Mercedes-Benz at the North American International Auto Show 2006:
GL-Class and E 320 BLUETEC in the Spotlight

DETROIT, Michigan, January 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Today,
Mercedes-Benz showcased four world premieres at the opening of the
North American International Auto Show 2006 in Detroit: The innovative
E 320 BLUETEC is equipped with the cleanest diesel engine in the world
and will be launched this fall in the US market. The German premium
brand's first full-size SUV- the GL-Class - was also presented to the
international media. Coming to the United States in spring 2006 the
GL-Class will be introduced to other markets over the course of the
year. Mercedes also revealed its concept of the world's most fuel
efficient and cleanest full-size SUV, the Vision GL 320 BLUETEC and
the 604-hp S 65 AMG which is the flagship model of the new S-Class.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060108/197833 )

"My main priority for his year is to strengthen the competitiveness of
DaimlerChrysler in general and Mercedes-Benz in particular," Dr.
Dieter Zetsche, Head of the Mercedes Car Group and CEO of
DaimlerChrysler AG since January 1st, emphasized during his first
official engagement in his new double role at DaimlerChrysler. "With
this aim, we'll get all of our business units on both sides of the
Atlantic Ocean cooperating even more intensive. And this will further
improve our ability to build vehicles that offer everything customers
all over the world are looking for."

An example for this is the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class which extended
the traditional leading role of this carline in the luxury segment
right from its market debut. The new Mercedes-Benz S 65 AMG, having
its world premiere in Detroit, embodies exclusivity and dynamism in a
new dimension. The compelling top-of-the-line model of the S-Class
reaches peak torque of 738 lb-ft- more than any other vehicle in this
segment.

The new GL-Class: first class on and off-road

Mercedes-Benz enters the segment of luxury Full Size SUVs with the
all-new GL-Class. Thanks to its unibody design the GL-Class offers
seating for up to seven passengers, an exceptional level of comfort
and outstanding passive safety. 4MATIC - the permanent all-wheel drive
from Mercedes-Benz - provides the GL-Class with superior handling in
any condition.

The GL-Class' modern engine line-up provides smooth ride comfort and
superior performance coupled with great fuel economy. This is
especially true for the 221-hp V6 engine in the GL 320 CDI which comes
with a standard maintenance-free diesel particulate filter schedules
to make its debut in late 2006, the GL 320 CDI offers outstanding fuel
economy (estimates 26 mpg) making it the most economical Full Size SUV
in the world.

Set to launch in the U.S. market this summer, the GL 450 will be
powered by 4.6-liter V8 engine delivering 335 horsepower. The engine
complies with stringent US LEV II emission standards.

BLUETEC: a new formula for powerful, efficient and clean diesel technology

The E 320 BLUETEC which will be launched in fall 2006 in the US is the
first BLUETEC passenger car going into series production. Based on the
powerful 320 CDI V6-engine the Mercedes engineers have created the
world's cleanest diesel engine to date. The crucial factor for this is
the latest innovation in the E 320 BLUETEC, a highly efficient
technology that significantly reduces nitrogen oxide emissions.

BLUETEC technology for the world's cleanest diesels

"As a powerful, economical and clean drive system, BLUETEC can
significantly help American drivers continue to enjoy large, powerful
cars for many years to come - whether you are looking at large sedans,
vans, light trucks or SUVs", Dr. Zetsche explained. "BLUETEC diesel
vehicles have the potential to meet the world's most stringent exhaust
emissions standards, including those of all 50 US States."

As a result of rising fuel prices, more and more car buyers in America
are considering the option of a modern diesel vehicle. Proof of this
is the success of the current E 320 CDI, which was launched in the
United States in April 2004.

At the same time, Mercedes-Benz in the USA has seen growing demand for
a wider range of the brand's diesel offerings. Mercedes answers this
demand by launching the M-Class and R-Class variants with a 320 CDI
engine in the fourth quarter of 2006. Other models are set to follow.
The DaimlerChrysler plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama has just what it
takes to respond quickly to the new market situation in the USA. The
Mercedes plant produces the M-Class, R-Class and GL-Class for all
markets around the world - including the economical and clean diesel
versions.

Picture is distributed via EPA (European Pressphoto Agency) and is
available at:

http://www.presseportal.de/story.htx?firmaid=8233&keygroup=bild

Contact:

Robert Moran, tel.: +1-201-573-2245

Robert.Moran@mbusa.com

Internet site

For further news about DaimlerChrysler (NYSE: DCX), visit:
www.media.daimlerchrysler.com SOURCE Daimler Chrysler AG