Today, Daimler AG launched Europe’s largest fleet test of hybrid trucks by presenting ten Fuso Canter Eco Hybrids to eight customers in London. The goals of the three-year test are to gain new insights into the use of 7.5-ton hybrid trucks by customers and to demonstrate the diesel-electric hybrid drive's high level of efficiency. The Fuso Canter Eco Hybrid could consume up to 15 percent less fuel than conventional diesel vehicles, and the hybrid truck’s CO2 emissions are therefore decreased correspondingly as well.

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With this study of an open-top landaulet, Maybach has re-enlivened the great art of building majestic automobiles. True to the tradition of exclusive landaulets, the roof of this sparkling white one-off study can be opened fully at the rear, while the chauffeur’s compartment remains completely enclosed. The passengers are then able to enjoy the clear, blue sky above. Seated in opulent armchairs upholstered in white leather, they are treated to a majestic open-air experience currently unrivalled by any other automobile in an environment of the utmost luxury and exquisite style. Romance close to the heart of nature is harmoniously combined with the ultimate in comfort and technological sophistication. With this unique study, Maybach is once again demonstrating its expertise in building the world’s most exclusive luxury cars.

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During the first half of the 19th century two men were born in Germany whose respective life’s work opened a new chapter in the book of transport history. Gottlieb Daimler and Carl Benz paved the way for personal mobility by inventing the automobile. For the first automobiles of 1886, everything that goes into the new motorized vehicle had to be designed and much had to be invented from scratch.

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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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DaimlerChrysler will unveil the first prototype of the diesel-electric hybrid Mercedes-Benz Citaro to the general public in the course of this year, the company announced at the occasion of the UITP world congress for public transportation in Helsinki. This prototype embodies highly sophisticated diesel-electric series hybrid technology which will allow emission-free operation in battery-only mode. The system will be installed in a Citaro G articulated bus. This configuration is currently worldwide unique. Following the unveiling of the prototype in the second half of 2007, pilot operation will begin early next year. The series production is scheduled for 2009.

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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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