewable fuels.

Stage 1	further optimisation of combustion engines
Stage 2	worldwide improvement of conventional fuels
Stage 3	development and utilisation of largely CO2-neutral bio fuels
Stage 4	further development of hybrid drive systems with electric and combustion engines
Stage 5	utilisation of fuel cell technology (zero emission vehicle)

Active around the word

DaimlerChrysler is the premiere name for premium vehicles, the market leader for off-road vehicles and minivans and the world's largest manufacturer of commercial vehicles.

In the years ahead, competition in the worldwide automotive industry will become even tougher. This is why DaimlerChrysler will continue to adapt to the new challenges in global competition. The process that began with the transatlantic merger of Daimler-Benz and Chrysler has been enhanced with partnerships and investments in related companies.

As one of the world's leading automobile companies, DaimlerChrysler with its 384.723 employees based more than 100 production facilities and over 13.000 sales offices maintains a presence in more than 200 countries. In 2004, despite weekening passenger car and commercial vehicle markets, DaimlerChrysler returned an operating profit of EUR 5.8 billion on revenues of EUR 142.1 billion, while unit sales tolated 4.7 million vehicles

Dedicated to Sustainable Development

Ecological protection and conservation are corporate guidelines at DaimlerChrysler. Accordingly, the company subscribes to the tenets of environmentally sustainable business - especially in developing countries and newly industrializing countries. Because it is not enough simply to create jobs and a short-term higher standard of living in a developing country. There must also be an infrastructure for business and industry that meets the criteria of environmental sustainability. Only then the quality of life can be improved lastingly.

Our commitment for sustainable development is also certified: On September 2005 it was officially announced that DaimlerChrysler has re-entered the Dow Jones Sustainability Index and the DJSI Stoxx (one of the most respected and important indices) as one of the top four of the automotive industry. The assessment is based on research carried out by Swiss Sustainable Asset Management (SAM) and follows a best-in-class approach.

Global Sustainability Network

We focus on social and ecological projects in which we can directly apply our competencies as an automaker. The framework for these activities is provided by the global sustainability network that we have created in order to promote renewable raw materials and alternate fuels, and foster sustainable development. For example, in our POEMA project in Brazil we make seat upholstery out of coconut fiber; in India we are developing a process that will generate biodiesel from seeds of the Jatropha plant; in the Philippines the Abaca project is producing natural fibers for use in three-door Mercedes-Benz A-Class models; and in Freiberg, Germany, we promote the production of synthetic fuels from biomass. In all of these projects, economic considerations, environmental protection, and the creation of local professional workplaces go hand in hand.

For further information:

For more information on DaimlerChrysler and the environment, including the company's 2005 Environmental Report and Sustainability Profile, visit the website at: www.daimlerchrysler.com
www.daimlerchrysler.com/go/umwelt

To order your own free copy of the Environmental Report 2005 and Sustainability Profile 2005, just send a telefax with your name and mailing address to +49 (0)711-17 9 44 33
or e-mail us at: guido.kley@daimlerchrysler.com