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DaimlerChrysler (NYSE:DCX) today completed the closing for the transfer of a majority interest in the Chrysler Group and for the related financial services business in NAFTA to a subsidiary of Cerberus Capital Management, L.P., a private- equity company based in New York. A subsidiary of Cerberus takes over 80.1% in the Chrysler Holding LLC, while DaimlerChrysler retains a 19.9% interest, as announced in May 2007. The effects on the financial statements of DaimlerChrysler will be explained on August 29, 2007.

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The Board of Management of DaimlerChrysler AG (stock-exchange abbreviation DCX) has today decided, subject to the approval of the Supervisory Board and the relevant authorities, on the future concept for the Chrysler Group and the realignment of DaimlerChrysler AG. Completion of the transaction is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including the receipt of regulatory approvals and Cerberus financing arrangements.

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When it comes to prom night, parents’ greatest fear for their teens is safety in a motor vehicle – outranking concerns over sexual activity, alcohol consumption and drug use, according to a new Harris Interactive survey commissioned by DaimlerChrysler. Nearly two-thirds (63 percent) of parents indicated a driving related concern as their top worry for their teens on prom night, including drinking and driving (32 percent), car crashes (23 percent) and reckless driving (8 percent).

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Just how well onboard controls can be operated is being investigated by the DaimlerChrysler researchers at a very early stage of vehicle development. Using a special simulator to determine whether systems can be easily and intuitively operated, they can thus offer recommendations for interior design at an early stage, thereby reducing costs. For this purpose, the researchers from DaimlerChrysler have developed a human-machine simulator in which a test person is required to carry out a specific task: during a normal drive in a car without critical situations, he or she is called upon to operate a certain system. The demands this places on the test person’s attentiveness can then be evaluated on the basis of objective and subjective criteria.

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In a display of commitment to the development of hybrid powertrain architecture and advanced batteries, DaimlerChrysler is expanding its concept plug-in hybrid program to include the all-new 2007 Dodge Sprinter. Up to 20 Dodge Sprinter Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) will be placed in the United States between now and the first quarter of 2008 as part of a test-fleet program. Four of the vehicles, built on the previous- generation Dodge Sprinter, already are in operation with customers. DaimlerChrysler is the only auto manufacturer currently evaluating a variety of plug-in hybrid powertrain (diesel and gas) configurations in real-world, customer-operation service within the United States.

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DaimlerChrysler today published its preliminary Group and divisional results for the year 2006. DaimlerChrysler recorded an operating profit of $7,281 million in 2006, compared with $6,843 million in 2005. The development of the Group’s operating profit was primarily impacted by the significant decline in earnings at the Chrysler Group. This was more than offset by the substantial earnings improvement at the Mercedes Car Group and the repeated increase in earnings at the Truck Group and the Financial Services division. The contribution to earnings from the Van, Bus, Other segment was lower than in the prior year. The earnings trend was affected by special items in both years.

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DaimlerChrysler has introduced the first fuel cell–powered fire response vehicle. The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District will operate the Mercedes-Benz F-Cell as a supervisor’s vehicle in the Sacramento area. Outfitted with decals, lights, sirens and a healthy coat of bright red paint, the Fire Service Mercedes-Benz F-Cell is a look into the future use of fuel cell vehicles. The demanding operation of the vehicle will produce valuable data to help develop fuel cell technology. The new fire response F-Cell joins the first fuel cell powered police car, also built by DaimlerChrysler, which operates in Michigan with the Wayne State University Police Department. These two vehicles are the first hydrogen fuel cell powered emergency response vehicles in the world.

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In the spirit of the 100th Annual North American International Auto Show, DaimlerChrysler AG announced today the 2006 winners of its fourth-annual “Global Supplier Award.” Company officials recognized the award recipients Wednesday evening at the Detroit Fire Department’s historic 1929 Firehouse, just steps away from the auto show. Approximately 500 attendees, including top executives from the auto industry’s global supply base were on hand for the celebration.

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The DaimlerChrysler researchers are developing special calculation methods to optimize painting processes. Even prior to production start-up, they can thus determine how a vehicle body can be painted as efficiently as possible or how an existing painting process can be improved. This early planning helps cut costs and enhances planning reliability. No commercial program package is yet available on the market that can make predictions about painting processes. The DaimlerChrysler researchers are therefore using models to emulate the various systems and their dynamic processes. The findings from these simulations can be transferred to reality.

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The Hollywood star, Samuel L. Jackson, will soon be stepping out in style in his new Maybach 57 S. Jackson, and his wife, La Tanya, visited the Maybach Centre of Excellence in Stuttgart and took the opportunity to order the dynamic limousine with a number of personalised options, including special Mercedes-Benz Designo paint, refrigerator, silver tumblers, champagne glasses and folding tables.

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