Mercedes 2004 Annual Report Download - page 4

Highlights*
* This overview shows a selection of events which were particularly significant for
DaimlerChrysler in the 2004 financial year. It is not intended to be a complete list.
August 2004
DaimlerChrysler sells 10.5% stake in Hyundai Motor
Company (HMC). The disposal of the Group’s 10.5%
shareholding is part of the refocus of the strategic alliance
between DaimlerChrysler and Hyundai Motor. Shared projects
such as the development and production of a family of four-
cylinder gasoline engines (World Engine Project) by
DaimlerChrysler, HMC and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC)
will be continued (see page 20).
September 2004
World premiere of new Atego and Axor models at the
Commercial Vehicles Show in Hanover. Mercedes-Benz
presents numerous new developments such as the completely
revised truck series Atego and Axor, the new BlueTec diesel
technology, hybrid drive for the Sprinter, and the new Setra bus
S415 GT (see pages 63, 75, 77).
Chrysler Group continues product offensive with the
introduction of the new models Jeep®Grand Cherokee and
Dodge Dakota (see page 57).
November 2004
Contracts signed in China on November 26 for local
production of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and vans. A
key milestone is thus achieved for the establishment of joint
ventures to produce passenger cars and vans in China (see page 19).
DaimlerChrysler Services obtains a provisional permit to
provide financial services in China (see page 19).
December 2004
DaimlerChrysler and General Motors announce cooperation
on development of hybrid drive. Joint development of
a comprehensive two-mode hybrid drive system for use in models
from the Mercedes Car Group, the Chrysler Group and General
Motors has been initiated (see page 75).
Toll Collect receives special preliminary operating permit.
Previously, important tests of the satellite-based toll-collection
system had been successfully carried out. The electronic toll
system for trucks above 12 tons started in Germany with no
problems on January 1, 2005 (see page 69).
January 2004
The Chrysler Group’s product offensive is launched at the
North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
The Chrysler Group presents the new Chrysler 300/300C, the
Dodge Magnum and additional new models and gives a preview
of the product offensive planned for the year 2004 (see page 57).
March 2004
World premiere of new Mercedes-Benz SLK at the Geneva
Motor Show. Significantly more emphasis on sporty features
than with the previous model. The SLK is the trendsetter and
technology leader among the sports cars in its category
(see page 52).
DaimlerChrysler increases its shareholding in Mitsubishi
Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) from 43% to 65%.
MFTBC is a leading manufacturer of commercial vehicles in Japan
and has a strong position in Southeast Asia (see page 20).
April 2004
End of financial support for Mitsubishi Motors. On April 22,
DaimlerChrysler’s Board of Management and Supervisory Board
decide not to participate in the capital increase planned by
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) and to cease providing
further financial support for MMC. Contractually agreed projects
will be continued (see page 20).
June 2004
World premiere of new A-Class. The second generation of
Mercedes’ bestseller sets standards in terms of design, safety,
reliability and variability (see page 52).
July 2004
Agreement reached on “Securing the Future 2012” in
Germany. Management and employee representatives reach an
agreement on July 23 enabling the Group to realize annual
savings of €500 million in the medium-term and making an
important contribution to securing jobs in Germany
(see page 72).