Mercedes 2008 Annual Report Download - page 91

Management Report |Outlook|87
alternative drive systems. At the Daimler Trucks division, R&D
spending will continue at a high level, one focus being on the
development and adaptation of new-generation engines that
fulfill future emission regulations. New products will also
be launched, such as a new truck platform for worldwide applica-
tion and a light-duty truck. The further development of engines
to comply with future emission standards is another important area
of R&D work at Mercedes-Benz Vans and Daimler Buses. New
products and alternative drive systems also play an important role,
especially at Daimler Buses.
In addition to the aforementioned projects, Daimler has set aside
substantial amounts in its research budget for new technologies
with which we intend to achieve a sustained improvement in the
safety, environmental compatibility and economy of road traffic.
A key focus in this respect is to continue reducing the CO2emis-
sions of our entire range of passenger cars and commercial
vehicles.
Workforce
In the year 2009, Daimler intends to utilize the available instru-
ments of more flexible working time and short-time work. In this
way, we aim to adjust the levels of employment to significantly
lower production volumes.
However, on the basis of reduced production volumes for the year
2009 and the anticipated productivity advances, we assume that
the number of employees in the total workforce will fall compared
with the number at the end of 2008.
Forward-looking statements in this Annual Report
This document contains forward-looking statements that reflect our current
views about future events. The words “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “esti-
mate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “project,” “should” and similar expres-
sions are used to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are sub-
ject to many risks and uncertainties, including a lack of improvement or a further
deterioration of global economic conditions; a continuation or worsening of the
turmoil in the credit and financial markets, which could result in ongoing high
borrowing costs or limit our funding flexibility; changes in currency exchange
rates and interest rates; the introduction of competing, fuel efficient products
and the possible lack of acceptance of our products or services which may limit
our ability to adequately utilize our production capacities or raise prices; price
increases in fuel, raw materials, and precious metals; disruption of production
due to shortages of materials, labor strikes, or supplier insolvencies; a further
decline in resale prices of used vehicles; the effective implementation of cost
reduction and efficiency optimization programs at all of our segments, including
the repositioning of our truck activities in the NAFTA region; the business out-
look of Chrysler, in which we hold an equity interest and some of whose obliga-
tions we have guaranteed; the business outlook of companies in which we hold
an equity interest, most notably EADS; changes in laws, regulations and govern-
ment policies, particularly those relating to vehicle emissions, fuel economy and
safety, the resolution of pending governmental investigations and the outcome of
pending or threatened future legal proceedings; and other risks and uncertain-
ties, some of which we describe under the heading “Risk Report” in this Annual
Report and under the headings “Risk Factors” and “Legal Proceedings” in the
Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commis-
sion. If any of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or if the assumptions
underlying any of our forward-looking statements prove incorrect, then our
actual results may be materially different from those we express or imply by such
statements. We do not intend or assume any obligation to update these
forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as
of the date on which it is made.
Amounts in billions of €
Research and development expenditure
10.1
6.4
2.6
1.1
4.4
3.0
1.1
0.4
2009-20102008
Daimler Group
Mercedes-Benz Cars
Daimler Trucks
Vans, Buses, Other