May 2008
Mercedes-Benz brand deliveries in April up 16 percent to 105,400 units --- Sales of new C-Class sedan and station-wagon models reach record level --- With 13,600 vehicles delivered, smart fortwo April sales doubled.
April 2008
Daimler's fuel cell bus fleet has broken a new record: the 36 buses together have clocked more than two million kilometers transporting around seven million passengers. Once again this zero-emission drive system has proved its high reliability and suitability for everyday use.
Daimler AG to acquire 22.3% equity interest from EQT --- Daimler to participate in growth potential: protection of long-term supply relations between Daimler and Tognum --- Blocking minority stake targeted.
Net profit of EUR 1,332 million (Q1 2007: EUR 1,972 million) --- Revenue of EUR 23.5 billion at prior year’s level --- Full-year EBIT from ongoing operations (excluding Chrysler) expected to be well above 2007; earnings forecasts confirmed for the divisions.
On April 22, 2008, the international Energy Efficiency Award 2008 was presented by German Energy Agency GmbH (dena) together with Deutsche Messe AG and the KfW Förderbank bank group as part of the World Energy Dialogue event at the Hannover Messe. The second prize goes to the Mercedes-Benz plant in Untertürkheim for its energy efficiency project.
The Indian Hero Group and Daimler AG have signed a contract that governs the establishment of the Daimler Hero Motor Corporation Ltd. commercial vehicle joint venture. Approval for the new company was issued by the Indian government in March 2008, and the two partners now plan to proceed rapidly with the implementation of the joint venture.
Double debut: first Mercedes-Benz compact SUV is also brand's first world premiere in China --- Road to success – Mercedes-Benz China up 53 percent in 2007 --- Pole position – Mercedes is China's no. 1 in customer sales satisfaction --- "Go East": starting 2009, smart will be third brand from Mercedes-Benz Cars in China.
Daimler AG’s shareholders approved the distribution of a dividend for 2007 of EUR 2.00 per share (prior year: EUR 1.50 per share) at the Annual Meeting. The total dividend distribution thus amounts to EUR 1,928 million.
Sustainable mobility through technical innovation --- Daimler is well prepared for the current economic challenges; mid-term profitability targets affirmed --- Shareholders decide on increase in dividend by one third to EUR 2.00 per share (2006: EUR 1.50).
The focus of attention at "Auto Mobil International" (AMI) in Leipzig will be on the new generations of the A and B-Class. Both models are now more youthful, attractive and environmentally compatible than ever before. This is ensured by an all-round design makeover, an even more attractive equipment package and new technical developments which further improve safety, comfort and economy.
Best first quarter ever for the Mercedes-Benz Cars division with 318,700 units delivered to customers --- Sales of Mercedes-Benz brand vehicles up six percent through March --- Record demand for new C-Class continues --- Deliveries of smart fortwo models triple to 12,100 units in March.
The smart fortwo continues its string of successes. Since the end of March 2007, the new model of the innovative two-seater has been purchased by a total of 100,000 customers, representing a sales increase of more than 80 percent.
March 2008
CenterCS Cargo Group orders 335 Mercedes-Benz Actros trucks --- Framework agreement with option for a total of 1,500 units --- Largest order to date from Central Europe for Mercedes-Benz trucks --- Trucks to be equipped with FleetBoard, PowerShift transmission, and BlueTEC.
The Indian government's Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) and the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) have both approved the establishment of the Daimler Hero Motors Corporation Ltd. joint venture by Daimler Trucks and the Indian company Hero Group in the first quarter of 2008.
Mercedes-Benz has become the world's first car producer to receive a certificate for licensing BlueTEC SUVs in all 50 US states. The brand is thus continuing to build on its world-leading position in the field of clean diesel technology.
The Mercedes-Benz B-Class with fuel-cell drive has passed its winter testing in northern Sweden with flying colors. At double-digit, below-zero temperatures, the zero-emission drive showed what it could do in the comprehensive test programs.
About 1,100 electoral delegates from all Daimler group locations gathered at the Trade Fair Hall in Sindelfingen in order to elect ten employee representatives (six internal employee representatives, three union representatives and one management representative) to the Supervisory Board of Daimler AG.
The third generation of the Actros vehicle family has been further improved with 37 individual measures relating to economy, comfort, safety and design. Since its launch in 1996, the Actros has become the industry trendsetter and is now the most successful heavy truck model with sales of 550,000 vehicles in more than 100 countries.
