DaimlerChrysler Shows Broad Portfolio at Auto Shanghai 2007

* DaimlerChrysler displays almost 50 vehicles
* Dodge has arrived in China – Dodge Caliber, locally-produced Dodge Caravan minivan
* Chrysler shows Sebring, to be built at BBDC
* Jeep® Compass Rallye Asia Premier
* Mercedes Car Group celebrates 100 years of 4MATIC
* Mercedes shows S350; AMG and SUV lineup
* New Mercedes-Benz E-Class, produced at BBDC

Shanghai, Apr 20, 2007 -- DaimlerChrysler will show almost 50 vehicles this year at Auto Shanghai, including vehicles from Mercedes Car Group, Chrysler Group and Truck Group, in addition to its history as a safety pioneer, roadmap to sustainable mobility and new vehicle financing products in China.

The Chrysler Group is formally introducing Dodge in China, showing two new vehicles for local production – the new Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Caravan minivan – and, for the first time in Asia, unveiling the Jeep® Compass Rallye. Mercedes Car Group, celebrating 100 years of 4MATIC all-wheel drive this year, is unveiling the new S350, its AMG lineup, the “fantastic four” SUV lineup and the new E-Class vehicles produced at BeijingBenz-DaimlerChrysler (BBDC) joint venture in Beijing. The Truck Group is showing Mercedes-Benz Actros and Axor heavy duty trucks for various logistics and construction applications.

“From the two-seat Mercedes-Benz SLK convertible roadster and GL55 AMG off-road powerhouse, to the largest Mercedes-Benz Actros heavy duty truck; and from the locally produced Chrysler Sebring and all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee, to the 500 hp Dodge Viper - DaimlerChrysler’s display is emblematic of the breadth and depth of its strong brands, and its intention to sell and produce vehicles in China in almost every segment,” said Ulrich Walker, Chairman and CEO of DaimlerChrysler Northeast Asia. “All of our divisions and regional partners have a presence at Auto Shanghai, which is symbolic of our continued growth and expansion in this dynamic market.”


Chrysler Group

The Chrysler Group will show 24 vehicles at Auto Shanghai, representing all of its brands – Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge. The Chrysler Group is embarking on an unprecedented product offensive and has very ambitious plans to increase sales and production in the region.

The Chrysler Group is showing two new vehicles which will be produced in China this year – The new Chrysler Sebring mid-size sedan, which will be produced at the BBDC JV; and the Dodge Caravan minivan, which will be produced at Southeast motors, via a licensing agreement, in Fuzhou.

The new Chrysler Sebring Sedan combines eye-catching design with interior refinement, customer-focused technology and safety features, brisk performance and fuel efficiency. Together with the Chrysler 300C, PT Cruiser and Grand Voyager, the Chrysler Sebring continues to expand the Chrysler brand’s presence in China.

The Dodge brand has arrived in China! The Dodge Caravan, the best selling minivan in the world, is the first Dodge vehicle to be produced and sold in China. It joins the Dodge Caliber, which goes on sale in 2008 in China. Dodge is also showing its icon – the 500+ hp Dodge Viper Roadster, along with the Avenger, high performance Dodge Caliber SRT4 and special edition Dodge Caliber SEMA Concept.

Jeep® will unveil the Compass Rallye for the first time in Asia. Starting today, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Commander go on sale in China. The Jeep Compass will go on sale in the second half of the year, and the venerable Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited will come to China in 2008.

Mercedes Car Group

Mercedes Car Group will display 20 new models on the stand, including the new Mercedes-Benz S350, which has a new rear seat entertainment system customized for China. The Mercedes-Benz S350 joins the Mercedes-Benz S300 (developed exclusively for China), Mercedes-Benz S600 and Mercedes-Benz SL500 as part of the lineup of Mercedes-Benz’s flagship sedans. China has one of the highest sales of S-Class vehicles in the world. For the first quarter of 2007, Mercedes-Benz sold 3,000 Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedans, which accounted for almost half of the Mercedes-Benz vehicles sold in China.

Following the increasing demand for luxury in China, the ultra-luxurious Maybach 62S has a special VIP area in the MCG stand.

Mercedes-Benz celebrates 100 years of 4MATIC, all-wheel drive technology this year. In 1907 the Company created the world’s first all-wheel drive vehicle. As of 2007, Mercedes-Benz has implemented 4th generation 4MATIC all-wheel drive technology in forty-eight models across seven series including the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the SUV family, far more than any other luxury car maker in the world. Two weeks ago, Mercedes-Benz officially launched some of its fastest sedans in the world’s fastest growing market; the legendary AMG high-performance vehicles are now available China - S65 AMG, E63 AMG, G55 AMG and ML63 AMG. Renowned for their high-performance, specially tuned engines, and unique interior and exterior appointments, AMG vehicles represent the best attributes of Mercedes-Benz, taken to the next level.

“With the rapid growth of affluence in China and increasing desire for individuality and personal expressiveness, we are bringing the most dynamic Mercedes-Benz vehicles to the most dynamic market in the world,” added Walker. “Chinese consumers are increasingly differentiating themselves through high-end fashion, design, travel and lifestyle choices. Automobile enthusiasts have long considered their vehicles as extensions of themselves. AMG offers a new level of automotive aspiration and expression for the growing number of passionate car enthusiasts in China.”

Mercedes-Benz is also showing the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedans, built at the BBDC joint venture (E 200; E280 and E350). Production of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class continues ramping up at the plant from when it began last November. A history journey from Paris to Beijing over 28 days heralded the launch of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class in China last year.

Mercedes-Benz will demonstrate why it is the number one in luxury SUV’s in China with its “Fantastic Four” lineup: The full-size Mercedes-Benz R-Class SUV, the award-winning full-size Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, the high-performance mid-size Mercedes-Benz ML-Class, and the 28-year-old classic, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, a truly professional off-road warrior.

Mercedes-Benz will also show its transporters – the Mercedes-Benz Viano and Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo Viano Multi Purpose Vehicles. Mercedes-Benz transporters set new benchmarks for family or business transportation needs, providing best-in-class comfort, space and reliability.

Truck Group

DaimlerChrysler’s Truck Group will show four heavy-duty trucks in its outdoor display. Three versions of the Mercedes-Benz Actros will be shown, the Actros Tractor, Actros Wrecker and Actros Pump. These trucks, which are renowned for their reliability, safety, quality and technical innovations, show various adaptations which serve the fast-growing construction, logistics and concrete industries in China.

Mercedes-Benz will also show its Axor Heavy Duty Tractor, a more economical solution for construction and utility usage.

Mercedes-Benz Truck continues to expand sales in China due to its best in class reliability, quality and safety. Mercedes-Benz Trucks are the leaders in their segments in China (Imported vehicles from Western Europe), with 44% market share.

DaimlerChrysler Auto Finance is staring a new promotion at Auto Shanghai – finance a Mercedes-Benz E280 for 280 RMB per day.

DaimlerChrysler is expanding sales and production of passenger cars and commercial vehicles in Northeast Asia. DaimlerChrysler's joint venture BBDC has been ramping up production of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Chrysler 300C. DaimlerChrysler imports passenger cars and commercial vehicles to Northeast Asia under the Mercedes-Benz, Maybach, smart, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Freightliner and Fuso brands.


Source: DaimlerChrysler