DaimlerChrysler

DaimlerChrysler AG (NYSE:DCX), with headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany and Auburn Hills, Michigan, is a prominent automobile and truck manufacturer, formed in 1998 by the buyout of the Chrysler Corporation (USA) by Daimler-Benz (Germany). The merger which was announced on May 7, actually took place on November 12. At that time it was presented with marketing portraying as a "merger of equals" - The company produces cars and trucks under Mercedes-Benz and Chrysler brands. Other car brands offered are: Smart and Maybach on the Daimler-Benz side, Dodge and Jeep on the Chrysler side. The company also owns 37% in the Japanese car company Mitsubishi but will not participate in a new capital increase and the car operations of Korean manufacturer Hyundai.

As of 2002, the merged company appeared to run two independent product lines, with few signs of corporate integration. In 2003 however, it was revealed by the Detroit News that the "merger of equals" was, in fact, a buyout. This news came forth as new products such as the Chrysler Crossfire (using extensive Mercedes parts) and the Dodge Sprinter/Freightliner Sprinter (a rebadged Mitsubishi Motors Corporation of Japan (currently being sold)

• 30.2% EADS, a parent company of Airbus (as of September 2002)
• 43% Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation of Japan.
• Freightliner, LLC

DaimlerChrysler sold its holdings in the following:

• 10.5% Hyundai Motor Company - Bought in 2000 and 2001 for US$572,000,000. Sold in August, 2004 for US$900,000,000

See also

• DaimlerChrysler Canada
• EPA_2004_fuel_economy_report (DaimlerChrysler)