Mercedes 2002 Annual Report Download - page 20

14 |Outlook
Strategic refocus by Chrysler Group
Having returned to profitability, Chrysler Group will focus
on differentiating its products from the competition in
both design and quality, and on defining new segments
with a series of innovative products. At the same time,
increased collaboration within the DaimlerChrysler
Group and with our partner Mitsubishi Motors should
strengthen Chrysler Group’s cost position and margins
and enhance its innovative flair. Examples of the new
long-term product strategy include the versatile Chrysler
Pacifica sports tourer, the Chrysler Crossfire sports car
and the new Dodge Durango light truck, all of which will
be launched in 2003. They will be followed in 2004 by
the first models of a new generation of rear-wheel drive
vehicles under the Chrysler and Dodge brands.
Overall, Chrysler Group plans to extend its market
position in a highly competitive environment to signifi-
cantly boost its profitability in the coming years.
Commercial Vehicles division to improve efficiency
and utilize economies of scale
As a result of profit-improving measures currently being
applied in nearly all areas of the Commercial Vehicles
division, we anticipate an increase in earnings in
the coming years, despite weak markets. Closer coor-
dination of our worldwide activities as well as close
cooperation with our Asian partners should also lower
costs. The division will continue its product offensive by
launching various new vehicles in 2003. For example,
we plan to present a successor to the Mercedes-Benz
Vito van, and in South America the Accelo light truck
will be launched. We see additional opportunities in the
van segment: after the Sprinter we will also launch
the successor to the Vito in North America. Moreover,
together with our partners we will benefit from the
further growth of Asian markets.
Expansion of automotive services
The Services division will expand its core business
of automotive services. Global partnership agreements
reached with the Group’s automotive brands should
contribute significantly to further cost reductions and
process optimization in our key markets. Among
other things, the marketing of ex-lease vehicles will
be improved and new services will be developed in
collaboration with the automotive brands.
The DaimlerChrysler Bank will introduce new invest-
ment products and extend its “RoadMiles” bonus
scheme, which offers customers bonus points that can
be redeemed for attractive merchandise items. With
the expansion of mobility management services, the
focus will be on providing telematics services and parti-
cipating in toll-collection systems outside Germany.
Mitsubishi Motors: sustained growth with new
products
Mitsubishi Motors (MMC) will continue to implement
its successful restructuring program and introduce
innovative products to secure long-term profitability and
growth. With a new, distinctive design, the Mitsubishi
brand is also to be repositioned worldwide. There will be
closer cooperation with Daimler-Chrysler in product
development, procurement and distribution. Together
with Chrysler Group, for example, MMC is developing
common platforms for mid-sized cars and, from 2004, a
new four-seater smart will be built on a platform devel-
oped jointly with MMC. In March 2003, DaimlerChrysler
intends to acquire for around 1760 million a 43%
ownership interest in Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus
Corporation (MFTBC), which was spun off from MMC at
the beginning of 2003 and will cooperate closely with
the Group’s Commercial Vehicles division.