Daimler AG
Annual Report 1997

Plain-text annual report

Value Creation by Innovation Daimler-Benz is the world leader in innovative, high quality transportation products, Systems and Services. Innovations drive growth. This is why they are a central element in our value-based management. Innovative products, technologies, and Services are decisive for market success. But they also form the basis for secure and attractive Jobs as well as productive and long-term relations with our suppliers (page 46). Daimler-Benz generates four fifths of its revenues with products that are less than five years old. The photographs in this annual report show some of the Group's most outstanding innovations and the employees behind them. Chairman's Letter to the Shareholders and Friends of our Company Board of Management Business Review The Daimler-Benz Share Outlook Daimler-Benz Worldwide Passenger Cars Commercial Vehicles Vehicle Sales Organization Aerospace Services Directly Managed Businesses Research and Technology Value Creation by Innovation Daimler-Benz and the Environment Human Resources Analysis of the Economic Situation Financial Statements Major Differences between German and U.S. Accounting Principles Supervisory Board Report of the Supervisory Board Major Subsidiaries of Daimler-Benz AG Figures of the Decade 1988-1997 Addresses and International Representation Offices 2 6 8 10 12 14 16 22 28 30 35 39 44 46 50 52 55 67 104 105 106 108 110 112 1997 was a successful year for your company. We have made further progress. The strategies are working. We are dedicated to creating value for our sharehold ers, our customers and our employees. The results demonstrate this: increase from Total revenues rose 19% to DM 124 billion Operating profit in creased 79% to DM 4.3 billion Net income increased 15% to DM 3.2 billion excluding one-time tax effects Correspondingly earn ings per share also increased 15% to DM 6.15 We have proposed a dividend DM 1.10 to DM 1.60 per 5-DM share, the highest ever for Daimler-Benz And we have also proposed a DM 10.3 billion extraordinary payout or DM 20 per share. In a second move the equity capital is to be raised again by a capital increase in the amount of DM 7.4 billion to the level reached prior to the extraordinary payout We have completed the refocusing of the group portfolio. With today's 23 business units your company is well positioned for the future At the same time, growth enabled us to create 12,000 jobs in 1997 Capital expenditures grew from DM 6.2 billion to DM 6.9 billion We increased market shares and achieved all-time highs in sales of passenger cars, commercial vehi cles, commercial aircraft and aeroengines measured by return on their capital employed (ROCE), and each has its achievements benchmarked against the best of its competitors worldwide. In the short term, we have set a target of a minimum 12%. In 1997 we exceeded our expectations for Daimler- Benz. ROCE almost doubled from 5.8% last year to 10.2% and our target of 12% ROCE for the company as a whole is now in reach. This performance is the result of firm management action and reflects the new entrepreneurial spirit that is taking hold in your compa ny. Our people around the world have done a tremen dous job. We are also demonstrat ing our commitment to create value for our shareholders with extraordinary payout of DM 10.3 billion, distributing retained earnings and unlocking tax credits for our shareholders. the proposed thereby In 1997, we were pioneers in the following areas in our efforts • We enabled many of our employees to participate implement value-based management: to the company's financial performance and directly in I am delighted to say that today our people see operating profit as a measure of their contribution. • We extended our stock option plan to all 1,400 senior managers. Efficiency and Transparency Pay Off We have been working hard to make your company more efficient. In 1997, we put in place a new management structure, trimmed our head offices and merged Mer cedes-Benz AG and Daimler-Benz AG. As a result we became leaner, faster and more flexible. And we have boosted your company's earning power substantially. The performance of our business units is In addition, we examined all our work processes and focused on value creation at every level of the business. Management reporting systems were simplified and the decision making processes were dramatically shortened. As a result, we have substantially cut costs and have much greater transparency - internally as well as externally. This is due not only to our new controlling, reporting and planning systems but also to the introduction of knowledge management so as to make our worldwide know-how accessible throughout the group. The exten sion of our intranet and the standardization of electron ic communication systems are key elements. The in crease in speed and quality resulting from all these measures is improving our responsiveness in the market. You will see evidence of our greater transparency in this report. For the first time, we show each division's operating profit, capital employed, and return on capital employed. You will also see projections of revenues, sales, capital investments and research and development outlays to the year 2000. Today, your company has exciting growth opportuni ties in each of the markets we serve. Our target is to double our turnover in ten years' time. We are stronger and in a better position than ever before to take advan tage of these opportunities. Where Are We Going? We are dedicated to helping move people and products by road, rail, in the air and on water - efficiently, comfortably, affordably and ways. We therefore will be a world leader in high quality, services. transportation products, systems and in environmentally-friendly innovative In everything we do, we want to be among the world's best. It is the market leaders that set the stand ards, set the rules of the game, and open up new market segments. How Will We Do This ? Our strategy for growth embraces three core elements. These are • • • value-based management innovation globalisation regionalisation through through Value-Based Management Growing Value-based management simply means setting as our primary goal the creation of value for • our customers - great products, systems and services that delight them and address their needs our employees - a great company to work for and for you, our shareholders - great results and world class returns • • Our job is to unleash the huge energy, creativity and intellectual potential of our people. In each business unit we are identifying the most important value and cost drivers that can be directly influenced by management. Then we link them to specific incentive schemes. This encourages every manager to think and act like an entrepreneur and be rewarded like one. This also involves convincing our employees that capital and assets are not available for free and that they, therefore, have a responsibility for helping us to manage them profitably. At Daimler-Benz we have one of the most creative and skilled workforces. We are also fortunate to have works committees that only businesses that understand that are flexible and create real value can also provide job security and better prospects for all employees. Following the positive results of more than a dozen agreements at shop floor level, in March 1998 we established a forward-looking agreement with our unions in the service industry. This includes a unique new package of flexible working hours, performance- based remuneration and training. Here again, Daimler- Benz and its unions took a lead in Germany. Performance-based remuneration is just one of the the achievements within each business. steps taken throughout the company to make every employee aware that they have a direct stake in the successes of their company. Employee bonuses are now dependent on Currently, nearly 200,000 of our active and former employees are shareholders. In concert with our works councils and unions, we will build on these achieve ments and will strive to offer staff even further opportu nities to participate as shareholders in the future of this company. Value-based management also requires a new in our management philosophy: approach we want people to be entrepreneurs and to create value we encourage them to take risks and in doing so we accept that making mistakes is unavoidable. Take our Mercedes-Benz A-Class as an example. This is one of the most innovative cars ever produced. Our engineers developed 25 major innovations for the A~ Class, which was recognized by the automotive world as an extraordinary achievement in vehicle design. When the now-famous "moose-test" revealed defects in the car's stability, we acknowledged the problem and moved swiftly to correct it. Everyone in the company rallied around to get the A-Class back on track and the team spirit during this crisis was amazing. We fixed the problem. Today the A-Class sets new safety standards in its class and research shows our brand Mercedes-Benz is stronger as a result of the way we handled the situation. Instead of looking for a scapegoat, we analysed and improved our processes. This is what we mean by a learning organisation. Innovation Drives Growth Having great products and excellent know-how today is not enough to secure our success tomorrow. Innovation is what drives growth further. Only companies with a culture of innovation from top to bottom are price-value leaders, stay ahead of competitors, capture market share, earn a premium return on their products and services and are able to both finance expansion and appropriately reward shareholders and employees. What do we mean by innovation? We mean establish- ing a corporate environment where everyone is thinking creatively. Challenging the way things are done because they can always be done better, quicker, more economi cally. Connecting people across organisational bounda ries. And it has to be continuous. The enemy of creativity is complacency. In fast- leadership can soon be lost to changing global markets, more agile marketers, more imaginative designers and to those able to leapfrog over today's technology into tomorrow's. But Innovation does not only mean research and lower-cost development. It also means more efficient, and more productive work processes. It means finding ways to bring new products to market more quickly so that we are always ahead of the competition. Let me give you just some examples of how innova tion drives growth in Daimler-Benz. 80% of our products were introduced in the last five years. We used to bring out three car models every ten years - now we introduce ten new models in three years. We have introduced 15 new aircraft and helicopter models in the last five years, compared with 10 new models in the previous 10 years. In 1997 we have applied for more than 5.700 new patents worldwide. We have introduced a completely new range of com mercial vehicle models which will help to win market share and make profits, particularly in Europe. We have renewed our complete range of trains and rail systems. We installed the world's first dynamic route-finder system in Tokyo. We are leading the world in the development of the fuel cell car, and are well-positioned to be the first with a vehicle in the market in a few years' time. We led the market with our electronic stability program (ESP) specially developed for our cars. We will offer ESP as standard in all of our cars by the year 2000. Last year we spent DM 9.8 billion in research and development, and we plan to keep up this pace. through Globalisation Daimler-Benz is firmly rooted in Germany with a proud tradition of engineering quality and Regionalisation innovation. But today, we serve customers in more than 200 countries around the world. More than two thirds of our revenues come from outside Germany and more than one third of our stock is held internationally. And the key to further growth is to tap new markets for our products. So we have to be where the markets are. their respective For example, we have said that we aim to increase our group revenues in Asia from 8% in 1997 to between 20 and 25% in 10 years' time. We have now put in place a new structure by which five CEOs have responsibility for all Daimler-Benz businesses in region. Our people are working at full steam on some exciting projects. Globalisation is about regional development. Just as we are a corporate citizen of Germany, so we are also a corporate citizen wherever we have major plants and investments. And we exercise the same care and concern for our employees and their communities wherever we are. In 1997 we inaugurated new plants in Tuscaloosa, USA, in Hambach, France, in Bad Cannstatt, Germany and in Rastatt, Germany. In 1998 we will open a new facility in Brazil. In each location we have far-reaching programs and environmental responsibility to demonstrate and communicate our social these communities. to Concern for the environment is an integral part of the way we do things at Daimler-Benz. We have developed solutions for problems of urban mobility and logistics. Our products are designed with the potential environmental impact they will have throughout their lifecycle in mind - and this includes the recycling phase at the end of each product's life. Our factories worldwide have been built to the most modern environmental standards. And we have extensive research breaking launched that will translate into ground environmental technologies. We act on the environmental issue. We don't just talk about it: With the fuel cell we are working to significant ly reduce the C02-output of future vehicles. The Airbus adaptive wing technology saves up to 10% of fuel consumption in aircraft. Our common rail diesel engines combined with direct injection in eco-efficiency. benchmarks technology set new Only People Create Value In a changing world of work, where lifetime contracts are a thing of the past and continous change and flexibility are the name of the game, building and retraining teams of high quality people is no easy task. But we are doing it. Greater international awareness will be critical as we grow Daimler-Benz into a truly global company and more of our managers face the challenge of operating in societies very different from their own. So they need to develop an international mind-set. We fast-track young managers from around the world, and this year the Daimler-Benz corporate univer sity will be fully operational. This will help our people attain the highest international standards of manage ment. Daimler-Benz is a company on the move. We are setting the pace in our industries. We are setting stand ards. We know where we want to go. Our people under their profession stand this. We are securing their skills, alism and their commitment and we reward them exceptionally when our performance is exceptional. The results are there to see. Their ideas, their initiatives and their energy are transforming our products, systems and services and enabling us to win market shares against the trend in a competitive global environment. We want Daimler-Benz to be an exciting place to work. Your Company Is an Excellent Growth Opportunity Innovation, Globalisation, Value. The strategies are working. The stage is set for growth and an increase in the value of your company. But we know that there are still great challenges ahead of us. And we also know that we will face set-backs. But our objective is clear: • We will continue to be the benchmark for quality and innovation • We will be a world leader in each of our businesses • We will further extend the global reach of the company We are on the right track. We know what we have to do. But at the end of the day, the best measurement of our investors. performance is your continued confidence as Thank you for your support. Dr.-Ing. Dieter Zetsche born 1953 in Istanbul, Member of the Board of Management since 1997, responsible for Sales and Marketing, under contract until 2002. Jürgen Hubbert born 1939 in Hagen, member of the Board of Management since 1997, responsible for the Passenger Car Division, under contract until 2002. Dr. phil. Kurt J. Lauk born 1946 in Stuttgart, member of the Board of Management since 1997, responsible for the Commercial Vehicles Division, under contract until 2002. Heiner Tropitzsch born 1942 in Hannover, member of the Board of Management since 1997, responsible for Human Resources, under contract until 2002. Klaus-Dieter Vöhringer born 1941 in Dessau, member of the Board of Management since 1997, responsible for Research and Technology, under contract until 2002. Jiirgen E. Schrempp born 1944 in Freiburg, member of the Board of Management since 1987, Chairman, under contract until 2000. Dr. jur. Manfred Gentz born 1942 in Riga, member of the Board of Management since 1983, responsible for Finance and Controlling, under contract until 2000. Dr. rer. pol. Manfred Bischoff born 1942 in Calw, member of the Board of Management since 1995, responsible for the Aerospace Division, under contract until 2000. Retired from the Board of Management: Helmut Werner (on 01/31/1997) Dr. rer. pol. Eckhard Cordes born 1950 in Neumünster, member of the Board of Management since 1996, responsible for Corporate Development and Directly Managed Businesses, under contract until 2002. Dr. jur. Klaus Mangold born 1943 in Pforzheim, member of the Board of Management since 1995, responsible for the Services Division, under contract until 2000. accounting Earning Power Substantially Strengthened In 1997, Daimler-Benz increased its operating profit, the standard for measuring the earning power of operating activ ities, to DM 4.3 billion (1996: DM 2.4 billion). The Group's return on capital employed rose to 10.2% (1996: 5.8%). This means we have taken a big step closer to the 12% we set as a minimum return for the Group. We have continued to expand the instruments of our value-oriented management at all corporate levels. Net income determined in accordance with standards U.S. reached DM 8.0 billion (1996: DM 2.8 billion). Adjusted for extraordinary tax effects, the respective figure totaled DM 3.2 billion. Due to the signifi cantly improved operating prof it we recommend to our share holders that the dividend for fiscal 1997 be increased from DM 1.10 to DM 1.60 per share. (Page 58) Special Distribution of DM 20 Per Share As a result of the mandatory re classification of stockholders' equity at year-end 1998 we pro pose to our shareholders that DM 7.4 billion of the retained earnings of Daimler-Benz AG be distributed. Including the re sulting DM 2.9 billion reduc tion in corporate income tax, the total distribution would be DM 10.3 billion, or DM 20 per share. The funds drawn from retained earnings would be re stored to the Company by a subsequent capital increase. (Page 62) Consolidated Revenues Up 19% When comparably calculated, consolidated revenues rose by 19% in 1997 to DM 124.1 billion. Growth was especially pro nounced in the USA (+26%) and in Germany's partner coun tries in the European Union (+21%). Revenues generated in Germany increased by 5%. (Page 56) Corporate Portfolio Enhanced We continued to strengthen the core activities of the Group with new acquisitions. The takeover of the heavy trucks busi ness from Ford in North America was especially important, as was the acquisition of the defense electronics business from Siemens, which is still awaiting approval of the cartel authorities. We withdrew from our involvement in Cap Gemi ni, and TEMIC's Semiconductor unit was sold to the U.S. com pany Vishay in early 1998. (Page 56) Twelve Thousand New Jobs Thanks to the market success of our products and services and the significantly improved com petitiveness of the individual business units, we were once again able to create new jobs throughout in 1997. The number of employees within the Group rose by 4%, when comparably calculated, to a total of 300,068 persons. (Page 57) the Company Passenger Cars: Success with New Models The Passenger Car Division re corded new record highs in sales and revenues as a result of the market success of the new models we introduced in 1996 and 1997. Despite large investments made for innova tive new models, operating profit slightly exceeded the previ ous year's level. The introduction of the M-Class in the USA was among the most important events in the year under re view. With this new off-road vehicle Mercedes-Benz is now present in the world's largest passenger car market with a locally produced series. After suspending deliveries shortly after its market debut, we resumed delivering the A-Class to our customers in February 1998 with a new chassis configuration and ESP (Electronic Stability Program) as a standard feature. (Page 16) Commercial Vehicles: Dynamic Growth We sold 417,400 commercial vehicles in 1997; this means that we beat the record set in the previous year by another 20%. We managed to steadily increase our market share in Western Europe with the Actros heavy truck series, which we expanded by introducing construction and special applica tion vehicles in September 1997. The division's revenues rose by 22% and reached DM 39.1 billion. We recorded vigor ous growth in North and South America as well as in Western Europe. Due to favorable busi ness developments and the measures to improve productiv ity the division was profitable. (Page 97) Aerospace: Incoming Orders at an All-Time High The Aerospace Division experi enced a dynamic boost in earn ings in 1997 as a result of the successfully implemented com petition drive. When compara bly calculated, revenues rose 20% to DM 15.3 billion, and in coming orders reached a new high at DM 19.4 billion. De mand for civil aircraft and air craft propulsion systems was especially brisk. We will deci sively improve our international competitive position with our collaboration with Matra-BAe Dynamics and the acquisition of the defense electronics business from Siemens. The deci sion of the German government and the German Bundestag to procure the Eurofighter was of major importance for the future of the Military Aircraft unit. (Page 30) Upward Trend in Services Continues As in previous years, debis succeeded in improving its busi ness volume and operating profit in 1997. The Financial Serv ices unit remained the most significant source of revenues. But the IT Services and Telecommunications and Media Serv ices units also contributed appreciably to the 22% increase in revenues to DM 15.5 billion. We continued to pursue our glo balization strategy by establishing new companies in nearly every field of activity and penetrating additional markets. The focus was primarily on Eastern Europe and the Asia Pa cific region. After only three years of construction, the new debis ad ministrative headquarters on Potsdamer Platz in Berlin was ready for occupation on October 24, 1997. (Page 35) Directly Managed Businesses: Revenues Continue to Rise The Rail Systems, Microelec tronics, and MTU/Diesel En gines units developed favorably in 1997 on the whole. Incoming orders for Adtranz, our rail sys tems joint venture, were 30% the previous higher than in year. Extensive restructuring measures were introduced in the interest of generating prof itable results in the future. The revival of business within TEM- IC was especially pronounced in the automotive electronics sector, where revenues rose by 52% and incoming orders were up 64%. The Diesel Engines unit continued the gratifying upward trend of the past few years. (Page 39) Investments Reach DM 6.9 Billion We increased our investments in property, plant, and equipment to DM 6.9 billion in 1997 (1996: DM 6.2 billion). The emphasis was on preparations for new passenger car and commercial vehicle models, the new engine plants in Bad Cannstatt and Untertürkheim, and the expansion of production capacities and the product program at Airbus. (Page 57) DM 9.8 Billion for Research and Development We spent DM 9.8 billion on research and development in 1997 (1996: DM 8.8 billion). Of this amount, DM 4.1 billion (1996: DM 3.3 billion) was allocated to contract-dependent development services, which were primarily provided in the Aerospace Division. The majority of the funds for Group projects was once again invested in the automotive business. (Page 58) The Daimler-Benz share was off to a good start in 1997, and in the course of the year reached a new all-time high. In the second half of the year its performance lagged that of the German stock index. After a survey regarding the shareholder structure completed in March 1998 Daimler-Benz has some 550,000 shareholders. About 37% of our issued shares are held by foreign investors, 10% are held in the USA. Stock Markets Rally The stock markets in Western Europe and North America improved on the favorable performance of 1996 yet again in 1997. However, the collapse of the Asian stock markets led to dra matic fluctuations in the last quarter. In New York the Dow Jones still mana ged to increase by 23% in the course of the year, while the London FTSE- 100 Index gained 25%. In contrast, the Japanese Nikkei Index experienced a 21% setback. The German Stock Index (DAX) rose 53% to 4,406 points by the end of July as compared to year-end 1996. This development was largely tied to the steep rise of the U.S. dollar. The ef fects of the financial crisis in Asia in particular prompted consolidation ef forts in the remaining part of the year. At year-end the DAX closed with a 47% increase at 4,224 points. The prevailing mood of the Ger man stock exchanges remained up beat in the first three months of 1998 as well. The Daimler-Benz Share The Daimler-Benz share consistently outperformed the DAX for the first six months of 1997. On February 4 it broke the record of DM 122.07 that was set more than ten years ago, and on July 31 the Daimler-Benz share rea ched another new high at DM 161.85. Following the publication of our inte rim report for the first six months of 1997, which was perceived with some reservation due to very optimistic market expectations, the develop ment of our share price was more res trained than the overall market for the rest of the year. At year-end, the listed price for the Daimler-Benz share was DM 126, or 19% higher than it had been twelve months earlier. When viewed over the course of fiscal 1997, the development of our share was nearly equivalent to the international ly compiled M.S.C.I. Automobiles In dex on the whole. On March 25, 1998 our share price reached another all- time high at DM 175.30. Our stock remains one of the most actively traded in Germany; in 1997 1.8 billion shares were traded on the German stock exchanges. On the Ger man Futures Exchange, options on Daimler-Benz shares were also among the most heavily traded values at some 927,000 contracts. A total of 216 million Daimler-Benz shares changed hands on foreign stock exchanges in 1997. Trading in London and New York was especially brisk. The DAX weighted the Daimler- Benz share at 6.58% at the end of Feb ruary. In the new European stock in dex Dow Jones Stoxx 50, our share was weighted at 1.99%. Capital Stock The capital stock of Daimler-Benz AG increased by DM 6.8 million in 1997 and reached DM 2,584 million. Of this amount, DM 6.3 million were used for the issuance of shares to employees; another DM 0.5 million resulted from the exer cise of stock options and conversion rights from the 1996 option issue and the 1997 bond issue with mandatory conversion. With a market value of DM 83.5 billion and more than 500,000 share holders, Daimler-Benz AG is among the largest public companies in Germany. Some two thirds of our shares are wide ly held. Major shareholders include Deutsche Bank with some 22% and the Republic of Kuwait with about 13%. Development of a Daimler-Benz Portfolio The return on stock investments is closely tied to the share price when the stock is purchased and sold. Foreign investors also have to take the effects related to changing cur rency parities into account, which means that their return can vary considerably from the re turn in German marks. An investment for about ten years in Daimler-Benz shares would have resulted in an average annual return of 13.1% for a shareholder; for a five-year investment the return would have been 25.2% p. a. These calculations are based on the assumption that the proceeds from subscription rights and dividends (without tax credit) were consistently rein vested in Daimler-Benz shares. Investor Relations Intensified We responded in 1997 to the increa sing need for information in the inter national financial markets by continu ing to intensify our contact with investors and financial analysts. As part of this effort, we have begun to in volve representatives from operational management more actively in investor relations than before. We presented the Passenger Car Division at the Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA). To acknowledge the special in terest of the financial community in the strategic alignment of the Com mercial Vehicle Division we held a se parate presentation on this division in Frankfurt. We expanded our regular communication after the annual and semi-annual reports as well as in con junction with ad-hoc publicity by in troducing telephone and video confe rences designed to provide explanatory information to analysts and institutional investors. And we were also pre sent in the most important financial markets with our roads hows in 1997. The corporate presentations we held in May 1997 in connection with the issuance of the mandatory con vertible bond issue were a key focus. Upward Trend in the World Economy Continues We expect moderate growth in the world economy for 1998 and the following years. The upward trend will most likely pick up speed in Western Europe and above all in Germany while the U.S. economy may slow down to some extent. The financial crisis in South East Asia will have a dampening ef fect on the world economy in general, but will primarily im pact the economic development of that region. Japan, too, will only gradually overcome the present phase of stagnation. On the other hand, the Latin American region, China, and, in creasingly, certain countries in Eastern Europe could exhibit above-average growth rates. deavor as our programs to boost efficiency. On the whole we expect to increase our operating profit yet again in the cur rent year and reach the 12% minimum return on capital em ployed we are striving for by no later than 1999. We have by now positioned the Group in such a way that even under un favorable currency conditions we will be able to generate fa vorable results. However, should the German mark appreci ate dramatically with respect to the U.S. dollar or other im portant currencies, our revenue and income projections would have to be revised. The same would also apply if the growth in the markets that are relevant for us fail to continue in the coming years. Expected Growth in Revenues for Daimler-Benz The high volume of orders on the hand, the favorable devel opment of business in the first three months of the year, and the overall economic environ ment lead us to believe that our revenues will increase to some DM 134 billion in 1998. By the year 2000 we aim to generate a business volume close to DM 160 billion. Stronger Global Alignment We will focus on enhancing the global alignment of Daimler- Benz in a conscious effort to take better advantage of the po tential of promising markets such as Asia and Latin America. In Asia alone, we plan to expand its share of revenues signif icantly in the next ten years from the present 8%. This effort is supported by a new business structure that involves shift ing functions and competencies and subdividing Asia into four separate regions, each of which is headed by a person who is responsible for all of the Group's business in that re gion. Value-Based Management and Strengthening Earning Power The objective of our value-based corporate management is to improve the earning power of Daimler-Benz for the long term and to grow in a profitable manner. Innovative and competi tive products will be as effective in contributing to this en- Passenger Cars nations, The newly industrializing countries in Asia, Latin Ameri ca, and Eastern Europe will probably exhibit the most rap id growth in terms of volume in the coming years. In the industrialized the growth in passenger car de mand will primarily be sup ported by vehicles such as minivans, off-road vehicles, and convertibles. roadsters, The aim of the Passenger Car Division is to continue to ex pand the Company's position in the market for luxury cars worldwide and to open up new markets and market seg ments. We intend to further improve our earnings by the year 2000 and increase our sales volume to more than one million vehicles. Our new products such as the M-Class, the A-Class, and the Smart will be instrumental in this effort. The new S- Class will reinforce our leading position in the high-end mar ket segment. Commercial Vehicles Worldwide demand for commercial vehicles will most likely continue to rise in the coming years. By the year 2000 we expect our sales of commercial vehicles to reach some 500,000 vehicles. In the Trucks Europe business unit the new Atego distributor truck and the heavy-duty Actros should provide for growing sales and higher market shares. We plan to use our van series that are so successful in Europe to focus more intensively on penetrating selected markets in Latin America and Asia. In North America, the heavy-duty truck segment we took over from Ford represents additional sales potentials; we will be marketing these trucks under the Sterling nameplate. The earnings of the Commercial Vehicle Division will continue to rise thanks to the cost reduction programs already implemented, the increasing interlinkage of our international activities, and the improved cost position of our vehicles and components. Aerospace The prospects of the Aerospace Division are determined by the rapidly rising volume of orders on hand in civil aircraft and helicopters and by the tight budgets of government agencies. Due to the high volume of orders on hand, we expect pro duction in the Airbus program to increase from 184 aircraft in 1997 to more than 280 in 1999. The Aeroengines business unit is also profiting from the high demand for civil aircraft. In contrast, the growth potentials of Space Systems, Military Air craft, and Defense Technology are since these units are largely depend ent on public spending. On the whole, we anticipate that the division's earnings will contin ue to increase. restricted rather Services Daimler-Benz will concentrate on further expanding its range of services and on opening up additional markets, above all from a regional perspective. This will create the basis for above-average growth rates and increasing earnings to con tinue. The Financial Services/Insurance Brokerage and Trad ing business units will support the growth of the Group's in dustrial business with innovative financing concepts. Since withdrawing from Cap Gemini, the activities of the IT Servic es unit have been centered around reinforcing the Compa ny's position as a full-service provider in information technol ogy both inside and outside Germany. In the Telecommunica tions and Media Services unit, the entry into the fixed net work services is connected with tremendous growth opportu nities. Directly Managed Businesses After making adjustments for changes in the consolidated group we also expect to generate rising revenues and income in the directly managed businesses. The emphasis of growth in the rail systems joint venture Adtranz is on signaling systems, customer service and tech nical support for rail systems, and innovative freight trans port solutions. The largest proportion of revenues, though, will still be contributed by rolling stock. In order to counter the deteriorating prices in this market and improve the earn ings position of Adtranz, we are speeding up the implementa tion of the restructuring programs already initiated. Following the sale of the the semiconductor business, Microelectronics unit will fo cus on automotive electronics in the future. The continued expansion of this business is supported by new products above all. The MTU/Diesel Engines business unit is expecting the bulk of further growth to come from commercial applications. The new 2000 and 4000 series will contribute to this develop ment; both were greeted with widespread customer interest in 1997. Investments in the Future Daimler-Benz will expend more than DM 40 billion in the budget period from 1998 to 2000, or some DM 14 billion each year, on research and development and on property, plant, and equipment. Significant investment projects in clude product startups in the Passenger Car Division, the de velopment of the vehicle sales network in Asia, and the ex pansion of the aeroengines maintenance business. Special emphasis in research and development was put on new pas senger car models and development projects related to the Airbus A340-500/600 series. The Passenger Car Division was once again very successful in 1997: we achieved record highs in revenue, sales, and production. Attractive new products such as the A-Class, M-Class, and CLK also helped us to secure additional market segments for the Mercedes-Benz brand, and we were able to strengthen our position of technological leadership by various innovations. Despite substantial investments made in connection with our product drive, the contribution of the passenger car business to the operating profit of the Daimler-Benz Group slightly exceeded the high level of the previous year. Upward Trend in Worldwide Passenger Car Demand Total passenger car demand contin ued to increase worldwide in 1997, but somehow less strongly than in the previous year. Growth focused on a number of Western European countries, while the passenger car market softened in the USA, Japan, and most countries in Southeast Asia. In Western Europe new vehicle registrations increased by 5% to 13.4 million passenger cars. Due to govern ment intervention, however, trends varied widely from market to market. For instance, as a result of the pha- seout of the scrapping premium in France the market declined by 20%. In contrast, government buying incen tives in Italy and Spain led to a vigor ous increase in new registrations of 39% and 11% respectively. In Germany, numerous new mod that after the first six els meant months weakness, 3.5 million new registrations slightly exceeded the previous year's level. While total passenger car sales in the USA were lower in 1997, despite favorable overall economic conditions, sales of off-road vehicles, minivans, and pickups, which in the USA are considered commercial vehicles, increased significantly. In Japan a depressed economy and higher value-added taxes reduced new vehicle registrations to 4.5 mil lion passenger cars (1996: 4.7 million units). Luxury cars were specially hard hit by the weak market. In 1997 worldwide passenger car production rose by 5% to 38.8 million vehicles. As a result of numerous new models in all market segments and growing production capacities, com petition intensified downward price pressure. Passenger Car Division: Revenue and Production at an Ail-Time Highs Thanks to the success of our new pas senger car models Daimler-Benz en joyed a better year than industry aver age. The Passenger Car Division's revenue reached DM 53.9 billion in 1997 (1996: DM 46.7 billion), an all- time height. Revenues increased most noticeably in the USA, where they rose by nearly 47% to DM 9.4 billion. Aside from strong demand for our new models, an important contributor was the upward valuation of the U.S. dollar against the German mark. There was also vigorous growth in Western Europe ex-Germany (+18% to DM 12.5 billion) and Ja pan (+10% to DM 3.3 billion). In Germany, sales volume totaled DM 21.7 billion, surpassing the previous year's level by 4%. Hier gab es ein Produkt- oder Stimmungsbild ohne Text oder Zahlen. Es wurde in der PDF-Datei weggelassen, um eine nutzerfreundliche Dateigröße zu erreichen. Here was a product or mood picture without text or figures. It was omitted in the pdffile to improve the usability of the file size. By selling 715,100 passenger cars and off-road vehicles in 1997 (1996: 645,000 units), we achieved the largest sales vol ume in the Company's history. At the same time, production set a new record of 726,700 passenger cars (1996: 645,200 units). In Germany, unit sales of Mercedes-Benz vehicles totaled 276,500 passenger cars and were 5% higher than in 1996. The market share of Daimler-Benz rose to 8.5% (1996: 8.2%). We also managed to expand our position in the upper market segment. Operating Profit Increased to DM 3.1 Billion large Despite investments made in the development, pro duction, and marketing of our new A-Class, M-Class, and smart models, the contribution of the Passenger Car Division to the operating profit of Daim ler-Benz totaled DM 3.1 billion, and thus slightly exceeded the high level of the previous year. This was due primarily to the market success of our vehicles, helped by the programs to boost productivity and favor able exchange rates. in Market Position Improved Worldwide We were able to increase sales of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars significantly in nearly all important markets and thus enhance our position world wide the upper market segment. Interest in our new models was especially lively. Examples: we sold 46,600 SLK roadsters in the model's first full production year. With sales of 56,500 and 38,300 units respectively, the C- and E-Class wagons were also highly suc cessful. We sold 22,000 units of the new CLK coupe, which was introduced in June 1997. The M-Class, which has been delivered to customers in the USA since September 1997, contributed 16,300 vehicles to the Group's sales. Mercedes-Benz was also successful in Western Europe outside Germany. We sold a to tal 193,600 passenger cars in that region, and were able to exceed the high sales volume of 1996 by 11%. We achieved double-digit growth in each of the volume markets U.K., Italy, and Spain. However, due to the weak passeger car market, sales in France did not reach the high level of the previous year. Our passenger car busi ness performed well in Eastern Europe, especially in the CIS countries. Significant Growth in Overseas Markets Overseas markets also contrib uted to growth in 1997. In the declining USA market we sold more than 100,000 vehicles for the first time. Total sales rose by 35% to 122,300 vehicles. In addition to the SLK roadster and the CLK coupe, the new M- Class contributed significantly to the growth achieved. The M-Class successfully positioned us in the extremely attractive market for all-wheel-drive sport utility vehicles. In Japan, too, business developed favorably for us despite the difficult overall market situation. A total of 41,900 new Mercedes-Benz vehicles were registered there in 1997, surpassing the high level of the previous year by 2%. Our share of the luxury class market increased nearly 2% to more than 13%. Furthermore, we achieved growth in sales in the markets of Latin America, China, the Middle East, and Australia. In some Far East countries, on the other hand, we faced set backs because financial crises adversely affected sales of higher-end passenger cars. A-Class Moving Ahead at High Speed In February 1998 we started delivering the A-Class to cus tomers again with a new chassis configuration shortly after its market introduction in October 1997. This model made headlines in connection with the so-called "moose test". In November 1997 we had decided to suspend delivery because we only want to supply cars that even in extreme tests meet the highest safety standards. Once we decided to modify the chassis, we chose to suspend delivery so that all vehicles delivered to customers would be properly equipped from that point forward and so that we could introduce the modifications to production early on. The A-Class models al ready produced were retrofitted at specially equipped serv ice centers. Independent experts confirm that with the new chassis configuration the A-Class car handles extreme situations such as the "moose test" with flying colors. In addition, the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is standard since Febru ary. With the ESP, we are setting a new safety standard in this market segment. Further, in terms of versatility and optimum use of space, the A-Class offers features that were not possible with pas senger cars of this size in the past. The fact that it was award ed the Golden Steering Wheel in November 1997 confirms the trendsetting concept of the vehicle. The number of or ders, which by March 1998 totaled well over 120,000 vehi cles, demonstrates that the innovative A-Class concept has caught on with customers. Production of the A-Class in Rastatt has been proceeding since February 1998 and to work at full capacity is focused for July. In 1998 we plan to produce about 150,000 vehicles. CLK: Available as a Convertible in 1998 We launched the sporty and elegant CLK coupe in June 1997. We have also developed an attractive convertible version, that we introduced to the public at the Geneva Car Show in March 1998. Aside from its innovative design, the converti ble is distinguished by generous interior space and four full- size seats. Its semi-automatic top can be opened and closed with ease. The CLK convertible will be available in Europe in June 1998 and in the USA and Japan in the fall of 1998. M-Class: Mercedes-Benz Quality from Alabama The M-Class is making an important contribution to the ex pansion of our international activities in the passenger car sector. Thanks to this new off-road vehicle built in Tuscaloo sa, Alabama, we are now repre sented with a locally produced model in the USA, the world's largest passenger car market. In addition to its persua sive price/performance ratio and exemplary safety features, this innovative vehicle offers a future-oriented design, excep tional off-road mobility and se dan-type on-road qualities. We launched the M-Class in North America in Septem ber and by the end of 1997 had sold 16,300 vehicles. Strong demand and its distinction as the Off-Road Vehicle of the Year 1998 are a convincing evi dence of the attraction of the M-Class concept. Since spring 1998, the M-Class has also been available in Europe and other markets. Due to strong demand in the USA, as of 1999 we will boost production capacity from the origi nally planned 65,000 units to 80,000 units. World Premiere of the Smart at the I AA The smart city coupe was unveiled at the IAA in Frankfurt. It is an entirely new type of vehicle; a mere 2.50 meters long, it weighs only 680 kilograms. Two adults have as much room in its one-box body as in a conventional mid-sized car. The subcompact city coupe creates a wholly new vehicle class and at the same time sets high standards in terms of safety and comfort. As a new mobility concept, the smart will help to overcome traffic problems in crowded urban environ ments. The Smart-Plus assembly plant in Hambach, France is the hub of a novel production process. The system partners deliver directly to the assembly line, where pre-assembled modules are incorporated. Only some 4.5 hours are required for the final assembly of the smart; the vertical integration of the smart manufacturing venture is less than ten per cent. A total of about 110 Smart centers are being established in urban areas throughout Eu rope, all of them favorably lo cated for traffic. We want to deliver superior and fully-developed products in every respect. Vehicle and factory organization and coor dination with systems suppli ers still need more time to ma ture. We have therefore postponed the market introduction, originally planned for spring 1998, to October 1998. Assembly Plant for the A-Class in Brazil Daimler-Benz will soon begin producing the A-Class for the Mercosur economic area in Juiz de Fora, some 250 kilom eters north of Rio de Janeiro. Series production will most like ly start in late 1998 for the market introduction in spring 1999. Annual production of 70,000 vehicles is planned in the medium term. This project will expand our presence in Latin America, a market that offers enormous potential for Mer cedes-Benz passenger cars. New Diesel Era with Common Rail Technology In December 1997 Mercedes-Benz opened a new era in diesel technology with the C 220 CDI. This innovative technology makes considerable advances possible in performance, fuel consumption, and noise suppression, making driving even more enjoyable. Common rail injection is also suited to large passenger car engines. This has been confirmed by studies on the recently developed 8-cylinder diesel engine that Daimler-Benz presented at the 1AA in 1997. (See page 48.) Among the innovations in drive technology are the V 6/ V8 double-spark ignition en gines with three-valve technol ogy, in 1997 and that were well re ceived by the market. introduced that we An intelligent all-wheel- drive system was developed for the E 280 and E 320 models. Mercedes-Benz Maybach Unveiled in Tokyo At the Tokyo Motor Show in October 1997 Daimler-Benz unveiled a design study for the Mercedes-Benz Maybach. Named after the German de sign engineer Wilhelm May bach, this vehicle is not only remarkable for its advanced design and technology, it is also a prototype of the exclu sive luxury car of the future. The Mercedes-Benz May bach is driven by a high-torque V12 engine of magnesium alu minum construction with ap proximately six liters displacement and combines maximum comfort with state-of-the-art technology. The design of the Mercedes-Benz Maybach was devel oped at the Japanese design center of Daimler-Benz. Expansion of Our Presence in Asia As part of our globalization strategy we plan to expand our presence in the Asia Pacific region, an area that offers en couraging growth prospects in the midrange future. Our passenger car assembly plants in Malaysia, Indone sia, India, Thailand, Singapore, Pakistan, Vietnam, and the Philippines will play a key role in this effort. We made progress in India in particular in the year under review. We took over the man agement of sales activities and restructured them throughout the country. Moreover, we started manufacturing the lat est E-Class at MB India. By do ing so we are investing in a promising future market. A Successful Year in Motorsports 1997 was the most successful motorsports year in recent his tory for Daimler-Benz; we had 18 victories at 45 races and in three racing series. the In Formula One, McLaren Mercedes Silver Ar rows scored three victories, in cluding the first double victory in 42 years at the season finale in lerez. In the CART Series, our partner Penske and the cus tomer teams PacWest and For- sythe won nine out of 17 races, making Mercedes-Benz the 1997 CART Manufacturers' Champion. We were also very success ful at the FIA GT, a championship that was held for the first time. Bernd Schneider took the Drivers Championship at the first go with the new Mercedes CLK-GTR, while our partner AMG won the Team Championship. In 1997 the Commercial Vehicle Division achieved a turnaround, thanks to successful new products and extensive efforts to boost productivity; it contributed DM 481 million to the operating profit of the Daimler-Benz Group. We recorded record highs in sales, revenues, and production. The acquisition of the heavy truck sector from Ford Motor Co., which in future will be marketed under the new Sterling trademark, will expand our position in the NAFTA region. Market Growth in Western Europe Confined to Light Commercial Vehicles The Western European commercial vehicle market showed an increase in 1997, but development of the individ ual market segments was countercy clical. While new registrations of vans under 6 tons rose by 8% to 1.5 million vehicles, a slight decline to 246,800 vehicles was recorded in the market segment for trucks over 6 tons. New registrations of buses, at 28,000 units, nearly reached the same level as the previous year. After a weak year of 1996 the mar ket situation in Germany improved somewhat; 263,900 new commercial vehicles were registered (+6%). But because the investment climate is still unsettled and the construction market is soft, growth in the sector for trucks over 6 tons, at 3% to 69,400 vehicles, was still negligible. However, new reg istrations of vans under 6 tons rose by 8% to 189,000 vehicles, which above all reflects brisk de mand in the service industry. Favorable Development of Overseas Markets After a temporary slowdown in 1996, the U.S. market for heavy trucks in Classes 6 to 8 (over 8.8 tons) gained speed again during the year. Growth in orders was especially ro bust, and with 310,400 trucks sold, sales were gratifying as well, surpass ing the 1996 level by 6% due to a strong second half of the year. As a result of Latin Americas eco nomic upturn, demand for commer cial vehicles grew significantly in 1997. The market situation improved in Mexico and Brazil above all, while sales in Argentina did not reach the high volume of the previous year. The downward trend in the Japa nese commercial vehicle market in tensified in the year under review. A l though growth in China continued its dynamic course, certain markets in Southeast Asia were not able to con tinue the vigorous upward trend of the past years. Dynamic Growth at Daimler-Benz The Commercial Vehicle Division at Daimler-Benz increased its revenues by 22% in 1997, reaching a new all- time high of DM 39.1 billion. We achieved brisk growth in the USA (+28% to DM 7.9 billion) and Latin America (+41% to DM 4.7 billion). In Western Europe outside Germany our reve nues increased by 21% to DM 9.3 billion. In Germany our business volume rose to DM 11.1 billion (+7%). Hier gab es ein Produkt- oder Stimmungsbild ohne Text oder Zahlen. Es wurde in der PDF-Datei weggelassen, um eine nutzerfreundliche Dateigröße zu erreichen. Here was a product or mood picture without text or figures. It was omitted in the pdffile to improve the usability of the file size. Altogether we sold 417,400 commercial vehicles in 1997, and thus once again outnumbered the high level of the previ ous year (+20%). The growth was supported by all business units. The development of sales was especially encouraging in the vans segment and - contrary to the market trend - in heavy trucks in Europe. The Sprinter van was especially in strumental in the remarkable growth achieved in Latin Amer ica; since late 1996 we have been also producing this vehi cle in Argentina. Worldwide Daimler-Benz produced vans 195,300 (+28%), 181,800 trucks (+20%), 32,500 buses (+25%), and 3,000 Unimogs (+6%) in 1997. In addition, we produced 9,800 motor home chassis and walk- in vans at Freightliner. Total production increased by 24% to 422,400 commercial vehicles. Earnings Clearly Profitable The contribution of the Com mercial Vehicle Division to the operating profit of Daimler- Benz rose to DM 481 million. Most important sources of in come were the Vans Europe unit and the commercial vehi cle business in North and Latin America. But the other busi ness units also noticeably strengthened their earning power. Our new products were especially conducive to this development; they can be more cost-effectively produced across the board than their prede cessors and are characterized by streamlined production processes and optimized vertical integration. On the basis of union shop agreements to secure jobs that we concluded with the employee representatives in our German plants, we will realize a savings volume of several hundred million Ger man marks. Due to these agreements it is now possible to use our production facilities more efficiently and to adjust work ing times more flexibly to fluctuations in demand which are common in the commercial vehicle industry. Vans Europe Unit Still Very Successful The Vito (2.6 tons), Sprinter (2.5 to 4.6 tons), and Vario (4.8 to 7.5 tons) models and the V-Class minivans were introduced in 1995 and 1996; these new and extremely competitive products made it possible for the Vans Europe business unit to grow significantly faster than the market. The unit was able to boost its sales by 21% to 182,000 vehicles in the year under review. Aside from the continued the success Sprinter vans, of which we sold 106,200 units (1996: 103,600 units), the V- the Vito and Class, produced at the plant in Vitoria, Spain on the basis of a shared platform, were able to fully establish themselves in the market in 1997 with 65,800 vehicles sold (1996: 32,000). of Our market share of vans from 2 to 6 tons reached 18.3% in Western Europe including the V-Class (1996: 15.6%); we thus took over the leading po sition for the first time. In Ger many, our market share rose to 26.4% (1996: 24.8%). In over seas markets, above all in South Africa and the Near and Far East, 5,200 vans were sold in 1997. The results of the Van of the Year 1997 awards under score the excellent acceptance of our vans. In their respective segments, the Vario took the 3rd place, the Vito the 2nd place, while the Sprinter scored 1 st place with the best individual results within all classes. New Products for the Trucks Europe Unit The Trucks Europe business unit completed its product range for the heavy-duty Actros truck by adding construction and special application vehicles in September 1997. We first launched the Actros as a road version in September 1996; it was appointed Truck of the Year 1997. We introduced the new Atego distributor truck to the market in spring 1998. As with the Actros, the Atego's most convincing feature is its economic efficiency. Essential criteria include 60,000 kilometer service intervals for city driving and 100,000 kil ometers for highway driving. The service costs are thus re duced by up to 30% as compared to the predecessor models. In addition, more production-friendly product concepts and tighter production processes lead to considerable cost advantages both for the Actros and the Atego. Due to the market success of the Actros, the Trucks Eu rope business unit has increased its sales by 18% to a total of 77,500 vehicles despite the unfavorable development of im portant markets. We were able to expand our position as mar ket leader in Western Europe to a 24.6% share in the market for trucks over 6 tons. Within the Trucks Europe production network, which in addition to the production facility in Worth also includes the plants in Aksaray, Turkey, Arbon, Switzerland (added equip ment), and Molsheim, France (retrofitting), a total of 78,800 trucks rolled off the assembly line in 1997 (1996: 62,600 units). Unimog Sales Up Despite strained budget situations in the public sector in Ger many and the other Western European countries, sales of the Unimog business unit reached 3,100 vehicles and were 12% higher than in the previous year. The new compact tool carrier UX 100, which we have been offering since 1996, was instrumental in this pleasing development. Drive Trains Unit: An Internationally Competitive System Partner The Drive Trains Europe unit develops and manufactures en gines, axles, and powertrains, as well as other components for commercial vehicles. So far these products were primarily manufactured for European assembly plants of the Commer cial Vehicle Division. We also plan to acquire more external customers in the future in order to take advantage of addi tional economies of scale. Against this backdrop, we intensified efforts in 1997 on significant improvements of the unit's cost position, which was not yet satisfactory. In revamping the product line, components for the Atego were given the most attention. For instance, we developed a new 6-cylinder version of the 900 engine series and a power- train series that satisfies different torque requirements. With its direct-drive system, the new rear axle of the Series 8 makes an important contribution toward reducing fuel con sumption for the Actros and various buses produced by Evo- Bus GmbH. In its function as an internal system partner, the unit de livered components valued at DM 5.3 billion to customers within the Daimler-Benz Group in 1997. Revenues from ex ternal customers totaled some DM 0.5 billion. In the future, we intend to take greater advantage of our international development and production network for compo nents from the Commercial Ve hicle Division. Moreover, we are continuing to expand our sales and after sales service networks. EvoBus Reinforces Its Market Position While the Western European market for buses over 8 tons remained nearly constant in 1997 with a total of 20,600 new registrations (1996: 20,700 registrations), the number of new registrations in the German market, which is especially significant for EvoBus, declined by 8% to 4,800 vehicles. In this environment, the Buses Europe unit increased its sales by 8% to 7,900 buses. The total sales volume includes 4,500 buses of the Mercedes-Benz trademark, 2,300 Setra buses, and 1,100 bus chassis. In Western Europe, the market shares of Mercedes-Benz and Setra, at 15% and 10% respec tively, were approximately equal to the previous year. In Ger many, the Buses Europe unit produced 5,500 buses and bus chassis (1996: 4,800 units); 430 buses were assembled in France (1996: 460 units) and 2,300 city and tour buses at the Davutpasa/Hosdere plant in Turkey (1996: 1,700 units). Here, too, the product strategy is proceeding at full speed: among the product innovations in 1997 are the Citaro city bus, the Integra (a high-floor bus with the Mercedes-Benz nameplate), and a 3-axle luxury tour bus of the Setra make. As the first manufacturer worldwide, EvoBus launched the NEBUS, an emission-free city bus using fuel-cell technology, in 1997. On the basis of standardized bus platforms and a modular product concept for buses of Mercedes-Benz and Setra, the Buses Europe business unit will have revamped its entire product line by the year 2000. Continuous Growth in the NAFTA Region In the financial year 1997, the Freightliner Corporation sold a total of 80,200 commercial ve hicles in North America (1996: 74,900 units), and thus contin ued to improve its market posi tion. Aside from the success of our vehicles, contributing fac tors the unrivaled service package offered by business Freightliner. The with medium-duty trucks in Classes 6 and 7 remained favo rable; sales in this category grew to a total of 11,400 vehi cles (1996: 10,800 units). In Class 8 trucks (over 15 tons), we achieved a 6% increase to 57,200 units, above all due to brisk demand for the new gen eration of Century Class Trucks. included In the USA Freightliner reinforced its position as the leading manufacturer of heavy-duty trucks by selling a total of 70,500 commercial vehicles (1996: 69,300 units); its mar ket share is 12% in the Classes 6 and 7 and 28% in Class 8. Mercedes-Benz Mexico S.A., which like Freightliner is part of the Commercial Vehicles NAFTA unit, profited from the improved situation of the local market and nearly quadru pled its production to 6,400 commercial vehicles. Sterling as a Second Mainstay in North America With the takeover of the heavy trucks sector of Ford Motor Co. effective January 1, 1998, we are strengthening our posi tion in the NAFTA region. The product range of this sector, which in future will be marketed under the Sterling trade mark via an independent network of more than 200 dealers in the USA and Canada, con sists of vehicles in Classes 6 to 8 for distributor, construction- site, and long-haul applica tions. It perfectly complements the product range of Freight- liner. With the Sterling as a second trademark, Freightlin- er intends to achieve an addi tional sales volume of 20,000 units and expand its market share in the segment of Class 8 trucks in the USA to nearly 40%. The Sterling trucks will be manufactured the Freightliner production facility in St. Thomas, Ontario, Cana da. at Sprinter Spurs Growth in Latin America In order to consolidate our ac tivities in Brazil and Argentina and thus organize them more efficiently, we created the busi ness unit Commercial Vehicles Latin America at the beginning of the year under review. The sales volume of this sector grew by 23% in 1997 to 56,300 vehicles. Of this total, 3,100 vehicles were Sprinter vans, which since the end of 1996 have been produced at our Argentine plant for the Latin American market. Because the rapidly rising demand for commercial vehicles could not be fully satisfied due to limit ed capacities, our market shares in the category of trucks over 6 tons declined slightly. However, with a 34% share (1996: 39%) in Brazil and 44% (1996: 46%) in Argentina, we were able to maintain our leading position in this market seg ment by far. In the bus sector, our share in the Brazilian mar ket was somewhat lower than in the previous year at 63%. The product range of the business unit was expanded in 1997 with another heavy truck, a bus chassis with a natural gas engine, and a low-floor bus. Custom-Made Products for the Asian Market The Asia Pacific region is al ready the largest commercial vehicle market today and in the coming years will also en joy the most extensive growth. In order to expand our position in this region we will offer more locally produced and de veloped products there in fu ture that are adapted to the specific requirements of these markets. Such products include the new MB 800, which we have been producing in Indonesia since 1997 and which was de veloped locally. A key project in China is Yaxing-Benz Ltd., our 50/50 joint venture with Yangzhou Motor Coach Manufacturer General (YMCG) that started operation in March 1997. Some 3,300 employees produce and sell buses and chassis for the Yaxing and Mercedes-Benz makes there as part of a double- nameplate strategy. Our long-range plan is to achieve a lead ing position in the Chinese market with this company. In 1997, we restructured our sales organization both inside and outside of Germany striving to improve efficiency and customer orientation. In addition, we set conditions for a much more conscientious management of the Mercedes-Benz brand. The MB Spots we introduced in Italy and the A-Motion Tour open new opportunities for customer contact. It is our aim to obtain world leadership not only within our products, but also within our services and all aspects of customer care. Restructuring the Sales Organization In the year under review, we aligned our sales organization even closer to the needs of our customers. We developed a new structure for our sales network in Germany thereby tak ing the geographic differences and required minimum vol umes of our sales partners into consideration and ensuring optimum customer care. We have already started implement ing this structure with our partners in the interest of helping them to build the strength and professionalism they need to compete in the market. We have also introduced similar reor ganization structures to our sales network in Europe outside Germany. Outside Europe we are strategically expanding our mar ket presence with additional regional companies and sales points. In Guatemala, for instance, we took over the majority holding and corporate management of our general represent ative, Europa Motors. Mercedes-Benz Latina, servicing the Central American region, will start operations in 1998, and regional offices will open in Dubai and South Africa. The sales organization in Asia was also restructured. From now on, these markets will be serviced directly on loca tion by four newly established market performance centers. Enhanced customer orientation and flexibility we achieved are important conditions for more effectively exploiting mar ket opportunities in Asia in future. Brand Management in Sales The distinctive Mercedes-Benz star, long considered a sym bol for one of the world's strongest trademarks, may well be the most important asset Daimler-Benz has in competing for customers. We therefore established the new Brand Manage ment unit in order to consolidate activities revolving around the Mercedes-Benz brand. The new unit's task is to develop strategies and standards from a brand perspective for the gamut of activities ranging from vehicle development to sales and promotion. The spectrum spans from positioning our ve hicles in the market to marketing merchandising products under the Mercedes-Benz name and establishing guidelines for cooperative ventures. A-Motion Tour The A-Motion Tour introduced in 1997 represents a creative new approach to initiating a dialogue with our customers, communicating Mercedes-Benz brand awareness, and pre senting the A-Class as a wholly new vehicle. The A-Motion Tour was part of the 18-month publicity campaign leading up to the market introduction of the A-Class; it homed in on the centers of the most important cities of Germany and Europe. With this innovative form of communication we have been able to appeal to new customers for Mercedes-Benz and the A-Class throughout Europe. Present-Valued Parts Supply Customer and market needs are changing in the parts busi ness as well. In order to strengthen our competitive position in the parts market, we started implementing marketing con cepts in 1997 that pay special attention to the needs of our individual customer groups. An example is our commitment to make expendable parts available at prices that are based on the present value of the vehicles. This not only increases customer loyalty and satisfaction, it also creates conditions for continued customer acquisition. Star Diagnosis at Service Centers Our service centers provide valuable opportunities for estab lishing long-term customer loyalty. They can be a decisive factor in setting us apart from the competition and in expand ing our market position. The recently introduced Star Diagno sis System enables Mercedes-Benz service centers to precise ly locate malfunctions and to undertake appropriate repairs. Hier gab es ein Produkt- oder Stimmungsbild ohne Text oder Zahlen. Es wurde in der PDF-Datei weggelassen, um eine nutzerfreundliche Dateigröße zu erreichen. Here was a product or mood picture without text or figures. It was omitted in the pdffile to improve the usability of the file size. Together with the recovery of important markets, programs for boosting efficiency introduced and successfully implemented in previous years have noticeably improved the competitiveness and earnings of the Aerospace Division. At DM 432 million profit (1996: DM 196 million loss), the division made an important contribution to the operating profit of the Daimler-Benz Group in 1997. At the same time, significant advances were made in the restructuring of the European aerospace industry. Revival of Demand in Important Markets Economic conditions for the Aero space Division developed favorably throughout 1997. Aside from brisk demand for commercial aircraft and helicopters, the upward valuation of the U.S. dollar as compared to the deutschmark was another important factor. In contrast, restricted public sec tor budgets had a depressing effect. Defense technology products and the government-supported aerospace in dustry were especially badly effected. Thanks to the decision of the coun tries involved to acquire the Euro- fighter, it has been possible to secure the continuation of this project, which has tremendous strategic significance for the European aerospace industry. Due to skyrocketing demand for new telecommunications services, the upward trend in the commercial satel lite and service provider markets continued worldwide. Competitive Pressure Continued Despite increasing demand in the commercial sector, the aerospace industry remained embroiled in a bitter price war. All manufacturers are therefore still vigorously imple menting cost-cutting and rationalization measures. At the same time, the trend towards concentration in the industry reached a new dimension in 1997. In the USA, the merger of Boeing and McDonnell Douglas cre ated a company with a dominant market position, high technological competence, and a balanced portfolio of products and services. Likewise Europe, only an integrated aerospace industry will be capable of surviving over the long term. Record-Breaking Revenue and Incoming Orders When comparably calculated, the Aerospace Division was able to in crease revenue by 20% to DM 15.3 bil lion in 1997. All business units gen erated higher the previous year. The most important contributions to the division's growth came from the Civil Aircraft and the Aeroengines unit. revenues than At DM 19.4 billion, incoming or ders also reached a record level and after making adjustments for struc the tural changes, previous year's level by 16%. Contributing factors included booming orders for Civil Aircraft and Aeroengines, and for the Military Aircraft and Defense and Civil Systems units. they surpassed Improved Earning Power The division's earning power improved steadily. Its contribu tion to the operating profit of the Daimler-Benz Group in creased by DM 628 million to DM 432 million, even though the early repayment of government development grants and Hier gab es ein Produkt- oder Stimmungsbild ohne Text oder Zahlen. Es wurde in der PDF-Datei weggelassen, um eine nutzerfreundliche Dateigröße zu erreichen. Here was a product or mood picture without text or figures. It was omitted in the pdffile to improve the usability of the file size. advances for the Airbus program effected earnings. This in creased contribution was above all due to a more favorable dollar exchange rate and to our competitiveness drive, that made it possible to reduce costs by almost 30%. All business units were thus able to generate a profit in fiscal 1997. How ever, the financial result was negatively influenced by hedg ing measures, which have a long term effect, when they were evaluated at year-end. Further Steps Taken Toward European Structures We reached several other im portant milestones in 1997 in our effort to promote European cooperation in the aerospace industry. The French/British joint venture, Matra BAe Dynamics (MBD), acquired 30% of our subsidiary LFK-Lenkflugkorp- er GmbH, which creates new possibilities for joint strategies in this sector. In the defense electronics field, we acquired Siemens' defense electronics business. This unit's product range complements our ex isting line, and decisively improves our bargaining position in negotiations toward European cooperative agreements. In addition, we plan to establish an aerospace joint ven ture with French/British Matra Marconi Space (MMS). MMS and Dasa intend to contribute their entire space systems ac tivities to this undertaking. Each is expected to hold a 50% stake in the new joint venture. In October 1997 we agreed with our three consortium partners, Aerospatiale SNI, British Aerospace pic, and Con- strucciones Aeronauticas S.A. (Casa), on additional steps to convert the Airbus Consortium to a fully integrated European corporation. "Airbus Single Company" is due to be realized by early 1999. Its establishment is an important move to enter the market for widebody jets larger than the A330/A340, a segment previously monopolized by Boeing. Capacity Expansion in Civil Aircraft The Civil Aircraft and Helicopters unit essentially comprises our activities within the Airbus Consortium and the Euro- copter Group, in which we hold 37.9% and 40% stakes re spectively. Demand for civil aircraft and helicopters, which had al ready risen briskly in 1996, led to significantly higher de liveries in 1997. The unit's revenue increased by 30% to DM 6.0 billion. In the civil aircraft sector, in particular, orders were also buoyant. At DM 9.0 billion, incoming orders sur passed the previous year's level by 42%. The Airbus Consortium was able to book total orders for 460 aircraft in 1997 (1996: the most 326). That was booked in the history of this program. In the year under re view 182 aircraft were de (1996: to customers livered 126 units). The volume of orders on hand continued to rise and reached 1,009 aircraft at year-end (1996: 753 units). To ensure our ability to deliver aircraft on time, production is gradually being ramped up, especially in the A319/A320/ A321 program. Airbus production was increased to a total of 16 aircraft per month in 1997 and will reach 25 units per month in 1999. Annual production will thus grow by 100 units to more than 280 aircraft. The Airbus family will become even more attractive for customers in the future. The product range is continually be ing widened with additional model versions, notably the A321-200 and the A330-200. The decision to develop the four-engine A340-500 and A340-600 jets was finalized in December 1997. The new models will expand the A330/ A340 family, which will then cover the range from 250 seats (A330-200) to 380 seats (A340-600). In the helicopter segment, the revival of civil business made it possible to more than offset the continued decline in revenues from the military sector. Incoming orders were up 13% to DM 1.6 billion. Eurofighter Enters Production Phase The Military Aircraft business unit consolidates the Group's capacities and competencies in development, production, and servicing of combat aircraft as well as military transport and mission aircraft. Among the unit's activities are aircraft- supported reconnaissance and guidance systems, primary trainers, and training systems. About half the unit's revenues, which in 1997 rose by 4% to DM 1.7 billion, was generated by the Tornado and Eu rofighter programs and another 20% related to Airbus sub assemblies developed and produced on behalf of the Civil Aircraft unit. Primarily as a result of an order for the modernization of Greece's Phantom aircraft, as well as a significantly larger volume of orders for Airbus subassemblies, the unit's in coming orders rose by a remarkable 70% over the previous year to reach DM 2.0 billion. Now that the German Bundestag has decided in favor of procuring the Eurofighter and the defense ministries of the nations involved (Germany, U.K., Italy, and Spain) signed a Memorandum of Understanding in December, series produc tion for this program, important for both workforce and sys tems capabilities of the Military Aircraft unit, has become reality. Ariane 5 Successfully Started The Space Systems Infrastructure business unit is respon sible for orbital systems and their application as well as for booster and propulsion systems. Revenues increased by 9% to DM 1.1 billion in 1997. Focal points included our contributions to the Columbus Research Station and Ariane programs. Incoming orders had been extraordinarily high in 1996 due to the agreement to develop the COF (Columbus Orbital Facility), a contract worth more than one billion German marks. The financial year of 1997 shows that the situation returned to normal and the value of incoming orders was therefore significantly lower at DM 0.8 billion (1996: DM 2.3 billion). The European booster rocket Ariane completed its one hundredth take-off in September 1997. The second develop ment booster in the Ariane 5 program was successfully launched in October. Europe is the world leader with Ariane 5. It is presently designed for a 5.9 ton payload and will later be expanded to 7.4 tons, that means it will not only be able to transport large satellites into space but other loads, such as the Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV), as well. Growth in Revenues in the Satellites Unit The Satellites business unit develops and produces satellite systems for applications ranging from science and remote sensing to communications and safety policy. These activ ities are essentially concentrated within our subsidiary Dorn- ier Satellitensysteme GmbH (DSS). In 1997, the unit's revenues increased by 23% to DM 1.5 billion. The Spacebus and Globalstar programs made signifi cant contributions to earnings, as did the scientific X-ray satel lite XMM. At DM 1.1 billion (1996: DM 1.4 billion), incom ing orders were significantly lower than the previous in year, which benefited from large orders relating to the En- visat program and the XMM X- ray satellite. We have entered the highly promising market for small satellites with the newly devel oped Flexbus concept. In addi tion, we were able to complete the Saturn probe Huygens in 1997 which was send into space with the American Cassini orbiter. Defense and Civil Systems: Competitive Position Strengthened Though still affected by limited budgets in the public sector in 1997, the Defense and Civil Systems business unit was able to take important steps toward consolidation and prep aration for European integration. We have strengthened our position in defense technology through the alliance with Matra-BAe Dynamics in the guided missile sector and the takeover of the defense electronics activities from Siemens. Nortel Dasa Network Systems achieved a decisive market breakthrough in Germany with a large order from Viag Inter com. Revenues were up 3% in 1997 and reached DM 2.8 billion. A decline in revenues from guided missiles was offset by sub stantial growth in revenues for Nortel Dasa Network Systems, Conventional Munitions Systems Inc. (CMS), and Bayern-Chemie, as well as for Dornier GmbH in the recon naissance and guidance systems sector. Incoming orders in creased by 21% to DM 3.0 billion. Vigorous Growth in Civil Propulsion Systems In the Aeroengines business unit, our subsidiary MTU Mo- toren- und Turbinen-Union Miinchen GmbH manufactures propulsion systems for civil and military aircraft, helicop ters, and stationary applica tions in cooperation with Euro pean, American, and Japanese partners. In addition, MTU Miinchen is actively involved in the maintenance of military and civil propulsion systems. The dynamic upward trend of Aeroengines continued in 1997 with business volume of DM 3.0 billion (+28%). Impor tant contributions came from civil propulsion systems and maintenance services. Revenues from propulsion systems for military aircraft, on the other hand, did not quite reach the level of the previous year. Incoming orders also rose briskly (27%) to DM 2.7 billion. As with revenues, the orders relating to civil propulsion sys tems played the most instrumental role here; they increased by more than 50%. The Services Division had a very successful financial year 1997, and continued the positive development of previous years in all five business units. Revenues reached DM 15.5 billion, 22% higher than the comparable value for the previous year. At the same time, the division's contribution to the operating profit of the Daimler-Benz Group increased considerably from DM 288 million to DM 457 million. Growth in Services Remained Strong In the industrialized nations the serv ices sector was once again one of the mainstays of economic growth and one of the most important pillars of the economy. In Germany, indications of a long-term upswing intensified in the corporate services sector, in which our Services Division is active, with the data processing sector growing at an above-average rate of 5.5%. Earnings Noticeably Improved The division's contribution to the op erating profit of the Daimler-Benz Group increased by a remarkable 59% to DM 459 million. All business units contributed to this success, and the favorable trend in exchange rates had a positive effect on operating profit. Once again, important source of income was the Financial Services/Insurance Brokerage unit. The operating profit of IT Services also expanded significantly. the most Business Volume Considerably Higher 1997 was a highly successful year for the Services Division. Revenues in creased to DM 15.5 billion and were thus 22% higher than the comparable value for the previous year. Growth in the IT Services and Telecommunica tions and Media Services business units was especially pronounced at 32% and 44% respectively. In absolute terms, growth was the strongest in the Financial Services/Insurance Brokerage unit, with an in crease in volume of 15% to DM 9.5 billion. But the other busi ness units also expanded revenues. The development varied from market to market, but was particularly pleasing in the member countries of the European Union, where we were able to increase revenues to DM 2.4 billion (1996: DM 1.5 billion). Revenues in Germany grew by 8% to DM 7.9 billion. In 1997 we generated 51% of our business volume in Germa ny, 15% in the other EU member countries, 30% in the North America, and 4% in other markets. More Than 3,400 New Employees The number of employees rose mark edly once again in 1997. At year-end debis employed 14,898 people world wide (1996: 11,500 employees). Of this number, 4,049 worked for our for eign companies, nearly twice as many as in the previous year. We created new jobs in the three largest business units: Financial Services/Insurance Brokerage, IT Services, and Telecommunications and Media Services. In addition to existing trainee programs, we created 20 new apprenticeship positions in various IT professions. Continued Internationalization of Services The Services Division continued its systematic international ization drive in 1997. New companies were established and new markets tapped by almost all business unit. Above all we see good opportunities in the Asia Pacific region and Eastern Europe to take advantage of these markets' growth potential. Stake in Cap Gemini Sold In July 1997 debis ended its partnership with Cap Gemini due to the incompatible strategic orientations of the two com panies. After all, the partnership, which had existed since 1991, turned out to be very successful for both parties. How ever, the restrictions of the U.S. Bank Holding Company Act did not permit our IT Services unit the unrestricted pursuit of business activities in the USA, which is an important market for information technology, debis AG sold its 24.4% stake in Cap Gemini to Compagnie generate d'industrie et de partici pation (CGIP) and at the same time reacquired the shares held by Cap Gemini in debis Systemhaus. The IT Services unit will now focus on gradual ly expanding its international presence, particularly in Eu rope, and will utilize funds for acquisitions. Financial Services/ Insurance Brokerage: More Markets Tapped in the Asia Pacific Region As part of its internationaliz ation strategy, the Financial Services/Insurance Brokerage business unit established 15 new companies and is now do ing business with 73 companies in 28 countries. We expand ed our presence in the Asia Pacific region in particular. In 1997 we were able to increase both our new business and our contract volume considerably: new business reached 363,000 vehicles, while contract volume rose by 36% to 801,400 vehicles. Business volume picked up noticeably in Germany due to the expansion of our range of services. The new services we offer include innovative products such as Salesman on Demand (see page 49). In other European coun tries we significantly improved efficiency by establishing an internal European IT Service Center. Business was very en couraging in the USA as well where Mercedes-Benz Credit Corporation was able to expand new business by 21% to 95,000 new contracts. The leasing funds we set up were very much in demand, making it possible to secure and place financing for ten large-scale products through debis Aviation Leasing. As a re sult, the funding volume managed rose to DM 4.3 billion (1996: DM 2.5 billion). In the insurance sector, we increased our premium rev enues by 11% to DM 1,030 million, primarily by expanding business with corporate and industrial customers. As part of a reengineering project, we critically reviewed our processes and identified optimization potentials. We focused on customer needs and demands and intensified sales activities in the interest of improving the quality of our consulting services. IT Services: Focused on New Markets The IT Services unit, debis Systemhaus, also expanded its international operations signif icantly in 1997. It was able to enlarge its customer base con siderably as a one-stop shop for everything from consulting and the development of soft ware solutions to the operation of application systems and communication networks. New companies were established in Spain, Denmark, South Africa, Singapore, and the United States. Aside from internationalization, a key focus was the de velopment and implementation of innovative solutions in areas such as electronic commerce and secure data transfer. debis Systemhaus was also able to gain new customers for redesigning their business processes in connection with the introduction of the Euro and adapting systems to calendar year 2000. Overall, the unit's business increased by 32% in 1997 and reached DM 3.2 billion. We generated 64% of rev enue from customers outside the Daimler-Benz Group. Telecommunications and Media Services: Dynamic Growth Continued The business unit Telecommunications and Media Services profited from the growth in European telecommunications markets in 1997. Revenues increased by 44% to DM 2.3 bil lion. In Europe, debitel serviced 1.7 million customers by year-end (1996: 1.1 million customers). Since the founding of debitel Denmark, we have been represented in five European countries and can offer customers the same services thanks to a service concept that spans all five countries. Hier gab es ein Produkt- oder Stimmungsbild ohne Text oder Zahlen. Es wurde in der PDF-Datei weggelassen, um eine nutzerfreundliche Dateigröße zu erreichen. Here was a product or mood picture without text or figures. It was omitted in the pdffile to improve the usability of the file size. We also expanded our activities in the traffic consulting and planning sector. Thanks to our know-how in the design and implementation of traffic and logistics systems, we were able to tap markets in European countries outside Germany. The navigation system implemented for the city of Tokyo is an important project in this respect. In Germany, Tegaron Telematics which offers precise traffic information for driv ers, started operations. In the online media sector we opened up new distribution channels through Primus-On line, our joint venture with Metro AG. According to the lat est market research, revenues from the Internet are expected to reach some DM 200 billion by the year 2000. Our object is to quickly gain a substantial market share. Trading: Business with Eastern Europe Intensified Thanks to its 103 employees, all of whom have country-spe cific expertise and the neces sary language skills, in 1997 the Trading unit completed numerous projects worldwide using state-of-the-art trading methods. The main emphasis was on significantly increasing our involvement in the CIS countries. By offering compre hensive service packages we were able to expand particularly the project business. Orjol Wheat 2000 is a project that can serve as a model for other efforts: debis Trading will organize the purchase and supply of the latest agricultural machinery, logistics, and services. This not only increases the wheat yield in Russia's Orjol re gion, it will also modernize downstream warehousing and production. In commodity trading we expanded our business substantially with the Mercedes-Benz collection. In the mer chandising sector we were able to win new contracts. Real Estate Management: Construction Management Extended to Include Other Projects Construction management of the Potsdamer Platz project was once again the focus of our real estate management activi ties in 1997. Schedules and costs are on target, and one year before completion of the entire project, 60% of the usa ble floor space had been sold or rented. By the end of 1998 most of the 19 buildings will be completed and occupied. In ad dition, the Real Estate Manage ment business unit took on construction management re sponsibilities for other exter nal projects. Revenues tripled to DM 220 million. New Home for debis Opened Its Doors at Potsdamer Platz The first construction phase was completed at Potsdamer Platz after only three years of construction. The new admin istrative headquarters for debis was inaugurated on October 24, 1997 and handed over to the Services Division. Some 1,000 debis employees have moved into new offices in the heart of Berlin. The directly managed businesses comprise three business units, Rail Systems (Adtranz joint venture), Microelectronics, and MTU/Diesel Engines. In 1997, Adtranz generated revenues of DM 6.4 billion, a 13% increase over the previous year. Incoming orders were up 30% and reached DM 7.5 billion. However, Adtranz recorded an operating loss. At Microelectronics, revenues rose on a comparable basis by 25% to DM 2.6 billion and incoming orders by 44% to DM 2.8 billion. Operating profit significantly improved and became positive. The MTU/Diesel Engines unit was able to continue the upward trend that it enjoyed for several years and increased revenues to more than DM 1.7 billion. Operating prof it also improved. Rail Systems Higher Revenues and Incoming Orders Adtranz, the joint venture of Daimler- Benz and ABB, maintained its world wide position as the leading and most complete rail systems supplier, from rolling stock and fixed installations to signaling and customer support, via a growing network of competent local operations around the world. 1997 was characterized by new or ders worth DM 7.5 billion (+30%) in a growing, but highly competitive, mar ket. Many of the contracts awarded in previous years entered the delivery phase. Revenues picked up in the last quarter of 1997, above all in Germany, indicating significant improvements in delivery performance. Total rev enues increased to DM 6.4 billion (+13%) in the year under review. Measures to Improve Earnings In anticipation of increasing price pressure and with continued over in Europe, capacity, particularly Adtranz plans to speed up its restruc turing programs in order to lower its cost base and to improve its competitiveness. Considerable provisions were made for the proposed restructuring meas ures; as a consequence, the operating result for 1997 deterio rated noticeably and was negative. Major Projects and Contracts Adtranz was awarded an order for new generation high-speed trains and fixed installations for the Oresund project linking Sweden and Denmark. Other major orders included turnkey rail systems in Adana, Turkey and Oporto, Portugal. Moreover, major or ders were secured in Western, Cen tral, and Eastern Europe as well as in the USA. After years of uncertainty the U.K. rail market is prospering following privatization. Adtranz won orders in the U.K. for diesel and electrical mul tiple units totaling over 400 vehicles with options for more than 800 addi tional cars and a major order for main tenance. The prospects for new orders look promising. Despite delays in awarding new infrastructure contracts due to fi nancial turbulences in certain Asian countries, significant growth of the rail market in that region is antici pated. Technological Efforts In 1997 Adtranz developed seven new vehicle platforms ranging from the new people mover, light rail vehicles, and metro trains to re gional and intercity multiple units and electric locomotives. All are based on modular and standardized designs, reflect ing customer demand for highly efficient and reliable vehicles. Investments in global development programs amounted to more than DM 240 million in 1997. Adtranz focuses on technology development to make rail way operators competitive with other modes of transport. Fundamental research in the area of vehicle dynamics is es sential for vehicles capable of speeds up to, and in excess of, 250 km/h on existing infrastructure. As a consequence, a new modularized cast bogie with superior running character istics is being introduced as a basic component of Adtranz's coming generation of high-speed multiple unit trains. The Signaling unit at Adtranz is introducing a very im portant function to enhance operating economy. It is based on computerized systems on board trains, radio-connected to the operational system and to control centers along the track. Important Acquisitions and Capital Investments Adtranz devoted considerable efforts to modernize the pro duction plant of its Polish company, Pafawag. In 1997 Adtranz acquired the majority share in Pafawag and has man aged to turn it into an efficient producer not only the Polish market, but also for low-cost standardized mechanical components throughout the Adtranz group. for Adtranz acquired another 25.9% of Adtranz MAV Duna- keszi, Hungary, in 1997, becoming the majority shareholder. This company will become important in customer support both in Hungary and surrounding European countries. Effective January 1, 1998, Adtranz acquired the rolling stock business of Schindler Waggon, Switzerland. With this acquisition Adtranz Switzerland becomes a fully fledged manufacturer of complete rail track vehicles. In order to strengthen its presence in Asia, Adtranz es tablished its fourth corporate center in Singapore in 1997 and opened a signaling center in Bangkok. In addition, a new business segment was set up at Adtranz at the beginning of 1998 to coordinate activities in Asia for better market pen etration. Microelectronics Growth in Automotive Electronics and Semiconductors In 1997, revenues, incoming orders, and earnings rose mark edly in Microelectronics. In the automotive electronics and semiconductor sectors, TEMIC was able to expand its rev enues by 25% to DM 2.6 billion; orders increased by 44% and reached DM 2.8 billion. TEMIC generated nearly half its rev enues in Europe and 24% each in North America and the Far East. The automotive electronics sector recorded above-aver age growth in revenues of 52% to reach more than DM 1 bil lion. At the same time, incom ing orders were 64% higher and totaled DM 1.2 billion. The reco semiconductor market vered in 1997 after a difficult 1996; this development was exceptionally profitable for our semiconductor activities. In coming orders for semiconduc tors grew by 42% to DM 1.6 bil lion, while revenues were up 18%, surpassing DM 1.5 billion. Focus on Automotive Electronics Following the decision to concentrate on core activities, the Semiconductor unit was sold in early 1998 to the U.S. com pany Vishay Intertechnology, Inc., based in Malvern, Penn sylvania. TEMIC will now concentrate exclusively on the fast grow ing activities of automotive electronics. In the year under re view it comprised six product groups: engines and chassis, safety, comfort, ABS, sensor systems, and electric motors. TEMIC's product range covers the majority of automotive electronics applications. The new structure will enable it to access the market more quickly. Customers include all the well-known automotive manufacturers in Europe, USA, and Asia. Worldwide Development and Production Network Our global development and production network is designed to further enhance productivity and thus secure a competi tive edge. Capital-intensive production in Germany is allied with production at low-cost locations in Asia, Eastern Europe, and Central America. Technological Competence Usage of electronics in motor vehicles is steadily gaining ground. As many as 90% of all innovations introduced to the vehicle market today are based on electronic applications. Electronics facilitate driving and simultaneously offer greater comfort and more safety. With its portfolio of elec tronic control units and other products, TEMIC has estab lished itself as one of the world's most important suppliers in the industry. In certain market segments TEMIC is the tech nological leader; for example, it has developed its compe tence in ABS and airbag electronics over several decades, and is a leader in sensor technology and modern distance control systems. A number of electronic components in automobiles rely on sensors that measure environmental factors, recognize changes, and trigger appropriate reactions. For example, ac celeration sensors are a key element in every airbag system. TEMIC has been manufacturing these sensors since 1997 using a new technology that replaces mechanical construc tion with a micromechanic arrangement on a silicon basis. The sensors can be produced much more efficiently and in greater quantities. Another innovation is the distance-warning radar devel oped by TEMIC's subsidiary Automotive Distance Control Systems (ADC). The system maintains a constant speed se lected by cruise control, automatically decelerates if road conditions change, and accelerates again when the car re turns to the open road. The system will be ready for series production in 1998 (see page 48). Other potential improvements include taking antilock braking systems a step further with Electronic Stability Pro grams (ESP), a development that prevents cars from swerv ing in critical situations. In addition, distance warning radar helps to prevent accidents. In case of a crash, the related airbag electronics system provides optimum protection for driver and passengers. Innovative engine and powertrain so lutions will continue to reduce fuel consumption without sac rificing performance. Finally, linking functional units with a car's on-board computer will provide diagnostic and service functions in the future. MTU/Diesel Engines Revenues Continue to Rise In the year under review the MTU/Diesel Engines business unit, based in Friedrichshafen, was able to increase its rev enue to more than DM 1.7 billion (+6%). At the same time, incoming orders rose to nearly DM 1.8 billion. More than 60% of the business volume was generated in export markets. Aside from EU countries, Asia was the most important sales region for MTU products. The way business developed in Ger many was equally encouraging. Together with measures to reduce costs, business expansion led to noticeably improved earnings. MTU has been continuously expanding its sales organi zation to reinforce its excellent position in the world markets. Aside from the new customer service center in Soochow near Shanghai, China, the formation of a subsidiary in Thailand in 1997 represented another step toward establishing compre hensive customer support. The development of a marketing organization is also under way in the countries of the former Soviet Union. Outlets in Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, Kazakstan, and Azerbaijan will expand MTU's customer support net work to 330 service centers in nearly 100 countries. Gained Market Shares with Cooperative Ventures On the basis of existing MTU diesel engines, our Magdeburg- based partner SKL Motoren- und Systemtechnik GmbH will develop a natural gas, in-line, and heavy fuel engine with an output between 250 and over 2,000 kW. It is our aim to offer competitive products in the promising natural gas engines sector as early as 1999. Series production of the 2000 and 4000 engines, devel oped with our American partner Detroit Diesel Corporation, started in 1997 as planned. The engines are used in yachts, power generation units, rolling stock, and dump trucks. Brisk demand suggests that revenues will continue to rise. Market Leader in Marine Engines for High-Speed Ferries and Government Ships MTU has been a market leader in the high-speed ferry sector for years. The trend toward using larger and faster ships for important sea routes continued in 1997. Despite increasing competition it was possible to expand the market share for diesel-powered ships to nearly 70%. MTU engines, combined with gas turbines, will power four 150 meter high-speed fer ries operated by an Italian shipping company. These are the largest high-speed ferries ever built. With this contract MTU managed to gain entree to a type of ship that will set new standards with respect to speed and hauling capacity. The slight revival in procurement projects of navies and government agencies has led to a steady rise in incoming or ders in this segment as well, particularly from the Asian re gion above all. Larger orders were received for the new 2000 series, which found rapid acceptance with government agen cies and yachts. Specialist in Complex System Solutions In the field of decentralized energy systems we received sev eral orders for facilities using fuel/water injection technology after a number of pilot facilities were successful. At this time, MTU is the only manufacturer offering this concept in mass production. It significantly reduces engine emissions and al ready meets future emission standards. Incoming orders and revenues rose noticeably in the roll ing stock segment as well, particularly from Germany, China, Indonesia, and Greece. The increase in demand for diesel rail cars was especially strong in Europe. MTU developed com plete propulsion units for rail cars, which are preassembled and installed into the vehicles. In the heavy mine vehicles segment, the trend toward larger dump trucks and excavators is continuing. Once again, MTU achieved a market share for dump trucks of more than 40% in 1997. With the new 4000 series it also managed to tap the market for large excavators. Steady decline in defense budgets meant that demand for diesel systems for military vehicles remained at a low level. On the other hand increasing standardization of equipment for NATO member states may have a favorable effect in the future. MTU's EuroPowerPack is a universal diesel unit for heavy tracklaying vehicles and represents an internationally renowned product with tremendous market opportunities. In drive shafts for passenger cars, vans, and light com mercial vehicles, the positive trend of the past few years con tinued. Deliveries for Mercedes-Benz vehicles once again comprised the largest share of revenues. Business with customers outside the Daimler-Benz Group also grew. For example, a delivery contract was concluded with Volvo. We are also conducting promising negotiations with other automakers. In the injection system sector our subsidiary L'Orange had a very good year. Demand for medium-speed diesel en gines boosted demand for injection systems. The develop ment of innovative injection technologies helped us to pen etrate additional markets. The common rail injection technol ogy is especially noteworthy; we introduced it as standard for large, high-speed diesel engines for the first time in 1997 (see page 48). Hier gab es ein Produkt- oder Stimmungsbild ohne Text oder Zahlen. Es wurde in der PDF-Datei weggelassen, um eine nutzerfreundliche Dateigröße zu erreichen. Here was a product or mood picture without text or figures. It was omitted in the pdffile to improve the usability of the file size. The responsibilities of Research and Technology essentially are to support individual business units in the development of technological strategies, securing integrated innovation and technology management through networked and knowledge-based cooperation with the units, and creating the foundations for product qualities that stand out against competitors. The Hub of Technology Research and Technology is the hub for securing the techno logical future of the Group. Its new structure enables innova tion to be more rapidly incorporated into products. In 1997, 1,300 patent applications were filed in Germany alone. Out side Germany 4,400 new patents were filed, almost double 1996. new weldable aluminum alloys. This innovative technology represents a quantum leap in production technology and could well revolutionize the assembly of aircraft. It makes possible the replacement of conventional riveted joints in air craft construction which could reduce weight by 20% and cut production costs by 10%. Such an extremely light aluminum/lithium alloy is likely Here are some examples of key projects where we made to be used in the A3XX widebody aircraft. significant progress in 1997. Trendsetting Vehicle Concept We introduced the F300 Life Jet at the 1997 International Motor Show in Frankfurt (IAA). It is a trendsetting concept vehicle that combines the cornering dynamics and feel of a motorcycle with the safety and comfort of a passenger car. The vehicle is designed as a two-seater and has two front wheels and one rear wheel. Its most important innovation is called "active tilt control," which enables the front wheels and the body to automatically lean into corners at the optimal angle. As a result, the F300 achieves the ratings of a high- performance motorcycle with respect to speed in curves and radial acceleration. We are currently investigating the market potentials of this vehicle. New Technologies and Materials for Aircraft Construction Together with Daimler-Benz Aerospace, the Research and Technology division is working on the innovative construc tion of an integral aircraft fuselage structure. The project in volves the use of laser welding technology in connection with Virtual Design of Passenger Cabins Using the virtual cabin model, developed with Dasa for the A3XX, airlines can create a customized layout for seating ar rangements and service areas. Even before the first prototypes, alternative cabin ver sions can be presented in virtual reality and compared and evaluated at the push of a button. This enables us to take customer needs into consideration at a very early stage. Roadside Assistance: Mobile Diagnosis on the Spot The Daimler-Benz Research and Technology Center in Cali fornia and the Vehicle Research Center in Stuttgart are devel oping a Roadside Assistance Program in cooperation with Mercedes-Benz North America. It is a mobile service sup ported by satellite communications for all Mercedes-Benz ve hicles in North America. In the event of a breakdown, a service vehicle will be di rected to the customer with the aid of central headquarters and will conduct a detailed diagnosis so that in connection with headquarters problems can be resolved on the spot. A similar program for the European market is also being developed. Hier gab es ein Produkt- oder Stimmungsbild ohne Text oder Zahlen. Es wurde in der PDF-Datei weggelassen, um eine nutzerfreundliche Dateigröße zu erreichen. Here was a product or mood picture without text or figures. It was omitted in the pdffile to improve the usability of the file size. Innovation - The Key to Corporate Success jobs for our employees as well as successful, long-lasting relations with our suppliers. In consideration of the steady Award of "Deutscher Zukunftspreis" intensifying competition it will be Three of the five finalists in the increasingly important for the future competition for the 1997 Deutscher to rapidly transform ideas and Zukunftspreis were from the concepts into marketable products. Daimler-Benz Group. The winner of This is why Research, Development, this distinguished prize, that is Production, and Sales joined forces awarded by the German president of an integrated process to develop each year, for technical, engineer product characteristics that will ing, or scientific achievements, was distinguish us in competition. The Christhard Deter, head of develop basis therefore are analyses of social ment for our Laser Display Technol trends, global technology monitoring, ogy (LDT) joint venture project. Promoting innovation is an essential and technology strategies tailored to Our other finalist projects were element in Daimler-Benz's value- the respective product segments. the emission-free A-Class NECAR 3 oriented management: innovative They are instrumental for the and the HeliRadar helicopter products play a major role in market creation of innovative products and radar system developed by Dasa performance and thus in increasing services that our customers demand researchers. corporate value. But they also form and deserve. Here some examples of The jury's decision honor our the basis for secure and attractive our innovations are given: researchers' efforts and the innovative strength of the Compa ny. This strength is also apparent in many other new products, services, and organizational forms in all our business units. Future Outlines The Laser Display Technology (LDT) developed in a joint venture with Schneider Rundfunkwerke AG was presented at the Internationale Funkausstellung in Berlin in August 1997. It is nothing less but a quantum leap in the field of visual picture display. The new technology is based on the deflection of a laser beam that builds up an image line by line at high speed; the laser point moves along the projection surface at a speed up to 90 kilometers per second. The laser image always appears needle sharp, even if the projection intervals vary. There is no need to re-adjust the image as there is with slide projectors. Because of its ability to project television images on wall-size formats in the same high quality, Laser Display Technology is equally suited for training and exhibition shows as for large-scale events in sports halls or at stadiums. We also expect this technology that is today still rather costly, to become affordable for private consumers in the medium-range future. shows hard-to-perceive objects with methanol, at the IAA in such as high-voltage lines even Frankfurt. It is a two-seat concept Good Visibility in Bad under the most adverse visibility car for the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. Conditions conditions. Because it eliminates the need for a The HeliRadar is the first Start of series production of the hydrogen tank, the NECAR 3 is technology to make it possible for HellRadar is estimated for the end suited for everyday applications: helicopters to fly at night or in of 2001. dense fog without any restrictions. This ability is especially important for rescue missions. In the past, methanol does not require any special safety measures while Emission-Free Future by Fuel Cell Technology refueling. The emission-free A-Class car runs 400 kilometers on a 40- helicopters were only permitted to Our research efforts in fuel cell liter tank of methanol. fly in visibility ranges of at least technology are the most advanced We also laid the foundation of a 1,500 meters; such limitations do in the world. After introducing a promising future in fuel cell tech no longer apply to HeliRadar. fuel cell city bus powered with nology from an organizational point The system works with four hydrogen in May 1997, we unveiled of view by centralizing the research microwave cones that are synchro the NECAR 3 (New Electric Car 3), and development team at one nized with the rotors. The cones the first fuel cell vehicle powered location in Nabern, and by increas help to create a computer-animated image that clearly and distinctly ing the number of team members up to 130. All activities are now coordinated by the new Fuel Cell Project organizational center. In December 1997 we estab ignition engines, and noticeably improving engine braking character istics. lished a comprehensive partnership series to the market in mid-1997. Because the valves can be with our existing research and The new engines are used in ships, controlled freely and independently development partner Ballard Power locomotives, large dump trucks, from each other, the engine can Systems Inc. and with Ford Motor and power generators. adapt to the relevant operating Company concerning research, Also CDI stands for new stand conditions. In city traffic, for development, and marketing of fuel ards in direct diesel injection for example, it is important to keep cell propulsion. Together we plan to passenger cars. Additional to its emissions and fuel consumption at develop the technology to produc low emission levels and smooth a minimum, while engine power, tion maturity in order to deliver running, the Mercedes-Benz torque, and performance do count complete systems for use in C 220 CDI packs powerful perform in passing maneuvers. vehicles by the year 2004. ance characteristics. The Common We are testing the new technol MTU Friedrichshafen sets new Rail linked with turbocharging, ogy in continuous operation on the standards in stationary fuel cell charge cooling, and four-valve test rig in order to gain experience applications. In cooperation with technology makes it all possible. with valve control applications. different partners MTU develops two innovative electrochemical energy converters: high-tempera ture fuel cells for power plant applications and electrolyzers for producing hydrogen close to consumption as industrial gas or fuel. Common Rail Puts Pressure on Diesel Common Rail is an injection method that distributes fuel to the injection nozzles via a common rail. At the same time it functions as an One thing all of our Common accumulator, this means that unlike Rail engines have in common is More Safety and Comfort Thanks to Electronic Aids At the 1997 IAA we presented a number of groundbreaking elec tronic systems that will make driving safer and more comfortable in the future. The Auto Pilot System (APS), which is already available for many Mercedes-Benz models, will take up-to-the-minute traffic reports and congestion alerts into consideration for recommending individual routes. A comparable system is already installed in Tokyo. with conventional technologies the their low fuel consumption. The The automatic emergency call injection pressure does not have to C 220 CDI can travel some 1,000 system TELEAID automatically calls be generated anew for each cycle. kilometers on a full 62-liter tank. the police and ambulance to the Together with its subsidiary scene of accident. L'Orange, MTU Friedrichshafen Free and Independent Valves Mercedes drivers may operate developed a Common Rail injection Our research team also devel their car phones with Linguatronic, system, and as the first manufac oped a technology called Electrohy- a voice-activation system that is turer in the world introduced it in draulic Valve Control. It unprecedented around the world. the form of the 4000 diesel engine is capable of reducing fuel con sumption by up to 10%, reducing emissions in diesel and spark comprehensive technological campaign, that may well cut fuel consumption of large commercial aircraft in half within the next twenty years. Development target include flaps with variable shapes that optimize the ratio between upwind and air resistance depending on flight conditions. Our researchers have developed such a concept for the flexible trailing edge of a landing flap. It is stable enough to withstand aerodynamic forces, but resists the desired distortion with minimal elastic forces only. We have already been able to prove the functioning of the concept with a full-scale model of a A340 wing section. Our electronic distance and A total of three monitors are Service at the Press of a Button cruise control system uses a radar installed in the vehicle: one on the Service providers are mainly sensor in the radiator grille to dashboard and two on the back of measured by the quality of their detect vehicles ahead within a the front seats. consulting abilities, but getting this range of up to 150 meters. In The car's unique Internet quality across largely dependents on fractions of a second it calculates address also opens up new oppor the consulting staff. the distance and relative speed to tunities for maintenance. At the In future, to ensure the highest the next car and adjusts the vehicle driver's request the service center standards, Mercedes-Benz custom speed accordingly. can call up technical information, ers will be able to call immediately make remote diagnoses, trouble- consultants from MB Lease Finance. Multimedia@Mercedes shoot problems online, and transfer A multimedia terminal will be The Daimler-Benz Research and software updates to the onboard installed in each Mercedes-Benz Technology Center in Palo Alto, California presented the first multimedia Mercedes car in September 1997. The Internet Multimedia on Wheels Concept Car - a silver electronic system. But other showroom and a financial consult applications such as constant road ant will be available for matters of and traffic updates are conceivable concern by video conference over as well. ISDN lines. The customer will see It will probably take another five both the consultant and the monitor years or so until this technology is mask. The Salesman on Demand can Mercedes-Benz E 420 - is equipped ready for mass production. respond to customer requests at with a communication system that allows Internet access on the road. The driver is connected with the Adaptive Aircraft Wing Reduces Fuel Consumption world at the press of a button or The Adaptive Wing concept with a voice-activated command. jointly developed by Dasa, the any time and can prepare a custom ized offer that the customer may print out. German Research Institution for Aerospace, and Daimler-Benz Research is the beginning of a Environmental protection is an important corporate objective for Daimler-Benz. Our efforts focus on continually reducing the environmental disadvantages connected with the development, production, usage, and recycling of our products. In order to integrate environmental protection even better within our development activities, we appointed a liaison for each development area being responsible for environmentally compatible product development. The Group's environmental activities are coordinated by the environmental spokesperson. New Approaches to Environmental Reporting In 1997 we presented the Daimler-Benz Environmental Re port in two parts for the first time. In the facts and data sec tion, we responded to the desire for greater intelligibility voiced by environmental associations. In addition, we are in viting young journalists to test our environmental protection efforts when they report on our protection measures in the environmental newsletter. In a competition organized by the Bavarian Communication Association, our environmental re port won the distinction of being the best in that category. The following examples show the progress that we have made in environmental protection. Environmental Protection and the A-Class Environmental considerations play a major role in the A- Class. The A-Class sets new standards in fuel consumption and emissions. Measured according to the new European driving cycle, fuel consumption is as much as 13% lower than that of competing products. We have also reduced the number of different plastics used; 86% of the thermoplastic parts now consist of no more than five materials, which means scrap vehicles can be utilized more efficiently. In or der to accelerate the materials cycle, the use of recycled plas tics has already been approved for 19 components, or 9% of the total number of parts. In production-related environmen tal protection, the paint structure represents a special tech nological advance; we use water-based paints for the first few layers. Our new clear paint process is also very environment friendly. Our powder slurry clear paint has significantly low er solvent emissions than the maximum allowed. Mercedes-Benz Recycling System We documented our contribution to resource conserving when we introduced the Mercedes-Benz Recycling System (MeRSy) in 1993, long before the new materials recycling or dinance was enacted in Germany in 1996. As part of our recy cling system, dealers and authorized service centers in Ger many, Switzerland, Austria, and Luxembourg take back parts such as bumpers, side paneling from passenger cars, tires, window glass, brake fluid, and catalytic converters for reuse or recycling. In Germany more than 95% of our outlets and authorized dealers participated in MeRSy in 1997. Among other things, we took back some 366,000 scrap tires, 449,000 individual parts, and 630 tons of bulk material in connection with the MeRSy program. Our aim is to re-use the recyclates in the automotive sector. We have already succeed ed in reusing the material recovered from bumpers, hubcaps, and brake pads. It is our intention to expand this system to include all of Europe. Environmental Prize for Minimum-Quantity Lubrication Cooling lubricants are used in many machining production processes in order to reduce friction and remove the filings produced. But cooling lubricants represent a potential haz ard for human beings and the environment. Using the new technology of minimum-quantity lubrica tion (MMS), we can successfully prevent the tooling from get ting clogged up. At the end of 1995 we were able to produce an integral aircraft component using MMS technology (20 ml/h) in a test for the first time; the amount of lubricant used until then was as high as 3,000 1/h. Because a maximum of one liter of cooling lubricant is needed for one hundred bil lion shavings, the filings stay dry and can be directly recycled without any additional treatment. The lubricant used in MMS technology is classified as an edible oil and thus complies with the strictest environmental requirements. MMS has been used in series production at the Dasa plant in Augsburg since mid-1996. Our researchers were awarded the 1997 Environmental Prize of the City of Ulm for this innovative process. Hier gab es ein Produkt- oder Stimmungsbild ohne Text oder Zahlen. Es wurde in der PDF-Datei weggelassen, um eine nutzerfreundliche Dateigröße zu erreichen. Here was a product or mood picture without text or figures. It was omitted in the pdffile to improve the usability of the file size. Agreements, which we concluded with employee representatives at various locations in 1997, make an important contribution to increasing the Group's earning power over the long term and safeguarding jobs in Germany. Adjusted for changes in the consolidated Group, we created a total of some 12,000 new jobs. We introduced modern new remuneration and profit sharing models in order to involve employees even more actively in the success of the Company. Other focal points included international junior personnel efforts and employee qualification programs. Positive Employment Situation At December 31, 1997 we had 300,068 (1996: 290,029) employees worldwide, of whom 225,266 worked in Germany alone. Adjusted for chang es in the consolidated Group, work force was 12,000 employees larger than one year before. Daimler-Benz thus set a positive example at a time of high unemployment. Profit Sharing and Equity Participation Expanded By directly involving employees in the Group's success we intend to strengthen their identification with the Group, reinforce the idea of per formance, and make each member of the workforce more aware of his or her contribution to the Group's earn ings. To achieve this, we introduced a profit sharing scheme for all employ ees that is directly tied to corporate earnings. This means that in financially successful periods employees will receive higher payments than in the past; if earnings are less satisfactory payments they receive will be correspondingly lower. As compared to the previous year, we were able to make the conditions for acquiring employee shares more flexible and thus more attractive. During 1997, 75,000 employees acquired shares at a tax-favored preferred price. For upper management, we re peated the offer to subscribe for stock options as introduced in 1996. Due to the' very positive response, we ex tended the group of allottees in 1997 to include the second management level. New Approaches to Company Pension Schemes The Company pension plan forms the core of our social benefits program. In the year under review, a total of DM 488 million was paid to some 65,000 retirees, surviving spouses, and chil dren. In 1997 the Group's expenses for pensions as determined in accord ance with U.S. accounting principles, amounted to DM 1.5 billion. The high priority we attach to Company pen sion benefits is reflected in the 1997 financial statements for Daimler-Benz AG prepared in accordance with the German Commercial Code. They in clude extraordinary additions to pension provisions amount ing to no less than DM 1.3 billion. We are thus adapting the pension provisions of Daimler-Benz AG to the evaluation of the Group, which in accordance with U.S. accounting stand ards has a higher valuation and therefore shows the appro priate value of obligations. Hier gab es ein Produkt- oder Stimmungsbild ohne Text oder Zahlen. Es wurde in der PDF-Datei weggelassen, um eine nutzerfreundliche Dateigröße zu erreichen. Here was a product or mood picture without text or figures. It was omitted in the pdffile to improve the usability of the file size. Our attractive offer to convert the non-salary portion of our employees' bonus payments to an equivalent contribu tion to their Company pension makes it possible for our em ployees to supplement their future pensions by making sepa rate contributions. Improving Competitiveness We concluded a number of agreements with the Labor Coun cil in 1997 that further improve our cost position and may significantly strengthen our competitive edge as a conse quence. These agreements represent an important step to ward increasing the Company's long-term earning power as well as job security. International Orientation for Human Relations Since 1997, we have been using a new procedure for planning and developing executives that offers considerably greater transparency with respect to assessing their potential. The new system, which involves some 12,000 employees, forms the basis for the continued intensification of worldwide per sonnel rotation and the targeted development of executive management. In order to support the increasing globalization of our business we continued to internationalize our human rela tion efforts in the past year. By promoting juniors in regional groups in the USA, Central and Eastern Europe, South Amer ica, and Asia we contribute to cover our growing need for in ternationally employable managers. In addition, the Group's globalization drive was sup ported with intercultural quali transnational fication offers, project assignments, and tar geted foreign rotation. More than 1,700 employees from German locations were on for eign assignments in 1997. Thanks to Our Employees Our employees' expertise, high level of commitment, and crea tivity were instrumental in the success achieved by the Company in 1997. We would like to thank all of them for their efforts and dedication. We would like to extend the same thanks to the Labor Council and man agement committees at all levels of the Company. than 3,000 Securing the Company's Future by Training Juniors In the fall of 1997 we employed trainees more throughout the Group; 10% more than in the previous year. Daimler-Benz recognizes its social responsibility to offer ca reer prospects to young peo ple. At the same time, this gives an employee a secure base for the years ahead. High ly qualified and committed strengthen junior personnel our position in international competition and guarantee the future success of the Group. Visible signs of our effort to give junior personnel job security include various offers to study at the Vocational Academy and our junior staff groups in Ger many and abroad. Daimler-Benz Academy The Daimler-Benz Academy, founded in the summer of 1997 as a "corporate university", promotes the qualification and enhanced professionalism of our executives, supports great er understandig of the strategic alignment of the Group, and encourages innovation and technology transfer. On the basis of the encouraging business development in 1997 we strengthened the sustained earning power of Daimler-Benz. The operating profit rose to DM4.3 billion (1996: DM 2.4 billion), and the previous year's 5.8% return on capital employed rose to 10.2%. We are thus significantly closer to the Group's minimum return of 12%, the target we set in the context of our value-based management. Balance sheet ratios continued to improve during 1997, and cashflow from operating activities reached a new high. Global Economic Environment Slightly Improved The upward trend of the world econo my continued in 1997. Most decisive factors were the vigorous economic growth in North America and the U.K. and the export-driven revival of the economy in Germany and other mem ber states of the European Union. However, due to lower domestic de mand, Japan's economy experienced a phase of pronounced weakness. In a number of the ASEAN states the eco nomic situation was seriously im paired in the latter half of 1997 by the financial and monetary crises. Over all, economic developments were positive in Latin America, where the upswing gained strength while inflation rates de clined. In Russia and other CIS countries first signs of eco nomic stabilization appeared in 1997, while the economic upturn in the countries of Central Europe temporarily lost some speed. On the whole, the world economy grew by 3.0% in 1997 (1996: 2.9%). Calculated on the basis of their shares in con solidated revenues, average growth in the selling markets of Daimler-Benz was significantly higher at 2.9% than the previ ous year (1996: 2.1%). Favorable Exchange Rate Development The devaluation of the German mark against important currencies in Eu rope and overseas had a positive ef fect in general on the Group's busi ness during 1997. In particular, it sub stantially improved the competitive pricing of our German-made products. Average exchange rate for the U.S. dollar in 1997 was at DM 1.73, 23 pfennigs higher than in 1996. Within the European Union, the British pound was one of the strongest cur rencies; it gained 21% against the Ger man mark. Daimler-Benz: Value-Based Management Instruments Introduced Company-Wide Following the introduction of new control instruments and the conversion of our accounting to the principles of U.S. GAAP in 1996, our activities in 1997 were above all focused on consistently implementing the new instruments of our value-based management throughout the Group. We also concentrated on familiarizing our employees with these in struments through training seminars and a comprehensive information program. In addition, we began identifying man agement's potential leverage in each of our 23 business units in order to gain intelligence on the significant drivers of val ue and costs. These parameters, which differ from unit to unit, can essentially be broken down into growth-oriented, efficiency-oriented, and financially-oriented value drivers. On this basis, our intent is to develop a business-specific value enhancement strategy and to establish a clear alloca tion of responsibilities in order to make the responsible indi viduals in our business units aware of the prerequisites for profitable future growth. Operating Profit Noticeably Improved In 1997 we succeeded in significantly increasing the earning power of Daimler-Benz in all of its divisions and in nearly all of its business units. This pleasing development is manifest ed, both in the growth in operating profit from DM 2.4 billion to DM 4.3 billion and in the substantially higher return on capital employed at 10.2% as compared to the previous year (1996:5.8%). Consolidated Revenues Up 19% Our consolidated revenues rose to DM 124.1 billion in 1997 (1996: DM 106.3 billion). Adjusted for structural changes this corresponds to a 19% expansion. Growth was especially strong in the USA (+26% to DM 24.0 billion) and in partner countries of the European Union (+21% to DM 31.5 billion). In Germany our business volume reached DM 41.1 billion (+5%). Summing up, other markets recorded an increase of 25% to DM 27.5 billion. Growth in revenues was supported by all divisions. The Passenger Car and Commercial Vehicle divisions achieved revenues of DM 53.9 billion (+16%) and DM 39.1 billion (+22%), respectively new highs. The Aerospace Division in creased its revenues, by a comparable figure, 20% to DM 15.3 billion; in the Services Division revenues climbed to DM 15.5 billion (+22%), and in the Directly Managed Businesses to DM 7.6 billion (+17%). Excluding deliveries within the Group, Passenger Cars contributed 41% to consolidated revenues, Commercial Vehi cles 30%, Aerospace 12%, Services 11%, and the Directly Man aged Businesses 6%. Further Development of Group Portfolio After initiating review and streamlining our group portfolio in 1995, that led to our present concentration on 23 business es, we continued our systematic development of the Daimler- Benz portfolio in 1997. Units that are capable of attaining leading market positions by international standards and above-average returns in their industry were strengthened with appropriate partnerships and acquisitions. At the same time, we backed off from activities that are not capable of making significant medium term contribution to increase corporate value. The Commercial Vehicle Division expanded its leading position in the North American market for heavy trucks by acquiring Ford's heavy truck business. In September 1997 our share in Micro Compact Car AG, responsible for develop ing, producing, and marketing the smart city coupe, rose to 81% in September 1997 caused by an increase in capital. Dasa was able to improve its international competitive position in the areas of defense technology and space sys tems through its partnership with the French Lagardere Group. The same objective prompts the intended takeover of Siemens' defense electronics business. This company spe cializes in communication and guidance systems as well as equipment and systems for integrated air defense. Its reve nues in 1997 totaled DM 1.2 billion and its workforce consist ed of some 3,800 employees. This acquisition will enable Dasa to strengthen its market power and will put it in a posi tion to shape future structures in the European defense in dustry. In June 1997 debis ended its partnership with the French software company Cap Gemini. We sold the semiconductor activities of TEMIC to the American company Vishay Intertechnology Inc. with retroac tive effect as of January 1, 1998. Together with our partner ABB we have decided to in crease capital stock of Adtranz in the interest of ensuring longterm competitiveness and growth strategy of the Rail Systems unit. New Management Organization Implemented New management organization, implemented since April 1997, has enabled us to realize greater efficiency and more favorable costs for administrative and planning processes in the headquarters and in all units of the Group. Through con solidation of central units and elimination of reporting levels, decision-making channels within the Group have been short ened significantly. This has given greater latitude for action to operating units which are actively involved in the markets, and it enables them to compete more flexible and to be closer to the customer. 12,000 New Jobs in the Daimler-Benz Group Thanks to the market success of our products and the significantly improved competitive position of the business units, we were once again able to create new jobs in 1997. The number of persons employed within the Group rose to 300,068 (1996: 290,029 persons). Adjusted for changes in the consolidated group, we created an total of some 12,000 new jobs. Contributing factors were the agreements between employees and management to secure jobs, which enable us to reduce labor costs and to increase flexibility and efficiency in allocating labor. Additional employ ees were needed due to the favorable business developments in the Pas senger Car, Commercial Vehicle and Services divisions above all. At Dasa it was chiefly the expansion of capacity in the Airbus program that helped stabilize the employment situation; when comparably calculated, employ ment levels in the Directly Managed Businesses rose slightly as compared to the previous year. Cooperation with Suppliers Intensified In 1997 the Daimler-Benz Group pur chased goods and services worldwide valued at DM 78.0 billion (1996: DM 66.9 billion). We continued to make progress in opening nw ways for global sourcing in 1997. Our intention is to better utilize potentials for reducing costs while at the same time reducing the Group's foreign currency exposure. As an independent effort, the close cooperation with our German suppliers continues to be a high priority for us; their product quality, innovative capability, and reliability in terms of processing and supply are indispensable to us. In the con text of the "Tandem Cooperation Concept", which we are now applying more intensively to our overseas sourcing, we are continuing to expand our cooperation with the supplier in dustry. The improvements in quality and costs made pos sible by these measures are instrumental in permanently strengthening our competitive position. Capital Expenditures Significantly Increased Investments in property, plant and equipment (excluding the effects of first-time consolidations) increased throughout the Group to DM 6.9 billion in 1997 (1996: DM 6.2 billion). In the Passenger Car Division, our product drive as well as structural im provements in production and devel opment required capital investments of DM 3.7 billion (1996: DM 2.9 bil lion). Expenditures in Germany con cerned preparations for production of the A-Class and the next-generation S-Class, new engines, paint technolo gy developments, and the Develop ment and Preparation Center (EVZ) in Sindelfingen. Important projects abroad were for launching the M-Class in Tuscaloosa, Alabama (USA) and the production of the A-Class in Brazil. the preparations The investments in the Commer cial Vehicles Division of DM 1.2 bil lion (1996: 1.6 billion) were primarily related to plant mod ernization projects, the Actros and Atego product projects, and investments in connection with the acquisition of the heavy truck line from Ford in North America. In the Aerospace Division we spent DM 0.5 billion (1996: DM 0.6 billion) on investments, with emphasis on ramping up production capacities in the Airbus program. The invest ments in the Services Division, which rose to DM 0.4 billion (1996: DM 0.2 billion) were primarily allocated to the IT Serv ices unit. The Directly Managed Businesses invested a total of DM 0.5 billion (1996: DM 0.5 billion). Corresponding to construction progress, capital investments in the Potsdamer Platz real estate project rose to DM 0.8 billion (1996: DM 0.4 billion). Because of continued growth in the leasing business, ad ditions to leased equipment in the amount of DM 7.6 billion were significantly higher than the previous year (DM 6.1 billion). Of the total of DM 4.4 billion (1996: DM 3.7 billion) spent on research and development in the Aerospace Division, projects totaling DM 3.7 billion (1996: DM 3.0 billion) were commissioned by third parties. The focus continued to be on expanding the Airbus program with new versions, on the Eurofighter, and on new engines. Research and development expenditures in the Space Systems Infrastructure and Satel lites units, which reached a total of nearly DM 2.2 billion in 1997, chiefly concerned third party contracts. In the Directly Managed Businesses, expenditures for re search and development projects included DM 0.4 billion at Adtranz (1996: DM 0.3 billion), DM 0.3 billion in the Microe- lectronics unit (1996: DM 0.3 billion), and DM 0.1 billion in the Diesel En gines unit (1996: DM 0.1 billion). DM 9.8 Billion Spent on Research and Development Worldwide more than 29,000 per sons were employed in research and development of the Daimler-Benz Group in 1997. Research and develop ment expenses rose to a total of DM 9.8 billion (1996: DM 8.8 billion). Of that amount, DM 4.1 billion (1996: DM 3.3 billion) was spent on projects commissioned by third parties. New forms of interdisciplinary cooperation and the increased involvement of the supplier industry made it possible to improve efficiency of fund utilization in our research and development units throughout the Group. A major part of the funds invested in our own projects was once again used to secure the future of the automotive business. We spent DM 3.1 billion (1996: DM 2.9 billion) in the Passenger Car Division and DM 1.2 billion (1996: DM 1.1 billion) in our Commercial Vehicles Division. Important auto mobile projects were the new S-Class, the CLK convertible, and work on new engine series. In the Commercial Vehicles Division, the emphasis of development activities was on the Atego light truck series, the Actros trucks for construction and special applications, and the Citaro city bus. Essential projects relating to the Diesel Engines unit included natural gas and in-line engines based on the 4000 series; in addition, development started on the large medium-speed "Mega" engine. In the Automotive Electronics unit at TEMIC the focus was on the new and continuing devel opment of electronic vehicle and se curity components. At Adtranz, activi ties centered on the next generation of super-high-speed trains, rail guid ance systems, and a new concept for an automated elevated rail system in the USA. Earning Power Strengthened Including other income, the total earnings of the group grew by 17% in 1997 and reached DM 125.7 billion. At the same time, cost of sales also grew by 17%, and sell ing, administrative and other expenses rose by 9%. The share of these two cost factors in revenues thus declined from 95% in the previous year to less than 94%. The funds expended for the Group's own research and development projects increased by DM 0.1 billion to DM 5.7 billion; their share in revenues remained unchanged at 5%. The consolidated operating profit can be derived from the income before financial income and income taxes as reported in the income statements and shown in the table below. The most important source of income continued to be the passenger car business (see table, page 60). The Commercial Vehicle and Aerospace Divisions both made significant posi tive contributions to the operating profit of the Group follow ing losses in 1996. The Services Division increased its oper ating profit substantially. The operating loss from the Direct ly Managed Businesses declined significantly. In this seg ment the profits from the Microelectronics and Diesel En gines units were offset by a heavy loss in Rail Systems, pri marily caused by the introduction of restructuring measures and an extraordinary write-down of goodwill. Operating profit by region is illustrated in the following table. Major factors in the rise of operating profit from DM 2.4 billion to DM 4.3 billion included our new vehicle products, the streamlining of the Group's portfolio, cost reduction pro grams implemented in all business units, and significantly improved exchange rates as compared to the previous year. Encumbering effects came once again from restructuring ex penses and from the high investments needed for the prod uct drive in the automotive sector. The technical optimization and temporary suspension of deliveries in the A-Class as well as the postponement of the market introduction of the smart city coupe resulted in expenses totaling DM 0.4 billion in 1997. In the Aerospace Division charges of DM 0.7 billion were related to the early repayment of development subsi dies to the Federal Republic of Germany. However, this repay ment was partly compensated by the release of therefore set up accrued liabilities. A positive influence, though, was a DM 0.2 billion gain from the sale of the Recognition and Sorting Systems. Comparing 1997 to the previous year it must also be kept in mind that the income statement of 1996 included spe cial negative effects amounting to DM 1.1 billion. Significant Increase in Yield Return on capital employed for the consolidated group, calculated as the quotient of operating profit to annual aver age of capital employed for operating purposes, rose to 10.2% in 1997 (1996: 5.8%). This brought us significantly closer to the .12% minimum yield we are targeting, debis' units Finan cial Services/Insurance Brokerage and Trading are not in cluded here, because in accordance with industry practice we use stockholders' equity as a standard for measuring the operating profit in these units rather than capital employed. In these businesses we target a minimum yield of 14%. The returns on capital employed/stockholders' equity that are crucial for controlling our divisions developed as shown in the above table. We determine capital employed for operations on the ba sis of US-GAAP book values. The opposite table shows how these figures are derived from the Group. Financial Income Influenced by Exchange Rate Fluctuations The financial income rose from DM 496 million in the pre ceding year to DM 618 million. Financial income include in come from the sale of our share in Cap Gemini amounting DM 0.8 billion, which led to a significant increase in income income investments. Interest from was also higher than the previous year, whereas other financial income suffered from the devaluation of the German mark against important cur rencies. If it is not possible to assign direct allocation between currency hedging transactions and underlying operational Increase changes in value of the hedging con tracts are recorded in the financial in come; at settlement the respective un derlying transactions are accounted for the operating profit at the current daily rates. The burden on financial results for 1997 caused by rising ex change rates thus represents a loss of potential profits resulting from the re demption of the currency hedging in struments. In 1997 the effects from hedging transactions that were not transactions, tied to the underlying transaction for accounting purposes and came due in 1997 impacted the financial results in the order of DM 0.7 billion. They were however neutralized by the more favorable settlement with respect to the corre sponding underlying transactions in the operating profit. Furthernore, the financial income included value adjust ments amounting some DM 1.0 billion from market evalua tion of currency hedging transactions not tied to the underly ing business contract that had already been entered into in earlier years for the Aerospace Division in particular. Assum ing the exchange rate remains unchanged from December 31, 1997, this would also result in corresponding higher reve nues increasing the operating profit. In order to avoid fluctu ations in financial income connected with such valuation ad justments, we have begun to allocate hedging contracts di- rectly to the corresponding underlying transactions. If this procedure is used the operating profit is no longer effected by current daily rates, but by hedging rates. Consolidated Net Income Continues to Improve Net income according to U.S. GAAP increased from DM 2.8 billion to DM 8.0 billion in 1997. The marked increase was influenced by special tax effects in the amount of DM 4.9 billion. A tax benefit in the amount of DM 2.9 billion came about through the proposal to the stockhold ers that a special distribution should be made from the retained earnings of Daimler-Benz AG which were taxed at 50% in prior years. An additional tax benefit of DM 2.0 billion resulted from the fact that as of December 31, 1997 the write-off on the deferred tax as sets of Daimler-Benz's German group of companies that file a combined tax return (Organschaft) had to be can celed. The deferred tax asset came about because according to U.S. GAAP expected tax reductions due to loss carryforwards had to be capitalised. Since it was not certain in the past whether and when the existing loss carryforward could be used, we took a write-off on the deferred tax asset. Now that it is foreseeable that Daimler-Benz will again be in a position to consistenty post positive results, there is no longer any need for this valuation adjustment. Excluding these special tax effects, net income would have amounted to DM 3.2 billion. Dividend Increased to DM 1.60 For Daimler-Benz AG, which now also includes the domestic automotive business following the merger with Mercedes- Benz AG with retroactive effect as of January 1, 1997, the fi nancial statements according to German accounting princi ples show a net income in the amount of DM 5.8 billion. This includes the non-recurring tax benefit of DM 2.9 bil lion relating to the special distribution salready mentioned earlier. Due to the gratifying development of earnings, we pro pose to raise shareholders' dividend for 1997 to DM 1.60 (1996: DM 1.10) per DM 5.00 par value share. Since capi- tal entitled to dividends equals DM 2,584 million, the amount of the distri bution is increased to DM 827 million (1996: DM 567 million). Special Distribution of 20 DM Per Share German income law pre scribes that as of the end of 1998 retained earnings taxed at a rate of 50% (known as EK 50) have to be reclassified as stock holders' equity subject to a tax rate of 45% (EK 45). Therfore we propose to our shareholders a spe cial distribution of DM 20 per share. This distribu tion will be paid out of re tained earnings of Daim ler-Benz AG that were pri marily generated in the highly profitable 1980s in the amount of DM 7.4 billion. As a result of this distribution, the corporate income tax paid in the past by the Company is reduced from 50% to 30%. The resulting DM 2.9 billion tax reduction will be passed along to the shareholders and is included in total distribution of DM 10.3 billion. Some of the taxes yet paid by the Company in the amount of 30% will be passed along to German shareholders as a tax credit. German shareholders are now wholly liable for the tax on retained earnings for which the Company was formerly responsible. In the years to come passing on equivalent total tax amounts to shareholders would entail a significantly higher withdrawal from retained earnings. After the special distribution, stockholders' equity of Daimler-Benz is to be returned to the level prior to the distri bution by means of increase in capital stock in order of DM 7.4 billion. Balance Sheet Figures Increase Markedly to against The balance sheet total of the Daimler-Benz Group at December 31, 1997 in creased by DM 24.6 bil lion as compared to year- end 1996 to DM 137.1 bil lion. In addition the appreciation of important the currencies German mark and the re sulting upward revalua tion of our foreign assets in DM-terms, the substan tial increase in the bal ance sheet total is due pri marily to the expansion of the leasing and sales fi nancing business. On the assets therefore, leased equipment and fi nancial services receiva bles rose by DM 3.0 bil lion and DM 6.9 billion, respectively, or by nearly DM 10 billion together. This increase is offset on the liabilities side by financial obli gations that are DM 10.5 billion higher than the previous year. side, Again on the assets side, fixed assets grew by 15% to DM 41 billion. In addition to growth in leased equipment, another decisive factor was the higher figure for property, plant, and equipment, which above all due to our investments in the automotive business and in the Potsdamer Platz project was DM 2.4 billion higher than in 1996. Inventories are reported at DM 14.4 billion - less advance payments received in the amount of DM 5.0 billion (1996: DM 5.0 billion). Their share in the balance sheet total de clined from 12% to 10%. The DM 0.8 billion increase is essen- tially related to the higher overall production volume and to product startups in the automotive business. Trade receiva bles and other receivables increased by a combined total of DM 4.4 billion to DM 24.3 billion. Significant rise in other receivables is mainly due to the tax claim against the tax au thorities in the amount of DM 2.9 billion related to the planned special distribu tion. Liquid funds which contain items cash and cash equivalents, se curities and the fixed-in terest debt instruments reported under other re ceivables, totaled DM 21.2 billion, more than DM 6.3 billion higher than at year-end 1996. the As explained above in the remarks on net in come, the increase in de ferred taxes is primarily a result of the release of the write-off on deferred tax assets. On the liabilities side of the consolidated bal ance sheet, stockholders' equity grew by DM 5.5 billion to DM 31.4 billion (excluding the tax benefit in the amount of DM 2.9 billion and adjusted for dividend payments of DM 0.8 billion for 1997 and DM 0.6 billion for 1996). Including the retained earnings of DM 7.4 billion that will be paid out to share holders as part of the special distribution and which are to be restored to the Company by means of a subsequent capital increase, equity ratio remained unchanged at 23%. Without consideration of the financial services businesses, the equity ratio was 31% (1996: 30%). The percentage of fixed assets covered by stockholders' equity improved from 72% to 77%. The increase in accrued liabilities by DM 1.7 billion to DM 36.6 billion was lower than average. Pension provisions grew by DM 1.0 billion to DM 17.2 billion. Overall, the propor tion of accrued liabilities in the balance sheet total declined to 27% (1996: 31%). Financial liabilities increased at an above-average rate once again and reached DM 39.3 billion (1996: DM 28.9 bil lion). DM 29.4 billion, about three quarters of the financial liabilities, are tied up in the financial services business. The share of the financial liabilities in total capital is now 29% (1996: 26%). Both, fixed assets (ex cluding financial servic es) and net inventories continued to be covered by stockholders' equity and by long term and medium term accrued lia bilities. Vigorous Growth in Financial Services Business To make the special influ ence of the financial serv ices business on the structure of the consoli dated balance sheet more intelligible, a consolidat ed statement of income, a balance sheet, and a cash flow statement of our fi nancial services activities are reproduced on pages 68 to 70. In the interest of comparability with other financial services companies in the market, we have essentially pre sented the financial services activities of Daimler-Benz as if they were performed by an independent company (stand alone approach). For instance, the vehicles included under leased equipment are not reported at the Group's manufac turing costs, but at market value. Nevertheless, there are close relations between the finan cial services business and other units within the Group; they have a corresponding effect on the statements of income and the balance sheets. For example, our financial services com panies are not only financed by borrowing from third parties, but also with funds from the Daimler-Benz Group. From the perspective of the financial services business, these inter company loans represent financial liabilities. These amounts are eliminated upon consolidation with the balance sheet of Daimler-Benz, because from the perspective of the Group they are not liabilities vis-a-vis third parties. Similarly, inter est on these loans reduces operating profit of the financial services sector, while from the perspective of the Daimler- Benz Group these interest charges are offset against interest income earned by organizational units that grant these intercompany loans to the financial services compa nies. The operating profit reported in the separate statement of income for the financial services business (page 68) is DM 402 million. In this respect it should be taken into consideration that the separate statement of income predominantly reflects the financial services business of debis, but not ex clusively; to a lesser extent it also en compasses the financial services ac tivities of other divisions in the Daim ler-Benz Group. In addition, the oper ating profit does not contain any ad ministrative cost allocations for the central offices of Daimler-Benz and debis. The steep rise in the operating profit from DM 264 million to DM 402 million is above all a result of growth in new business of German compa nies and in the USA. On the whole, the balance sheet total of the financial services business increased by DM 10.0 billion to DM 44.5 billion as compared to year-end 1996. On the assets side, leased equipment rose from DM 2.3 billion to DM 15.1 billion and receivables from financial serv ices from DM 6.9 billion to DM 26.0 billion. Significant ex pansion of business was financed by financial liabilities, which at DM 38.4 billion were DM 9.2 billion higher than in 1996 and which represent 86% of the balance sheet total. Stockholders' equity used in the financial services business was relatively low in comparison to the industrial business and amounted to DM 2.6 billion at year-end; as in the previ ous year it represents 6% of the balance sheet total. Cash Flow from Operating Activities Continues to Rise Cash flow from operating activities grew by DM 1.0 billion to DM 11.2 billion adjusted for changes in the consolidated group and currency effects. This favorable development was a result of the improved financial results (before non-cash expenses and income), which more than compensated for the lower de cline in working capital as compared to 1996. Cash flow from investment activities in the amount of DM 16.6 billion (1996: DM 12.2 billion) was still defined by the growing leasing and sales financing business. At DM 7.6 billion (1996: DM 6.1 billion), roughly one half of gross investment was allocated to additions to equip ment in operating lease; moreover, there was a net increase in sales fi nancing receivables of DM 5.5 billion (1996: DM 3.1 billion). Subsidiaries and affiliated companies developed in the opposite direction: proceeds from the disposal of businesses totaling DM 2.6 billion (1996: DM 1.1 billion) were offset by significantly lower pay ments for acquisitions of businesses at DM 1.2 billion (1996: DM 0.5 bil lion). Cash flow from financing activi ties rose by DM 5.1 billion to DM 7.3 billion and was largely determined by higher net borrowing at DM 7.7 billion (1996: DM 1.9 billion). Overall, devel opment of individual cash flows led to a DM 2.3 billion increase in cash (due in less than 3 months) and to a DM 6.3 billion increase in liquid assets. Financial Instruments Expanded Refinancing needs of the group are marked by continuing growth of the financial services business above all as well as by the increasing globalization of Daimler-Benz. In order to optimize cost of capital we primarily cover our financial needs through international money and capital markets. To make our acquisition of funds more flexible we revised the Euro Medium Term Note program and designated Daimler- Benz Coordination Center S.A., Brussels, and Daimler-Benz (Australia) Pty. Ltd. as new issuing addresses. In May 1997 we launched a bond issue with mandatory conversion with a total volume of some DM 1 billion, making us the first European company to issue convertible bonds that will not be redeemed at maturity but will automatically be converted to stock. With this capital market instrument we succeeded in tapping new groups of investors who are look ing for a combination of growth potential and safe, ongoing returns. Conversely, in the emerging market regions, which have inadequately developed capital markets but where our busi ness volume and the need for refinancing are growing rapid ly, we are taking increasing recourse to local bank financing. In 1997 we again used the instrument of asset backed securities, thereby limiting the growth of indebtedness for the Group. Credit Rating at a High Level The international agencies Moody's Investors Services and Standard & Poor's rate Daimler-Benz AG both for short term and for long term borrowing. The ratings awarded by the two agencies, A1 and A+ in the long-term category and Prime-1 and A-1 in the short term category, are on a high level within an international context. The Prime-1 short term rating as signed by Moody's is in fact the best of the categories availa ble. Since Daimler-Benz AG guarantees bonds issued by com panies within the group, they, too, profit from the high credit ranking. Active Interest Management With consideration both of the ability of the Group to pay at any time and of an optimization of yield, liquid funds of the Group are invested partly in the money market and to a larg er extent in the capital market. Asset allocation between the two types of investments forms the basis of our interest man agement. Investments in the capital market are controlled by an established risk limit, calculated according to the value-at- risk method. Using the instruments of modern portfolio man agement, we invest liquid funds in fixed-interest securities and stocks. As a rule, derivative instruments are not used for trading purposes, but only to hedge against market risks in asset and foreign currency management. We engage in financial trade transactions only with banks of first-class ratings. We use a central front-end system in the Group Treasury for continu ous determination and monitoring of holdings, market values and results. In conformity with the BIZ guidelines on risk manage ment for banks, the trading units are separated organization ally, physically, and in terms of system technology from the functions of transaction processing, financial accounting, and financial controlling. Exchange Rate Risks Reduced by Hedging International orientation of business activities in the Daim ler-Benz Group results in flows of deliveries and payments of various currencies. Since the exports from Germany exceed the import flows and value added in other currencies, the Company is exposed to currency exchange risks. Net expo sure, derived from offsetting exports against imports in indi vidual currencies, is registered regularly by the Group Treas ury and hedged with appropriate financial instruments on the basis of our continuously updated currency expectations. While the proportion of anticipated payment flows covered by hedging contracts is relatively high for the near future, it declines steadily for the subsequent years. As a result there is an increase in the risks and opportunities that may result from changes in the exchange rates. The table at page 66 shows for the reference date Decem ber 31, 1997 the effects that a hypothetical 10% upward valu ation of the German mark would have on cash flow before taxes of the Daimler-Benz Group for the years 1998 and 1999, thereby considering existing exchange rate hedging con tracts. needed. In addition, we are in close con tact with our suppliers and sales partners to identify and correct early on potential data processing problems that could effect our business processes at the turn of the millennium. We are supported by our In formation Technology Services unit, which is also generating a great deal of business from external customers. We expect that the costs for adapting our data processing systems will not have a major impact on the Group's profit developement. Risks for Further Developments Daimler-Benz, an international company, presented by a wide product range on var ious markets, has to face numerous risks. Wihin this chapter we described metholo- gies and instruments, including our hedg ing activities, that are used to reduce risks of interest and currency developments. Through spreading activities of supply, we attempt to reduce risks of international supplying markets. The company's devel opment might also be effected by turbulences of economic cycles in important selling markets and will depend on mar ket acceptence of our product and service portfolio. In partic ular, focused strengths and promotion on innovative forces are our endeavors, in order to offer competitive products and services of special value to our customers. Events after the End of Fiscal 1997 Beyond the developments already described there are no )ccurrences sofar that are of major significance for the Group or could lead to a change in the assessment of the Company. The course of business in the first months of 1998 confirms the statements made in the "Outlook" chapter. Intensive Preparation for the Euro Because of our global business orientation we see definite opportunities in the introduction of the Euro. We will intro duce the Euro throughout the Group as our "house currency" as early as January 1, 1999 and at the same time replace the German mark as the accounting unit for all business activi ties. We intend to produce the report for the first half of 1999 on the basis of the Euro. The non-recurring costs of the conversion will be in the order of more than DM 200 million. But this will be offset over the long term by annual savings amounting to around DM 100 million because of lower transaction and exchange rate hedging costs. Adaptation to the Year 2000 The adaptation to the year 2000 involves certain problems for individual computing systems. To ensure a smooth transition to the new millennium, all systems in use in the Daimler- Benz Group are being reviewed and modified or replaced as The Board of Management of Daimler-Benz AG is respon sible for preparing the consolidated financial statements of this annual report. They were prepared in accordance with the accounting principles of the United States of America (U.S. GAAP) for the first time. The other financial information contained in this report was determined on the basis of these financial statements and the evaluations undertaken in ac cordance with the U.S. accounting principles. We have installed effective internal controlling and moni toring systems to guarantee compliance with the accounting principles and the adequacy of reporting. They include the use of uniform guidelines group-wide, the use of reliable soft ware, the selection and training of qualified personnel, and ongoing reviews by our internal auditing department. It en sures the accurate presentation of the group's international activities and puts the Board of Management in a position to identify risks as early as possible and introduce appropriate countermeasures. KPMG Deutsche Treuhand-Gesellschaft Aktiengesell- schaft Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft has audited the con solidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards in Germany and the United States and has issued the following auditors' report. Together with the independent auditors, the Supervisory Board's Financial Audit Committee examined the con solidated financial statements including the business review and the auditors' report in depth. The entire Supervisory Board subsequently reviewed the documentation related to the financial statements. To the Board of Directors and Stockholders Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft: We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft and subsidiaries ("Daimler-Benz") as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the related consolidated statements of income, cash flows, and changes in stockholders' equity for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1997. These consoli dated financial statements are the responsibility of Daimler- Benz' management. Our responsibility is to express an opin ion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards in Germany and the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the fi nancial statements are free of material misstatement. An au dit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. Daimler-Benz has accounted for certain joint ventures in accordance with the proportionate method of consolidation as is permitted under the Seventh Directive of the European Community and the Standards of the International Account ing Standards Committee. In our opinion, United States gen erally accepted accounting principles require that such joint ventures be accounted for using the equity method of ac counting. The United States Securities and Exchange Com mission has stated that it would not object to Daimler-Benz' use of the proportionate method of consolidation as supple mented by the disclosures in Note 2. In our opinion, except for the effects of the use of the proportionate method of accounting, as discussed in the pre ceding paragraph, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Daimler-Benz as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1997, in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles. Frankfurt am Main, March 17, 1998 KPMG Deutsche Treuhand-Gesellschaft Aktiengesellschaft Wirtschaftsprufungsgesellschaft Basis of Presentation 1. Summary of Accounting Policies General - The consolidated financial statements of Daimler- Benz Aktiengesellschaft and subsidiaries ("Daimler-Benz" or the "Group") have been prepared in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("U.S. GAAP"), except that the Group has accounted for certain joint ventures in accordance with the proportionate method of consolidation (see Note 2). A ll amounts herein are shown in millions of Deutsche Marks ("DM" or "marks"). Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to con form to the 1997 presentation. Liabilities to affiliated compa nies and liabilities from capital lease and residual value guar antees have been reclassified to financial liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. The consolidated statements of income have been reclassified to better conform to the Fourth and Seventh Directives of the European Community and in anticipation of the changes in German legal reporting re quirements (Kapitalaufnahmeerleichterungsgesetz). These changes had no impact on reported results of operations or stockholders' equity. Commercial practices with respect to certain of the prod ucts manufactured by Daimler-Benz necessitate that sales fi nancing, including leasing alternatives, be made available to the Group's customers. Accordingly, the Group's consolidat ed financial statements are significantly influenced by activ ities of a number of "captive" financing entities. To enhance the readers' understanding of the Group's consolidated fi nancial statements, the accompanying financial statements present, in addition to the consolidated financial statements, information with respect to the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Group's financial services business activities. Such information, however, is not re quired by U.S. GAAP and is not intended to, and does not represent the separate U.S. GAAP financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Group's financial services business activities. Amounts with respect to the financial services business are presented prior to intercompany elimi nations of transactions with other Group companies. Consolidation - All material companies in which Daimler- Benz has legal or effective control are consolidated. Signifi cant investments in which Daimler-Benz has an ownership interest in the range of 20% to 50% ("associated companies") are generally included using the equity method of account ing. For certain investments in joint ventures, Daimler-Benz uses the proportionate method of consolidation (see Note 2). Other investments are accounted for at cost ("affiliated com panies"). The Group accounts for its' business combinations un der the purchase accounting method. As such all assets ac quired and liabilities assumed are recorded at fair value. An excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired is capitalized as goodwill and amortized over the estimated period of benefit on a straight-line basis. The effects of intercompany transactions have been elim inated. Foreign Currencies - Currency translation is based upon the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) 52 "Foreign Currency Translation", whereby the assets and lia bilities of foreign subsidiaries where the functional currency is the local currency are generally translated using period end exchange rates while the income statements are translat ed using average exchange rates during the period. Differ ences arising from the translation of assets and liabilities in comparison with the translation of the previous periods are included as a separate component of stockholders' equity. The assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries operat ing in highly inflationary economies are remeasured into DM on the basis of period end rates for monetary assets and lia bilities and at historical rates for non-monetary items, with resulting translation gains and losses being recognized in income. Further, in such economies, depreciation and gains and losses from the disposal of non-monetary assets are de termined using historical rates. The exchange rates of the more important currencies used in preparation of the consolidated financial statements were as follows: Revenue Recognition - Revenue is recognized when title passes or services are rendered net of discounts, customer bonuses and rebates granted. Revenue on long-term con tracts is generally recognized under the percentage-of-com- pletion method based upon contractual milestones or per formance. Revenue from finance receivables is recorded on the interest method. Operating lease income is recorded when earned. Revenues also include proceeds from the sale of leased equipment. Product-Related Expenses - Expenditures for advertising and sales promotion and for other sales-related expenses are charged to expense as incurred. Provisions for estimated costs related to product warranty are made at the time the products are sold. Research and development costs are ex pensed as incurred. Earnings Per Share - Effective December 31, 1997, the Company adopted SFAS 128 "Earnings per Share". Accord ingly, basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share for each year presented have been determined in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 128. Basic earnings (loss) per share has been calculated by dividing net income (loss) by the weight ed average number of shares outstanding. Diluted earnings (loss) per share reflects the potential dilution that would oc cur if all securities and other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted (see Note 25). Net income (loss) represents the earnings (loss) of the Group after minor ity interests. Intangible Assets - Purchased intangible assets are val ued at acquisition cost and are amortized over their respec tive useful lives (3 to 10 years). Goodwill derived from acqui sitions is capitalized and amortized over 3 to 20 years. The Group periodically assesses the recoverability of its goodwill based upon projected future cash flows. Property, Plant and Equipment - Property, plant and equipment is valued at acquisition or manufacturing costs less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation expense is rec ognized using the declining balance method until the straight-line method yields larger expenses. Depreciation ex pense based exclusively on fiscal (tax) regulations is not rec ognized. The costs of internally produced equipment and fa cilities includes all direct costs and allocable manufacturing overhead. Costs of the construction of certain long-term as sets include capitalized interest which is amortized over the estimated useful life of the related asset. The following useful lives are assumed: buildings - 17 to 50 years; site improve ments - 8 to 20 years; technical equipment and machinery - 3 to 20 years; and other equipment, factory and office equip ment - 2 to 10 years. Leasing - The Group is a lessee of property, plant and equipment and lessor of equipment, principally passenger cars and commercial vehicles. All leases that meet certain specified criteria intended to represent situations where the substantive risks and rewards of ownership have been trans ferred to the lessee are accounted for as capital leases. All other leases are accounted for as operating leases. Equip ment on operating lease, where the Group is lessor, is valued at acquisition cost and generally depreciated over the assets' useful lives, generally three to seven years, using the straight-line method. Current Assets - Current assets represent the Group's in including receivables, securities and cash, ventories, amounts due in excess of one year. Marketable Securities and Investments - Securities are ac counted for at fair values, if readily determinable. Unrealized gains and losses on trading securities, that is, securities bought principally for the purposes of selling them in the near term, are included in income. Unrealized gains and loss es on available-for-sale securities are included in stockhold ers' equity, net of applicable deferred income taxes. All other securities are recorded at cost. Unrealized losses on all mar ketable securities and investments that are other than tem porary are recognized in earnings. Inventories - Inventory is valued at the lower of acquisi tion or manufacturing cost or market, cost being generally determined on the basis of an average or first-in, first-out method (FIFO). Certain of the Group's U.S. businesses' inven tories are valued using the last-in, first-out method (LIFO). Manufacturing costs comprise direct material and labor and applicable manufacturing overheads, including depreciation charges. Financial Instruments - Daimler-Benz uses derivative fi nancial instruments for hedging purposes. Financial instru ments, including derivatives (especially currency futures and currency options, security options, interest and currency swaps), which are not designated as hedges of specific as sets, liabilities, or firm commitments are marked to market and any resulting unrealized gains or losses are recognized in income. If there is a direct connection between a derivative financial instrument and an underlying transaction and a derivative is so designated, a valuation unit is formed. Once allocated, gains and losses from these valuation units, which are used to manage interest rate and currency risks of identi fiable assets, liabilities, or firm commitments, do not affect income until the underlying transaction is realized (see Note 23 d). Accrued Liabilities - The valuation of pension liabilities is based upon the projected unit credit method in accordance with SFAS 87 "Employers' Accounting for Pensions". An ac crued liability for taxes and other contingencies is recorded when an obligation to a third party has been incurred, the payment is probable and the amount can be reasonably esti mated. In determining other accrued liabilities - including warranties, contract costs and estimated future losses on open contracts - all applicable costs are taken into considera tion including price increases. The effects of accrued liabili ties relating to personnel and social costs are valued at their net present value where appropriate. Use of Estimates - The preparation of financial state ments requires management to make estimates and assump tions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent amounts at the date of the finan cial statements and reported amounts of revenues and ex penses during the reporting period. Actual results could dif fer from those estimates. Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Applied - In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS 130 "Reporting Comprehensive Income" which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997. SFAS 130 requires that changes in the amounts of certain items, in cluding foreign currency translation adjustments and gains and losses on certain securities be shown in the financial statements. SFAS 130 does not require a specific format for the financial statement in which comprehensive income is reported, but does require that an amount representing total comprehensive income be reported in that statement. Also in June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS 131 "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information" which is effective for fis cal years beginning after December 15, 1997. The Statement provides guidance in the reporting of information about seg ments of an entity's business in annual and interim financial statements and also requires entity-wide disclosures about products and services an entity provides, the material coun tries in which it holds assets and reports revenues, and its major customers. The Company is in the process of determin ing the impact of SFAS 131 on its reported segments. In February 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS 132, "Employers' Disclosures about Pen sions and Other Postretirement Benefits". SFAS 132 amends the disclosure requirements of SFAS 87, SFAS 88, "Employ ers' Accounting for Settlements and Curtailments of Defined Benefit Pensions Plans and for Termination Benefits", and SFAS 106, "Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Bene fits Other Than Pensions". SFAS 132 standardizes the disclo sure requirements of SFAS 87 and SFAS 106 to the extent practicable and recommends a parallel format for presenting information about pensions and other postretirement bene fits. The Group will adopt the provisions of SFAS 132 in its 1998 consolidated financial statements. Daimler-Benz reports its 50% interest of the assets and liabil ities, revenues and expenses and cash flows in Adtranz. The Group believes that such method of financial statement pres entation, which is permitted by the regulations of the Sev enth Directive of the European Community and the Stand ards of the International Accounting Standards Committee, better illustrates its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows to the reader of the Group's consol idated financial statements. Under U.S. GAAP, Daimler-Benz' investment in Adtranz is required to be accounted for using the equity method of accounting. The differences in accounting treatment be tween the proportionate and equity methods would not affect reported stockholders' equity or net income of Daimler-Benz. Under the equity method of accounting, Daimler-Benz' net investment in Adtranz would be included within investments in the balance sheet and its share of the net income or loss of Adtranz together with the amortization of the excess of the cost of its investment over its share of the investment's net assets would be reported as a net amount in financial in come, net in the Group's statement of income. Additionally, Adtranz would have an impact on the Group's reported cash flows only to the extent the Group received cash dividends. For purposes of its United States financial reporting obliga tion, Daimler-Benz has requested and received permission from the United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") to prepare its consolidated financial statements with this departure from U.S. GAAP. Summarized consolidated financial information of Adtranz follows. The amounts represent those used in the Daimler- Benz consolidation, including goodwill resulting from the for mation of Adtranz. Other companies included in the consolida tion according to the proportionate method are not material. 2. Scope of Consolidation Scope of Consolidation - Daimler-Benz comprises 300 for eign and domestic subsidiaries (1996: 297) and 92 joint ven tures (1996: 82); the latter are generally accounted for on a pro rata basis. 12 subsidiaries are accounted for in the consol idated financial statements using the equity method of ac counting. During 1997, 44 subsidiaries and 15 joint ventures were included in the consolidated financial statements for the first time. A total of 41 subsidiaries and 5 joint ventures left the consolidated group. Significant effects of changes in the consolidated group on the consolidated balance sheets and the consolidated statements of income are explained further in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. A total of 285 subsidiaries (1996: 315) are not consolidated as their combined influence on the financial position, results of oper ations, and cash flows of the Group is not material. The effect of such non-consolidated subsidiaries on the 1997 consolidat ed assets, revenues and net earnings of Daimler-Benz was less than 2%. In addition, 6 (1996: 10) companies administer ing pension funds whose assets are subject to restrictions have not been included in the consolidated financial state ments. The consolidated financial statements include 122 as sociated companies. At December 31, 1997,11 associated com panies are accounted for in the consolidated financial state ments using the equity method of accounting. The remaining associated companies are recorded under investments in re lated companies in as much as these companies are not mate rial for the respective presentation of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Group. Investment in Adtranz-In December 1995, the Group and Asea Brown Boveri Ltd. ("ABB") completed formation of a joint venture of their rail systems businesses to be known as Adtranz. As part of the formation of Adtranz, the Group and ABB entered into an option agreement whereby, for certain periods during 1998 through 2005, the Group has the right (call option) to purchase ABB's 50% interest in Adtranz for U.S. $1,800 plus a premium calculated on the basis of Adtranz's meeting or exceeding certain future earnings thresholds. In addition, for certain periods during 1998 through 2005, ABB has the right (put option) to require the Group to purchase ABB's 50% interest in Adtranz at prices calculated in accordance with the same criteria except that the price for the put option is lower than the price for the call option assuming the same future earnings. Since January 1, 1996 the Group accounts for its invest ment in Adtranz, including its 63 (1997: 71) subsidiaries, us ing the proportionate method of consolidation. Accordingly, Cash up to 3 months includes DM 99 (1996: DM 116) held by Daimler-Benz AG in connection with internal cash concen tration procedures. 3. Business Reorganization Measures During 1995 and extending into 1996, the Group implement ed certain measures designed to increase the Group's com petitiveness and earnings. Such measures consisted princi pally of: (a) Beginning in 1995 and continuing in 1996, the Group spun off certain non-core businesses and other net assets of AEG Aktiengesellschaft ("AEG") into EHG Elektro Holding GmbH, closed the AEG corporate headquarters and merged AEG with Daimler-Benz AG. Thereafter the divestitures of the Energy Systems Technology and Auto mation Divisions were completed. In June 1996, the shareholders of AEG approved the merger of AEG with Daimler-Benz AG and in September 1996, effective Janu ary 1, 1996, such merger was formally registered in the commercial register. As part of the merger, the Group purchased the outstanding minority interest of AEG. In connection with the foregoing transactions, the Group recorded charges to 1996 operations of approximately DM 300 (1995: DM 1,600). (b) In January 1996, Daimler-Benz announced that, effective immediately it would discontinue financial support for NV Koninklijke Nederlandse Vliegtuigenfabriek ("Fokker"), a Dutch aircraft manufacturer. Subsequent to the announcement Fokker requested and received, in ac cordance with Dutch law, protection from its creditors. In connection therewith, control of Fokker was placed with a third-party administrator. On March 15, 1996, Fokker formally filed for bankruptcy under the laws of The Neth erlands. The Group recorded a charge in the 1995 state ment of income of DM 2,158 for discontinuing such in vestment. During 1996 the Group realized gains of ap proximately DM 100 from the proceeds of sales of certain inventories in excess of the inventories' previously writ- ten-down value. (c) Beginning in 1994 and accelerating in 1995, the DM ap preciated significantly against the U.S. dollar, the curren cy in which a significant percentage of Aerospace reve nues are denominated. An appreciation of the DM rela tive to the U.S. dollar results in the Group receiving, when converted to DM, less revenue (and cash proceeds) from the sales of its products. In addition, Aerospace con tinued to suffer significant operating losses as a result of continued low levels of demand in the aircraft market and shrinking government budgets in the space and de fense sectors. As a result of the foregoing the Group insti tuted comprehensive cost-cutting and restructuring measures, including personnel reductions of approxi mately 4,000 employees in Germany and the sale of three German production facilities. The Group recorded a charge of DM 878 in the 1995 statement of income to cov er the cost of such measures. In addition, Daimler-Benz also recorded a charge of DM 2,558 in 1995 to write off goodwill relating to the acquisition of certain businesses included within Aerospace and to write down certain long-term assets. In January 1997, Daimler-Benz sold its interests in AEG Electrocom GmbH and AEG ElectroCom International, Inc. (sorting and recognition systems) to Siemens AG resulting in a gain of DM 216. In July 1997, debis AG, a subsidiary of Daimler-Benz AG, terminated its strategic relationship with Cap Gemini Sogeti S.A. through the sale of its 24.4% interest resulting in a gain of DM 822. During 1996, the aerospace industry experienced a sig nificant increase in demand. As a consequence, higher production requirements resulted, especially for Daim ler-Benz Aerospace Airbus GmbH, in a reduction of the provision made in 1995 for restructuring measures by ap proximately DM 300. (d) During 1996, the Group contributed its Dornier aircraft business into a newly formed holding company 80% owned by Fairchild Industries Corporation, an American aircraft manufacturer. the Group recorded charges in 1996 of approximately DM 435, of which a portion included the businesses' loss from operations up to the date of contribution. The Group is accounting for its 20% investment in the holding com pany using the equity method of accounting. In connection therewith, Expenses arising in 1996 and 1995 from the reorganiza tion of the Group relate exclusively to Fokker and the restruc turing of the former AEG-DBI (see Note 3). Other expenses primarily include charges not allocated to cost of sales, sell ing expenses, and administration expenses. In addition, ex penses amounting to DM 721 related to the repayment of de velopment cost subsidies were recorded under other expens es in 1997 (see Note 22). Personnel expenses included in the statement of income are comprised of: In 1997, the total remuneration paid by Group companies to the members of the Board of Management of Daimler-Benz AG amounted to DM 20, and the remuneration paid to the members of the Supervisory Board of Daimler-Benz AG to taled DM 2. Additionally, the board subscribed for convertible bonds within the 1997 Stock Option Plan at a notional amount of DM 1.2. To determine the fair value of the option rights of convert ible bonds, option pricing models may be used. As such, the resulting fair values can fluctuate significantly based upon the underlying assumptions. Accordingly, generally uniform and consistent values are not available. See Note 16 in re spect for the valuation of the option rights including the un derlying assumptions and conditions of converting the op tion rights in accordance with SFAS 123 "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation". Disbursements to former members of the Board of Man agement of Daimler-Benz AG and their survivors amounted to DM 18. An amount of DM 123 has been accrued in the financial statements of Daimler-Benz AG for pension obliga tions to former members of the Board of Management and their survivors. Beginning in 1997, Daimler-Benz AG also rec ognizes pension obligations in accordance with U.S. GAAP in its German Statutory Financial Statements. As of December 31, 1997, there existed no advances and loans to members of the Board of Management of Daimler-Benz AG. In 1997, 34,448 people (1996: 34,655 people; 1995: 12,365 people) were employed in joint venture companies. The Group capitalized interest expenses related to quali fying construction projects of DM 69 (1996: DM 49; 1995: DM 29). 6. Income Taxes Income (loss) before income taxes and minority shares amounted to DM 4,249 (1996: DM 1,961; 1995: DM (7,233)), of which DM 2,936 was generated by the Group's operations in Germany (1996: DM 1,200; 1995: DM (6,874) ). The provisions for income taxes (credit) follow: German corporate tax law applies a split-rate imputation with regard to the taxation of the income of a corporation and its shareholders. In accordance with the tax law in effect for fiscal 1997, retained corporate income is initially subject to a federal corporation tax of 45% plus a solidarity surcharge of 7.5% on the federal corporate tax payable. Including the im pact of the surcharge, the federal corporate tax rate amounts to 48.375%. Upon distribution of retained earnings to stock holders, the corporate income tax rate on the earnings is ad justed to 30%, plus a solidarity surcharge of 7.5% on the distri bution corporate tax, for a total of 32.25%, by means of a re fund for taxes previously paid. Upon distribution of retained earnings in the form of a dividend, stockholders who are tax payers in Germany are entitled to a tax credit in the amount of federal income taxes previously paid by the corporation. While the current taxes are calculated on the basis of the tax rate in effect for 1997, calculation of the deferred taxes is based on the rate in effect as of January 1, 1998. Effective January 1, 1998, the solidarity surcharge on the federal cor porate tax payable is reduced from 7.5% to 5.5%. As a result, for German companies, the deferred taxes are calculated on an effective corporate income tax rate of 47.475% plus the after federal tax benefit rate for trade tax of 8.525%. Tempo rary differences at December 31, 1997 of the Group's Ger man operations have been tax effected at the reduced rate. The effect of the tax rate reduction on year-end deferred tax balances is reflected in the reconciliation presented below. A reconciliation of income taxes determined using the German corporate tax rate of 48.375% plus the after federal tax benefit rate for trade taxes of 8.625% for a combined statutory rate of 57% is as follows: During 1995 the Group was unable to recognize the tax benefits of DM 260 resulting from losses incurred by Fokker, after the decision was made in January 1996 to discontinue financial support for that company. The amount of the Group's deferred tax valuation allow ances is based upon management's belief that it is more like ly than not that not all of the deferred tax assets will be real ized. In future periods, depending upon the Group's financial results, management's estimate of the amount of the de ferred tax assets considered realizable may change, and hence the valuation allowances may increase or decrease. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are summa rized as follows: The 1997 income tax credit from dividend distributions amounts to DM 3,176 and reflects primarily a tax benefit of DM 2,908 from the special distribution of DM 20 per Ordi nary Share/ADS. This benefit results from the refund for tax es previously paid on undistributed profits at a rate of 50% in excess of the effective tax rate of 30% on distributed profits. In 1997, the Group's consolidated valuation allowances decreased by DM 2,855. Of this amount, a reduction of DM 2,871 applied to domestic operations and a slight increase of DM 16 to foreign operations which is included in the foreign tax rate differential. The decrease in the consolidated domes tic valuation allowances is due in part to DM 909 utilization of tax loss carryforwards during 1997. Additionally, DM 1,962 is due to the reversal of the remaining valuation allowances as of December 31, 1997 for the German companies which are included in the filing of a combined tax return ("Organ- schaft") on the basis that the current and the expected re sults of operations support a conclusion that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized. The valuation allowances which remain at December 31, 1997 apply primarily to the Group's foreign operations. During 1997 the Group sold its investment in Cap Gemini Sogeti S.A. and realized a gain of DM 822 in its consolidated financial statements which was not taxable since write downs were previously not recognized for tax purposes. During 1996 the Group's consolidated valuation allow ances decreased by DM 1,052. In 1996 the Group realized income tax benefits from the utilization of loss carryforwards of DM 673 relating to entities in the Aerospace division. The tax benefits of such loss carryforwards had been fully re served as of December 31, 1995 since the entities had a histo ry of operating losses prior to 1996 and such losses were lim ited as to their use. Tax benefits recognized from other changes to the valuation allowances in 1996 included the merger of the former AEG Aktiengesellschaft into Daimler- Benz AG during 1996, after which the German loss carryfor wards of AEG Aktiengesellschaft could be utilized by the Group's German "Organschaft". Prior to the merger such net operating losses ("NOLs") were limited as to their use, and accordingly were fully reserved for in the amount of DM 231. In addition, during 1996 the Group realized tax benefits re lated to investments written down in previous years. At December 31, 1997, the Group had net operating loss es ("NOLs") and corporate tax credit carryforwards amount ing to DM 11,918 (1996: DM 16,551). The majority of the NOLs relate to the German group of companies which are included in "Organschaft" and have an unlimited carryforward period under German tax law. The remainder of the NOLs relate to losses of domestic and foreign non-"Organschaft" companies and are partly limited in their use to the group. Net deferred income tax assets and liabilities in the con solidated balance sheets are as follows: Deferred tax liabilities of DM 4,064 (1996: DM 2,527) have not been recognized on unremitted earnings of non-Ger man subsidiaries intended to be indefinitely reinvested. De termination of the amount of unrecognized deferred tax lia bilities is not practicable. Notes to the Consolidated Balance Sheets 7. Intangible Assets and Property, Plant and Equipment, net Information with respect to changes to the Group's intangi ble assets and property, plant and equipment is presented in the Consolidated Fixed Assets Schedule included herein. In- tangible assets represent principally the goodwill from the formation of Adtranz. Property, plant and equipment include buildings, technical equipment and other equipment capital ized under capital lease agreements of DM 735 (1996: DM 498). Depreciation expense on assets under capital lease ar rangements was DM 57 (1996: DM 86; 1995: DM 121). 8. Equipment on Operating Leases, net Information with respect to changes to the Group's equip ment on operating leases is presented in the Consolidated Fixed Assets Schedule included herein. Of the total equip ment on operating leases, DM 14,318 represent automobiles and commercial vehicles (1996: DM 11,402). The amount for equipment on operating leases includes initial direct costs of contracts of DM 153 (1996: DM 118). Noncancellable future lease payments due from custom ers for equipment on operating leases at December 31, 1997 amounted to DM 8,451 and are due as follows: Certain of the Group's U.S. businesses' inventories are val ued using the last-in, first-out method. If the FIFO method had been used instead of the LIFO method, inventories would have been higher by DM 325 (1996: DM 299). As of December 31, 1997, DM 852 of the total financing re ceivables mature after more than one year (1996: DM 483). Sales financing and finance lease receivables consist of retail installment sales contracts secured by automobiles and commercial vehicles. Contractual maturities applicable to re ceivables from sales financing and finance leases maturing in each of the years following December 31, 1997 are as fol lows: As of December 31, 1997, DM 15,226 of the total financ ing receivables mature after more than one year (1996: DM 11,098). As well as the tax reduction relating to the distribution of DM 1.60 per share, the tax reduction of approximately DM 2.9 billion relating to a special distribution of DM 20 per share is included in other receivables and other assets. As of December 31, 1997, DM 2,111 of the total other re ceivables mature after more than one year (1996: DM 1,904). 13. Securities, Investments and Long-Term Financial Assets Information with respect to the Group's investments and long-term financial assets is presented in the Consolidated Fixed Assets Schedule included herein. Securities included in current assets are comprised of the following: Carrying amounts and fair values of debt and equity se curities included in securities and investments for which fair values are readily determinable are classified as follows: Aggregate cost, fair values and gross unrealized holding gains or losses per security class are the following: The estimated fair values of investments in debt securi ties, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected ma turities may differ from contractual maturities because bor rowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without penalty. 14. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include DM 342 (1996: DM 1,337) of deposits with original maturities of more than three months. Cash and cash equivalents include DM 1,519 (1996: DM 174) of amounts on deposit with a related party. 15. Additional Cash Flow Information Liquid assets recorded under various balance sheet captions are as follows: Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities were DM 1,677 (1996: DM 1,126; 1995: DM 337). Gross realized gains from sales of available-for-sale securities on a specific identification basis were DM 180 (1996: DM 22; 1995: DM 6), while gross realized losses were DM 2 (1996: DM 6; 1995: DM 1). 16. Stockholders' Equity At December 31,1995, the Group had issued and outstanding 51,368,736 Ordinary Shares with a nominal (par) value of DM 50 per share. On May 22, 1996 the Group, upon the ap proval of its shareholders, reduced the nominal value of its Ordinary Shares from DM 50 per share to DM 5 per share effective July 1, 1996. This resulted in an increase in the number of Ordinary Shares outstanding from 51,368,736 shares to 513,687,360 shares. Per share information for the year 1995 has been adjusted to reflect per share amounts based upon a DM 5 per share nominal value. Due to the issu ance of shares to employees and the conversion of options into shares the number of issued and outstanding Ordinary Shares increased to 516,748,337 as of December 31, 1997 (1996:515,396,396). Daimler-Benz stockholders on June 26, 1991 authorized through June 30, 1996 the issuance of Ordinary Shares of up to DM 600 nominal value of which the remaining unutilized portion of DM 367 expired in 1996. On May 22, 1996, the stockholders approved the issuance of Ordinary Shares up to an aggregate amount of DM 500 nominal value through April 30, 2001. Through December 31, 1997, there was no utiliza tion of the latter amount. At the annual general meeting held on May 18, 1994, Daimler-Benz was authorized by its stockholders to issue Or dinary Shares of DM 20 nominal value to employees of which DM 3 are unissued and expire on April 30, 1999. In 1997, 1996 and 1995, 1,250,000, 1,050,000 and 700,000 Ordinary Shares, respectively, were issued to employees leading to in creases of capital stock and additional paid-in capital of DM 6, DM 6 and DM 3, and DM 159, DM 80 and DM 44, respec tively Subject to preemptive rights of existing stockholders, Daimler-Benz in the stockholders' meetings held on May 18, 1994 and May 22, 1996, has received the authority for future issuances of Ordinary Shares up to DM 300 in connection with convertible bonds and bonds with warrants. This au thority, which limits the total nominal value of such convert ible bonds and bonds with warrants to be issued to DM 2,000 and which expires on April 30, 1999, was used during 1996 for the issuance of convertible notes by Daimler-Benz Capital (Luxembourg) AG, a subsidiary of the Company. 4.125% con vertible notes in the amount of DM 750 were issued with a nominal value of DM 1,000 each, including a total of 7,690,500 options which, on the basis of the option agree ment, entitle the bearer of the option to subscribe for Ordi nary Shares of Daimler-Benz AG. The option price per share is DM 95.07 in consideration of exchange of the notes or DM 98.65 in cash. Subject to excluded preemptive rights of the subordinated mandatory convertible notes described below, those prices were reduced DM .20 each beginning on May 14, 1997. During 1997, options for the subscription of 1,785 (1996: 36) newly issued shares have been exercised. Pro ceeds from issuance of the notes, net of expenses, were DM 711. In June 1997, the Company issued 5.75% subordinated mandatory convertible notes due June 14, 2002 with a nomi nal amount of DM 130.70 per note. These convertible notes represent a nominal amount of DM 993 including 7,600,000 notes which may be converted into 0.862 newly issuable shares before June 4, 2002. Notes not converted by this date will be mandatorily converted at a conversion rate between 0.862 and 1.25 Ordinary Shares per note to be determined on the basis of the average market price for the shares during the last 20 trading days before June 8, 2002. During 1997, 156 shares have been issued upon exercise. During May 1996, the stockholders of Daimler-Benz AG approved the 1996 Stock Option Plan for certain members of management. During May 1997, the stockholders approved the 1997 Stock Option Plan which extended to additional lev els of management. In conjunction therewith in 1996 the stockholders reserved up to DM 40 of contingent authorized capital which was subsequently increased in 1997 to DM 110. The Plans provide for the granting of options for the purchase of Daimler-Benz Ordinary Shares. As evidenced by non transferable convertible bonds issued with a nominal value of DM 1,000 each due ten years after issuance with stated interest rates of 5.3% and 5.9% for the bonds issued in 1997 and 1996, respectively. Each convertible bond entitles the holder thereof to convert the bond into Ordinary Shares with an aggregate nominal value of DM 1,000 (equaling 200 shares with a nominal value of DM 5 per share). Every year the conversion privilege under each bond can be exercised only within four periods of three weeks each, if the stock ex change price per Ordinary Share is at least 115% of the prede termined conversion price. For convertible bonds sold in 1996 the conversion price per share was DM 83.77 (the stock exchange price as of May 23, 1996), of which the remaining DM 78.77 must be paid in cash. DM 5 per share have been paid already with the pur chase of the convertible bond. Effective July 23, 1997, Daimler-Benz AG issued converti ble bonds of DM 37.1 (equaling 7,429,600 shares with a nom inal value of DM 5 per share) subject to the 1997 Stock Op tion Plan. The conversion price of these convertible bonds, which may only be converted in certain periods between July 23, 1999 and July 23, 2007, is DM 132 per share (the stock exchange price as of May 30, 1997). On June 30, 1997, a stockholder challenged the approval of the 1997 Stock Option Plan at the stockholders meeting of May 28, 1997. On October 30, 1997, a regional court in Stutt gart dismissed this case in the first instance, however the stockholder has subsequently appealed this decision. The conversion right is exercisable only upon successful resolu tion of the stockholder legal action. The Company applies Accounting Principles Board Opin ion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" and related interpretations in accounting for its employee stock compensation plans. Had compensation cost for the Compa ny's stock compensation plans been determined based upon the fair value at the grant date, consistent with the methodol ogy prescribed under SFAS 123 the Company's net income and basic and diluted earnings per share would have been reduced by approximately DM 26 and DM .05 per share in 1997. The fair value of the options granted in 1997 was calcu lated at the grant date at DM 23 per share based on a trinomi al tree option pricing model which considers the terms of the issuance. The underlying assumptions are as follows: Daimler-Benz AG as a dividend to the stockholders. In addi tion, a special distribution of DM 20 per share with an aggre gate amount of approximately DM 10,300 will be proposed to the Annual General Meeting of stockholders scheduled for May 27, 1998. Subsequent to the special distribution, the Company plans to increase Ordinary Shares and additional paid-in capital by approximately DM 7,400. This amount ap proximates the special distribution less the tax refund gener ated by the special distribution of approximately DM 2,900 (see Note 6). At December 31, 1997, Daimler-Benz AG had retained earnings of DM 2,057. At December 31, 1997 no additional convertible bonds may be subscribed under the 1997 and 1996 plans. The minority stockholders of Dornier GmbH have the right to exchange their interest in Dornier for holdings of equal value in Daimler-Benz Luft- und Raumfahrt Holding AG or Ordinary Shares of Daimler-Benz AG and such options are exercisable at any time. Under the German corporation law (Aktiengesetz), the amount of dividends available for distribution to sharehold ers is based upon the earnings of Daimler-Benz AG (parent company only) as reported in its statutory financial state ments determined in accordance with the German commer cial code (Handelsgesetzbuch). For the year ended December 31, 1997, Daimler-Benz management has proposed to distrib ute DM 827 (DM 1.60 per share) of the 1997 earnings of 17. Accrued Liabilities Accrued liabilities are comprised of the following: a) Retirement plans Pension plans and similar obligations are comprised of the following components: The Group operates various defined benefit pension plans, all based upon years of service. Some pension plans are based on salary earned in the last year of employment and some are fixed DM-amount plans depending on ranking (both wage level and position). Plan assets consist primarily of investments in equity and fixed interest securities and real estate. Assumed discount rates and rates of increase in remu neration used in calculating the projected benefit obligations together with long-term rates of return on plan assets vary according to the economic conditions of the country in which the retirement plans are situated. The assumptions used in calculating the actuarial values for the principal retirement plans were as follows: Certain of the Group's U.S. operations provide postretire- ment medical benefits to their employees. The net post retire ment costs for the years were DM 29 (1996: DM 26; 1995: DM 25). Accruals for restructuring comprise certain employee ter mination benefits and costs which are directly associated with plans to exit specified activities. The changes in these provisions are summarized as follows: In connection with the Group's restructuring the Group recorded provisions for termination benefits of DM 585 (1996: DM 423; 1995: DM 842), in 1997 principally within Automotive, in 1996 and 1995 principally within Automotive, AEG-DBI and Daimler-Benz Aerospace. In connection with these restructuring efforts, the Group effected workforce re ductions of approximately 6,600 employees (1996: 11,800; 1995: 14,800) and paid termination benefits of DM 983 (1996: DM 745; 1995 DM 1,489), of which DM 525 (1996: DM 556; 1995: DM 1,132) were charged against previously estab lished liabilities. At December 31, 1997 the Group had liabil ities for estimated future terminations for approximately 8,000 employees. Exit costs in 1997 primarily result from the restructuring of directly managed businesses. In 1996, they relate exclu sively to businesses of the former AEG-DBI and in 1995 main ly result from plans to reduce the production capacity of AEG-DBI and Daimler-Benz Aerospace. Liabilities to financial institutions include approximately DM 851 (1996: DM 721) owed to related parties. Commercial paper is denominated in DM and U.S. dollars and includes accrued interest. Bonds and liabilities to financial institu tions are largely secured by mortgage conveyance, liens and assignment of receivables of approximately DM 2,249 (1996: DM 2,381). Aggregate amounts of financial liabilities maturing dur ing the next five years and thereafter are as follows: At December 31, 1997, the Group had unused short-term credit lines of DM 17,982 (1996: DM 14,225), and unused long-term credit lines of DM 6,194 (1996: DM 5,672). Liabilities to related companies are primarily obligations of Daimler-Benz Aerospace Airbus GmbH to Airbus Industrie G.I.E., Toulouse. Other liabilities mainly relate to payroll obligations of the month of December and related tax liabilities. As of Decem ber 31, 1997 tax liabilities include withheld employee taxes of DM 1,318 (1996: DM 972), and social benefits due of DM 1,143 (1996: DM 906). Other Notes 21. Litigation and Claims Various legal actions, governmental investigations, proceed ings and claims are pending or may be instituted or asserted in the future against the Group. Litigation is subject to many uncertainties; the outcome of individual litigated matters is not predictable with assurance, and it is reasonably possible that some of the matters could be decided unfavorably to the Group. Although the amount of liability at December 31, 1997 with respect to these matters cannot be ascertained, the Group believes that the resulting liability, if any, should not materially affect the consolidated financial position of the Group at December 31, 1997. 22. Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and contingencies are presented at their con tractual values. Commitments and contingencies include the following: Contingent liabilities represent principally guarantees of indebtedness of non-consolidated affiliated companies and third parties and commitments by Group companies as to contractual performance by joint venture companies. Daim ler-Benz Aerospace is also obligated to make certain guaran teed dividend payments to minority shareholders. In connection with the development of aircraft, Daimler- Benz Aerospace Airbus GmbH is committed to Airbus Indus trie to incur future development costs. At December 31, 1997, the remaining commitment not recorded in the financial statements aggregated DM 948. In addition, the Group has pledged the assets of Daimler-Benz Aerospace Airbus GmbH ("DA") acquired with development funds, to the Federal Re public of Germany. Airbus Industries G.I.E. ("Airbus consortium") has given a performance guarantee to Agence Executive, the French government agency overseeing Airbus; such performance guarantee has been assumed by DA to the extent of its 37.9 % participation in the Airbus consortium. At December 31, 1997, in connection with DA's participa tion in the Airbus consortium, the Group was contingently liable related to the consortium's irrevocable financing com mitments in respect of aircraft on order, including options, for delivery in the future. In addition, the Group was also con tingently liable related to credit guarantees and participa tions in financing receivables of Airbus consortium under customer finance programs. When entering into such cus tomer financing commitments Airbus consortium has gener ally established a secured position in the aircraft being fi- nanced. Airbus consortium and the Group believe that the estimated fair value of the aircraft securing such commit ments would substantially offset any potential losses from the commitments. Based on experience, the probability of material losses from such customer financing commitments is considered remote. The Group's obligations under the foregoing financing commitments of Airbus consortium are joint and several with its other partners in the consortium. In the event that Airbus, despite the underlying collateral, should be unable to honor its obligations, the Group is confident that each of its other consortium partners would be responsible for their pro portionate share of Airbus' obligations. In 1989, the Group acquired Messerschmitt-Bölkow- Blohm GmbH ("MBB") and thereby indirectly acquired Daim ler-Benz Aerospace Airbus (then known as Deutsche Airbus) which was and continues to be the German participant in Air bus Industrie. As part of the acquisition and in order to facil itate the complete privatization of MBB and the German par ticipation in Airbus Industrie, the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany undertook responsibility for certain fi nancial obligations of MBB and Daimler-Benz Aerospace Air bus and agreed to provide certain ongoing limited financial assistance for development programs and other items. Such undertakings, advances and assistance were to be repaid on a contingent basis by Daimler-Benz Aerospace Airbus' ma king annual payments equal to 40% of its pretax profits (as defined), if any, beginning with the fiscal year 2001 (subject to advance to the year 2000 under certain conditions). Each annual payment is contingent on Daimler-Benz Aerospace Airbus' having earned pretax profits in the prior year. Pretax profits are subject to reduction by application of prior years' cumulative loss carryforwards. Daimler-Benz Aerospace Air bus also agreed to make certain payments in the nature of a royalty with respect to the various Airbus aircraft programs. Prior to specified dates between 2001 and 2004, these royal ty payments, if earned, are accrued on a per aircraft basis and added to the amount to be discharged through the 40% profit-sharing obligation. Thereafter, they are to be made on a per aircraft basis on terms keyed to the delivery date for each aircraft. The amount of the annual 40% profit-sharing obligation, if any, will depend upon the profitability of Daimler-Benz Aerospace Airbus in 2001 and beyond, which will be subject to a variety of unpredictable factors. Accordingly, the Group is unable to predict with certainty how long Daimler-Benz Aerospace Airbus will remain subject to the contingent 40% profit-sharing obligation, but it is likely to be a period of dec ades. Daimler-Benz Aerospace Airbus may not pay dividends prior to 2001, unless at the same time it commences making the 40% profit-sharing payments. The Group may not sell or transfer a majority of the capital stock of Daimler-Benz Aero space Airbus without the consent of the German Federal Government. During 1997, Daimler-Benz Aerospace Airbus paid the German Federal Government DM 1,400 in complete dis charge of its obligations relating to the Airbus A320 and its derivatives. Of this amount, DM 721 was expensed in 1997 and the remainder will be amortized over those A320 aircraft and derivatives to be delivered in the future. In connection with certain production programs the Group has committed to certain levels of outsourced manu factured parts and components over extended periods at mar ket prices. The Group is subject to compensations in the case the committed volumes are not purchased. 23. Information About Financial Instruments a) Use of financial instruments In the course of day-to-day financial management, Daimler- Benz uses financial instruments, e.g. financial investments, fixed-interest bearing securities and stock, forward exchange transactions and currency options, and, as a consequence, may be exposed to risks from changes in interest and curren cy exchange rates as well as share prices. Daimler-Benz uses derivative financial instruments to reduce such risks. With out the use of these instruments the Group's market risks would be higher. Based on regulations issued by regulatory authorities for financial institutions, the Group has established guidelines for risk assessment procedures and controls for the use of financial instruments. They include a clear segregation of duties with regard to operating financial activities on one side and settlement, accounting and controlling on the other. In the normal course of business, the Group sells to third parties certain of its financial services assets. During the year ended December 31, 1997 the Group sold assets for pro ceeds of DM 1,457 (1996: DM 1,774). In connection with such sales, the Group remained liable under recourse provisions for DM 314(1996:DM 341). The Group is jointly and severally liable for certain non- incorporated companies, partnerships, and project groups. The total rentals under operating leases, charged as an expense in the statement of income, amounted to DM 940 (1996: DM 885; 1995: DM 878). The future minimum lease payments under rental and lease agreements which have in itial or remaining terms in excess of one year at December 31, 1997 are as follows: Market risk in portfolio management is quantified ac cording to the "value-at-risk" method which is commonly used among banks. Using historical variability of market val ues, potential changes in value resulting from changes of market prices is calculated on the basis of statistical meth ods. The maximum acceptable market risk has been fixed by senior management in the form of a risk capital which has been approved for one year. The adherence to the risk capital is regularly monitored. b) Notional amounts and credit risk The contract or notional amounts shown below do not always represent amounts exchanged by the parties and, thus, are not necessarily a measure for the exposure of Daimler-Benz through its use of derivatives. The notional amounts of off-balance sheet financial in struments are as follows: Currency contracts include foreign exchange forward and option contracts which are mainly utilized to hedge exist ing assets and liabilities, firm commitments and anticipated transactions denominated in foreign currencies (principally U.S. dollars, Japanese Yen and major Euro-currencies). The objective of the Group's hedging transactions is to reduce the market risk of its foreign denominated future cash flows to exchange rate fluctuations. The Group has entered into cur rency contracts for a period of one to five years. The Group enters into interest and interest rate cross-cur rency swaps, interest rate forward and futures contracts and interest rate options in order to reduce funding costs, to di versify sources of funding, or to alter interest rate exposures arising from mismatches between assets and liabilities. The Group may be exposed to credit-related losses in the event of non-performance by counterparties to financial in struments. Counterparties to the Group's financial instru ments represent, in general, international financial institu tions. Daimler-Benz does not have a significant exposure to any individual counterparty, based on the rating of the coun terparties performed by established rating agencies. The Group believes the overall credit risk related to utilized deriv atives is insignificant. c) Fair value of financial instruments The fair value of a financial instrument is the price at which one party would assume the rights and/or duties of another party. Fair values of financial instruments have been deter mined with reference to available market information at the balance sheet date and the valuation methodologies dis cussed below. Considering the variability of their value-deter mining factors, the fair values presented herein may not be indicative of the amounts that the Group could realize in a current market exchange. The carrying amounts and fair values of the Group's financial instruments are as follows: In determining the fair values of derivative financial in struments certain compensating effects from underlying transactions (e.g. firm commitments and anticipated transac tions) are not taken into consideration. At December 31, 1997 and 1996, the Group had deferred net unrealized gains (loss es) on forward currency exchange contracts and options of DM (508) and DM 462, respectively, purchased against firm foreign currency denominated sales commitments extending for varying periods between three and twenty-four months. The carrying amounts of cash, other receivables and ac counts payable approximate fair values due to the short-term maturities of these instruments. The methods and assumptions used to determine the fair values of other financial instruments are summarized below: Financial Assets and Securities - Fair value of securities in the portfolio was estimated using quoted market prices. The Group has certain equity investments in related and affiliat ed companies not presented in the table, as certain of these investments are not publicly traded and determination of fair values is impracticable. Receivables from Financial Services - The carrying amount of variable rate finance receivables was estimated to approximate fair value since they are priced at current mar ket rates. The fair value of fixed rate finance receivables was estimated by discounting expected cash flows using the cur rent rates at which comparable loans of similar maturity would be obtained made as of December 31, 1997 and 1996. The carrying amounts of receivables from finance lease equal their fair values. Financial Liabilities - Fair value of publicly traded debt was estimated using quoted market prices. The fair value of other long-term notes and bonds was estimated by discount ing future cash flows using rates currently available for debt of similar terms and remaining maturities. The carrying amounts of commercial paper and borrowings under revolv ing credit facilities were assumed to approximate fair value due to their short maturities. Interest Rate Contracts - The fair values of existing instru ments to hedge interest rate risks (e.g. interest rate swap agreements) were estimated by discounting expected cash flows using market interest rates over the remaining term of the instrument. Interest rate options are valued on the basis of quoted market prices or on estimates based on option pric ing models. Currency Contracts - The fair value of forward foreign ex change contracts is based on average spot exchange rates that consider forward premiums or discounts. Currency op tions are valued on the basis of quoted market prices or on estimates based on option pricing models. d) Accounting for and reporting earnings of financial instruments The earnings of the Group's on-balance sheet financial in struments, with the exception of receivables from financial services, are recognized in financial income, net. Income on receivables from financial services are recognized as reve nues. The carrying amounts of the on-balance sheet financial instruments are included in the consolidated balance sheets under their related captions. The carrying amounts of off-bal ance sheet financial instruments are included under other assets and accrued liabilities. Financial instruments, including derivatives, purchased to offset the Group's exposure to identifiable and committed transactions with price, interest or currency risks are ac counted for together with the underlying business transac tions ("hedge accounting"). Gains and losses on forward con tracts and options hedging firm foreign currency commit ments are deferred off-balance sheet and are recognized as a component of the related transactions, when recorded (the "deferral method"). However, a loss is not deferred if deferral would lead to the recognition of a loss in future periods. Interest differentials paid or received under interest rate swaps purchased to hedge interest risks on debt are recorded as adjustments to the effective yields of the underlying debt ("accrual method"). All other financial instruments, including derivatives, purchased to offset the Group's net exposure to price, inter est or currency risks, but which are not designated as hedges of specific assets, liabilities or firm commitments are marked to market and any resulting unrealized gains and losses are recognized currently in financial income, net. Derivatives purchased by the Group under macro-hedg ing techniques, as well as those purchased to offset the Group's exposure to anticipated cash flows, do not generally meet the requirements for applying hedge accounting and are, accordingly marked to market at each reporting period with unrealized gains and losses recognized in financial in come, net. At such time that the Group meets the require- ments for hedge accounting and designates the derivative fi nancial instrument as a hedge of a committed transaction, subsequent unrealized gains and losses would be deferred and recognized along with the effects of the underlying transaction. 24. Segment Reporting Daimler-Benz operates in four divisions; a description of the products and services from which each segment derives its revenues follows: Automotive - development, manufacture and sale of pas senger cars and commercial vehicles principally under the trade mark Mercedes-Benz as well as related parts and accessories. Aerospace - development, manufacture and sale of com mercial and military aircraft and helicopters, of satellites and related space transportation systems, defense-relat ed products, including radar and radio systems and pro pulsion systems. Services - services related to information technology, fi nancial services, insurance brokerage, trading, telecom munications and media and real estate management. Directly managed businesses (DMB) - In 1997 and 1996 represents 50% interest in Adtranz and microelectronics and automation processing products (up to December 31, 1996) and diesel engines. In 1995 represented the AEG- DBI corporate unit which included each of the foregoing business activities plus other businesses including prod ucts for the transmission and distribution of electricity. Sales and revenues related to transactions between seg ments are generally recorded at values that approximate third party selling prices. Information with respect to the Group's industry seg ments follows: In 1997 and 1996 includes Adtranz accounted for using the proportionate method of consolidation (see Note 2). Includes DM 2,801 and DM 2,443 for 1997 and 1996, respectively, of automobiles leased to customers under operating leases that have been sold to Group leasing and sales financing entities with guarantees as to the residual value of the products at the end of such leases. Aerospace operating loss includes charges of DM 435 in 1996 related to the aircraft business of Dornier offset by approximately DM 300 of reductions in provisions for restructuring measures (see Note 3). A reconciliation of income (loss) before financial income and income taxes to operating profit follows: In 1995 the Aerospace operating loss includes DM 5,594 of charges related to restructuring measures, goodwill and other write-offs and the decision to discontinue financial support for Fokker. In 1995, the DMB operating loss includes DM 1,596 of charges related to restructuring of AEG and write-downs to fixed assets of DM 331 (see Note 3). Includes Aerospace write-downs to fixed assets, including goodwill, of DM 2,558 and DMB DM 331. Operating profit in 1996 includes charges of DM 435 related to the aircraft business of Dornier offset by approximately DM 300 of reductions in provisions for restructuring measures. Operating loss in 1995 includes DM 7,190 of charges related to restructuring measures, goodwill and other write-offs, the decision to discontinue financial support for Fokker and the restructuring of AEG (see Note 3). The convertible bonds of the 1997 Stock Option Plan are not included in the computations of diluted earnings per share because the options' underlying target stock price was above market price of Daimler-Benz AG common stock on December 31, 1997. 26. Subsequent Events Following the decision to concentrate on core activities, the Group's semiconductor business was sold to the American company Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. in March 1998. In January 1998 the Group sold two real-estate-project- support the product line, and other minor assets. In addition, Ford Motor Company will provide assistance in the product launch and cost reduction efforts for this business as well as engineering and systems services during 1998. A ll material aspects of the acquisition will be consummated during 1998. companies to Berliner Volksbank. In May 1997, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire the Heavy Truck Business of Ford Motor Company. The transaction included: tooling, machinery and equipment used to manufacture the product; spare parts inventory to Fundamental differences German and U.S. accounting principles are based on funda mentally different perspectives. While accounting under the German HGB emphasizes the principle of caution and credi tor protection, the availability of relevant information for shareholder decision-making is the chief objective of U.S. ac counting. The comparability of the financial statements - both from year to year and from company to company - and the determination of performance on an accrual basis therefore rank higher under U.S. GAAP than under the HGB. Provisions In U.S. accounting practice, provisions are not listed separ ately as a rule, but under liabilities. In order to comply with the stipulations of the EU guidelines, we still list provisions in the balance sheet notwithstanding the American treatment. The possibilities to form provisions are significantly more re strictive under U.S. GAAP than under the HGB. Provisions can be formed when an obligation exists towards a third party that is likely to be satisfied and when the anticipated amount of the necessary provision can be reliably estimated. Provisions for expenses are not allowed under American regu lations as a rule. Unlike in German accounting, pension provisions are de termined in consideration of anticipated wage and salary increases. Rather than using the 6% discount rate employed in German tax law, the relevant real interest rates of individ ual states define the U.S. value. Goodwill According to American accounting principles, goodwill has to be capitalized and amortized over its expected period in use. The period in use in this instance depends on the type of business acquired. Offsetting this value against stockholders' equity, which is an option under the HGB, is not allowed. Unrealized Profits Under German law the imparity principle means that only unrealized losses must be included in the balance sheet, while under U.S. GAAP certain unrealized profits also have to be recorded. This becomes most relevant in the calculation of unrealized profits from the evaluation of foreign currency amounts as at the balance sheet date and from derivative financial instru ments. According to German accounting regulations, securities are to be valued at the lower of cost or market. American regu lations, on the other hand, call for securities to be reported at the higher market prices as well; the changes in the market value are either to be reflected directly in the profit and loss statement or in stockholders' equity. For long term production, revenues and expenses are booked in accordance with the realization principle, while under U.S. GAAP the percentage of completion method is used. Leasing Under U.S. GAAP, the accrual of leased equipment is not re lated to the legal owner, but the economic owner. In a capital lease (sales financing) the risks and opportunities arising from the ownership of leased equipment are primarily realized by the lessee, without the lessee simultaneously acquiring legal ownership. U.S. GAAP treat such a capital lease like a pur chase, in other words, the lessee capitalizes the leased equip ment and lists a relevant liability. The lessor, in turn, records a receivable from sales financing and revenue from the sale of the leased equipment. Deferred Taxes In accordance with U.S. GAAP, capitalized or accrued deferred taxes have to be reported if they are derived from temporary differences between tax valuations and valuations in the con solidated balance sheet. Tax losses carried forward represent an economic benefit because of the reduced tax payments in future balance sheets. At the time the loss arises, the future or deferred tax advantage is capitalized in relation to its real- izability. Hilmar Kopper Frankfurt/Main Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Deutsche Bank AG Chairman Karl Feuerstein*) Mannheim Chairman of the Corporate Labor Council, Daimler-Benz Group Deputy Chairman Willi Böhm*) Worth Member of the Labor Council of the Worth Plant, Daimler-Benz AG Dr. h.c. Birgit Breuel Berlin General Commissioner of EXPO 2000 Prof. Hubert Curien Paris Former Minister of Research and Technology of the Republic of France Dr. jur. Michael Endres Frankfurt/Main Member of the Board of Managing Directors, Deutsche Bank AG Manfred Göbels*) Stuttgart Chairman of the Senior Managers' Committee, Daimler-Benz Group Ulrich Hartmann Düsseldorf Chairman of the Board of Management and CEO, VEBA AG *) Employee representatives. Erich Klemm*) Sindelfingen Chairman of the Labor Council of the Sindelfingen Plant, Daimler-Benz AG Peter Schönfelder*) Augsburg Member of the Labor Council, Daimler-Benz Aerospace AG Dr. h.c. Martin Kohlhaussen Frankfurt/Main Chairman of the Board of Managing Directors, Commerzbank AG Rudolf Kuda*) Frankfurt/Main Departmental Manager, Office of the Board of Management, Metalworkers' Union Prof. Dr. jur. Johannes Semler Kronberg/Taunus Attorney at Law Bernhard Wurl*) Frankfurt/Main Departmental Manager, Office of the Board of Management, Metalworkers' Union Helmut Lense*) Stuttgart Chairman of the Labor Council of the Untertürkheim Plant, Daimler-Benz AG Walter Riester*) Frankfurt/Main Second Chairman, Metalworkers' Union Committees of the Supervisory Board: Committee pursuant to §27 Sec. 3 MitbestG Hilmar Kopper (Chairman) Karl Feuerstein Prof. Dr. jur. Johannes Semler Bernhard Wurl Jürgen Sarrazin Frankfurt/Main Until December 31, 1997, Chairman of the Board of Managing Directors, Dresdner Bank AG Executive Committee Hilmar Kopper (Chairman) Karl Feuerstein Prof. Dr. jur. Johannes Semler Bernhard Wurl Audit Committee Hilmar Kopper (Chairman) Karl Feuerstein Willi Böhm Dr. h.c. Birgit Breuel Dr. jur. Roland Schelling Stuttgart Attorney at Law Herbert Schiller*) Frankfurt/Main Chairman of the Corporate Labor Council, debis AG Dr. rer. pol. Manfred Schneider Leverkusen Chairman of the Board of Management Bayer AG In 1997, the Supervisory Board and the Board of Manage ment jointly reviewed the situation of the Group and the stra tegic development of the individual divisions and business units at four regular meetings and one extraordinary meeting. Individ ual issues were also discussed. The Executive Committee met four times during the course of the year under review and in addition to matters relating to the Board of Management discussed issues relating to subsidi aries and affiliated companies and the issuance of employee shares. The Audit Committee met twice, and together with the independent auditors discussed at length the 1996 financial state ments and the interim report for the first six months of 1997. The Committee formed pur suant to the German Law on Codetermina- tion did not meet. At the meetings and as part of its month ly reporting the Board of Management in formed the Supervisory Board in detail of the development of business and the financial situation of the Company and each individ ual business unit. Special events beyond the scope of the individual treatment of issues at the meetings were reported in writing and by means of oral reports. Moreover, the Chairman of the Supervis ory Board was continually advised by the Board of Manage ment in individual meetings. The principal focus of the extraordinary Supervisory Board meeting in January 1997 was the new corporate structure. The central topic was the merger of Mercedes-Benz AG into Daimler- Benz AG. The Passenger Car, Commercial Vehicle, Services (debis), Aerospace (Dasa), Finance/Controlling, Personnel, Re search and Technology, Sales, Corporate Development, and the Directly Managed Businesses divisions were formed at the same time. This created the principal organizational and structural conditions for the Group's realignment. The regular items treated at the Supervisory Board meeting in February were the 1997-1999 business plan for the medium- range future together with the investment, personnel, and earn ings planning and the Company's refinancing needs. The 1996 financial statements were reviewed at the meeting in April. Any matters requiring approval as per the Articles of Incorporation were discussed as well. The Board of Management also reported regularly on the development of the individual vehicle classes and the Passen ger Car and Commercial Vehicle divisions. The new CLK and Mi- Class series, the A-Class developments, the expansion of the prod uct ranges for the heavy-duty Actros truck, and the inauguration of the plants in Ham- bach, Tuscaloosa, and Bad Cannstatt were presented in detail. Other important topics included the stra tegic alignment of the individual divisions and the related subsidiaries and affiliated companies. The acquisition of Ford Heavy Trucks and its integration within the Freight- liner organization under the Sterling name- plate deserve special mention in this respect. The increase of the Company's share in Mi cro Compact Car AG and the associated assumption of corpo rate responsibility for the Smart project was presented and dis cussed at length at the meetings on April 11 and June 25, 1997 The partnership with the Canadian company Ballard Power Systems represents a milestone in the development of the tech nological innovation capabilities of Daimler-Benz. The objective of this undertaking is to advance the development and market ing of fuel cell technology. The fact that Ford became part of the joint venture in December 1997 broadens the industrial and tech nological basis of the project, above all in the field of propul sion technology. It also underscores the appropriateness of our decision. With the founding of the Tegaron joint venture together with Telekom, debis made a crucial step toward establishing itself in the telematics market. The acquisition of shares in FreeCom GmbH strengthened debitel´s market position. The acquisition of Siemens' defense electronics business should be viewed as an important contribution to the perma nent consolidation of the Defense and Civil Systems unit. As a result, Dasa was able to significantly expand its product range in defense electronics. Other individual topics reviewed by the Supervisory Board concerned the realization of the Euro fighter program at Dasa, restructuring at Airbus, the partnership with Groupe Lagardere in the space systems and defense sectors, the construction of the A3XX widebody jet, the expansion of the A340-500/600 prod uct program, and the completed repayment to the Federal Re public of Germany of development subsidies for the A320 pro gram. Important steps toward streamlining the Group's portfolio were the sale of the TEMIC semiconductor activities to Vishay and the withdrawal from our involvement in Cap Gemini. In connection with corporate strategy reporting, the Supervisory Board was at all times included in deliberations revolving around the positioning of TEMIC, which were completed with the sale of the semiconductor activities at year-end. The separation of deb- is Systemhaus from Cap Gemini opens up new opportunities for the international orientation of this division culminating in the auspicious outsourcing agreement with Banco Ambrosiano Veneto. The 1997 financial statements of Daimler-Benz AG, the con solidated financial statements, and the combined business re view according to German accounting principles were examined, along with the accounting principles used, by KPMG Deutsche Treuhand-Gesellschaft AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft, Frankfurt/Main, and endorsed with an unqualified audit certif icate. The same applies to the consolidated financial statements according to U.S. GAAP, with a reservation concerning the pro portionate method of consolidation for joint ventures used by Daimler-Benz which nonetheless is specifically allowed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These documents, together with the Board of Management's proposed appropri ation of earnings and the independent auditors' audit report, were presented to the Supervisory Board. They were reviewed by the Audit Committee and the Supervisory Board and discussed in the presence of the auditors. The Supervisory Board noted and approved the results of the independent auditors' examin ation and following its own examination found no grounds for objection. On April 3, 1998, the Supervisory Board acknowledged the 1997 consolidated financial statements, approved and rat ified the 1997 financial statements of Daimler-Benz AG, and agreed with the Board of Management's proposed appropriation of earnings. There were no personnel changes on the Supervisory Board and Board of Management since the 1997 Shareholders Meet ing. At its meeting on January 23, 1997, the Supervisory Board appointed Dr. Cordes as full member of the Board of Manage ment responsible for Corporate Development and the Directly Managed Businesses effective April 1, 1997 Also effective April 1, 1997, Mr. Vöhringer was appointed as a full member of the Board of Management responsible for the functional department Research and Technology. Mr. Werner voluntarily resigned from the Board of Manage ment with effect from January 31, 1997 At the meeting on January 23, 1997, the following additional changes to the Board of Management were decided with respect to the new structure of Daimler-Benz AG effective April 1, 1997: Dr. Gentz transferred to Mr. Tropitzsch his responsibility for Per sonnel, which until then he had managed conjointly with the Finance department. Mr. Tropitzsch was appointed as the direc tor of labor and, along with Mr. Hubbert (Passenger Car Div ision), Dr. Lauk (Commercial Vehicle Division), and Dr. Zetsche (Sales), as a member of the Board of Management. Stuttgart-Mohringen, April 1998 The Supervisory Board Chairman Addresses: Daimler-Benz AG D-70546 Stuttgart Tel. (49)711-17 1 Fax (49) 711-17 94022 Daimler-Benz Aerospace AG D-81663 Munich Tel. (49) 89-607 0 Fax (49) 89-607 26481 Daimler-Benz InterServices (debis) AG debis Haus at Potsdamer Platz D-10875 Berlin Tel. (49) 30-2554 0 Fax (49) 30-2554 2525 Rail Systems ABB Daimler-Benz Transportation GmbH P. 0. Box 13 01 27 D-13601 Berlin Tel. (49) 30-3832 0 Fax (49) 30-3832 2000 Microelectronics TEMIC TELEFUNKEN microelectronic GmbH P. O. Box 35 35 D-74025 Heilbronn Tel. (49) 7131-67 0 Fax (49) 7131-67 2340 MTU/Diesel Engines M TU Friedrichshafen GmbH D-88040 Friedrichshafen Tel. (49)7541-90 0 Fax (49) 7541-90 5000 Liaison Offices: Abu Dhabi Tel. (97) 12-436 531 Fax (97) 12-436 650 Bangkok Tel. (66) 2-260 6075 Fax (66) 2-260 6077 Buenos Aires Tel. (54) 1-801 3585 Fax (54) 1-808 8702 Hanoi Tel. (84) 88958 711 Fax (84) 88958 714 Hong Kong Tel. (85) 2-2594 8876 Fax (85) 2-2594 8801 Kiev Tel. (38) 044-271 7842/7887 Fax (38) 044-271 9443 London Tel. (44) 171-839 8998 Fax (44) 171-839 9279 Madrid Tel. (34) 1-322 6161 Fax (34) 1-322 6019 Rome Tel. (39) 6-41898 405 Fax (39) 6-4121 9097/9088 Sydney/Melbourne Tel. (61)39-566 9266 Fax (61) 39-566 9110 Tashkent Tel. (7) 3712-406 374 Fax (7) 3712-406 674 Zagreb Tel. (38) 5148-123 21 Fax (38) 5148-123 22 Corporate Representative Offices: Bonn/Berlin Bonn: Tel. (49) 228-5404 100 Fax (49) 228-5404 109 Berlin: Tel. (49) 30-2554 1810 Fax (49) 30-2554 1819 Brussels Tel. (32) 2-23311 33 Fax (32) 2-23311 80 Jerusalem/Tel Aviv Tel. (97) 22-56666 15 Fax (97) 22-56666 46 Cairo Tel. (20) 2-5790 197/198 Fax (20) 2-5790 196 Mexico City Tel. (52) 5-267 0106 Fax (52) 5-267 0105 Moscow Tel. (7)501-926 4039 Fax (7) 501-926 4038 New Delhi Tel. (91) 124-3473 12 Fax (91) 124-3473 13 Paris Tel. (33) 1-538300 60 Fax (33) 1-538300 62 Beijing Tel. (86) 10-6590 6680/6678 Fax (86) 10-6590 6683/6684 Pretoria Tel. (27) 12-309 1503 Fax (27) 12-666 8191 Sao Paulo Tel. (55) 11-758 7171/6611 Fax (55) 11-758 7118 Singapore Tel. (65) 291 9385 Fax (65) 292 1817 Tokyo Tel. (81)3-5572 7130 Fax (81) 3-5572 7127 Washington D.C. Tel. (1)202-408 4900 Fax (1)202-408 4891 Publications for our shareholders: Daimler-Benz Annual Report (German, English and French) Form 20-F (English) Daimler-Benz Aerospace (Dasa) Annual Report (German and English) Daimler-Benz InterServices (debis) Annual Report (German and English) Daimler-Benz Interim Reports for 1st, 2nd and 3rd quarters (German, English and French) Daimler-Benz Environmental Report (German and English) Disk with financial information (English; editable MS EXCEL tables) The financial statements of Daimler-Benz Aktiengesell- schaft and the consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with German GAAP were audited by KPMG Deutsche Treuhand-Gesellschaft Aktiengesellschaft Wirtschaftspriifungsgesellschaft and an unqualified opinion was rendered thereon. These financial statements will be published in the Bundesanzeiger (federal registry) and filed at the County Court House in Stuttgart. The financial statements may be obtained from Daimler-Benz free of charge. The above publications can be requested from: Daimler-Benz AG D-70546 Stuttgart The information can also be ordered by phone (answering machine) or fax under the following number: (49) 711-17 92287 Additional information on Daimler-Benz is available on the internet at http://www.daimler-benz.com. Balance Sheet Press Conference: April 8, 1998 10:00 am Kultur- und Kongreßzentrum (Congress Centre) Stuttgart, Germany Corporate Presentation to Analysts: April 8, 1998 2:30 pm Stuttgart-Mohringen Annual General Meeting: May 27, 1998 10:00 am Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle Stuttgart, Germany Half-Year Balance Sheet Press Conference: July, 30, 1998 10:00 am Frankfurt am Main Corporate Presentation to Analysts: July, 30 1998 2:00 pm Frankfurt am Main Daimler-Benz will be reporting on the first quarter of 1998 at the Balance Sheet Press Conference on April 8, 1998, on the first six months with a semi-annual report published on July 30, 1998, and on the first nine months at the end of October 1998. Investor Relations: Tel: (49) 711-17 92197, 17 92283 or 17 92261 Fax: (49) 711-17 94109 or 17 95235 Conception and content: Daimler-Benz AG, RK/B Design: Daimler-Benz AG, K/D, BS/M This report has been printed on environment friendly paper bleached without the use of chlorine. Daimler-Benz AG D-70546 Stuttgart http://www.daimler-benz.com 

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