Mercedes 1998 Annual Report Download - page 11

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BEING TRULY GLOBAL. We want to meet and exceed the expectations of our customers wherever
they are – with products designed especially for them.
To do this we have to be a truly global company. Integrate our worldwide design, engineering
and production networks. Access global capital markets. Exploit global technologies. And
harness global communications. At the same time, we have to be local and put down roots in key
markets around the world. In each case, we will bring to bear a combination of skills,
experience, technologies and financial and management resources with a unique local focus.
Already we count as “domestic” half the world market for our products. We are at home in more
than 200 countries. From our strong position in North America and Europe, we plan over time to
expand in Asia, in Latin America and in other developing markets.
One of the prerequisites is to add to our core of skilled global managers and experts from all
around the world, who are equally at ease doing business wherever we operate. And we want
all our people wherever they are to be as global in their outlook as their company. In building
such a global culture, we will increasingly use our Corporate University.
Wherever we operate we will be socially and environmentally responsible and we will contribute
in meaningful ways to the communities we serve. In many cases, we will invest, stimulate local
industries, and create jobs.
This will not detract from our bottom line commitment. Only as a profitable company can we
make a real difference. And, over time, only a responsible approach to our global environment
will ensure long-term profitability.
BUILDING DAIMLERCHRYSLER. Your company has made a great start. We are coming
together as one. The next few years may not be easy, and there may be pitfalls on the way.
But DaimlerChrysler has tremendous opportunities and a clear vision that will set us apart.
And most of all, we have passionate and inspired people with the spirit and the dedication to
make DaimlerChrysler truly extraordinary.
November 17, 1998, saw the birth of DaimlerChrysler – a child with extraordinary genes and
extraordinary potential. It has been said that there are only two things we can give our children:
one is roots, the other is wings. DaimlerChrysler has roots that are the envy of our industry.
Our people are giving it wings.
7
CHAIRMEN’S LETTER