DaimlerChrysler AG Reports One Percent Decrease in U.S. Passenger Vehi

NEW YORK, Feb. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- DaimlerChrysler AG , the third largest U.S. auto maker, today reported total group sales of 160,212 passenger vehicles in the U.S. for January 2005, down one percent compared to January 2004. All sales figures in this release are on an unadjusted basis unless otherwise noted.

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Chrysler Group, which consists of the Chrysler, Jeep(R) and Dodge brands, posted sales of 148,111 vehicles in the U.S., an increase of one percent. Adjusted for two fewer selling days in January 2005 compared to January 2004, sales for Chrysler Group rose nine percent. In 2004, the Chrysler Group launched a record nine new models. Several more new models, including the 2006 Dodge Charger, will find their way to Chrysler Group dealerships in 2005.

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) posted sales of 12,101 units in January, a twenty percent decrease compared to the same month last year. Later this year, the company plans to significantly expand its presence in the luxury light truck segment with two major introductions: the all-new M-Class and R-Class which represents a new segment Mercedes calls the Sports Tourer segment.

Detailed vehicle sales information for MBUSA and Chrysler Group will be announced later today in separate press releases issued by the groups. January 2005 had 24 selling days while January 2004 had 26 selling days.

DaimlerChrysler AG U.S. Sales Summary Through January 2005 Month Sales % Sales CYTD % Curr Yr Pr Yr Change Curr Yr Pr Yr Change CHRYSLER GROUP 148,111 147,001 1% / 9%* 148,111 147,001 1% / 9%* MERCEDES-BENZ 12,101 15,169 -20% 12,101 15,169 -20% DAIMLERCHRYSLER 160,212 162,170 -1% 160,212 162,170 -1% Selling Days 26 24 26 24 * adjusted for two extra selling days

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