Mercedes 2013 Annual Report Download - page 15

11
A | To Our Shareholders | Chairman’s Letter
But 2014 is first and foremost the year of the new C-Class. It’s a prime example of many of the new strengths
of the star – from top-class quality to groundbreaking assistance systems. The C-Class is also a crucial
car for our further growth in China. The repositioning of Mercedes-Benz in that market is bearing the first fruit.
Also in the truck business, we are ensuring that our sales momentum will stay strong in the coming years.
We have completed the family of Mercedes-Benz trucks with the new heavy-duty semitrailer tractors
from Actros and Arocs. In India, we will present new BharatBenz models. And in the US market, a new Western
Star truck will have its world premiere.
Daimler Financial Services supports our growth with appropriate financing and leasing offers. And we are
also expanding our range of mobility services. By the end of this year, we aim to have one million enthusiastic
users of car2go. With the project car2go black, Mercedes-Benz vehicles are part of our car-sharing program
for the first time.
Our goal across all our divisions is clear: We want to continue growing – and that means growing profitably.
In parallel with our product offensives, we are therefore pushing ahead with our efficiency programs
in all divisions. After the successful implementation of short-term improvements, the long-term measures are
now gaining prominence – from the expansion of our module and architecture strategy to the restructuring
of our organization within the framework of Customer Dedication. The main purpose of that program is clear:
getting even closer to our customers and their needs.
But just as important as the right structure is the right spirit. Sustainable corporate success can only
exist on the basis of ethical actions. This is why we devote 100 percent commitment and determination
to sustaining our high standards for integrity and compliance. They are and will remain the foundation
of everything we do.
All in all, it’s clear: The components of our corporate strategy are gradually coming together into one.
Our product offensives are firing, our efficiency actions are taking effect, and our investments are bearing fruit.
On this basis, we will continue working with all our efforts so that in the long term,
Daimler remains what it already was last year: a worthwhile investment for you – our shareholders.
Sincerely yours,
Dieter Zetsche