DaimlerChrysler AG Honors Top Suppliers of 2004

- Second annual ceremony honors top suppliers in nine categories for benchmark performance in quality, system cost, technology and delivery - Award winners are from five countries on three continents - Event coincides with 2005 North American International Auto show

DETROIT, Jan. 13 -- Nine suppliers to DaimlerChrysler AG were recognized yesterday for their outstanding performance in 2004 at the company's second annual Global Supplier Awards program. As in 2004, the event was held in Detroit in conjunction with the 2005 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

"DaimlerChrysler is committed to cooperating with our suppliers so that they can develop into the benchmark in each of their competitive arenas," said Thomas W. Sidlik, member of the DaimlerChrysler AG Board of Management responsible for Global Procurement and Supply. "The support of our suppliers is essential to the company's goal to deliver value to DaimlerChrysler customers all over the world, and many suppliers are exceeding expectations every day. That's why we want to recognize them."

Suppliers with a business volume of over $1.35 million (e1 million) with the Chrysler Group as well as the Commercial Vehicles Division or Mercedes- Benz Car Group are eligible. The award winning suppliers are from five different countries on three continents. They are: Anchor Tool and Die, USA, (Raw Materials/Body-In-White); BEHR, Germany, (Interior); Brose, Germany, (Exterior); EMC, USA, (General Goods and Services); Exel, Great Britain, (Logistics); Federal-Mogul, USA, (Powertrain); GROB-WERKE, Germany, (Manufacturing Goods and Services); NGK, Japan, (Electrical/Electronics); and Trelleborg, Sweden (Chassis).

The winners in each of the nine categories are chosen based on their performance measures.

"DaimlerChrysler bases its sourcing decisions on specific measures: quality, system cost, technology, and supply," said Sidlik. "No matter whom the supplier, what the supplier makes or where they make it, each has to meet the same parameters: quality parts, with appropriate technology, delivered on time, at a fair price."

A commemorative trophy for the nine winners was created by Chris Nelson, a graduating student from College for Creative Studies - Arts & Crafts Department who earned a scholarship from DaimlerChrysler for designing the chosen award.

Awards were presented by members of DaimlerChrysler's Global Procurement and Supply organization:

  - Thomas W. Sidlik, Member of the Board of Management and Executive Vice
    President - Global Procurement and Supply
  - Peter Rosenfeld, Executive Vice President - Chrysler Group Procurement
    and Supply
  - Harald Boelstler, Vice President - Mercedes-Benz Passenger Car
    Procurement
  - Stefan Buchner, Vice President - Commercial Vehicles Procurement
  - Scott Garberding, Vice President - Chrysler Group Supplier Quality
  - David Hodgson, Vice President - Chrysler Group Worldwide Supply
  - Heinrich Reidelbach, Vice President - International Procurement Services
  - Bob Schott, Vice President - Chrysler Group Worldwide Procurement