Mercedes-Benz at the North American International Auto Show 2006 GL-Class and E 320 BLUETEC in the spotlight

Detroit 9. 1. 2006 (PROTEXT/ots) - Mercedes-Benz showcasedfour world premieres at the opening of the North AmericanInternational Auto Show 2006 in Detroit: The innovative E 320BLUETEC is equipped with the cleanest diesel engine in the worldand will be launched this fall in the US market. The Germanpremium brands first full-size SUV- the GL-Class - was alsopresented to the international media. Coming to the UnitedStates in spring 2006 the GL-Class will be introduced to othermarkets over the course of the year. Mercedes also revealed itsconcept of the worlds most fuel efficient and cleanest full-size Diesel-SUV named Vision GL 320 BLUETEC and the 612- hp S 65AMG which is the flagship model of the new S- Class.

My main priority for his year is to strengthen thecompetitiveness of DaimlerChrysler in general and Mercedes-Benzin particular, Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Head of the Mercedes CarGroup and CEO of DaimlerChrysler AG since January 1st,emphasized during his first official engagement in his newdouble role at DaimlerChrysler. With this aim, we´ll get all ofour business units on both sides of the Atlantic Oceancooperating even more intensive. And this will further improveour ability to build vehicles that offer everything customersall over the world are looking for.

An example for this is the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class whichextended the traditional leading role of this carline in theluxury segment right from its market debut. The new Mercedes-Benz S 65 AMG, having its world premiere in Detroit, embodiesexclusivity and dynamism in a new dimension. The compelling top-of-the-line model of the S-Class reaches peak torque of 1000 Nmmore than any other vehicle in this segment.

The new GL-Class: first class on and off-road

Mercedes-Benz enters the segment of luxury Full Size SUVswith the all-new GL-Class. Thanks to its unibody design the GL-Class offers seating for up to seven passengers, an exceptionallevel of comfort and outstanding passive safety. 4MATIC thepermanent all-wheel drive from Mercedes-Benz provides the GL-Class with superior handling in any condition.

The GL-Class modern engine line-up provides smooth ridecomfort and superior performance coupled with great fueleconomy. This is especially true for the 224-hp V6 engine in theGL 320 CDI which comes with a standard maintenance-free dieselparticulate filter. It offers an outstanding 26 mpg making itthe most economical Full Size SUV in the world.

At the time of its market introduction the GL-Class is alsoavailable with two modern V8 gas engines, including the 5.5-litre engine launched recently in the new S- Class, which alsohas an output of 285 kW/388 hp in the GL 500. The second andyoungest member of this V8 family has its world premiere in the250-kW/340-hp 4.6-litre engine in the GL 450. Both V8 complywith stringent US LEV II emission standards and EU4 limits.

BLUETEC: a new formula for powerful, efficient and cleandiesel technology

The E 320 BLUETEC which will be launched in fall 2006 in theUS is the first BLUETEC passenger car going into seriesproduction. Based on the powerful 320 CDI V6-engine theMercedes engineers have created the worlds cleanest dieselengine to date. The crucial factor for this is the latestinnovation in the E 320 BLUETEC, a highly efficient technologythat significantly reduces nitrogen oxide emissions.

BLUETEC technology for the worlds cleanest diesels

As a powerful, economical and clean drive system, BLUETECcan significantly help American drivers continue to enjoy large,powerful cars for many years to come whether you are looking atlarge sedans, vans, light trucks or SUVs, Dr. Zetscheexplained. BLUETEC diesel vehicles have the potential to meetthe worlds most stringent exhaust emissions standards, includingthose of all 50 US States.

As a result of rising fuel prices, more and more car buyersin America are considering the option of a modern dieselvehicle. Proof of this is the success of the current E 320 CDIsince its market launch in April 2004. At the same time,Mercedes-Benz in the USA has seen growing demand for a widerrange of the brands diesel offerings. Mercedes answers thisdemand by launching the M-Class and R-Class variants with a 320CDI engine in the fourth quarter of 2006. Other models are setto follow. The DaimlerChrysler plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama hasjust what it takes to respond quickly to the new marketsituation in the USA. The Mercedes plant produces the M-Class,R-Class and GL-Class for all markets around the world includingthe economical and clean diesel versions.

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Contact Eva Wiese, tel.: +49 711 17 92311eva.wiese@daimlerchrysler.com Wolfgang Zanker, tel.: +49 711 17-75847 wolfgang.zanker@daimlerchrysler.com

Internet site For further news about DaimlerChrysler, visit:www.media.daimlerchrysler.com Page 6

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