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Daimler AG

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FY2002 Annual Report · Daimler AG
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Our Brands. Our Heritage. Our Future.

Unsere Marken. Unsere Tradition. Unsere Zukunft.

DaimlerChrysler Group

Key Figures

DaimlerChrysler has a unique portfolio of strong and successful brands:
brands, which delight our customers; 
brands, which have decisively influenced the history of the automotive industry 
and the development of the automobile, and which continue to do so; 
brands, which are crucial for the future success of our company; and 
brands, which fascinate people around the world again and again – 
today and in the future.

2
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0
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l

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Our Brands. Our Heritage. Our Future.

DaimlerChrysler AG
Stuttgart, Germany
Auburn Hills, USA
www.daimlerchrysler.com

Annual Report 2002

Amounts in millions

Revenues

European Union

of which: Germany

North America

of which: USA

Other markets

2002
US $ 1

2002 
3

2001
3

2000 
3

02/01
Change in %

156,838

149,583

152,873

162,384

48,803

46,546

45,640

50,348

24,242

23,121

24,340

25,988

92,091

87,831

91,916

95,939

81,454

77,686

81,132

84,503

15,944

15,206

15,317

16,097

Employees (at year-end)

365,571

372,470

416,501

Research and development costs

6,455

6,156

6,008

7,395

Investments in property, 
plant and equipment

7,492

7,145

8,896

10,392

Cash provided by operating activities

18,659

17,796

15,944

16,017

Operating profit (loss)

Operating profit adjusted 2

Net income (loss)

per share (in US $/1)
Net income adjusted 2

per share (in US $/1) 2

Total dividend
Dividend per share (in 1)

7,186

6,112

4,947

4.91

3,490

3.46

1,593

6,854

5,829

4,718

4.68

3,329

3.30

1,519

1.50

(1,318)

1,345

(662)

(0.66)

730

0.73

1,003

1.00

9,752

5,213

7,894

7.87

3,481

3.47

2,358

2.35

1 Rate of exchange: 11 = US$1.0485 (based on the noon buying rate on Dec. 31, 2002).
2 To exclude one-time effects, see pages 68-73.

-2

+2

-5

-4

-4

-1

-2

+2

-20

+12

.

+333

.

.

+356

+352

+51

+50

 
 
Our Brands. Our Heritage. Our Future.

Unsere Marken. Unsere Tradition. Unsere Zukunft.

DaimlerChrysler Group

Key Figures

DaimlerChrysler has a unique portfolio of strong and successful brands:
brands, which delight our customers; 
brands, which have decisively influenced the history of the automotive industry 
and the development of the automobile, and which continue to do so; 
brands, which are crucial for the future success of our company; and 
brands, which fascinate people around the world again and again – 
today and in the future.

2
0
0
2

t
r
o
p
e
R

l

a
u
n
n
A

Our Brands. Our Heritage. Our Future.

DaimlerChrysler AG
Stuttgart, Germany
Auburn Hills, USA
www.daimlerchrysler.com

Annual Report 2002

Amounts in millions

Revenues

European Union

of which: Germany

North America

of which: USA

Other markets

2002
US $ 1

2002 
3

2001
3

2000 
3

02/01
Change in %

156,838

149,583

152,873

162,384

48,803

46,546

45,640

50,348

24,242

23,121

24,340

25,988

92,091

87,831

91,916

95,939

81,454

77,686

81,132

84,503

15,944

15,206

15,317

16,097

Employees (at year-end)

365,571

372,470

416,501

Research and development costs

6,455

6,156

6,008

7,395

Investments in property, 
plant and equipment

7,492

7,145

8,896

10,392

Cash provided by operating activities

18,659

17,796

15,944

16,017

Operating profit (loss)

Operating profit adjusted 2

Net income (loss)

per share (in US $/1)
Net income adjusted 2

per share (in US $/1) 2

Total dividend
Dividend per share (in 1)

7,186

6,112

4,947

4.91

3,490

3.46

1,593

6,854

5,829

4,718

4.68

3,329

3.30

1,519

1.50

(1,318)

1,345

(662)

(0.66)

730

0.73

1,003

1.00

9,752

5,213

7,894

7.87

3,481

3.47

2,358

2.35

1 Rate of exchange: 11 = US$1.0485 (based on the noon buying rate on Dec. 31, 2002).
2 To exclude one-time effects, see pages 68-73.

-2

+2

-5

-4

-4

-1

-2

+2

-20

+12

.

+333

.

.

+356

+352

+51

+50

 
 
Our Brands. Our Heritage. Our Future.

Unsere Marken. Unsere Tradition. Unsere Zukunft.

DaimlerChrysler Group

Key Figures

DaimlerChrysler has a unique portfolio of strong and successful brands:
brands, which delight our customers; 
brands, which have decisively influenced the history of the automotive industry 
and the development of the automobile, and which continue to do so; 
brands, which are crucial for the future success of our company; and 
brands, which fascinate people around the world again and again – 
today and in the future.

2
0
0
2

t
r
o
p
e
R

l

a
u
n
n
A

Our Brands. Our Heritage. Our Future.

DaimlerChrysler AG
Stuttgart, Germany
Auburn Hills, USA
www.daimlerchrysler.com

Annual Report 2002

Amounts in millions

Revenues

European Union

of which: Germany

North America

of which: USA

Other markets

2002
US $ 1

2002 
3

2001
3

2000 
3

02/01
Change in %

156,838

149,583

152,873

162,384

48,803

46,546

45,640

50,348

24,242

23,121

24,340

25,988

92,091

87,831

91,916

95,939

81,454

77,686

81,132

84,503

15,944

15,206

15,317

16,097

Employees (at year-end)

365,571

372,470

416,501

Research and development costs

6,455

6,156

6,008

7,395

Investments in property, 
plant and equipment

7,492

7,145

8,896

10,392

Cash provided by operating activities

18,659

17,796

15,944

16,017

Operating profit (loss)

Operating profit adjusted 2

Net income (loss)

per share (in US $/1)
Net income adjusted 2

per share (in US $/1) 2

Total dividend
Dividend per share (in 1)

7,186

6,112

4,947

4.91

3,490

3.46

1,593

6,854

5,829

4,718

4.68

3,329

3.30

1,519

1.50

(1,318)

1,345

(662)

(0.66)

730

0.73

1,003

1.00

9,752

5,213

7,894

7.87

3,481

3.47

2,358

2.35

1 Rate of exchange: 11 = US$1.0485 (based on the noon buying rate on Dec. 31, 2002).
2 To exclude one-time effects, see pages 68-73.

-2

+2

-5

-4

-4

-1

-2

+2

-20

+12

.

+333

.

.

+356

+352

+51

+50

 
 
Divisions

Mercedes Car Group

Percentage of Sales

Amounts in millions

Operating profit
Operating profit adjusted1

Revenues

Investments in property,
plant and equipment

Research and 
development expenditure 

Unit sales

Employees (Dec. 31)

2002
US $

3,166

3,166

52,603

2002
3

3,020

3,020

50,170

2001
3

2,951

2,961

47,705

2,616

2,495

2,061

2,930

2,794

2,402

1.232,334

1,229,688

101,778

102,223

Chrysler Group

Amounts in millions

Operating profit (loss)

Operating profit (loss) 
adjusted1

Revenues

Investments in property,
plant and equipment

Research and 
development expenditure 

Unit sales

Employees (Dec. 31)

2002
US $

639

2002
3

609

1,381

63,100

1,317

60,181

2001
3

(5,281)

(2,183)

63,483

3,308

3,155

5,083

2,162

2,062

2,201

2,822,659

2,755,919

95,835

104,057

9%

S-Class/SL

19% E-Class

39% C-Class/CLK/SLK/
Sport Coupe

14% A-Class

9% M-Class/G-Class

10% smart

24%

Light Trucks

20%

Minivans

32%

SUVs

Services

Amounts in millions

Operating profit
Operating profit adjusted1

2002
US $

3,208

1,011

2002
3

3,060

964

2001
3

612

578

Revenues

16,460

15,699

16,851

Investments in property,
plant and equipment

Employees (Dec. 31)

100

95

10,521

112

9,712

Operating profit 
Operating profit adjusted1

2002
US $

947

783

2002
3

903

747

2001
3

1,181

205

Revenues

2,855

2,723

4,507

Investments in property, 
plant and equipment

Research and 
development expenditure 

Employees (Dec. 31)

1 To exclude one-time effects

144

358

137

168

341

21,184

390

21,101

Percentage of Sales

Other Activities

24%

Passenger Cars

Amounts in millions

Commercial Vehicles

Amounts in millions

Operating profit (loss)
Operating profit adjusted1

2002
US $

(360)

185

2002
3

(343)

176

2001
3

(514)

51

Revenues

29,778

28,401

28,572

Percentage of Sales

51%

Vans (incl. V-Class)

Investments in property,
plant and equipment

Research and 
development expenditure 

Unit sales

Employees (Dec. 31)

1,324

1,263

1,484

44%

Trucks/Unimogs

1,006

959

1,015

485,408

492,851

94,111

96,644

5%

Buses

Financial Diary 2003 | 161

Investor Relations Internet Services

Financial Diary 2003

The interactive Annual Report 2002 is the electronic
counterpart of the printed version. It can be used on 
the Internet, has a user-friendly navigation system and
offers convenient additional functions. Interesting 
background information is available via numerous links
to other pages or videos. 

An extensive “Investor Relations” section is a part of
the Group’s Internet site at www.daimlerchrysler.com.
It offers practically everything that interested persons,
investors and analysts would like to know about 
the company’s business and shares. It includes, for
example, the Group’s consolidated annual and interim
reports, the individual financial statements of Daimler-
Chrysler AG, and reports to the US Stock Exchange
Commission (SEC). In addition, you will find current 
share-price movements, reports, presentations, an over-
view of various performance measures and a mailing
service. Before the Annual Meeting we offer an extensive
service for our shareholders, with, among other things,
the possibility to order entrance tickets online or to
authorize proxies and issue voting instructions. 

Annual Results Press Conference
Annual Report Presentation
February 20, 2003, 10:00 a.m.
Mercedes-Benz Event Center (MEC)
Sindelfingen

Analysts’ and Investors’ Conference Call
February 20, 2003, 3:00 p.m.

Annual Meeting
April 9, 2003, 10:00 a.m.
Messe Berlin

Interim Report Q1 2003
April 24, 2003

Interim Report Q2 2003
July 24, 2003

Interim Report Q3 2003
October 21, 2003

2 | Chairman’s Letter

6 | Board of Management

8 | Business Review

12 | Outlook

16 | DaimlerChrysler Worldwide

18 | Mercedes Car Group

26 | Chrysler Group

34 | Commercial Vehicles

42 | Executive Automotive Committee

44 | Services

48 | Other Activities

52 | Research and Technology

54 | Alternative Drive Systems

56 | DaimlerChrysler and the Environment 

58 | Global Procurement and Supply

60 | DaimlerChrysler’s Social Responsibility 

64 | Human Resources

67 | Financial Reporting 

144 | Major Subsidiaries 

146 | Supervisory Board

147 | Report of the Supervisory Board

150 | Corporate Governance

156 | International Representative Offices 

157 | Seven-Year Summary 

158 | The DaimlerChrysler Share

160 | Addresses / Information

161 | Financial Diary 2003

Divisions

Mercedes Car Group

Percentage of Sales

Amounts in millions

Operating profit
Operating profit adjusted1

Revenues

Investments in property,
plant and equipment

Research and 
development expenditure 

Unit sales

Employees (Dec. 31)

2002
US $

3,166

3,166

52,603

2002
3

3,020

3,020

50,170

2001
3

2,951

2,961

47,705

2,616

2,495

2,061

2,930

2,794

2,402

1.232,334

1,229,688

101,778

102,223

Chrysler Group

Amounts in millions

Operating profit (loss)

Operating profit (loss) 
adjusted1

Revenues

Investments in property,
plant and equipment

Research and 
development expenditure 

Unit sales

Employees (Dec. 31)

2002
US $

639

2002
3

609

1,381

63,100

1,317

60,181

2001
3

(5,281)

(2,183)

63,483

3,308

3,155

5,083

2,162

2,062

2,201

2,822,659

2,755,919

95,835

104,057

9%

S-Class/SL

19% E-Class

39% C-Class/CLK/SLK/
Sport Coupe

14% A-Class

9% M-Class/G-Class

10% smart

24%

Light Trucks

20%

Minivans

32%

SUVs

Services

Amounts in millions

Operating profit
Operating profit adjusted1

2002
US $

3,208

1,011

2002
3

3,060

964

2001
3

612

578

Revenues

16,460

15,699

16,851

Investments in property,
plant and equipment

Employees (Dec. 31)

100

95

10,521

112

9,712

Operating profit 
Operating profit adjusted1

2002
US $

947

783

2002
3

903

747

2001
3

1,181

205

Revenues

2,855

2,723

4,507

Investments in property, 
plant and equipment

Research and 
development expenditure 

Employees (Dec. 31)

1 To exclude one-time effects

144

358

137

168

341

21,184

390

21,101

Percentage of Sales

Other Activities

24%

Passenger Cars

Amounts in millions

Commercial Vehicles

Amounts in millions

Operating profit (loss)
Operating profit adjusted1

2002
US $

(360)

185

2002
3

(343)

176

2001
3

(514)

51

Revenues

29,778

28,401

28,572

Percentage of Sales

51%

Vans (incl. V-Class)

Investments in property,
plant and equipment

Research and 
development expenditure 

Unit sales

Employees (Dec. 31)

1,324

1,263

1,484

44%

Trucks/Unimogs

1,006

959

1,015

485,408

492,851

94,111

96,644

5%

Buses

Financial Diary 2003 | 161

Investor Relations Internet Services

Financial Diary 2003

The interactive Annual Report 2002 is the electronic
counterpart of the printed version. It can be used on 
the Internet, has a user-friendly navigation system and
offers convenient additional functions. Interesting 
background information is available via numerous links
to other pages or videos. 

An extensive “Investor Relations” section is a part of
the Group’s Internet site at www.daimlerchrysler.com.
It offers practically everything that interested persons,
investors and analysts would like to know about 
the company’s business and shares. It includes, for
example, the Group’s consolidated annual and interim
reports, the individual financial statements of Daimler-
Chrysler AG, and reports to the US Stock Exchange
Commission (SEC). In addition, you will find current 
share-price movements, reports, presentations, an over-
view of various performance measures and a mailing
service. Before the Annual Meeting we offer an extensive
service for our shareholders, with, among other things,
the possibility to order entrance tickets online or to
authorize proxies and issue voting instructions. 

Annual Results Press Conference
Annual Report Presentation
February 20, 2003, 10:00 a.m.
Mercedes-Benz Event Center (MEC)
Sindelfingen

Analysts’ and Investors’ Conference Call
February 20, 2003, 3:00 p.m.

Annual Meeting
April 9, 2003, 10:00 a.m.
Messe Berlin

Interim Report Q1 2003
April 24, 2003

Interim Report Q2 2003
July 24, 2003

Interim Report Q3 2003
October 21, 2003

2 | Chairman’s Letter

6 | Board of Management

8 | Business Review

12 | Outlook

16 | DaimlerChrysler Worldwide

18 | Mercedes Car Group

26 | Chrysler Group

34 | Commercial Vehicles

42 | Executive Automotive Committee

44 | Services

48 | Other Activities

52 | Research and Technology

54 | Alternative Drive Systems

56 | DaimlerChrysler and the Environment 

58 | Global Procurement and Supply

60 | DaimlerChrysler’s Social Responsibility 

64 | Human Resources

67 | Financial Reporting 

144 | Major Subsidiaries 

146 | Supervisory Board

147 | Report of the Supervisory Board

150 | Corporate Governance

156 | International Representative Offices 

157 | Seven-Year Summary 

158 | The DaimlerChrysler Share

160 | Addresses / Information

161 | Financial Diary 2003

Divisions

Mercedes Car Group

Percentage of Sales

Amounts in millions

Operating profit
Operating profit adjusted1

Revenues

Investments in property,
plant and equipment

Research and 
development expenditure 

Unit sales

Employees (Dec. 31)

2002
US $

3,166

3,166

52,603

2002
3

3,020

3,020

50,170

2001
3

2,951

2,961

47,705

2,616

2,495

2,061

2,930

2,794

2,402

1.232,334

1,229,688

101,778

102,223

Chrysler Group

Amounts in millions

Operating profit (loss)

Operating profit (loss) 
adjusted1

Revenues

Investments in property,
plant and equipment

Research and 
development expenditure 

Unit sales

Employees (Dec. 31)

2002
US $

639

2002
3

609

1,381

63,100

1,317

60,181

2001
3

(5,281)

(2,183)

63,483

3,308

3,155

5,083

2,162

2,062

2,201

2,822,659

2,755,919

95,835

104,057

9%

S-Class/SL

19% E-Class

39% C-Class/CLK/SLK/
Sport Coupe

14% A-Class

9% M-Class/G-Class

10% smart

24%

Light Trucks

20%

Minivans

32%

SUVs

Services

Amounts in millions

Operating profit
Operating profit adjusted1

2002
US $

3,208

1,011

2002
3

3,060

964

2001
3

612

578

Revenues

16,460

15,699

16,851

Investments in property,
plant and equipment

Employees (Dec. 31)

100

95

10,521

112

9,712

Operating profit 
Operating profit adjusted1

2002
US $

947

783

2002
3

903

747

2001
3

1,181

205

Revenues

2,855

2,723

4,507

Investments in property, 
plant and equipment

Research and 
development expenditure 

Employees (Dec. 31)

1 To exclude one-time effects

144

358

137

168

341

21,184

390

21,101

Percentage of Sales

Other Activities

24%

Passenger Cars

Amounts in millions

Commercial Vehicles

Amounts in millions

Operating profit (loss)
Operating profit adjusted1

2002
US $

(360)

185

2002
3

(343)

176

2001
3

(514)

51

Revenues

29,778

28,401

28,572

Percentage of Sales

51%

Vans (incl. V-Class)

Investments in property,
plant and equipment

Research and 
development expenditure 

Unit sales

Employees (Dec. 31)

1,324

1,263

1,484

44%

Trucks/Unimogs

1,006

959

1,015

485,408

492,851

94,111

96,644

5%

Buses

Financial Diary 2003 | 161

Investor Relations Internet Services

Financial Diary 2003

The interactive Annual Report 2002 is the electronic
counterpart of the printed version. It can be used on 
the Internet, has a user-friendly navigation system and
offers convenient additional functions. Interesting 
background information is available via numerous links
to other pages or videos. 

An extensive “Investor Relations” section is a part of
the Group’s Internet site at www.daimlerchrysler.com.
It offers practically everything that interested persons,
investors and analysts would like to know about 
the company’s business and shares. It includes, for
example, the Group’s consolidated annual and interim
reports, the individual financial statements of Daimler-
Chrysler AG, and reports to the US Stock Exchange
Commission (SEC). In addition, you will find current 
share-price movements, reports, presentations, an over-
view of various performance measures and a mailing
service. Before the Annual Meeting we offer an extensive
service for our shareholders, with, among other things,
the possibility to order entrance tickets online or to
authorize proxies and issue voting instructions. 

Annual Results Press Conference
Annual Report Presentation
February 20, 2003, 10:00 a.m.
Mercedes-Benz Event Center (MEC)
Sindelfingen

Analysts’ and Investors’ Conference Call
February 20, 2003, 3:00 p.m.

Annual Meeting
April 9, 2003, 10:00 a.m.
Messe Berlin

Interim Report Q1 2003
April 24, 2003

Interim Report Q2 2003
July 24, 2003

Interim Report Q3 2003
October 21, 2003

2 | Chairman’s Letter

6 | Board of Management

8 | Business Review

12 | Outlook

16 | DaimlerChrysler Worldwide

18 | Mercedes Car Group

26 | Chrysler Group

34 | Commercial Vehicles

42 | Executive Automotive Committee

44 | Services

48 | Other Activities

52 | Research and Technology

54 | Alternative Drive Systems

56 | DaimlerChrysler and the Environment 

58 | Global Procurement and Supply

60 | DaimlerChrysler’s Social Responsibility 

64 | Human Resources

67 | Financial Reporting 

144 | Major Subsidiaries 

146 | Supervisory Board

147 | Report of the Supervisory Board

150 | Corporate Governance

156 | International Representative Offices 

157 | Seven-Year Summary 

158 | The DaimlerChrysler Share

160 | Addresses / Information

161 | Financial Diary 2003

Our Brands. Our Heritage. Our Future.
Our customers and employees are attached to all of our brands through 
unique and very personal experiences. In this Annual Report we are 
delighted to present a range of vehicles from our brands, photographed 
in many locations all over the world. 
Welcome to the fascinating world of DaimlerChrysler.

Mercedes Car Group

Chrysler Group

Commercial Vehicles Division

DaimlerChrysler Services

Strategic Partners

2 | Chairman’s Letter

The year 2002 was a satisfactory one for DaimlerChrysler, considering the very difficult market
conditions and growing political uncertainty worldwide.

With real GDP growth of 1.8% in 2002 the world economy suffered another tough year. Whereas

North America and parts of emerging Asia had been able to keep the world engine at least running,
Japan, continental Europe and South America disappointed again. The high degree of uncertainty
and the global lack of consumer and investor confidence have been major obstacles to a more
favorable development. 

DaimlerChrysler performance in 2002. In view of the economic situation, on the whole we are
satisfied with the results for 2002. We have increased our Operating Profit to 15.8 billion. While
markets for passenger cars and commercial vehicles deteriorated, we recorded an Operating
Profit of more than four times the previous year’s level. In addition, we strengthened further the
company’s balance sheet, with amplified cash flow and significant debt reduction. This is an
accomplishment of our entire team at DaimlerChrysler – a great effort for which the Board of
Management would like to extend its sincere appreciation to our employees all around the world. 
The increased strength of our earning capacity and our confidence in the future development

of our Group is also reflected in our dividend recommendation. We will propose to the Annual
General Meeting an increase in the dividend from 11 to 11.50 per share. This corresponds to a
total dividend payment of 11.52 billion.

DaimlerChrysler Outlook 2003. 2002 was an important year on our road to sustainable
profitability. Based on what is now a much improved foundation, we will continue to increase 
our efficiency in all divisions and to push ahead with our product offensives. Furthermore, we 
will continue to work cross-divisionally to maximize the individual strengths of our businesses
across the Group.

For 2003, on a Group level we are planning to achieve higher earnings than last year. Against the

current difficult economic background, it would be irresponsible to give a more detailed outlook.
Those factors of our business over which we have direct influence are under control. We have to
bear in mind, however, that the increasing uncertainty surrounding global economics 
and politics can affect our business.

Chairman’s Letter | 3

Divisional review. As far as sales, revenues and Operating Profit are concerned, the Mercedes Car
Group again surpassed the record results of the previous year. At the same time, Mercedes-Benz
has been able to gain market share in predominantly declining markets. As a result, the brand
with the star continued to strengthen its leading position among the luxury brands. At present, 
we have the most attractive and up-to-date product line-up in our history and we will vigorously
continue our product offensive. 

The Chrysler Group has made outstanding progress: substantial cost reductions as well as
significant increases in efficiency have been achieved, sooner than was expected. The Operating
Profit has exceeded our original planning. This result was achieved in an extremely challenging
business environment, as the US market in 2002 was dominated by very high incentives. We have
every indication that this trend will continue. With much improved quality and image, a large
variety of attractive models in the pipeline and continued efficiency enhancements, the Chrysler
Group is well positioned for this increasing competition.

In our Commercial Vehicles Division, the past year was characterized by significant progress

with the restructuring of our American commercial vehicles subsidiary Freightliner. Here we
achieved break-even much earlier than originally forecast. In Europe and Latin America, our trucks,
buses and vans were able to maintain their position in a difficult environment. Despite the
improved results for last year, we are not satisfied with the profit in absolute terms. Therefore, 
we are working diligently at turning our position as the world’s market leader into increased
profitability.

Our Services division has made very good progress. The past year has shown a significant

increase in Operating Profit. DaimlerChrysler Services continued to focus on the automotive
business and strengthen its support for our car and truck brands – through extended financial
services offered by the this year’s founded DaimlerChrysler Bank, for example. 

Our alliance partner Mitsubishi Motors has made great strides forward with its restructuring
program. In addition to its cost saving and efficiency enhancement initiatives, there is now strong
emphasis on future products.

Strategy implementation. The achievements of 2002 demonstrate that DaimlerChrysler is
moving steadily ahead. However, we have not yet reached our ultimate target which is to become
the leading automotive company.

We strive to be present in every important market, with fascinating brands and products at the

leading edge of innovation and technology. This is our strategy and we will further implement it
with vigor and dedication:

4 | Chairman’s Letter

– On a global scale, DaimlerChrysler is the automotive company with the best-balanced regional
structure, covering every important market. In the Triad markets – USA, Western Europe and
Japan – we suffer from stagnation and increasing competition. 
For this reason we have opened new and important opportunities in South East Asia, the
location for the most dynamic future growth in world markets. Our participation in Fuso will
further strengthen our position in Japan. The joint venture with Hyundai Motor Company
provides us with access to the Korean commercial vehicle market and – by taking advantage of
low cost structures in Korea – we will be able to serve markets we had previously to ignore.
At present, China is of special importance to us. It is undoubtedly a market with tremendous
prospects, and one in which DaimlerChrysler will further strengthen its mid-term competitive
position.

– Our brands are distinctively positioned and combine to present the most powerful portfolio in

our industry. No other manufacturer offers such an attractive variety at comparable production
volumes. 
We will continuously develop this range further. Recent examples are the reintroduction of
Maybach and the product extension at smart. At DaimlerChrysler, such decisions are governed
by the strictest multi-brand management approach: company-wide exchange of best practice
while always safe-guarding the extraordinary uniqueness of all of our brands.

– Our customers’ needs are the engine that drives our product development. Today we offer

virtually any customer a vehicle tailored to his or her requirements. It is clear, however, that the
needs and wishes of customers will in future become even more varied. In order to meet this
demand, we will launch more than 40 attractive new models over the next three years. The new
Mercedes-Benz E-Class station wagon, the Mercedes McLaren SLR, the smart forfour, the
Chrysler Crossfire and the Chrysler Pacifica, the Dodge LX, the Mercedes-Benz Accelo truck,
and the new Mercedes-Benz Vito are but a few. Our partner Mitsubishi Motors expects to
launch twelve new vehicles between 2002 and 2007. 

– On top of this, we enjoy our industry’s lead position in technology and innovation – a place we
have occupied since the invention of the automobile more than a century ago. Our aim is to
continue to provide customers with cutting-edge innovations that have clear and recognizable
value. 
For example, DaimlerChrysler follows with dedication its vision of accident-free driving. 
By combining active and passive safety features, the car of the future should be able to predict 
a possible accident and to support the driver’s reaction if necessary. 
Furthermore, DaimlerChrysler is accelerating its efforts in the research and development of
engines using alternative fuels. We are the company developing both methanol and hydrogen
technology. That means that we are very well prepared for varying environmental scenarios.

Chairman’s Letter | 5

The constant progress made in terms of implementing our strategy is further leveraged through
close inter-divisional cooperation and integration. This integration process is driven by the
Executive Automotive Committee (EAC), which serves as a steering group for our worldwide auto-
motive business. The EAC ensures extensive Group-wide exchanges of technologies, know-how
and components. In 2002, the EAC dealt successfully with a multitude of cross-divisional projects.
We have already realized a number of significant savings. Furthermore, during 2004 the first
products of joint development programs will be on the road.

The DaimlerChrysler Share. The stock markets have not yet given tangible recognition to our
achievements, nor to our potential. Many investors appreciate the substantial strides that our
company has made. However, the current difficult conditions in the worldwide capital markets
mean that our progress is not yet fully mirrored in the share price. Nonetheless, we are confident
that in the mid-term our share price will reflect more appropriately the underlying strength of 
our company.

Excellence in people. DaimlerChrysler is very well prepared for the challenges of the future. 
This is also due to the fact that we can rely on the support of our extraordinary employees, over
360,000 people who combine professionalism with creativity and great compassion. They are
people whose quality, enthusiasm and confidence blend in a unique corporate culture that has
built us into one of the world’s most respected employers. 

Our culture extends beyond pure business. One such area in which we feel the need for

tremendous dedication is Corporate Social Responsibility. DaimlerChrysler regards itself as a fully
active member of society. Our well-known initiative against HIV/AIDS is but one example from a
long list of social responsibility programs aimed at deserving humanitarian, environmental, social
and cultural causes. You will find an overview of our various activities in this area in a separate
chapter of this Annual Report.

Dear shareholders,
During 2002, DaimlerChrysler has made significant progress on its way to sustainable profitability.
Looking ahead, it is certain that the climate for 2003 will be a very challenging one. Nonetheless,
my colleagues on the Board of Management and I have no doubt that your company will manage
to continue on its successful path. 

Sincerely yours

6 | The Board of Management

The Board of Management

Jürgen E. Schrempp

Age: 58

Chairman of the 

Board of Management

Appointed until 04/2005

Wolfgang Bernhard

Manfred Bischoff

Eckhard Cordes

Age: 42

Age: 60

Age: 52

Günther Fleig

Age: 54

Chief Operating Officer 

Aerospace & Industrial Businesses

Commercial Vehicles

Human Resources

Chrysler Group

Appointed until 12/2003

Appointed until 12/2008

& Labor Relations Director

Appointed until 09/2007

Appointed until 09/2004

The Board of Management | 7

Dieter Zetsche

Age: 49

Manfred Gentz 

Age: 61

Rüdiger Grube

Age: 51

Jürgen Hubbert

Age: 63

Finance & Controlling

Corporate Development

Mercedes Car Group

Klaus Mangold

Age: 59

Services

Appointed until 12/2004

Appointed until 09/2007

Appointed until 04/2005

Appointed until 12/2003

Thomas W. Sidlik 

Gary C. Valade

Klaus-Dieter Vöhringer

Thomas Weber

Age: 53

Procurement & 

Age: 60

Age: 61

Age: 48

Global Procurement & Supply

Research & Technology

Research & Technology 

Chrysler Group

Supply Chrysler Group

Appointed until 12/2003

Retired on

Deputy Member 

Appointed until 12/2008

Appointed until 12/2008

December 31, 2002

of the Board of Management

Appointed until 12/2005

8 | Business Review 

Business Review 

Operating profit excluding one-time effects of 35.8 billion,
more than four times as high as in 2001 despite unfavorable
global economic backdrop | Continued high earnings
at Mercedes Car Group | Significantly improved efficiency at
Chrysler Group and Freightliner | Increased earnings at
Services | Net income of 34.7 billion again strongly positive
(2001: net loss of 30.7 billion); adjusted to exclude one-time
effects 53.3 billion (2001: 50.7 billion) | Proposed dividend
of 51.50 per share (2001: 51.00) 

Significant earnings improvement due to measures
taken to improve competitiveness 
In 2002, DaimlerChrysler achieved an operating profit
excluding one-time effects of 15.8 billion. Despite 
difficult market conditions worldwide, this result is more
than four times as high as in 2001 (11.3 billion). The
significant improvement in earnings was primarily due
to the successful implementation of programs to
increase efficiency and improve competitiveness in all
business units, in particular at Chrysler Group and
Freightliner. 

Operating profit including one-time effects was 16.9

billion, after an operating loss of 11.3 billion in 2001.
Positive one-time effects were reported totalling 12.6
billion. These include one-time gains as a result of the
sale of our 49.9% ownership interest in T-Systems ITS 
(formerly debis Systemhaus) and of the sale of our 40%
stake in TEMIC. One-time expenses of 11.6 billion were
incurred at Chrysler Group in connection with the turn-
around plan announced in February 2001, as well as 
at the Commercial Vehicles and Services divisions (see
pages 68-71). 

Despite higher expenditure on the introduction of new
models and difficult market conditions, the contribution
to earnings of 13.0 billion made by the Mercedes Car
Group division slightly exceeded the high prior year’s
result. Chrysler Group again achieved a positive operat-
ing profit, 11.3 billion excluding and 10.6 billion includ-
ing one-time effects, reflecting in particular the positive
effects on profitability from the activities aimed at 
cutting costs and improving efficiency. The moderate
increase in the Commercial Vehicles division’s operating

profit (adjusted to exclude one-time effects) over the
prior year’s result was partly the result of the progress
made at Freightliner and was achieved against the back-
drop of an unfavorable market situation. The Services
division succeeded in increasing its adjusted operating
profit due to more favorable refinancing conditions and
a lower risk-provisioning requirement in the financial-
services business. Other Activities contributed a total of
1747 million (2001: 1205 million) to the Group’s total
operating profit excluding one-time effects, reflecting in
particular the higher profit contribution from Mitsubishi
Motors (see pages 50-51). The MTU Aero Engines 
business unit and EADS also made positive contributions
to DaimlerChrysler’s operating profit once again (see
pages 48-50). 

Net income excluding one-time effects rose to 13.3
billion, after 10.7 billion in 2001 (net earnings per share
of 13.30 after earnings per share of 10.73 in 2001).
Including one-time effects, net income rose to 14.7 
billion after a net loss of 10.7 billion in the prior year,
and earnings per share improved to 14.68 after a loss
per share of 10.66 in 2001. 

Proposed higher dividend of 31.50
As a result of the significant improvement in earnings,
the Board of Management and the Supervisory Board
will propose to the shareholders at the Annual Meeting
that the dividend for 2002 is increased to 11.50 per
share (2001: 11.00). The total dividend distribution will
therefore increase from 11,003 million to 11,519 
million. 

No stimulus from the global economy 
In the first half of 2002 there were still hopes of a global
economic upswing in the second half of the year.
Unfortunately this did not materialize. Although growth
in North America was a little stronger than in the weak
prior year, it was not strong and stable enough to deliver
any real stimulus to the world economy, and growth
rates in Western Europe remained at a low level. Japan’s
economic output declined once again in 2002, and 
economic and financial crises led to recession in many
of the countries of South America. However, there were
above-average growth rates in the emerging markets of

Business Review | 9

Asia and in Eastern Europe. Weighted for each country’s
share of the Group’s revenues, there was economic
growth in the markets in which DaimlerChrysler operates
of 1.8%, which was better than the 1.2% of 2001 but still
well below the long-term trend of slightly more than 3%. 
During the course of the year, the euro appreciated 
in value by 19% against the US dollar, by 7% against the
British pound and by 8% against the Japanese yen. 

Difficult markets worldwide 
The competitive situation in the international auto-
motive industry intensified in 2002, for both passenger
cars and commercial vehicles in nearly all market 
segments. 

Supported by high sales incentives and attractive
financing packages, total unit sales in the United States
of 17.1 million passenger cars and commercial vehicles
were still at a high level (2001: 17.5 million). However
demand for passenger cars in Japan and Western
Europe was weak once again, although some stabilizing
effects came from the strong market in the United
Kingdom and continuing strong demand for diesel vehi-
cles in Western Europe. The size of the overall market 
in Germany decreased for the third year in succession.
Demand for passenger cars in South America declined
substantially, and there was no significant stimulus from
the markets of Eastern Europe. The only growth region
was Asia excluding Japan, with significantly higher sales
in nearly all markets. 

Developments in the commercial vehicle sector were

marked by the continuing poor condition of markets 
in North America, South America and Western Europe.
After a slump in recent years, demand for heavy and
medium trucks in North America was still at a low level,
despite purchases brought forward due to new exhaust
emission regulations in the United States. In Western
Europe there was a sharp downturn in demand for light
and heavy-duty commercial vehicles. 

Operating Profit

In millions

DaimlerChrysler Group 
Mercedes Car Group 1
Chrysler Group 1
Commercial Vehicles 1
Services 1
Other Activities 1
DaimlerChrysler Group 1

2002
US $

7,186

3,166

1,381

185

1,011

783

6,112

2002
3

6,854

3,020

1,317

176

964

747

2001
3

(1,318)

2,961

(2,183)

51

578

205

5,829

1,345

1 Excluding one-time effects; including one-time effects see table on page 68. 

2002
US $

2002
3

2001
3

156,838

149,583

152,873

52,603

63,100

29,778

16,460

2,855

50,170

60,181

28,401

15,699

2,723

47,705

63,483

28,572

16,851

4,507

Revenues

In millions

DaimlerChrysler Group 

Mercedes Car Group 

Chrysler Group 

Commercial Vehicles 

Services 

Other Activities 

Consolidated Revenues
in billions of 3

Other markets

USA

European Union

175

150

125

100

75

50

25

´98

´99

´00

´01

´02

Note: The chapters “Business Review”, “Analysis of the Financial Situation”

and “Outlook” correspond to the management report of the Daimler-

Chrysler Group, which is based on the consolidated financial statements

compiled according to United States Generally Accepted Accounting 

Principles (US GAAP).

10 | Business Review

Unit sales of 4.5 million vehicles 
Despite weak demand in many important markets in
2002, DaimlerChrysler achieved unit sales of 4.54 million
passenger cars and commercial vehicles, slightly more
than in 2001 (4.48 million vehicles). 

Mercedes Car Group was once again very successful.
Unit sales of 1.23 million vehicles slightly exceeded the
prior year’s high level, with the result that the division
improved its market position worldwide (see pages 
18-25). 

Chrysler Group’s unit sales of 2.82 million vehicles of
the Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge brands slightly exceeded
the prior year’s level (2.76 million). Market share in the
United States was also nearly unchanged at 12.9%, after
13.0% in 2001 (see pages 26-33). 

Due to the weakness of demand worldwide, unit sales

of 485,400 trucks, vans and buses by the Commercial
Vehicles division were slightly lower than the level of
492,900 vehicles sold in 2001 (see pages 34-41). 

Consolidated revenues close to prior year’s level 
DaimlerChrysler achieved total revenues of 1149.6 
billion in 2002, close to the level of 2001 (-2%). The
small decrease was caused by currency translation
effects and changes in the consolidated Group. 

While the Mercedes Car Group division increased its
revenues significantly, Chrysler Group (due to currency
translation effects) and Commercial Vehicles were 
a little below the prior year’s figures. As expected, the
revenues achieved by Services of 115.7 billion were 
also below the figure for 2001. This was mainly due to
currency translation effects and strong demand for the
special financing programs in the United States, which
led to a shift in customer preferences from leasing to
financing (see pages 44-47). The revenues generated by
MTU Aero Engines, included in the segment of Other
Activities, were below the level of the prior year due to
weak demand for civil aircraft. 

From a regional point of view, DaimlerChrysler’s
revenues in the European Union rose by 2% to 146.5
billion, although revenues in Germany decreased by 5%. 
In the NAFTA region revenues fell by 4% to 187.8 billion,
but measured in US dollars they actually increased.
Revenues of 115.2 billion in the rest of the world were
close to the prior year’s level. 

365,571 employees 
At the end of 2002, DaimlerChrysler employed 365,571
people (Dec. 31, 2001: 372,470). The main reasons 
for the reduction in the size of the workforce were the
implementation of the turnaround plans at Chrysler
Group and Freightliner and the adjustment of produc-
tion capacities in the Commercial Vehicles division 
(see pages 64-66). 

Global focus of purchasing processes 
In order to better utilize the advantages of a global pro-
curement organization, DaimlerChrysler reorganized its
purchasing activities in 2002. In 2002, we purchased
goods and services worldwide worth 1102.1 billion
(2001: 1106.5 billion). Of this total, 36% was accounted
for by Mercedes Car Group, 42% by Chrysler Group, 
19% by Commercial Vehicles and 3% by the other busi-
nesses (see pages 58-59). 

313.3 billion invested in the future 
Last year, the DaimlerChrysler Group invested 17.1 
billion in property, plant and equipment and 16.2 billion
in research and development. Major investments were
made by Mercedes Car Group to make preparations for
the production of the new E-Class, the Maybach and the
smart roadster, as well as to expand the Tuscaloosa
plant for the production of the Grand Sport Tourer (GST)
and the Rastatt plant for the successor to the A-Class.
The most important projects for the Chrysler, Jeep® and
Dodge brands were the preparations for the Pacifica
(a new segment-busting family vehicle), the new Durango
light truck and the new Viper and Crossfire sports cars.
The main investments made by the Commercial Vehicles
division were for the new Actros, the successor model
to the Vito, and the new Freightliner Business Class M2. 
DaimlerChrysler’s research and development depart-
ments employed a total of more than 27,500 persons at
the end of 2002. In addition to developing new vehicles
to renew and extend our product range, priority
was given to new engine technologies and electronic
systems to enhance traffic safety. (see pages 52-53). 

Business Review | 11

Continued concentration on the automotive 
business 
In 2002, we continued to implement our strategy of
concentrating on the automotive business and related
services. 

With effect from January 1, 2002, DaimlerChrysler
exercised its option to sell its remaining 49.9% owner-
ship interest in T-Systems ITS (formerly debis System-
haus) to Deutsche Telekom AG. This transaction led 
to a cash inflow of 14.7 billion and a one-time gain of
12.5 billion. 

Effective April 1, 2002, we sold our 40% ownership
interest in Conti Temic microelectronic GmbH (formerly
TEMIC) to Continental AG. The resulting one-time gain 
of 10.2 billion was accounted for in the second quarter
of 2002. 

In the Services division we reached agreements in

2002 covering the scheduled disposal of additional
parts of the Capital Services portfolio (non-automotive
financial services). This reorganization of the Capital
Services portfolio led to a one-time loss of 10.3 billion.
After obtaining a full banking license for the Daimler-
Chrysler Bank, from July 2002 we were able to expand
our range of financial services (see page 47). 

EAC: successful coordination of automotive 
activities 
The Executive Automotive Committee (EAC), established
in 2001, continued to work successfully. The EAC 
coordinates all automotive issues across the three 
automotive divisions, secures the identity of the Group’s
brands, and accelerates the realization of synergies. 
In the year 2002, the work of the EAC focused on
optimizing the Group-wide portfolio of products, power-
trains and components (see pp. 42-43). 

The Truck Product Decision Committee was set up
during 2002 to develop cross-market strategies and 
initiatives, and to prepare the resulting decisions for the
truck business (see page 40). 

Intensified cooperation with our partners in Asia 
In May 2002, together with our partners, Mitsubishi
Motors Corporation and Hyundai Motor Company, we
founded the Global Engine Alliance LLC. This new 

Investments in Property, Plant and Equipment

In millions

DaimlerChrysler Group

Mercedes Car Group

Chrysler Group

Commercial Vehicles

Services

Other Activities

Research and Development Expenditure

In millions

DaimlerChrysler Group

Mercedes Car Group

Chrysler Group

Commercial Vehicles

Other Activities

2002
US $

7,492

2,616

3,308

1,324

100

144

2002
US $

6,455

2,930

2,162

1,006

358

2002
3

7,145

2,495

3,155

1,263

95

137

2002
3

6,156

2,794

2,062

959

341

2001
3

8,896

2,061

5,083

1,484

112

168

2001
3

6,008

2,402

2,201

1,015

390

company is developing a new generation of 4-cylinder
gasoline engines for use in future models from Chrysler
Group, Hyundai Motor Company and Mitsubishi Motors.
The projected production volume of up to 1.5 million
units a year will make it one of the most widely used
engines in the industry, yielding significant economies
of scale for the companies involved. 

In November 2002, DaimlerChrysler exercised its
contractually agreed option to acquire a 50% ownership
interest in the commercial-vehicle business of Hyundai
Motor, which is due to be spun off into a separate com-
pany. DaimlerChrysler will thus obtain direct access 
to Asia’s third-largest market for commercial vehicles,
South Korea, in which Hyundai is the biggest-selling
manufacturer. 

In March 2003, we intend to acquire a 43% ownership
interest for 1 760 million in Mitsubishi Fuso Truck & Bus
Corporation (MFTBC) from our alliance partner 
Mitsubishi Motors. MFTBC is the market leader in Japan
with a share of around 30% and also has a strong 
position in the markets of Southeast Asia. By expanding
our activities in Asia and cooperating more intensively
with our Asian partners, DaimlerChrysler will be able to
participate better in the potential offered by the Asian
markets, which are the fastest growing in the world and
where already more than 50% of all commercial vehicles
are sold (see pages 50-51). 

12 | Outlook

Outlook 

Growth in earnings expected despite difficult conditions |
Product offensive to bring further growth for Mercedes Car
Group | Chrysler Group to continue progress and to 
boost competitiveness with new products | Commercial
Vehicles division: continued optimization of products and 
production methods with more economies of scale | Further
expansion of automotive services | 342 billion to secure 
the future 

Slight recovery of global economy in 2003 
Due to increasing economic and political uncertainty,
prospects for the world economy worsened after the
summer of 2002. Nevertheless, we assume that global
economic growth will recover towards the end of 2003
and in the following years. The preconditions for such an
improvement are a reasonably stable global political
framework and a return of confidence among investors
and consumers. The economies of the United States
and the European Union, including Germany, should
resume steady growth in the coming years, while Japan
is unlikely to overcome its prolonged recession soon.
We anticipate above-average growth rates for Asian
emerging markets and Eastern Europe, and from 2004
also for South America. Overall, we expect the world
economy to grow by 2.7% in 2003 and by about 3% in
2004 and 2005. 

Furthermore, we assume that compared with the
average exchange rates for 2002, the euro will streng-
then moderately against the US dollar, the Japanese 
yen and the British pound in the period from 2003 to
2005. 

Continuation of difficult market conditions 
Against this macroeconomic background, automotive
markets will probably improve only slowly. We anticipate
some decrease in overall demand in North America in
2003, even if car manufacturers continue to offer gener-
ous incentives in the United States. Nor do we expect
any significant recovery in the passenger car markets of
Western Europe and Japan this year. 

The same applies to international commercial-vehicle
markets, for which we do not see an uptrend in 2003
because of the macroeconomic background. In the
United States we expect a further significant decline in
demand for heavy trucks in the first half of 2003 due to
purchases brought forward in the prior year in anticipa-
tion of new emission requirements. From 2004 onwards
we expect unit sales of passenger cars and commercial
vehicles to increase again as a result of improvements
in the global economy. 

Modest growth prospects for major automobile 
markets, shorter product lifecycles and worldwide sur-
plus manufacturing capacity will further intensify 
competition and put upward pressure on unit costs in all
market segments. In addition, stricter environmental
and safety regulations will require substantial expendi-
ture by all manufacturers. In this situation the im-
portance of brands and successful brand management
as a competitive advantage will increase (see page 42).
Customers’ increasingly specific demands, particularly
for niche products and segment-busting vehicles with
universal applications, should create growth opportuni-
ties which DaimlerChrysler will vigorously pursue. 

Earnings improvements for DaimlerChrysler despite
difficult markets
DaimlerChrysler plans to achieve an increase in 
earnings in the years 2003 through 2005, based on a
large number of attractive new models and the
successful implementation of programs for increasing
efficiency and competitiveness. Closer coordination 
of our global activities and the resultant cost savings,
knowledge transfer within the Group, as well as the
cooperation with our Asian partners should generate
higher earnings. In particular, projects initiated by the
Executive Automotive Committee (EAC) will ensure 
that the potential of cross-divisional cooperation is fully
exploited (see pages 42-43). A precondition for the
expected improvement in earnings, however, is that
conditions remain stable in our most important markets. 

Outlook | 13

Significant increases in revenues as of 2004 
On the basis of our current markets forecasts, for 2003
we expect revenues of around the same level as 
in 2002. This reflects not only the difficult situation in
important markets, but also our assumption of an
appreciation of the euro against the US dollar. After 
currency translation this assumption would therefore
lead to lower revenues measured in euros from 
Chrysler Group, Freightliner and the Services division. 
In the following years, revenue growth will continue 
to be affected by our assumption of further appreciation
of the euro against the dollar. As a result of improving
markets and the introduction of new models, we expect
revenues to grow significantly by 2005, with the 
biggest gains being made in Asia.

Further growth for Mercedes Car Group 
In the coming years, the Mercedes Car Group will not
only continuously renew its range of vehicles within the
scope of the already initiated second product offensive,
but will also selectively expand and broaden its product
portfolio. In addition, there should be sustained effi-
ciency improvements in procurement, production, devel-
opment and distribution, partly as a result of optimizing
processes. By taking these measures the division
expects to sustain growth in revenues, unit sales and
earnings, and to strengthen its market position world-
wide. 

Product renewals in 2003 will include the E-Class 
station wagon, the CLK convertible and the Mercedes-
Benz SLR super-sports car. The Maybach, which will be
widely available in 2003, will reinforce DaimlerChrysler’s
leading position in the top market segment. A roadster
and a roadster coupe will also be added to the smart
range this year, followed by a four-seater (smart forfour)
in 2004. Mercedes Car Group will continue to launch
numerous new models in the following years. 

Revenues

In billions

DaimlerChrysler Group

Mercedes Car Group

Chrysler Group

Commercial Vehicles

Services

Other Activities

Investment in Property, Plant and Equipment

In billions

DaimlerChrysler Group

Mercedes Car Group

Chrysler Group

Commercial Vehicles

Services

Other Activities

Research and Development Expenditure

In billions

DaimlerChrysler Group

Mercedes Car Group

Chrysler Group

Commercial Vehicles

Other Activities

Plan 2003
3

Target 2005
3

151

51

60

28

14

3

163

56

61

33

17

3

Plan 2003
3

2003-2005
3

8.4

3.0

3.7

1.4

0.1

0.2

24.0

8.8

10.3

4.1

0.3

0.5

Plan 2003
3

2003-2005
3

5.8

2.4

2.0

1.0

0.4

17.6

7.3

6.2

3.1

1.0

Forward-Looking Statements in this Annual Report:
This Annual Report contains forward-looking statements that reflect
the current views of DaimlerChrysler management about future
events. The words “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “estimate,”
“expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “project,” “should” and similar
expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.
These statements are subject to many risks and uncertainties. 
The major risk factors and risk management at DaimlerChrysler are
described on pages 78-83 of this Annual Report. The legal note on
forward-looking statements in this Annual Report can be found 
on page 143.

14 | Outlook

Strategic refocus by Chrysler Group 
Having returned to profitability, Chrysler Group will focus
on differentiating its products from the competition in
both design and quality, and on defining new segments
with a series of innovative products. At the same time,
increased collaboration within the DaimlerChrysler
Group and with our partner Mitsubishi Motors should
strengthen Chrysler Group’s cost position and margins
and enhance its innovative flair. Examples of the new
long-term product strategy include the versatile Chrysler
Pacifica sports tourer, the Chrysler Crossfire sports car
and the new Dodge Durango light truck, all of which will
be launched in 2003. They will be followed in 2004 by
the first models of a new generation of rear-wheel drive
vehicles under the Chrysler and Dodge brands. 

Overall, Chrysler Group plans to extend its market
position in a highly competitive environment to signifi-
cantly boost its profitability in the coming years. 

Commercial Vehicles division to improve efficiency
and utilize economies of scale 
As a result of profit-improving measures currently being
applied in nearly all areas of the Commercial Vehicles
division, we anticipate an increase in earnings in 
the coming years, despite weak markets. Closer coor-
dination of our worldwide activities as well as close
cooperation with our Asian partners should also lower
costs. The division will continue its product offensive by
launching various new vehicles in 2003. For example,
we plan to present a successor to the Mercedes-Benz
Vito van, and in South America the Accelo light truck
will be launched. We see additional opportunities in the
van segment: after the Sprinter we will also launch 
the successor to the Vito in North America. Moreover,
together with our partners we will benefit from the 
further growth of Asian markets. 

Expansion of automotive services 
The Services division will expand its core business 
of automotive services. Global partnership agreements
reached with the Group’s automotive brands should
contribute significantly to further cost reductions and
process optimization in our key markets. Among 
other things, the marketing of ex-lease vehicles will 
be improved and new services will be developed in
collaboration with the automotive brands. 

The DaimlerChrysler Bank will introduce new invest-

ment products and extend its “RoadMiles” bonus
scheme, which offers customers bonus points that can
be redeemed for attractive merchandise items. With 
the expansion of mobility management services, the
focus will be on providing telematics services and parti-
cipating in toll-collection systems outside Germany. 

Mitsubishi Motors: sustained growth with new
products 
Mitsubishi Motors (MMC) will continue to implement 
its successful restructuring program and introduce 
innovative products to secure long-term profitability and
growth. With a new, distinctive design, the Mitsubishi
brand is also to be repositioned worldwide. There will be
closer cooperation with Daimler-Chrysler in product
development, procurement and distribution. Together
with Chrysler Group, for example, MMC is developing
common platforms for mid-sized cars and, from 2004, a
new four-seater smart will be built on a platform devel-
oped jointly with MMC. In March 2003, DaimlerChrysler
intends to acquire for around 1760 million a 43% 
ownership interest in Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus
Corporation (MFTBC), which was spun off from MMC at
the beginning of 2003 and will cooperate closely with
the Group’s Commercial Vehicles division. 

Outlook | 15

With an array of highlights at the 2003 North American International Auto

Show in Detroit, DaimlerChrysler once again impressively demonstrated its

technological and innovative leadership and the unique fascination of its

brands. 

Upper picture: Dodge Avenger Concept, Dodge Kahuna Concept and Dodge 

Tomahawk Concept 

Lower picture: The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class station wagon 

Limited growth potential for the aircraft industry 
Growth prospects for the aerospace industry have 
suffered as a result of weaker demand for civil aircraft
caused by the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001
and by tight budgets in the public sector. However, due
to its sizeable order backlog, a structural shift towards
larger Airbus versions, and a strong competitive position
in both civil and military markets, EADS expects its 
revenues to grow in the coming years. Its current cost-
reduction program and highly flexible production system
should enable EADS to achieve significantly positive
earnings even if difficult market conditions continue. 
MTU Aeroengines anticipates a further decline in
demand for civil-aircraft engines in 2003 and 2004, but
this is likely to be more than offset by growth in its
maintenance and military-engines businesses. The cost-
reduction program that has been initiated should ensure
that earnings remain at a high level. 

342 billion to secure the future 
In the planning period of 2003 through 2005, Daimler-
Chrysler will spend about 142 billion on property, plant
and equipment, and research and development. With
closer cooperation between the divisions, as well as
with our Asian partners in the context of various pro-
jects, DaimlerChrysler’s resources will be applied even
more efficiently. A large part of this expenditure will be
spent on the development and preparation of new vehi-
cles and components. We also plan to spend significant
sums on the modernization of manufacturing facilities
and on researching into and developing new technolo-
gies to enhance the safety, environmental compatibility
and economics of road transport. 

16 | DaimlerChrysler Worldwide

DaimlerChrysler Worldwide 

104 production locations worldwide | More than 13,000 
sales outlets in over 200 countries | Focus of sales on the
NAFTA region and Europe | Stronger market position 
in the fast-growing Asian markets through cooperation 
with Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and Hyundai Motor
Company

Europe

Mercedes Car
Group

Chrysler Group

Commercial
Vehicles

Sales Organization
Automotive
Businesses

Services

Other Activities

NAFTA

Mercedes Car
Group

Chrysler Group

Commercial
Vehicles

Sales Organization
Automotive
Businesses

Services

Other Activities

Production
locations

Sales 
outlets

Revenues in
millions of 3 Employees

8

–

19

–

–

2

–

–

–

31,604

94,521

3,614

275

14,776

60,790

5,294

–

38,502

95

3

5,157

1,101

4,026

18,186

Production
locations

Sales 
outlets

Revenues in
millions of 3 Employees

1

38

17

–

–

2

–

–

–

12,173

1,906

55,304

94,903

9,970

19,611

5,369

48

1

–

9,994

1,453

2,386

5,426

2,832

Note:

Unconsolidated revenues of each division (segment revenues)

DaimlerChrysler Worldwide | 17

South America

Africa

Production
locations

Sales 
outlets

Revenues in
millions of 3 Employees

Production
locations

Sales 
outlets

Revenues in
millions of 3 Employees

Mercedes Car
Group

Chrysler Group

Commercial
Vehicles

Sales Organization
Automotive
Businesses

Services

Other Activities

1

2

3

–

–

–

–

–

–

714

9

1

254

449

1,125

649

1,088

10,706

–

149

9

–

296

–

Mercedes Car
Group

Chrysler Group

Commercial
Vehicles

Sales Organization
Automotive
Businesses

Services

Other Activities

1

1

2

–

–

–

–

–

–

296

2

–

790

236

735

–

155

6

3,881

–

948

–

459

–

Asia

Australia/Oceania

Production
locations

Sales 
outlets

Revenues in
millions of 3 Employees

Production
locations

Sales 
outlets

Revenues in
millions of 3 Employees

Mercedes Car
Group

Chrysler Group

Commercial
Vehicles

Sales Organization
Automotive
Businesses

Services

Other Activities

3

2

2

–

–

–

–

–

–

4,694

396

345

8

1,231

1,519

1,125

3

2

–

140

152

490

137

166

Mercedes Car
Group

Chrysler Group

Commercial
Vehicles

Sales Organization
Automotive
Businesses

Services

Other Activities

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

359

3

–

634

182

–

–

511

537

–

104

2

764

177

–

18 | Mercedes Car Group

Mercedes Car Group

Operating profit and unit sales slightly higher than prior-year
levels | Significant increase in revenues | New E-Class 
sedan and CLK coupe successfully launched | Return to 
the ultra-luxury segment with the Maybach brand | Growth
continues at smart  

Operating profit and sales remain high 
In 2002, the operating profit, unit sales and revenues 
of the Mercedes Car Group exceeded the prior year’s
high levels despite difficult market conditions. The
Mercedes Car Group, which operated under the name 
of Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars & smart until
December 31, 2002, includes the brands, Mercedes-
Benz, Maybach, smart, Mercedes-Benz AMG and
Mercedes-Benz McLaren. 

Amounts in millions

Operating profit
Operating profit adjusted 1
Revenues

Investments in property, plant and
equipment

Research and development expenditure 

Production (units)

Sales (units)

Employees (Dec. 31)

1 To exclude one-time effects

2002
US $

3,166

3,166

52,603

2,616

2,930

2002
3

3,020

3,020

50,170

2,495

2,794

2001
3

2,951

2,961

47,705

2,061

2,402

1,238,927

1,249,951

1,232,334

1,229,688

101,778

102,223

The division was largely unaffected by the generally
unfavorable markets, posting worldwide unit sales of
1,232,300 passenger cars (2001: 1,229,700 units) and
thereby strengthening its position in nearly all key 
markets. Revenues increased by 5% to 150.2 billion
(2001: 147.7 billion). Operating profit of 13,020 million
(2001: 12,961 million) was slightly higher than the high
level of adjusted operating profit in the prior year. This
was achieved despite substantial spending on the E-Class
and CLK coupe model changeovers, the introduction 
of the updated S-Class and the Maybach start up. There
was further substantial expenditure in 2002 for the
forthcoming expansion of the smart family, the succes-
sors to the A-Class and M-Class, and the addition to our
product range of the Grand Sport Tourer (see page 20). 

Mercedes-Benz gains market share
Sales of Mercedes-Benz brand vehicles in 2002 were 
at the record level of the prior year, totaling 1,110,000
units. Whereas unit sales increased by 3% in Western
Europe (excluding Germany), they actually decreased 
by 4% in Germany itself. Unit sales in the United States
rose 3%, while in Japan they fell by 6%. Thanks to its
strong range of young products, Mercedes-Benz was
able to gain market share and strengthen its compe-
titive position in some key regions despite a generally 
difficult environment. 

Little  Mercedes  prefers  to  travel  by

Mercedes.  For  Mercedes,  Nora  and

Jonas, Mom’s car is simply the best.

That’s  why  this  family  of  five’s

Mercedes-Benz C-Class station wagon

is  in  daily  use.  Even  the  holiday  to

the  South  of  France  begins  on  the

way there. If only all beautiful things

were  so  practical,  thinks  Mom.  But

after surfing, Dad’s wet suit has to go

into  the  roof-box.  Too  sandy  –  says

Mercedes. 

www.daimlerchrysler.com/livingbrands

20 | Mercedes Car Group

Upper picture: Pioneering technology, fascinating design and superior

equipment – just six months after production started, the 100,000th E-Class

sedan was handed over to a customer, making this the most successful

model launch in the history of Mercedes-Benz. 

Lower picture: Lifestyle, functionality and innovation are important features

of the smart roadster, for which its designers have created an original,

unmistakable and dynamic shape. 

New E-Class and new CLK coupe particularly 
successful 
The new E-Class sedan was particularly successful with
more than 179,200 units delivered since its market
launch in March 2002. This was made possible by 
a significant reduction in the time needed to ramp up 
production to full capacity – only three and a half
months for the new model compared to twelve months
for its predecessor. With the help of the new E-Class,
the Mercedes-Benz brand was able to extend its lead in
the premium segment, in which it now has a worldwide
market share of more than 25%. We expect sales of
approximately 250,000 E-Class vehicles in 2003, the
first full year of production. 

The new CLK coupe also enjoyed strong demand.
More than 33,300 units were delivered between its 
market launch (May in Europe and Japan, September in
the United States) and the end of the year. We anti-
cipate sales of more than 50,000 CLK coupes in 2003. 
A total of 478,300 C-Class cars were sold worldwide
during 2002. Demand was particularly strong for the
station wagon (73,500 units, + 27%) and the Sport
Coupe (74,300 units, + 25%). 

In a very competitive market segment, demand for
the A-Class decreased for lifecycle reasons, with sales
falling by 10% to 171,500 units. However, sales of the
long-wheelbase version increased significantly (+ 57% 
to 69,100 units). Overall, more than 910,000 A-Class 
cars have been sold since the model was introduced in
October 1997. Mercedes-Benz has thus successfully
established itself with a premium vehicle in the sub-
compact segment. 

S-Class sedans and coupes, which were successfully
improved and updated in September, continued to per-
form well. The SL roadster, launched in the fall of 2001,
attracted a lot of interest: more than 31,600 units were
sold in 2002. The M-Class is still benefiting from the com-
prehensive model update of 2001, with 100,000 units
sold last year. As a result of this strong demand, the
Tuscaloosa, Alabama plant again ran at full capacity.

Mercedes Car Group | 21

35th anniversary of AMG
Mercedes-AMG GmbH, in which DaimlerChrysler has a
51% interest, marked its 35th anniversary in 2002 with
new high-performance automobiles and an expansion of
its Affalterbach plant. Additions to its product range
include the E 55 AMG and the C 30 CDI AMG, as well as
the AMG versions of the updated S-Class and CL-
Class. With an engine delivering 476 hp, the E 55 AMG is
the most powerful Mercedes-Benz E-Class of all time,
while the C 30 CDI AMG, which is the first ever high-
performance diesel sports car, delivers 231 hp. 

Mercedes-AMG has invested around 120 million in

new manufacturing facilities, the most important of
which is the new engine production area. In accordance
with AMG’s policy, a single technician is responsible 
for the entire assembly process of each engine, and
documents this fact by signing the engine rating plate. 

Pioneering innovations enhance safety 
The Mercedes-Benz brand traditionally incorporates the
highest degree of vehicle safety. Researchers and 
developers continually strive to ensure that the brand’s 
pioneering role in safety is maintained through the 
application of forward-looking technologies. One example
is PRE-SAFE, a pre-crash occupant-protection system
which has been supplied as standard in S-Class vehicles
since the model update in September 2002. Mercedes-
Benz has thus inaugurated a new era by combining
active and passive safety features. PRE-SAFE can
recognize risk situations at an early stage and take 
appropriate preventive measures. At the first indication
of skidding, for example, the system automatically 
closes the sunroof, tightens the seatbelts, and places
the passenger seat in the optimal position. 

Mercedes-Benz also plans to introduce another 

safety-enhancing feature in the spring of 2003.
Mercedes-Benz headlights will be able to swivel and 
illuminate curves to assist safer cornering. When a 
car enters a bend, the headlights swivel in the corres-
ponding direction, illuminating 90% more of the road
than conventional headlights. 

The Maybach 62 marks the return of an ultra-luxury brand, and sets

new standards at the top end of the passenger-car market in terms of

exclusiveness and individuality, while continuing the tradition of the

legendary Maybach automobiles. 

Unit Sales 2002 1

Mercedes-Benz

S-Class/SL

E-Class

C-Class

of which: CLK

SLK

Sport Coupe

A-Class

M-Class

G-Class

smart

Mercedes Car Group

of which: Germany

Western Europe (excl. Germany)

NAFTA

Unites States (retail sales)

South America 

Asia/Australia (excl. Japan)

Japan

1,000
Units

1,110

107

242

478

60

30

74

171

102

9

122

1,232

417

419

232

213

13

61

47

02/01
in %

- 0

+ 1

+ 20

- 6

- 7

- 28

+ 25

- 10

- 0

+ 46

+ 5

+ 0

- 4

+ 4

+ 1

+ 3

- 16

+ 5

- 2

1 Group figures, unless otherwise indicated, including leased vehicles

22 | Mercedes Car Group

smart roadster and smart roadster coupe unveiled
In September 2002, we presented the smart roadster
and the smart roadster coupe in Berlin, both of which
met with an enthusiastic reception from the automotive
press. Their launch in April 2003 will revive the segment
of lightweight, compact roadsters. Both the roadster
and the roadster coupe will be produced at the smart-
ville plant in Hambach, France, where a total of 1100
million has been invested in the production line for the
two new cars. The smart roadster and roadster 
coupe, the four-seater smart forfour (to be launched 
in 2004) and additional planned new models will trans-
form smart from a one-product to a multi-product
brand. The company will have a new logo and a new 
slogan, “open your mind” to underscore this develop-
ment. With the expansion of the product family, the
smart sales-and-service network will also be upgraded
to meet the challenges of the future. 

smart successfully launched in new markets
Sales of smart brand city coupes and convertibles
increased by 5% in 2002 to 122,300 units. This success
is in particular due to the model update implemented 
in March 2002. 

Important markets were Germany, with sales of
43,600 units in 2002, Italy (32,000 units) and France
(8,600 units). This innovative car concept car has also
been attracting an increasing number of customers 
in right-hand drive markets such as the United Kingdom
(9,600 units) and Japan (6,100 units). The smart was
also introduced to new markets such as Croatia, South
Africa, Hong Kong and Taiwan last year. It is now 
available in 24 countries, and in view of strong interest
worldwide, additional markets will follow. 

One of the things adding to customer appeal is the
increase in the resale value of the smart city coupe:
According to EurotaxSchwacke, the leading assessor 
of used-car prices in Germany, it has the highest resale
value of all cars in the mini-car segment, selling on 
average at around 77% of its new price after two years. 
A special version of the smart, the open-top two-
seater smart crossblade, was presented in Geneva in
March 2002. Production of this car is limited to 2,000
numbered units. 

In March 2002, smart GmbH and Brabus GmbH an-

nounced the formation of a 50-50 joint venture, 
smart-Brabus GmbH. This company will cater for the
special-equipment versions of current and future 
models, reflecting the fact that many smart drivers want
to be able to personalize and upgrade their cars. The
exclusive “smart-Brabus 1st edition” has been available
since June 2002, also in limited numbers. 

Open your mind – Rome has no limits with a smart.

Narrow alleys and chic boutiques are an invitation

to stroll and linger. No problem finding a parking

space with the smart if you feel like shopping or a

coffee. Mirella and Bella have found the right shoes

at  last,  Angelo  and  Maria  are  planning  their  first

date,  Donatella  gets  to  know  the  details  over  a 

cappuccino. Ciao Roma! 

www.daimlerchrysler.com/livingbrands

24 | Mercedes Car Group

Majority holding in Formula 1 engine manufacturer
Ilmor 
DaimlerChrysler increased its stake in Ilmor Engineering
Ltd. from 25% to 55% in December 2002, and has
agreed to gradually acquire the remaining shares by
2005. Ilmor Engineering Ltd. and DaimlerChrysler have
been responsible for the development, design and 
production of Mercedes-Benz Formula 1 engines since
1993, and the company has now been renamed
Mercedes-Ilmor. It will more closely combine Ilmor’s
expertise with the extensive resources of Daimler-
Chrysler, thereby strengthening the foundation for a
high-performance, cost-efficient and highly flexible
Formula 1 engine system. This in turn will create the
conditions necessary for developing high-performance
engines for various other applications. 

The return of the Maybach 
The legendary Maybach brand has made a comeback
after a 60-year absence. In July 2002 we presented the
Maybach 62 in New York and at the end of September
the Maybach 57 in Paris. Even more important than the
media’s exceptionally positive response to the new high-
end luxury limousines, was the great interest shown 
by potential customers. We commenced delivery of the
Maybach at the end of 2002, and there are already
orders for the planned output of approximately 1,000
units in 2003. 

The Maybach is produced by a dedicated manufactur-

ing facility at DaimlerChrysler’s Sindelfingen plant,
where more than 300 highly qualified men and women
ensure that each Maybach is perfect in every way and
can fulfill the wishes of the most discerning customers.
High-tech manufacturing processes and equipment
combined with hand-crafted luxury are what set the pro-
duction process apart for this super-premium vehicle.
The new Maybach continues the tradition of the
Maybach automobiles of the 1920s and 30s, whose
bodies were also carefully assembled by hand. 

The arrival of the new Maybach in New York was a

very  important  event  for  me  and  my  family,  says

Irmgard  Schmid-Maybach.  Her  grandfather’s  vision

had  come  true  at  last.  The  best  automobile  in  the

world is back, and a highlight not only on German or

American roads. The legend lives.

www.daimlerchrysler.com/livingbrands

Due to currency-translation effects, Chrysler Group’s
revenues of 160.2 billion (2001: 1 63.5 billion)
decreased by 5%. Measured in US dollars revenues
equaled the previous year’s level. 

Substantial quality gains 
In 2002, the quality of Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge 
vehicles improved considerably. Among other things,
this is indicated by the fact that warranty costs per vehicle
have fallen significantly in recent years. In the 2002 
J.D. Power “Initial Quality Survey” (IQS), Chrysler Group
improved by 10% over 2001 and by 26% over 1998. 
In Strategic Vision’s “Total Quality Index” (TQI), both the
Chrysler PT Cruiser and the Dodge Dakota received 
top honors. In addition, “Consumer Reports” magazine 
noted that among domestic manufacturers Chrysler
Group had the fewest problems per hundred vehicles
after three years in service. 

26 | Chrysler Group

Chrysler Group 

Operating profit excluding one-time effects of 31.3 billion
(2001: operating loss of 32.2 billion) | Significantly 
better earnings than originally anticipated due to lower 
costs, increased efficiency and higher unit sales |
Successful launch of new products: Dodge Ram and Viper |
Substantially improved product quality 

Earnings goal significantly exceeded 
Despite the intense competition in North America and
the need for generous sales incentives, Chrysler Group
achieved an operating profit excluding one-time effects
of 11.3 billion (2001: operating loss of 12.2 billion). The
target set in the turnaround plan of February 2001 of
breaking even in 2002 was thus significantly exceeded.
Including one-time effects, which were primarily a result
of the restructuring expenditure planned in 2001, oper-
ating profit of 10.6 billion was still distinctly positive.
The reasons for this result were that the restructuring
measures led to greater cost savings and efficiency
improvements than originally targeted, but higher unit
sales also played a part (see page 69). 

Worldwide, Chrysler Group sold 2.82 million pas-
senger cars, minivans, sport-utility vehicles and light
trucks (2001: 2.76 million). In the United States, Chrysler
Group achieved unit sales of 2,277,100 vehicles, 4%
higher than the prior year. This reflects growth in key
vehicle segments, particularly for the Dodge Ram 
Pickup (+15%), the Jeep® Liberty (+93%) and the Neon
compact car (+18%). Retail sales in the US decreased
by 3% to 2,205,500 units, while market share was 12.9%
(13.0% in 2001). 

Amounts in millions

Operating profit (loss)
Operating profit (loss) adjusted 1
Revenues

Investments in property, 
plant and equipment

Research and development expenditure 

Production (units)

Unit sales

Employees (Dec. 31) 

1 To exclude one-time effects

2002
US $

639

1,381

2002
3

609

1,317

63,100

60,181

3,308

2,162

3,155

2,062

2001
3

(5,281)

(2,183)

63,483

5,083

2,201

2,749,903

2,679,411

2,822,659

2,755,919

95,835

104,057

Drive is love – this was obvious at the final annual meeting of

the  official  PT  Cruiser  Owner  Club  in  Myrtle  Beach,  South

Carolina. Jim and PT-Ken, Martha, PT-Brian and Ronald proudly

presented their PTs. Like their cruisers, everybody is special.

There are lively discussions on the beach and at the hotel, and

everyone will be sure to be there for the next meeting. Life is PT. 

www.daimlerchrysler.com/livingbrands

28 | Chrysler Group

Extended powertrain warranties 
In July 2002 Chrysler Group introduced an industry-
leading warranty for the powertrains of Chrysler, Jeep®
and Dodge vehicles for seven years or 70,000 miles
(7/70). The warranty covers engines, transmissions/
transaxles, transfer cases and axles, is fully transferable
to subsequent owners, and is given on all new Chrysler
Group vehicles purchased or leased. 

Unit Sales 2002 1

Total

of which: Passenger cars

Light trucks

Minivans
SUVs 2

United States 

Canada

Mexico

Rest of the world

1 Shipments (including leased vehicles) 
2 Including the PT Cruiser

1,000
units

2,823

684

672

559

908

2,277

254

120

172

02/01
in %

+ 2

- 2

+ 13

- 6

+ 4

+ 4

+ 5

- 10

- 8

The Jeep® Cherokee combines excellent off-road abilities with
extremely capable on-road qualities. 

Strengthening Chrysler’s competitive position 
After making good progress with the turnaround plan,
Chrysler Group is establishing its long-term strategy for
the future. Its purpose is to set Chrysler Group apart
from the competition and turn it into a new company.
This approach combines the legendary creativity of
Chrysler Group with new processes and cost structures
and enhanced quality awareness in order to achieve 
a substantially stronger competitive position. Chrysler
Group will focus on gaining product leadership in 
its market segments, taking advantage of its reputation
for eye-catching design and its ability to consistently
build innovative and segment-defining vehicles. 
Furthermore, the resources available within the Daimler-
Chrysler Group and from our alliance partners, 
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and Hyundai Motor 
Company, will be mobilized to increase the competitive-
ness of Chrysler Group products. Key elements in this
context will be sharing technologies and combining pur-
chasing. With this new strategic focus Chrysler Group
expects to increase sales by one million units over the
next decade, despite a difficult market environment,
and to achieve a sustained improvement in profitability. 

Chrysler Group | 29

Upper picture: The all-new Chrysler Crossfire sport coupe combines classic

proportions and technology from Europe with the power and personality of

American high-performance cars. 

Lower picture: Bold, capable and powerful – the all-new Dodge Ram Heavy 

Duty 3500 is aimed at the heart of the heavy-duty market with a new engine

and, for the first time on a Ram, a single rear wheel option. 

New vehicles added to Chrysler brand 
In the spring of 2003 the Chrysler brand will present
two completely new models, the Chrysler Pacifica and
the Chrysler Crossfire, which will be of great signi-
ficance for the entire Chrysler Group. 

The new Pacifica combines the spaciousness of a
minivan with the versatility of a sports-utility vehicle and
the comfort of a sedan. It will therefore create a new
market segment. 

Production of the Chrysler Pacifica began in early
2003 at Chrysler Group’s assembly plant in Windsor,
Canada. The Pacifica is being built on a new platform,
but will use existing corporate components from other
vehicles such as the proven 3.5 liter V6 engine from 
the Chrysler 300M. The Pacifica will be delivered to 
customers from the spring of 2003. 

The new Chrysler Crossfire demonstrates just how
quickly today’s Chrysler Group can take and implement
decisions. Only eighteen months after the decision
to produce the car, this new sport coupe combining
American design and German technology will be on
sale starting in the spring of 2003. 

Early in 2004, we will launch the convertible version

of the PT Cruiser, another innovative variation of this
successful model. Its key features will not only be its
unique design, but also its practicality: the four-seater
can be converted in a very short time into an open four-
seater. Additional specialty versions of the PT Cruiser
for the North American market are the Flame vehicles,
the Woodies (with exterior wood trim) and the limited
edition Dream Cruiser/Street Cruiser series. There is
also a range of new attractive engines for the European
market. 

In total, the Chrysler brand sold 665,300 vehicles in

2002 (2001: 775,500). 

30 | Chrysler Group

The plant produces the Quad Cab models of the Dodge
Ram 1500 series, the Dodge Dakota Regular, Club Cab
and Quad Cab pickup trucks. 

Significant improvements in quality have been made.
For example, the 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab was
ranked first in owner satisfaction among four-door pick-
up trucks in AutoPacific Inc.’s 2002 Vehicle Satisfaction
Score (VSS) study. 

Another new Dodge product in 2002 was the Dodge
Viper SRT-10, which reinforces the brand’s reputation
for exciting high-performance automobiles. With an 
8.3-liter, 10-cylinder engine delivering over 500 horse-
power, the Viper continues its tradition as the ultimate
American sports car while setting new benchmarks 
for performance and design. 

Overall, Dodge increased it unit sales by 7% to

1,561,800 vehicles (2001: 1,457,300). 

Only in a Jeep®: fun, freedom and legendary 
off-road ability 
The successful Jeep® brand, which includes the Jeep®
Grand Cherokee, the Jeep® Liberty (Cherokee outside
the United States) and the Jeep® Wrangler, continues to
be the benchmark for off-road excellence. 

Some additional attractive models were added in
2002. The Renegade name made a comeback to the
Jeep® lineup as an adventurous version of the success-
ful Jeep® Liberty. Also introduced to the Jeep® lineup
last year was the Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon. This vehicle,
named after one of the most difficult off-road tracks 
in North America, delivers tremendous capabilities as
the ultimate all-terrain vehicle. 

The new Jeep® logo and the relaunch of the tradition-

al “Only in a Jeep®” catchphrase project the brand’s
essence: fun, freedom and exceptional off-road capa-
bility. First successfully used in the 1980s, it conveys the
go-anywhere, do-anything capability of every Jeep®. 
The new logo is a graphic representation of the radiator
grill and windshield of the Wrangler – an icon of the
brand. Helped by growing sales of the Liberty, the Jeep®
brand posted total unit sales of 595,600 vehicles last
year (2001: 523,100). 

Continued success of the Dodge Ram/Motor
Trend’s Truck of the Year 
Sales of Dodge Ram pickup trucks totaled 396,900
units in the US, up 15% over the previous year. The
heavy-duty Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups, both
launched during 2002, contributed significantly to this
success. The Saltillo engine plant in Mexico started 
production of the new, high-performance 5.7-liter HEMI
engine, which is initially being used in Ram pickups. 
The HEMI is the most powerful engine available in the 
market for mass-produced pickup trucks. In December,
Motor Trend magazine selected the Dodge Ram as 
its Truck of the Year. 

The strong demand for Dodge pickup trucks has led
Chrysler Group to introduce a third shift at the assembly
plant in Warren, Michigan, which will result in 1,000
more jobs at this facility. The plant’s capacity will be
increased by 21% to approximately 338,000 units a year.

The  track  from  the  small  silver-

mining  town  of  Taxco  in  Mexico  to

Acapulco  can  be  driven  “only  in  a

Jeep”. Two and a half days of fun and

energy,  pushing  the  limit  for  both

man and machine. The terrain alter-

nates  between  jungle-like  forests,

patches of desert and gushing rivers.

Every hurdle is shared and overcome

together.  In  the  evening,  beans  and

enchiladas are served in front of the

tent,  accompanied  by  conversations

that could only take place under the

Mexican night sky.

www.daimlerchrysler.com/livingbrands

32 | Chrysler Group

Harnessing Mopar as the fourth brand 
of Chrysler Group 
At the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)
trade show in November 2002, Chrysler Group
announced that Mopar, Chrysler Group’s parts and
accessories brand, is to be more effectively positioned
as a specialist for enhancing and individualizing motor
vehicles. Mopar expects to attract customer interest
with the introduction of Mopar Speedshops, a concept
for in-dealership accessories and customization stores
(stores-within-stores). 

Pioneering automotive concepts 
At the most recent Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
in August 2002, the Chrysler brand presented the first
vehicle in its next generation of trend-setting concept
cars, the Chrysler California Cruiser. This all-new vehicle
builds on the uniquely American blend of unusual 
design and maximum practicality which has made the
Chrysler PT Cruiser so popular. As a versatile all-round
vehicle with an innovative rear hatch and a multi-function
interior, the Chrysler California Cruiser builds on what
owners love about their PT Cruisers. 

This enhanced visibility and wider availability of

Additional concept vehicles at the Los Angeles and

Detroit shows earlier this year were designed to 
highlight the Dodge brand. The Dodge Durango and
Dodge Magnum are two important production-intent
models that significantly underscore Dodge’s strong
brand values across the brand’s entire product line.

Other concept vehicles included the Dodge Avenger,

Dodge Kahuna and the Dodge Tomahawk – a motor-
cycle study powered by a 500-horsepower Viper V-10
engine. 

Mopar performance parts at Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge
dealerships will enable customers to add their own 
personal touches – an increasingly popular option for
US car buyers under twenty-five years of age. 

Chrysler Group has adopted a three-pronged ap-
proach to promote the sales of high-value automotive
accessories: 
– Offering a number of niche vehicles designed and

customized by Chrysler Group’s Performance Vehicle
Operations Team, such as the Dodge SRT-4, the
Dodge Ram SRT-10 and the Dodge Viper SRT-10. 
– Close cooperation with the top after-market special-
ists to demonstrate that Chrysler Group vehicles 
are the best choice for customization. 

– Supplying Mopar parts and accessories through the

dealerships. 

In this way Chrysler Group utilizes the potential of 
the accessories business to fulfill customers’ wishes
and enhance customer loyalty. 

A day at the race – all Viper fans meet regularly at

Doug  Levin’s  place  to  talk  about  cars  and  cruise

together. Sure, Doug and his friends are also in the

bleachers when the vehicles line up at the start for

the NASCAR Closing Race Final in 2002. The Dodge

Viper tuner from Miami doesn’t miss a single race

with Bill Elliot in Dodge No. 9. And in the evening,

the Viper Club is tuning again.

www.daimlerchrysler.com/livingbrands

Successful restructuring at Freightliner 
The Freightliner/Sterling/Thomas Built Buses business
unit returned to profitability in the second quarter of
2002 – two quarters earlier than anticipated. This was
largely due to the implementation of the restructuring
program initiated in October 2001, which significantly
exceeded the original cost-cutting targets for 2002.
Another important factor was that unit sales rose by
14% from the very low level of 2001 to 114,000 vehicles,
mainly because of advanced purchasing of heavy-duty
vehicles in anticipation of new emission requirements
(EPA 2000) which took effect in the United States in
October 2002. US sales of Class 8 (15 metric tons gross
vehicle weight and up) Freightliner-, Sterling- and
Western Star-brand vehicles amounted to 56,000 units,
up 2% on the prior year. However, sales of Class 6/7
vehicles (8.8 to 15 metric tons) fell to 32,000 units
(2001: 37,000 units). With an overall market share of
38% (2001: 39%), DaimlerChrysler is still the market
leader for Class 8 vehicles in the US. Our market share
in Class 6/7 was 28% (2001: 27%). 

34 | Commercial Vehicles 

Commercial Vehicles 

Adjusted operating profit at 3176 million above prior year’s
figure | Successful restructuring program at Freightliner |
New products boost competitiveness | Expansion of strategic
partnerships in Asia 

Earnings higher despite difficult markets 
In 2002, the Commercial Vehicles division sold a total 
of 485,400 trucks, buses and vans comprising the
brands, Mercedes-Benz, Freightliner, Sterling, Western
Star, Thomas Built Buses, Setra, Orion and American
LaFrance (2001: 492,900). DaimlerChrysler thus main-
tained its position as the world’s biggest manufacturer
of commercial vehicles in a very difficult market 
environment. Revenues totaled 128.4 billion (2001: 128.6
billion). Decreases in Europe (- 3%) and South America 
(- 25%) were almost offset by increases in the NAFTA
region (+5%). Operating profit excluding one-time
effects totaled 1176 million (2001: 151 million) surpass-
ing, as targeted, the prior year’s figure. The key factor 
in this improved performance was the successful imple-
mentation of the turnaround plan at the Freightliner/
Sterling/Thomas Built Buses business unit. Including
one-time effects there was an operating loss of 1343
million. One-time charges arose at varlous business
units in a total amount of 1519 million, primarily as 
a result of structural changes, but also due to a special
depreciation of production facilities in connection 
with the long-term product and production strategy 
(see page 70).

Amounts in millions

Operating profit (loss)
Operating profit adjusted 1
Revenues

Investments in property, 
plant and equipment

Research and development expenditure 

Production (units)

Unit sales (units)

Employees (Dec. 31)

1 To exclude one-time effects

2002
US $

(360)

185

2002
3

(343)

176

2001
3

(514)

51

29,778

28,401

28,572

1,324

1,006

1,263

959

483,029

485,408

94,111

1,484

1,015

494,866

492,851

96,644

The most economical transport solution with the best

service. It all started with a used Mercedes-Benz truck

shortly after the Berlin wall came down. Today Michael

Erck’s  transport  company  has  a  fleet  of  150  trucks,

which are on the road nationwide, night and day, to

make sure that we have milk in our coffee at break-

fast  time.  For  2003  he  has  already  ordered  30  new

Mercedes-Benz Actros trucks. Each of his drivers would

like one of his own. Michael says he’s working on it. 

www.daimlerchrysler.com/livingbrands

36 | Commercial Vehicles 

Upper picture: The Mercedes-Benz Travego embodies the elegant tour-bus 

generation of the future, harmoniously blending innovative and distinctive

design with Mercedes-Benz-specific brand elements. 

Lower picture: The Sterling Acterra is today’s answer to customers’ need for a

medium-duty truck designed for best-in-class maneuverability, ride, handling

and ruggedness. 

Preparing for the future, the business unit has been
investing in new products and production facilities. A
new medium-duty Freightliner truck, the Business Class
M2, was launched in February 2002. The Sterling and
Western Star brands have also introduced new products
and new equipment variants. As part of the restruc-
turing program, production of Western Star trucks was
transferred to the plant in Portland, Oregon. A new 
factory for Thomas Built Buses will reach full production
capacity in early 2004. In addition, as foreseen by the
restructuring plan, work has begun on consolidating
production of American LaFrance fire trucks and auxil-
iary vehicles in Charleston, South Carolina. 

Mercedes-Benz Trucks remains successful 
in a difficult market environment 
Unit sales at the Mercedes-Benz Trucks business unit
fell by 6% from 2001, to 101,700 vehicles. The primary
reason was the slowdown in the Western European 
market, especially in Germany. Nevertheless, with
60,300 units sold (2001: 67,300) and a market share of
21% (2001: 21%), Mercedes-Benz was once again the
leading brand in Western Europe for trucks over six 
metric tons. The Axor heavy-duty truck was introduced
at the end of 2001, and was well received by customers,
who were attracted by its economy and large capacity.
Through the success of this new vehicle and the con-
tinued excellent market position of the Actros, we were
able to increase our share of the market in Western
Europe to 18% (2001: 17%) in the high-margin segment
of semi-trailer trucks above 16 metric tons. 

The business unit posted considerably higher unit
sales in markets outside Western Europe, with 21% of all
trucks produced in Europe sold in countries outside this
region. The Actros was particularly successful, with
more than 10,000 units being sold in these markets. The
most important of these markets were Eastern Europe,
the Near and Middle East and South Africa. 

Despite the continuing slowdown in South America,
the business unit sold 21,800 Mercedes-Benz trucks in
the region (2001: 23,700). In Brazil and Argentina, it
maintained its lead with market shares of 34% (2001:
34%) and 33% (2001: 35%), respectively. 

Commercial Vehicles | 37

The most important new model in 2002 was the 
Actros, which had its premiere at the International 
Auto Show (IAA) in Hanover and was well received by 
customers and automotive journalists. Its distinctive
characteristics are its more powerful engines, a new
axle and suspension concept, improved aerodynamics
and a redesigned driver’s cab. 

Mercedes-Benz Vans still leads the field
The Mercedes-Benz Vans business unit sold 236,600
vehicles worldwide in 2002, nearly matching the figure
for 2001. With a market share of 18% (2001: 19%) in the
segment of 2 to 6 metric tons, Mercedes-Benz Vans is
still the market leader in Western Europe. Whereas the
Sprinter was able to maintain its strong market position
in the heavy vans segment, in the segment of mid-size
vans the market share of the Vito decreased due to the
model changeover scheduled for 2003. 

In the spring of 2002, DaimlerChrysler introduced the

new Vaneo, which is positioned as a premium product 
in this segment. 

The updated Sprinter model was introduced at the
International Auto Show (IAA) in Hanover in September
2002. This new model is more attractive and, thanks
to longer service intervals, more economical. Another
new feature is the Electronic Stability Program (ESP).
DaimlerChrysler is the first vehicle manufacturer to offer
this system in this van segment. To strengthen its 
presence in the US van market in early 2003, Daimler-
Chrysler plans to offer the Sprinter, which has been 
sold successfully in the US under the Freightliner brand
name since the middle of 2001, as a Dodge brand 
vehicle as well. We also plan to launch the Sprinter in
Canada and Mexico. 

The licensing agreement with Volkswagen AG for 
the production of the Sprinter van by Volkswagen was
renewed to cover successor models as well. 

The updated Mercedes-Benz Sprinter appeals with a new design 

and a world first. The Sprinter is the first van series worldwide for which 

all models can be supplied with the ESP electronic stability program. 

Unit Sales 2002 1

World
of which: Vans 2

Trucks 3
Buses

Unimogs

Europe

of which: Germany

Western Europe 
(excluding Germany)

of which: France

United Kingdom 

Italy

NAFTA

of which: United States

South America
(excluding Mexico)

of which: Brazil

Asia

1,000
Units

02/01
in %

485

246

212

25

2

287

103

162

32

33

23

118

100

37

30

24

- 2

- 5

+ 3

- 8

- 23

- 2

- 3

- 5

- 10

+ 14

+ 4

+ 11

+ 12

- 14

- 12

- 8

1 Wholesale figures (including leased vehicles)
2 Including the Mitsubishi L200 pickup and the Mitsubishi Pajero in South Africa
3 Including schoolbuses by Thomas Built Buses and bus chassis by Freightliner

38 | Commercial Vehicles 

exhaust-emission limits. At the beginning of September,
the business unit began assembling medium-duty 
transmissions in Brazil for installation in trucks all over
the world. In addition, the establishment of Axle Alliance
Company in Detroit enables our axles to be used in the
NAFTA region. 

In the year under review, the Powersystems business

unit posted revenues of 15.1 billion, compared to 
15.6 billion in 2001. Most of its products were supplied
to the vehicle units of the Commercial Vehicles division. 

Integration of Off-Highway business
DaimlerChrysler’s Off-Highway business unit, which is
run by MTU Friedrichshafen, is responsible for drive 
systems for ships, power generation facilities, railroads,
industrial and construction machines (including 
agricultural machines) and military vehicles. Integration
of off-highway activities at Detroit Diesel Corporation,
the Commercial Vehicles division and MTU Friedrichs-
hafen was nearly completed during the year under review.
Production was coordinated, while sales operations
were combined in worldwide sales centers which are
geared to meet the needs of individual markets.

Buses unit combines international business 
activities 
In order to strengthen its position as the world’s leading
bus manufacturer, in 2002 DaimlerChrysler combined
its urban and transit bus business in North America with
the worldwide bus business of the Mercedes-Benz and
Setra brands. All activities are now centered in the
DaimlerChrysler Buses business unit. 

Despite difficult conditions in nearly all key markets,
in 2002 DaimlerChrysler sold a total of 25,100 complete
buses and chassis of the brands Mercedes-Benz, Setra
and Orion and increased its market share in nearly all
regions. DaimlerChrysler remained the market leader in
Western Europe, with 5,900 vehicles sold (2001: 6,400)
and a market share of 26% (2001: 25%), as well as 
in South America, where sales declined to 10,300 units
(2001: 11,100). However, with market shares of 46% in
Mexico (2001: 41%), 50% in Brazil (2001: 52%), and 91%
in Argentina (2001: 72%) we are still Number 1 in these
markets as well. Middle East markets are increasingly
important as reflected by the 19% increase in sales to
800 units. 

DaimlerChrysler presented many new bus products 
at the International Auto Show (IAA) in September 2002,
among them the Setra S 431 DT double-decker luxury
travel coach. Other premieres are planned for 2003, in-
cluding the US version of the Setra TopClass 400 and
further variations of the modular chassis program.

Greater worldwide coordination of components 
DaimlerChrysler Powersystems’ expertise in diesel
engines, transmissions, axles and steering systems
ensures DaimlerChrysler’s commercial vehicles access
to state-of-the-art technology. 

In the year under review, DaimlerChrysler consistently

pursued its global components strategy. Its aim is to 
further reduce the cost of drive system assemblies by
linking the company’s activities in a worldwide network.
For example, the Series 900 diesel engines have now
become truly global engines produced in a worldwide
network of production facilities in Germany and Brazil,
and soon in South Korea as well. They are already pow-
ering Mercedes-Benz, Freightliner and Sterling trucks,
and Hyundai trucks will soon be added. Detroit Diesel
successfully concluded its certification for the new US

Touring  pays  off  with  Setra  buses,  says  Georg

Marti  from  a  third  generation  bus-owning 

family in Switzerland. He only uses Setra buses,

because customer satisfaction is the key to his

success.  After  a  journey  in  one  of  the  new

TopClass  400,  his  travel  groups  arrive  at  their

destination in comfort and safety. Not only the

passengers,  but  also  the  drivers  are  already 

looking forward to the next tour. 

www.daimlerchrysler.com/livingbrands

40 | Commercial Vehicles

Hyundai Truck Company will manufacture trucks, buses
and drive systems. This joint venture will provide
DaimlerChrysler with access to the South Korean mar-
ket and a cost-effective production base. Together with
our partner, we are building an engine manufacturing
plant in Chonju, which will go into operation in 2004.

Truck Product Decision Committee established
The recently formed Truck Product Decision Committee
began work in October 2002. It was created to develop
cross-brand strategies and initiatives and to prepare
strategic decisions in the commercial-vehicle segment
with regard to the Mercedes-Benz, Freightliner, Sterling
and Western Star brands, as well as the Fuso and
Hyundai partner brands. 

Among its goals is to coordinate the production and

marketing of commercial vehicles and to ensure 
the coordinated use of technologies, innovations and
components. One of the first recommendations of 
the new committee was to link the product program of
Mercedes-Benz trucks in Brazil more closely to the
European product program in the medium term, in order
to offer our Brazilian customers even more attractive
products while also increasing our competitiveness. 

Revenues of more than 11.6 billion slightly exceeded
last year’s volume for this business unit and were 
generated primarily by customers outside the Daimler-
Chrysler Group. 

One of MTU Friedrichshafen’s pioneering technologies 

is the “HotModule,” a high-temperature fuel cell for 
stationary power generation that will soon be ready for
series production. Eight field-trial facilities, where 
customers are able to test the fuel cells under everyday
conditions, were operating at the end of 2002.

Another successful field of activity at MTU involves

the development and production of drive shafts.
Construction of an assembly line for delivering drive
shafts to manufacturers of passenger cars and light
commercial vehicles in the NAFTA region began in the
fall of 2002 in Charleston, South Carolina. 

At the world’s biggest trade fair for rail systems,

Innotrans 2002 in Berlin, Off-Highway presented its new
20V 4000 engine and new Rail PowerPack, a logical
continuation of its business in the rail-systems market.
Its goal is to become the recognized market leader 
for drive systems in the growth market of off-highway
applications. 

Strategic partnerships in Asia expanded
To strengthen its presence in Asia – the world’s largest
and fastest-growing market for commercial vehicles –
DaimlerChrysler strengthened its strategic alliance with
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) and increased 
its strategic partnership with Hyundai Motor Company
(HMC). 

MMC spun off its commercial-vehicle division into a
separate company named Mitsubishi Fuso Truck & Bus
Corporation (MFTBC) at the beginning of 2003.
DaimlerChrysler intends to acquire 43% of the shares 
in MFTBC for 1760 million in March 2003. The new 
company is the market leader in Japan and is strong in 
other key Asian markets. 

Cooperation with HMC on diesel engine production
for commercial vehicles, which began in June 2001, will
be considerably strengthened by our 50% holding in
HMC’s commercial-vehicle operations. The new Daimler

On  the  road  again  –  with  their  Freightliner

Columbia, Patricia and Don Richards cover over

250,000 miles a year in the USA.  They are a

typical  trucking  couple  –  the  Freightliner  is

their home on wheels, and they value it highly

for  its  strength,  comfort  and  reliability.  The

Richards have no need for a TV set – the road

makes for better entertainment. 

www.daimlerchrysler.com/livingbrands

42 | Executive Automotive Committee

Executive Automotive Committee 

Basis established for successful brand management |
Coordination of all brands’ product planning | Numerous 
projects decided on and now being implemented |
Strong focus on generating synergies 

Continuation of EAC’s successful work 
In 2002, the Executive Automotive Committee (EAC) did
groundbreaking work as a platform for the discussion
and preparation of decisions affecting more than one 
of our automotive divisions. The committee coordinates
all cross-divisional issues, protects the identity of the
Group’s brands, and accelerates the realization of 
synergy potential. Last year, the EAC particularly focused
on evaluating and optimizing the Group’s portfolio of 
products, powertrains and components.

Expanded multi-brand management
In recent years, multi-brand management has become
one of the main challenges facing the automotive indus-
try. Whereas in 1980, 28 independent manufacturers
had an average of only two brands each, the remaining
eleven independent car manufacturers now have an
average of more than six different brands each. Daimler-
Chrysler owns six passenger car brands, eight commercial
vehicles brands and one accessories brand, supplemented
by DaimlerChrysler Services’ comprehensive range of
financial services for DaimlerChrysler’s automotive
brands. The challenge now consists of managing the
interplay between brand differentiation and economies
of scale. One goal is to strengthen the identity of the
individual brands and increase their value. At the same
time, economies of scale must be achieved by means 
of cross-divisional cooperation and the exchange and
common use of components, systems and platforms, in
order to improve the overall cost position and thus to
make the whole Group even more competitive. However,
none of the Mercedes-Benz platforms will be shared
with other brands. 

Our brand management is based on our “Brand Guide-
lines,” which describe the profile and differentiating 
criteria of each individual brand. The guidelines are
being expanded to include regulations for sharing com-
ponents by business units and the importance of such 
a strategy to the brands. Market success in the future
will increasingly depend on our ability to maintain each
brand’s own specific character. We are therefore work-
ing intensively on strengthening the brand-related 
attributes that influence the design of the products and
the values associated with each particular brand. 
DaimlerChrysler’s brand portfolio gives us the tremen-
dous ability to offer attractive products in all segments
and to all customer groups worldwide. 

Cross-brand product planning (long range product
plan) 
A detailed comparison of product planning has been
carried out with the goal of identifying product overlaps
and gaps in market coverage. One of the findings of 
this analysis is that there is hardly any product overlap
within the DaimlerChrysler Group. However, there is a
gap in the small-car segment, which is to be closed in the
year 2004 with the launch of the smart four-seater
(smart forfour). 

Furthermore, the committee identified possibilities for
the joint creation of vehicle architectures. A good exam-
ple is the rapidly growing sport-utility and sport-tourer
segment, in which we plan to utilize market potential by
implementing a coordinated, cross-brand strategy. Having
comprehensive information on all vehicle segments
worldwide, on their appeal, their future potential and the
degree of competition, provides a basis for developing
new, innovative products and opens up opportunities for
exploiting synergies across the individual business
units. 

Executive Automotive Committee | 43

Organization of the Executive Automotive Committee

Board of Management

Executive Automotive Committee
Chairmen: Schrempp, Hubbert

Mercedes
Car Group

Chrysler
Group

Commercial
Vehicles

Corporate
Development

Hubbert

Zetsche

Cordes

Grube

Alliance
Partner:
Mitsubishi
Motors

Bischoff 1

1  In his function as member of the Board of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation appointed by  
  DaimlerChrysler

Close cooperation with regional subsidiaries 
The strategies we developed with the help of our global
sales and marketing organization continued to be suc-
cessfully implemented in 2002. The EAC discussed, 
initiated and realized numerous projects with represen-
tatives of the various regions. One of the main issues 
in 2002 was the structuring of the sales organization in
view of the Block Exemption Regulation for the sale
of automobiles in the European Union – particularly its
impact on the Group and the options which Daimler-
Chrysler might have. As well as the activities we have
already initiated with our strategic sales partners 
in Japan and South Korea, in the future we intend to
strengthen our presence in the Chinese market. The
numerous projects currently under way in China make 
it necessary to establish a uniform Group presence 
in that country and increase our market effectiveness.
To this end we have also reorganized our regional res-
ponsibilities in China. 

Identifying synergy potential with components 
One of the tasks of the EAC is to utilize opportunities to
standardize components for use by different divisions 
or business units. In order to prevent dilution of brands,
only those components were selected that are not 
relevant to brand identity and which can be sourced
globally. Under the leadership of the EAC the Procure-
ment and Development departments defined major
groups of components, formed corresponding teams 
and developed a cross-divisional component strategy, 
thus enabling substantial savings to be made (see 
pages 58-59). 

Joint use of engines and transmissions 
In order to exploit synergies, existing and future engine
and transmission series were also examined. One exam-
ple of the findings was that there are currently eight 
different families of four-cylinder in-line engines at the
DaimlerChrysler Group. By the year 2005 we intend to
reduce this number by 25%. The “World Engine” is 
to contribute significantly to this goal. This is a four-
cylinder gasoline engine that is to be developed and
manufactured jointly by Chrysler Group, Mitsubishi
Motors Corporation and Hyundai Motor Company. 
Starting in 2005, these three partners together should
produce about 1.5 million of these engines each year. 

Cooperation on environmental issues 
The tightening of legislation worldwide regarding such
matters as fuel consumption and emission standards,
occupant safety requirements and the recycling of vehi-
cles requires closer cooperation between the divisions.
Research and development expertise gained in the field
of pioneering alternative drive systems will be applied
over the whole Group even more quickly in the future.
Another example of how processes can be shared is
provided by the method developed by Mercedes-Benz
for dealing with end-of-life vehicles. This is now also
employed by Chrysler Group, and our alliance partner
Mitsubishi Motors has decided to use it as well. 

Operating profit including one-time effects totaled 
13.1 billion (2001: 10.6 billion). This figure includes a
one-time gain of 12.5 billion resulting from the sale of
the remaining 49.9% of T-Systems ITS (formerly debis
Systemhaus) to Deutsche Telekom. On the other hand,
there was a one-time charge of 1107 million due to 
the economic crisis in Argentina (further devaluation 
of the Argentine peso against the US dollar), as well as
losses from the sale of parts of our Capital Services
portfolio and a valuation adjustment to the remainder
totaling 1281 million (see pages 68-69). 

Revenues, new business and contract volume
below prior year’s level 
Revenues at DaimlerChrysler Services totaled 115.7 
billion in 2002, which, as expected, was below the 
figure for the prior year. Apart from the weakening of
the US dollar against the euro, this change was mainly
the result of strong demand for our special financing
programs in the United States, which led to a shift in
customer preferences from leasing to financing. 

44 | Services

Services

DaimlerChrysler Services increases adjusted operating 
profit by 67% to 3964 million | US business is main source 
of earnings | Refocus on automotive services almost 
completed | DaimlerChrysler Bank successfully adds deposit 
services to its product range | Toll Collect consortium 
obtains contract for truck toll system in Germany 

Significant earnings increase in operative business 
Despite difficult global market conditions, Daimler-
Chrysler Services was able to significantly exceed its
earnings targets in 2002. Operating profit excluding
one-time effects totaled 1964 million, an increase of
67% over the prior year’s figure. 

The increase was primarily due to a considerable
improvement in the marketing of off-lease vehicles and
more favorable refinancing conditions. The lower risk-
provisioning requirement in the United States for
Chrysler Group vehicles and Freightliner trucks also 
had a positive effect on earnings. However, credit risks
increased in Europe, particularly in the business of
financing commercial vehicles. Operating profit was
also impacted by the declining residual values of off-
lease vehicles in the United States, caused by the 
general fall in prices for used vehicles. Improvements to
our processes and systems for limiting credit losses
also improved earnings. 

Amounts in millions

Operating profit
Operating profit adjusted 1
Revenues

Contract volume

Investments in property, 
plant and equipment

Employees (Dec. 31)

1 To exclude one-time effects

2002
US $

3,208

1,011

2002
3

3,060

964

2001
3 

612

578

16,460

15,699

16,851

114,551

109,252

128,379

100

95

10,521

112

9,712

As  the  biggest  chemicals  company  in

the world, BASF needs to focus entire-

ly  on  its  own  business.  That’s  why 

it  uses 

the  professional  services 

of  DaimlerChrysler  Services  Fleet

Management  to  look  after  its  fleet  of

vehicles.  Because  we  take  care  of

everything:  We  advise  our  customers

on  how  to  optimize  their  fleet  costs,

and deal with ordering and financing

their  vehicles.  In  this  way  our  custo-

mers  are  always  mobile,  have  maxi-

mum  transparency,  and  can  save  up

to  30%  of  total  fleet  costs.  A  clever

idea. Our customers think so too.

www.daimlerchrysler.com/livingbrands

46 | Services

New business was down only slightly, to 151.8 billion 
(-4%), despite the increased use of incentive programs
in the United States, particularly in the second half of
the year. The decrease was due to changes in the value
of the US dollar. Fleet management activities were 
significantly expanded in 2002, with the managed fleet
totaling around 300,000 vehicles at year end, an
increase of 10% on the prior year.

Contract volume of 1109.3 billion was down 15% from

the prior year, mainly due to changes in the relative 
value of the US dollar. The sale of a substantial part of
the Capital Services portfolio also contributed to the
reduction. 

With a total portfolio of 183.1 billion (2001: 1103.4
billion), North America remains the most important mar-
ket for DaimlerChrysler Services. In Germany, contract
volume increased by 6% to 112.2 billion as a result of
sales-promotion activities. In the other countries of the
European Union contract volume rose from 18.7 billion
in 2001 to 19.1 billion last year, and our leasing and
sales-financing business in the Asia/Pacific region also
expanded. 

Workforce numbers rose 8% in the year under review,

to 10,521. At the end of 2002, a total of 5,426 people
were employed by DaimlerChrysler Services in the 
NAFTA region, and 2,510 in Germany. 

The new North American headquarters of DaimlerChrysler Services 

provide an open, creative and innovative working atmosphere. 

Growing importance of financial services in a 
difficult market environment 
Economic conditions in DaimlerChrysler’s key sales
markets remained very difficult in 2002, particularly in
the United States, where the market was characterized
by very high sales incentives. In this situation Daimler-
Chrysler Services’ financial-services activities played 
a key role in supporting the sale of Group vehicles and
contributed correspondingly to the overall success of
DaimlerChrysler. One out of every three vehicles sold
was either financed by or leased from DaimlerChrysler
Services. DaimlerChrysler Services concluded leasing
and sales financing contracts for 2.0 million new vehi-
cles worldwide in 2002, meaning that approximately
8,000 Group vehicles were sold each day with the sup-
port of our financial services. In view of this situation,
methods for controlling credit risks and residual-value
risks are becoming increasingly important. By further
improving coordination between DaimlerChrysler Ser-
vices and the sales organizations of the vehicle divi-
sions, we intend to achieve a more customer-oriented
linkage between the Group’s products and the corre-
sponding services offered to our customers. One result
of this strategy has been the creation of global partner-
ship agreements between DaimlerChrysler Services 
and the automotive divisions. These agreements include
market-specific regulations for the treatment of 
the residual-value risks associated with lease returns. 

Services | 47

Expanded activities in Asia 
As part of its activities to support DaimlerChrysler’s
long-term strategy, the Services division also expanded
its business operations in Asia last year. In order to gain
a solid foothold in Asia’s second-largest automobile
market, we established a leasing and sales-financing
company in South Korea. We also opened up a liaison
office in China, a market which we view as having 
enormous growth potential. 

Moreover, by concentrating essential management
functions for the United States, Canada and Mexico as
well as brand-financing activities at our new North
American headquarters in Farmington Hills, Michigan,
DaimlerChrysler Services will be able to operate even
more efficiently in this region in the future. 

Refocus on the core automotive business 
With the sale of its remaining shares in T-Systems ITS
and parts of Capital Services’ non-automotive portfolio,
DaimlerChrysler Services virtually completed the refo-
cus of its operations on the core automotive business.
The non-automotive items sold included commercial
real estate and the asset-based-lending business. 
In addition, an agreement was reached on the transfer
of Capital Services’ business-jet activities in the 
United States.

The cash flow generated through the sale of parts 
of the Capital Services portfolio will be used to further
strengthen our sales-financing business. Daimler-
Chrysler Services also plans to extend its leading
position in the fleet-management sector. 

Successful launch of deposit-banking business 
After acquiring a full banking license, the Daimler-
Chrysler Bank significantly expanded its range of ser-
vices in Germany beginning on July 1, 2002. Its product
portfolio now consists of money-market accounts, sav-
ings plans, fixed-interest savings plans, and credit cards
with the attractive RoadMiles rewards program. In the
first six months, more than 50,000 customers made
deposits totaling almost 1800 million – even better than
the goals we had set ourselves. With a 30% share of non
Group customers, DaimlerChrysler Bank has succeeded
in substantially expanding the customer base for vehicle
sales. DaimlerChrysler Bank’s money-market account
(3.6% interest rate; without any restrictions on the
amount deposited) offered extremely attractive terms in
the German deposit market at the end of 2002. The
bank’s fixed-interest accounts have terms ranging from
two to six years. In addition, the RoadMiles rewards 
program offers customers bonus points not only for pur-
chases made with the DaimlerChrysler and Mercedes
credit cards, but also when they make investments
through the DaimlerChrysler Bank. These points can be
redeemed for attractive merchandise items. 

Contract awarded for satellite-based toll system 
In September 2002, the Toll Collect consortium, in
which DaimlerChrysler Services has a 45% interest, was
awarded a contract by the German government for 
the construction and operation of a satellite-based toll
system for trucks over twelve metric tons in Germany.
The system is scheduled to go into operation in August
2003, and the operator contract is to run for twelve
years. Annual revenues of 1500 million are projected. 
With Toll Collect, Germany will obtain one of the

world’s most modern and intelligent systems for collect-
ing road tolls. Toll Collect is based on innovative satellite
and mobile-radio technologies. As this flexible system
can be adapted to other countries’ specific needs, Daimler-
Chrysler Services plans to tender for toll-collection 
systems in various other European countries and also 
in Asia. 

48 | Other Activities 

Other Activities

High incoming orders at MTU Aero Engines despite difficult
engine market | EADS achieves earnings and revenues 
targets in spite of challenging market conditions | Good
progress with restructuring at Mitsubishi Motors

Significant increase in earnings in 2002
The Other Activities segment consists of MTU Aero
Engines and shareholdings in EADS (33%) and 
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (37.1%), together with
Corporate Research, our real-estate activities, and our 
holding and finance companies. Our 40% holding in
TEMIC was also part of this segment until April 1, 2002,
when it was sold to Continental AG. Our share of the
operating results of EADS and Mitsubishi Motors is
included in the operating profit of DaimlerChrysler one
quarter later. DaimlerChrysler’s operating profit for
2002 thus includes these companies’ contributions for
the period of October 2001 through September 2002. 
The operating profit of the Other Activities segment

totaled 10.9 billion in 2002 (2001: 11.2 billion), and
includes a one-time gain of 1156 million from the sale of
our remaining 40% stake in TEMIC and related activities.
In the year 2001, there was an aggregate one-time gain
of 11.0 billion representing the net effect of the sale 
of Adtranz and 60% of TEMIC, the Group’s share of the
one-time income generated at EADS by the share 
swap associated with the formation of Airbus SAS, and 
the charge arising from the restructuring program at 
Mitsubishi Motors. Other Activities’ adjusted operating
profit totaled 1747 million in 2002 (2001: 1205 
million). 

Other Activities

Amounts in millions

Operating profit

Operating profit adjusted

2002
US $

947

783

2002
3

903

747

2001
3 

1,181

205

MTU Aero Engines

Global operations at MTU Aero Engines 
Together with its partners, the MTU Aero Engines 
business unit develops and manufactures civil and 
military aircraft engines as well as industrial gas 
turbines. As the world’s largest independent provider 
of maintenance services for civil-aviation engines, 
MTU Aero Engines also performs repair and overhaul 
on aircraft engines and on industrial gas turbines. 

MTU Aero Engines

Amounts in millions

Revenues

Incoming orders

Employees (Dec. 31)

2002
US $

2,093

2,014

2002
3

2,215

2,131

8,376

2001
3

2,487

2,183

7,839

High level of incoming orders despite ongoing 
difficulties in the engine market 
The effects of the terrorist attacks of September 11,
2001 led to a significant decline in revenues in the civil
aviation sector in 2002, which also impacted business
developments at MTU Aero Engines. 

The business unit’s revenues decreased by 11% 

compared with the previous year to 12.2 billion. 
A particularly sharp decline of 30% was recorded in the
civil engines and spare-parts business. This decline was,
however, partially offset by an increase in revenues at
the maintenance locations and in the military business.
The latter benefited in the year under review primarily
from the production start-up of the EJ200 engine used
in the Eurofighter jet. 

Incoming orders of 12.1 billion in 2002 nearly

reached the level of 2001 (-2%). The high level of orders
for the GP7000 engine for the Airbus A380 was offset
by the depreciation of the US dollar against the euro in
2002. Additionally, orders from government authorities
were down 9%, mainly due to the delay in finalizing 
contracts for the A400M military transport plane. 

Despite difficult markets in 2002, MTU Aero Engines
GmbH made a significant positive contribution to Group
operating profit. 

Other Activities | 49

A turbine disk, manufactured by MTU Aero Engine Components

The new Airbus A340-600, the newest four-engine long-haul passenger 

aircraft of the Airbus family. It features low fuel consumption and thus

lower operating costs than any other long-haul aircraft.

New projects safeguard future success 
Despite difficult markets, MTU Aero Engines plans to
continue its growth strategy by winning a larger share 
of future engine projects. In this context the selection 
of the MTU high-pressure compressor for Pratt & 
Whitney’s PW6000 civil-aircraft engine is a significant
milestone, as it is the first time that MTU Aero Engines
has participated independently in a project involving 
the design, development and production of a core 
component for a civil engine. Pratt & Whitney’s choice
of MTU creates a base for further increasing MTU Aero
Engines’ share of orders for new engine components
and participating more in major future development 
programs. 

EADS

Revenues and earnings on target 
The European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company
(EADS) is the world’s second-largest aerospace and
defense enterprise. EADS achieved its revenues and
earnings targets for the year 2002 despite difficult mar-
ket conditions and governments’ budget constraints.
EADS prepares its financial statements according to the
International Accounting Standards (IAS), and reported
total revenues of 129.9 billion in 2002, 3% lower than in
2001.

Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT before good-

will amortization and one-time effects) reached 
11.0 billion (2001: 11.1 billion) in the first nine months.
This positive result was due to the continuing market
success of the company’s products, as well additional
cost-cutting measures and synergies from integration. 
On February 10, 2003, EADS announced that its EBIT
for the full year should be slightly higher than its target
of 11.4 billion.

Incoming orders at EADS totaled 131.0 billion in 2002,

once again exceeding revenues. The order backlog of
1168 billion at the end of the year was equivalent to more
than five years’ revenues. EADS also expects a further
substantial increase in orders in the short term, mainly as
a result of recent successes at Airbus and planned
defense programs such as the Airbus A400M military
transporter, the British Skynet 5 satellite system, and 
the Meteor guided missile.

50 | Other Activities 

Major contracts for Airbus in a difficult market
At the end of 2002, Airbus had 300 new orders, thereby 
maintaining its strong market position, equivalent to 
a market share of 54% in terms of both units and value.
Airbus was awarded major contracts by easyJet (for 
120 aircraft of the A319 jet) and by FedEx (for 10 freight-
version A380 jets). Firm orders for A380 aircraft
increased to 95 units in 2002. With 303 planes delivered
in 2002, Airbus also achieved its goal of delivering 300
aircraft. On December 31, 2002, there was an order
backlog for 1,505 Airbus aircraft, equivalent to full pro-
duction capacity for more than five years related to 
production levels at the end of the year. 

Success in the defense segment 
The success of EADS in the defense segment was 
largely due to orders for missile systems and defense
electronics. 

Mitsubishi Motors 

Further improvement in earnings 
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC), the fourth-largest
Japanese automaker, continued to restructure in 2002
and succeeded in increasing sales, revenues and earnings.
In the first six months of the financial year ending on
March 31, 2003, sales of MMC vehicles were up 8% to
874,000 units (1st half 2001/02: 808,000 units). Unit
sales of passenger cars increased to 798,000 during the
same period (1st half 2001/02: 736,000). Within these
overall numbers, sharp declines in sales in Japan (-10%)
and Europe (-8%) were more than offset by substantial
increases in North America (+12%) and other markets
(+25%). Unit sales of commercial vehicles increased 
to 76,000 in the first six months of the financial year (1st
half 2001/02: 72,000). This was largely due to higher
sales in Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

Together with its North American partners, EADS was

Revenues during the first six months of the financial

selected as preferred bidder to supply mission aircraft
and radar systems to the US Coast Guard. EADS thus
strengthened its long-term competitive position in this
strategically important market. 

Other EADS units developing as planned 
The Aeronautics unit developed positively in 2002,
largely as a result of a solid performance by the Euro-
copter helicopter production company. However, 
due to ongoing market weakness, the Space unit remains
problematical. Restructuring and operating-cost control
measures within this business will therefore continue 
to have top priority in 2003. 

year ending on March 31, 2003 increased by 6% to
¥1,619 billion (113.9 billion), the first rise since 1997.
Whereas revenues from worldwide passenger car sales
were up 8% to ¥1,276 billion (110.9 billion), a severe
contraction in the Japanese market for commercial
vehicles made it impossible to equal the previous year’s
¥352.4 billion (1st half 2002/03: ¥342.5 billion = 
12.9 billion). 

The operating profit according to Japanese GAAP of
¥23.5 billion (1201 million) for the first six months of
2002/2003 was ¥36.6 billion (1313 million) higher than
in the first half of 2001/02. This improvement was 
primarily due the progress made with the restructuring
program, but also to the growth in revenues. 

Significant progress with restructuring 
The restructuring program at Mitsubishi Motors has
made significant progress. The earnings improvement
target for the first half of fiscal year 2002/03 was 
significantly exceeded. In June 2002, MMC left the
Japanese supplier organization Kashiwa-Kai. That move
allowed it to implement a more cost-efficient pro-
curement process that can be conducted on a broader 
international supplier base. MMC therefore expects 
the 15% savings in material costs targeted for financial
year 2003/04 to be achieved sooner than planned. 

Other Activities | 51

Product offensive ensures future growth
In November 2002, MMC launched the new Colt com-
pact car in the Japanese market. The initial sales 
phase for this important new model has to date been
successful. After one month of sales, more than 15,000
vehicles had been ordered. The introduction of the 
new Colt marked the beginning of an extensive product
offensive, in which the Mitsubishi brand is to be 
redefined worldwide with a new distinctive design to
attract additional customers. MMC plans to launch some 
12 new models in various versions in North America,
Europe, Asia and other markets between 2002 and
2007. 

Intensified cooperation in the alliance 
On September 20, 2002, the DaimlerChrysler Super-
visory Board and the Board of Mitsubishi Motors agreed
to further intensify the cooperation between the two
companies. As a result, on January 6, 2003, MMC spun
off its commercial-vehicle division into a separate com-
pany known as Mitsubishi Fuso Truck & Bus Corporation
(MFTBC). DaimlerChrysler intends to purchase 43% of
MFTBC in March 2003 for approx-imately 1760 million.
Mitsubishi Group companies (among them Mitsubishi
Corporation, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Bank of Tokyo
Mitsubishi) will acquire 15% of the new company for
approximately 1265 million. The remaining 42% will be
retained by MMC. The new company is expected to 
generate substantial cost and efficiency advantages 
for both DaimlerChrysler and MFTBC through joint 
purchasing and sales organizations, consolidation of
investments, and the joint development of vehicle 
chassis, powertrains and other components. 

The Mitsubishi Colt, launched in November 2002, was the third-best selling

car in Japan in the following month.

The development of shared platforms also intensified in
2002. The Colt model introduced last November in
Japan is based on a common B-segment platform that
will also be used in the four-seater smart in 2004. 
Similar projects are under way between MMC and Chrysler
Group for C- and D-segment vehicles. In general, these
projects will generate synergies for MMC and Daimler-
Chrysler in research and development, procurement and
production (see pages 42-43). 

In September 2002, MMC also signed contracts with
DaimlerChrysler dealers in Canada to facilitate its entry
into the Canadian market. A similar approach was taken
for Mexico in January 2003, and is planned for South
Africa and Eastern Europe. DaimlerChrysler has also
begun to sell smart cars in Japan through MMC dealers. 
MMC and DaimlerChrysler have also entered into 
a production partnership in China, whereby MMC will
manufacture the Pajero Sport and the Outlander at 
Beijing Jeep in China.

52 | Research & Technology

Research & Technology

Research and development expenditure remains high at 
36.2 billion | Focus on refining conventional and alternative
drive technologies | Emergency braking system for 
commercial vehicles unveiled | Significant progress made
with driver assistance systems 

Securing a competitive edge through innovation
Innovation is a decisive factor for DaimlerChrysler 
when it comes to setting ourselves apart from rival 
manufacturers in the automotive industry. The techno-
logical basis for ensuring continual innovation is 
provided by Corporate Research and the development
departments in the divisions. In 2002, DaimlerChrysler
invested a total of 16.2 billion (2001: 16.0 billion) 
in research and development for new products and 
technologies. On December 31, 2002, a total of 2,600
people (2001: 2,700) were employed at Corporate
Research, with a further 24,900 (2001: 25,400) working
in the development departments at the Mercedes Car
Group, Chrysler Group, and Commercial Vehicles. In
2002, activities at Corporate Research and Technology
focused on the following seven technology fields: 
– Drive technology 
– Vehicle construction and man-machine interaction 
– Materials technology 
– Production technology 
– Intelligent transportation systems 
– Software and process technology 
– Electronics and mechatronics

Reducing fuel consumption and vehicle emissions 
One of the major challenges in safeguarding the future
of the automobile is to achieve a sustainable reduction
in CO2 emissions, particularly by cutting fuel con-
sumption. Given the fact that conventional drive techno-
logy – i.e. the internal-combustion engine – is extremely
widespread, in 2002 DaimlerChrysler continued to 
work hard toward meeting targets – some of them self-
imposed, some legislative – for reducing fuel consump-
tion and vehicle emissions. In this context, the company
is conducting extensive research into systems to limit
soot particles and other emissions in diesel exhaust.

In 2002, we also focused on the continuous enhance-

ment of conventional engine technology as well as 
refining alternative drive systems, in particular starter-
generator drives and hybrid and fuel-cell systems 
(see page 54). Moreover, we intend to consistently utilize
lightweight construction techniques in order to reduce
vehicle weight as well as wind and roll resistance. 

In the area of gasoline and diesel engines, our re-
search activities focused on improved combustion 
and fuel injection, new types of supercharger systems, 
innovative exhaust-emission control systems, and 
continuously variable transmission technology. We have
also been examining the potential of new fuels, 
including diesel produced from biomass or natural gas. 
In our opinion, both of these alternatives can make a 
significant contribution toward the development of more
environment-friendly road transport (see pages 56-57). 

Road safety
In order to further increase safety and comfort, 
we have developed the “Predictive Powertrain,” which
combines various trip-related data such as the journey 
destination, the volume of traffic, the terrain along 
the route chosen, and the driving style of the person at
the wheel. On this basis, the system determines the 
appropriate engine characteristics, engine speed and
gear changes in order to achieve the lowest possible
fuel consumption, without any sacrifice in driving 
comfort.

Research & Technology | 53

The automatic emergency braking system, Protector, first gives the driver 

an acoustic and visual warning of an imminent front-end collision. If he does

not react, the system decelerates the truck with maximum braking force. 

A further example of a system that plans ahead is the
“Protector,” an emergency braking system for commer-
cial vehicles. Here a radar system alerts the driver 
to a dangerous situation and then automatically applies
the brakes if a collision appears imminent. “Protector”
marks the first time that an active braking system which
is responsive to its environment has been developed 
for mass production. The system was awarded a runners-
up prize for the German Future Prize, an award presented
by Germany’s president in recognition of pioneering
technology and innovations. 

Intelligent controls for relaxed and comfortable 
driving 
With the increasing number of controls for the heating,
air-conditioning, radio, car phone, navigation 
system, and the comfort settings for the engine and 
suspension, the requirement of easy operability is also
growing. Given such a broad range of features, it is
important that they can be operated intuitively without
any unnecessary distraction to the driver. 

Our new analytical tool ADAM (Advanced Driver Atten-

tion Metrics) offers a way of accurately determining 
the degree to which driver assistance and information
systems distract the person behind the wheel. Thanks 
to ADAM, we can now optimize new control systems at
a very early stage of the development process. 

Such systems include a voice-operated information
system known as the “Mobility Butler.” In a natural voice
dialog, the “Butler” accepts instructions, carries them
out, and helps the driver with a range of tasks. We have
already successfully tested an initial “Butler” prototype
that helps drivers find a parking space. 

Customer response to such developments is tested 
at our newly opened Customer Research Center (CRC) in
Berlin-Marienfelde. Here we analyze a range of vehicle
components as well as vehicle-related services and the
operation of complete vehicles on the road. For exam-
ple, in order to ensure the high-quality feel to a vehicle
interior that is so typical of our brands, we test cus-
tomers’ tactile, visual and auditory responses to vehicle
features in specially equipped laboratories. 

54 | Alternative Drive Concepts

Alternative Drive Concepts 

Alternative drive concepts are the key to sustainable 
mobility | Hybrid vehicles use less fuel than conventional 
drive systems | Start of customer tests for fuel-cell 
vehicles – a major milestone toward market launch

The vision of sustainable mobility
From a medium and, above all, a long-term perspective,
DaimlerChryler believes that another key to realizing 
the vision of sustainable mobility lies with alternative
drive concepts and the use of new biogenic or regenera-
tive fuels (see pages 56-57). One of the pillars of our
corporate strategy, which aims at securing a long-term
increase in the value of the company, is to strengthen
our innovative and technological leadership in drive
technology. DaimlerChrysler is therefore working inten-
sively to develop hybrid drive and fuel-cell technologies.

Enhanced performance with hybrid drive systems
For a number of years now, DaimlerChrysler has been
developing hybrid vehicles on the basis of several 
different platforms. During this time, we have show-
cased a whole range of hybrid concept vehicles, 
including the Mercedes-Benz A-Class “Hyper,” the
“smart hyper,” the Dodge Durango and the Chrysler
Sebring. 

The hybrid concept offers an intelligent combination

of the conventional internal-combustion engine and
electric drive technology. In vehicles such as the
Chrysler Sebring, as unveiled in April 2002, this can 
significantly reduce fuel consumption along with 
substantial improvements in performance.

Nevertheless, the complexity of hybrid technology
means significantly higher manufacturing costs. So only
in exceptional cases, for example the Dodge RAM 
Contractor Special, can hybrid vehicles be marketed 
economically. DaimlerChrysler is therefore focusing 
on lowering the manufacturing costs of hybrids.

First fuel-cell vehicles undergo customer tests
Since 1994, when the company presented its inaugural
fuel-cell concept car, NECAR 1, DaimlerChrysler has 
developed and tested 20 different prototypes. They have
been based on company models ranging from the 
Mercedes-Benz A-Class to the Jeep® Commander 
and the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, and included NEBUS, 

a fuel-cell bus. In October 2002, DaimlerChrysler
unveiled its first fuel-cell vehicles destined for fleet use.
The program comprises 30 fuel-cell-powered Mercedes-
Benz Citaro city buses and 60 Mercedes-Benz A-Class 
vehicles. Beginning in 2003, the Citaros will be 
delivered to transport operators in ten major European
cities. The A-Class vehicles, which are easily recog-
nizable by their “F-Cell” logos, are to take part in 
collaborative testing projects with customers around the
world, starting in 2003, to find out how they perform 
in everyday use. The buses will operate in normal service
in cities with differing climates and terrain. At the 
same time, they will introduce this clean and innovative 
form of transportation to several thousand passengers
in Europe every day. 

The completion of the fuel-cell concept phase 

at DaimlerChrysler is another milestone on the road to
launching this trendsetting drive technology on the 
market. The field tests are expected to yield important
information for the further development of this for-
ward-looking technology. 

Fuel-cell drives are substantially more efficient than
internal-combustion engines. As such, they offer great
potential for reducing CO2 emissions. Given the radical
modifications to the drive concept that this technology
entails, it is still in the early stages of what will be a
long-term development process. Moreover, the market
launch of such vehicles will require the creation of an
infrastructure for the supply and distribution of 
hydrogen or methanol. Mass production is therefore 
not expected before the next decade.

“I  am  particularly  fascinated  by  the  fact  that  this

pioneering  technology  offers  zero-emission  mo-

bility  without  fossil  fuels,”  says  Rainer  Bickel, 

responsible for prototyping and testing the Citaro

fuel-cell  bus.  As  part  of  an  EU  project,  in  2003  a

total of 30 Mercedes-Benz Citaro city buses will be

delivered  to  customers  in  ten  major  European

cities  and  proven  in  service  over  a  period  of  two

years. The necessary hydrogen infrastructure will

be  built  up  and  tested  in  parallel.  Energy  for  the

future. 

www.daimlerchrysler.com/livingbrands

56 | DaimlerChrysler and the Environment

DaimlerChrysler and the Environment

Reduced environmental impact from vehicle production and
operation | Further decrease in total fleet consumption |
Project launched to produce diesel and methanol from 
biomass | Group-wide promotion of environment-protection
projects  

Ongoing process to achieve sustainable mobility
and environmental protection 
Back in 1992, government representatives from 180
countries pledged their support for the concept of 
sustainable development at the United Nations Confer-
ence on the Environment and Development in Rio de
Janeiro. Ten years later, an initial assessment of the
progress made reveals two significant facts: On the one
hand, more effort is still required to realize the vision 
of enduring environmental protection and sustainable
mobility. On the other hand, the last few years have
seen significant advances and improvements in many
areas. 

We at DaimlerChrysler have also implemented numer-

To reduce the amount of waste paint temporarily stored in basins, 

ous changes in recent years with a view to significantly
reducing the impact on the environment from the pro-
duction and operation of our vehicles. Measures already
taken include the introduction of certified environmental
management systems at our plants and a substantial
reduction in emissions resulting from production pro-
cesses. We have, for example, reduced specific solvent
emissions by up to 80%. At the same time, significantly
enhanced efficiency in dealing with resources and
greater use of renewable raw materials in vehicle manu-
facturing are both helping to ease the burden on the
environment. Along with such improvements, we have
also achieved a significant cut in fuel consumption and
CO2 emissions for our vehicles through measures taken
within individual product lifecycles and from one model
generation to the next. As a result, the average fuel con-
sumption of our entire passenger-car fleet in Germany
has fallen by over 22% since 1995. 

after water and solvents are extracted the solid residue is compressed

into pellets. The high-purity methanol that is gained in this way can be

used as fuel in internal-combustion engines or fuel cells.

Around 40% of the total research budget at Daimler-
Chrysler is dedicated to the issues of fuel consumption
and emissions. In particular, we are working hard to
develop fuel-cell and hybrid drives and to create highly
efficient internal-combustion engines (see page 52). 

Indeed, the internal-combustion engine still has poten-

tial for improvement. However, even though renowned
environmental organizations regard the level of 
emissions produced by today’s gasoline engines as
extremely low, work remains to be done in the area of
fuel consumption. 

In order to bring about a further reduction in total
fleet consumption, it is crucial that the company intro-
duce low-consumption models for every vehicle 
segment. The real challenge here consists of maintain-
ing a healthy balance between low consumption on the
one hand and continued product appeal on the other.
Proof that this can be achieved is offered by the market
success of the smart cdi, which is by far the most 
popular ultra-fuel-efficient vehicle (three liters of fuel
per 100 kilometers) in Germany.

DaimlerChrysler and the Environment | 57

Renewable fuels – an option for the future 
Nevertheless, it is clear that efforts to improve the 
environmental credentials of motor-vehicle traffic must
focus on more than just the car itself. Of even greater
importance is the optimization of the entire vehicle-fuel
complex. 

In this respect, alternative fuels, and renewable fuels

in particular, have an important role to play. Even
though oil supplies are set to last well into the medium
term, we are naturally also investigating possible alter-
natives. As part of the so-called Choren project, we 
are therefore looking into ways of turning biomass into
diesel fuel or methanol. In the coming years, we 
can expect to see a development in this field similar to
what has already occurred with the use of renewable
materials in vehicle production. 

The issue of renewable fuels is also closely linked to
the question of drive technology. From a “well-to-wheel”
perspective, which is a holistic approach considering 
all aspects ranging from oil drilling to the drive train, it 
is already evident that the use of renewable fuels even
with conventional combustion engines would make 
a significant contribution to reducing CO2 emissions.
Alongside our core objective, which is the continued
enhancement of the efficiency of our drive systems, 
we therefore actively promote the introduction of envir-
onmentally compatible fuels in the market. 

Promoting innovations in environmental protection
In order to boost environmental awareness among 
our employees, we have been awarding our own “Envi-
ronmental Leadership Award” for several years now.
This prize, which is presented to company employees 
or suppliers throughout the world, honors exceptional
achievements in the field of environmental protection.
At the same time, both the statistics and the sheer
range of different projects demonstrate just how firmly
environmental protection is rooted in our corporate 
culture. In 2002 alone, we received more than 100 
proposals for environmental improvements from over 
50 company locations in a total of eleven countries. 
– In Valencia, Venezuela, DaimlerChrysler employees
teach classes on the subject of environmental pro-
tection at ten schools on a voluntary basis. In this
way, they are actively helping the company to fulfil its
social responsibilities. A total of 37,000 people are
involved in related environmental projects. 

– The amount of special waste produced at the Sindel-
fingen plant in Germany has been reduced by 99%,
resulting in savings of nearly 135 million. This exam-
ple shows that innovative methods of reducing waste
support the achievement of both ecological and 
economic objectives. 

– By exploiting the gas that previously went unused at 
a nearby waste disposal site, the heating station 
at the Chrysler plant in St. Louis, Missouri, has been
able to cut annual CO2 emissions by 15,000 tons
while saving more than 1300,000. 

The breadth of our commitment to environmental pro-
tection has also received international recognition. 
At the Johannesburg Environmental Summit in Septem-
ber 2002, for example, DaimlerChrysler was presented
with the “World Summit Business Award.” The com-
pany’s dedication to this issue is also one of the reasons
why we are listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index. 

58 | Global Procurement & Supply

Global Procurement & Supply 

Total purchasing valued at 3102.1 billion | New organization
for global procurement | Significant reduction in variety 
of components 

Continued implementation of global procurement
management 
In 2002, DaimlerChrysler purchased goods and services
valued at 1102.1 billion (2001: 1106.5 billion). For 
the automotive divisions alone, Global Procurement & 
Supply (GP&S) purchases were worth 199.8 billion
(2001: 1101.2 billion). 

Due to stronger competition between suppliers, 

GP&S aligned its organization and processes to enhance 
global coordination, and to accelerate the internal 
transfer of knowledge and technology. These measures
are designed to optimize the global supply base. 

Global procurement focused on efficient suppliers 
Intense competition within the automotive industry and
the increasing complexity of vehicles mean heavier
demands on suppliers. The selection of cost-efficient
suppliers and the utilization of economies of scale are
thus becoming increasingly important. DaimlerChrysler
purchased about 40% of its goods and services in 
Germany during the period under review, and a further
8% in other countries of the European Union. North
America’s share was around 48%. Due to the sharper
focus on Asian markets, we are also intensively analyz-
ing the potential for more procurement there. 

In 2002, approximately 700 online bidding events

were processed via the Covisint Internet platform. 
Covisint, a company whose shareholders include 
DaimlerChrysler and several other automobile manu-
facturers, provided the required technology and 
carried out the bidding procedures. This underscores the
increasing importance of online bidding as an efficient
procurement instrument. 

New organization and processes for global 
procurement 
In order to achieve cost savings combined with im-
proved quality for non-production material (goods which
do not flow into our products, but which are needed 
for their production, such as machines), the new Inter-
national Procurement Services (IPS) organization 
has been formed, so that materials with global synergy
potential are purchased by just one department. 

GP&S also implemented a lead-buyer model for pro-

duction material (goods which flow directly into the
products, such as steel, paint or tires) so as to enhance
communication and coordination among the procure-
ment departments of Mercedes Car Group, Chrysler
Group and the Commercial Vehicles division. The lead
buyers oversee the procurement of certain materials
and parts, worldwide, in cooperation with the buyers for
each vehicle brand. 

This reorganization of GP&S represents a major 
milestone in leveraging DaimlerChrysler’s purchasing
power more effectively and managing resources 
globally. 

Standardized information technology and processes 
To facilitate the work of the new organization, processes
were standardized and a common commodity coding
system was established for all parts and components 
to be purchased. Based on state-of-the-art information
technology, existing procurement systems across 
all GP&S operations were integrated to enable a global 
flow of information. A data warehouse provides the
detailed information needed for worldwide commodity
management. 

Global Procurement & Supply | 59

Reduced variety of parts due to concentration 
in material groups 
Within the context of the commodity strategies initiated
by the Executive Automotive Committee (EAC), we also
grouped together suppliers with identical or similar
product ranges and defined groups of common parts or
materials. With an optimized supply base Daimler-
Chrysler can increase purchases from its best-perform-
ing suppliers and lower their costs as well. 

By defining common commodities, significantly higher

volumes of single parts or materials can be purchased.
This also creates economies of scale for our suppliers.
In order to protect our brands, only those components
which are of minor importance for brand identity are
selected for such grouping (see pages 42-43). 

Implementation of the commodity strategies 
Within the framework of implementing our commodity
strategy we took the following decisions in 2002: 

In the past, DaimlerChrysler used 14 different steer-

ing pumps in its various vehicles. Investigations have
shown that it is possible to reduce this number, so that
by 2006 just three versions will be needed. This 
standardization will also result in a smaller number of
suppliers. 

One common tire-pressure sensor is to be developed

from the three existing components. The new design 
will meet the needs of Mercedes Car Group, Chrysler
Group and Mitsubishi Motors, our alliance partner, 
in terms of electrical, temperature and system require-
ments. In addition, substantial savings will be made by
reducing the variety of valve designs and by standar-
dizing rear-wiper motors. In the future, identical motors
will be used in several vehicle lines. We have also been
able to use price transparency in exhaust systems in one
business unit to eliminate price differentials elsewhere. 

Substantial savings potential from combined procurement: In the future, 

only one type of sensor will be used worldwide to measure tire pressure.

Yet another example is an agreement among the 
Mercedes-Benz Trucks and Freightliner/Sterling/
Thomas Built Buses business units to use identical 
air-conditioning compressors in some of their vehicles.
And together with the development departments we 
are currently analyzing whether Mercedes-Benz radiators
can be fitted to Freightliner trucks. 

In order to achieve even greater cost savings for

future models and vehicle series, we hold frequent work-
shops in which know-how is pooled and new ideas 
are generated. 

60 | DaimlerChrysler’s Social Responsibility

DaimlerChrysler’s Social Responsibility

for acting responsibly at all of our company’s locations.
They augment DaimlerChrysler’s own guidelines through
which we have committed ourselves in writing to equal
opportunities, health care and work safety, protection of
the environment, and the Integrity Code (see page 153).
For the Global Compact to succeed, all employees have
to be committed to its objectives. DaimlerChrysler and
its newly established World Employee Committee are
cooperating closely to achieve this goal. 

Reflecting our commitment to social responsibility, we

support social, humanitarian, cultural, environmental
and scientific projects worldwide. The company donates
money in emergencies, sponsors projects of public 
benefit and supports various foundations. With all of 
our social involvement we show that we care. 
It is a principle that guides all of our social activities.

DaimlerChrysler assumes social responsibility worldwide |
Support for social, humanitarian, cultural, ecological and
scientific projects | Support for the principles of the UN’s
Global Compact | Commitment to reducing HIV/AIDS in
South Africa | Publication of first social-responsibility report 

DaimlerChrysler – global player and good 
corporate citizen
As an automotive and services company operating 
globally, DaimlerChrysler is part of a larger community.
We are aware of our social responsibility at every 
location where we do business – and in the world as 
a whole. 

Our customers’ acceptance of our products and 

services makes it possible for us to make positive contri-
butions for the benefit of the environment and society
all over the world. DaimlerChrysler endeavors to create 
a better future by working closely with decision-makers
in politics, business and society at large. 

Principles underlying our actions: the Global 
Compact and the Integrity Code
DaimlerChrysler believes people everywhere should
benefit from globalization, no matter where they live. 
We therefore support the Global Compact initiated by
UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. The principles con-
tained in the Global Compact also constitute guidelines

Principles of the “Global Compact”

Human Rights

1. Businesses should support and respect the protection of internationally 

proclaimed human rights within their sphere of influence; and

2. make sure they are not complicit in human rights abuses.

Labour

3. Businesses should uphold the freedom of association and,  
the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining;
4. the elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labour;
5. the effective abolition of child labour; and
6. eliminate discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.

Environment

7. Businesses should support a precautionary approach to environmental  

challenges;

8. undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility; and
9. encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly  

technologies.

Sprinter  for  the  main  meal  of  the 

day.  On  behalf  of  various  charities,

the  “Table  Service”  organization 

collects  donated 

food  every  day 

and distributes it to the needy in the

form  of  a  warm  lunch.  So  that  they

can  do  this  work,  DaimlerChrysler

has  provided  100  Mercedes-Benz

Sprinters free of charge for this table

service. 

www.daimlerchrysler.com/markenerlebnis

62 | DaimlerChrysler’s Social Responsibility

DaimlerChrysler: a good corporate citizen
The company’s support of the World Childhood Foun-
dation (WCF) is just one example of DaimlerChrysler’s
committment to improving living conditions worldwide,
and of the seriousness with which the company 
takes its responsibilities as a good corporate citizen.
DaimlerChrysler is one of the co-founders of this 
charitable organization initiated by Sweden’s Queen 
Silvia, and has supported its work with a donation of
11 million. The WCF looks after destitute street children
who have been sexually abused and who would other-
wise have virtually no chance of ever living a decent life.
The Foundation currently helps needy children in 37
projects worldwide. 

It is not just the company but also its employees who

Jane Alexander, “African Adventure” (1999-2002); Last year, the “African

support this project: During their free time, approxi-
mately 600 DaimlerChrysler employees from 14 music
ensembles simultaneously staged benefit concerts 
on behalf of the WCF at eleven locations throughout 
Germany.

Responsibility for employees: 
the fight against HIV/AIDS
The acquired immune-deficiency syndrome, AIDS, is the
most common cause of death in many countries, includ-
ing South Africa. As a result, the company loses many 
highly skilled employees. As part of its Workplace 
Initiative on HIV/AIDS, DaimlerChrysler South Africa is
providing medical care for those who need it as well as
information on the disease and on methods to prevent 
it from spreading. Other members of this public-private
project are the South African government, the German
Society for Technical Cooperation (GTZ), trade unions
and various international organizations such as UNAIDS.
Protecting employees and their families against AIDS
has top priority at DaimlerChrysler. The company was
honored by the United Nations for its efforts in 
combating AIDS when UN Secretary General Kofi Annan
presented the Award for Business Excellence in the
Workplace to CEO Jürgen E. Schrempp in June 2002.
Jürgen E. Schrempp was also appointed chairman of the
Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS.

Adventure” sculpture installation was shown outside South Africa for the first

time in exhibitions of the artist’s work at DaimlerChrysler’s premises in

Stuttgart and Berlin. In recognition of her outstanding artistic achievement,

Jane Alexander was given the “DaimlerChrysler Award for South African

Sculpture 2002”.

Intercultural exchange
The need for greater intercultural understanding and
dialogue is one of the most pressing challenges of our
time, and DaimlerChrysler considers it a social and 
corporate responsibility to promote cultural exchange
among people of different backgrounds.

The New York–Berlin bridge
Following the terrible events of September 11, 2001,
German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder initiated 
a program that enabled 1,000 New York teenagers 
aged 16 to 18 to tour Germany. DaimlerChrysler took 
a leading role in this project, which was designed 
to provide young people with an insight into German 
culture and society. 

A picture is worth a thousand words
In addition to sponsoring talented young musicians and
numerous orchestras, DaimlerChrysler also supports
the fine arts. For example, DaimlerChrysler sponsors
numerous cultural and art events in Germany and the
United States.

DaimlerChrysler’s own art collection is regularly
exhibited to employees and the public. In South Africa
DaimlerChrysler awarded a prize to young artists, whose
work was subsequently exhibited in Germany. 

DaimlerChrysler’s Social Responsibility | 63

In 2002, the DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund 
provided financial support for “Degas and the Dance,”
an extra-ordinary exhibition at the Detroit Institute of
Arts of masterpieces by the Impressionist artist, Edgar
Degas. The paintings, drawings and sculptures in this
unique exhibition were loaned by 97 art collections in
eleven countries. 

First DaimlerChrysler social-responsibility report 
In order to better present the many social projects
sponsored by DaimlerChrysler, the company published
its first social-responsibility report in November 2002.
“Social Responsibility – A Commitment to the Future”,
which can also be downloaded from the Internet at
www.daimlerchrysler.com, provides in-depth information
on our efforts to improve opportunities for young 
people, promote dialogue and cooperation with univer-
sities and training centers, support social initiatives, 
promote environmental-protection projects, and
sponsor the arts and culture throughout the world. It
also describes DaimlerChrysler’s activities in this field
at several locations where the company does business. 

Mobility: road safety for everyone
As an automaker, DaimlerChrysler is especially con-
cerned with traffic safety. Thanks to a number of tech-
nical innovations ranging from the airbag to the night
vision system, the company is close to realizing its
vision of “accident-free driving.” In addition, we want
everyone – and children and teenagers in particular 
– to know how to behave properly in traffic situations. 
In addition to our participation in the Global Road
Safety Partnership in conjunction with the World Bank,
DaimlerChrysler initiates its own projects. One of them,
the “Fit for a Kid” project in the United States, shows
parents how to properly install and use child-safety
seats. The global MobileKids project meanwhile 
provides children between eight and twelve with traffic-
safety information.

The international “Mobile Kids” project teaches children between the 

ages of eight and twelve to use their bicycles, skateboards and kickboards

with more awareness and safety.

Technology and innovation
DaimlerChrysler sets great importance in attracting 
qualified young professionals to work in research 
and technology, so we try to contact young people at 
an early stage in their career. 

The best known competition for up-and-coming 

scientists in Germany is “Young Researchers”, in which 
DaimlerChrysler offers the Prospects Forum for national
winners and runners-up. DaimlerChrysler also believes 
it has a social responsibility to encourage dialogue
among universities, the business community, and up-
and-coming scientists and researchers. 

DaimlerChrysler is convinced that the prospects for
technical professions are excellent, and therefore the
company was actively involved in Baden-Württemberg’s
Young Women’s Technology Day 2002 for female 
students from grades nine through twelve. The company
was one of its main sponsors and offered a program 
of its own as well. DaimlerChrysler’s involvement in such
projects is designed to interest young women in a
career in technology, an area where they are traditionally
underrepresented.

64 | Human Resources

so-called flexi-pools, working-time accounts, new shift
models, working-time budgets, and the use of temporary
employees in the holiday season. Together such mea-
sures introduce an element of flexibility equivalent 
to around +/- 25% of the company’s capacity in Germany,
enabling it to respond rapidly to fluctuations in demand
with little effect on costs. The introduction of long-term
working-time accounts in Germany launched yet 
another innovative and forward-looking instrument for
achieving greater flexibility. With the help of these 
measures taken to increase flexibility, the company was
able to maintain approximately 3,000 jobs in the year
2002. Against a background of continuing uncertainties
regarding market developments, DaimlerChrysler plans
to further intensify its activities in this area. 

Employee stock program successful in 2002 
The employee stock program was restructured in 2001
to allow employees to purchase a total of 90 shares per
year in three purchasing rounds (30 shares per round).
In 2002, around 45,300 employees participated in 
the three purchasing rounds (2001: 44,600), bringing
the total number of employee stockholders at year-end
2002 to 126,000. Employee shares are an important
instrument for us to encourage employee retention and
to allow employees to participate more directly in the
company’s success. 

Human Resources 

Continued implementation of global human resources 
strategy | 365,571 employees worldwide (2001: 372,470),
decrease mainly at Chrysler Group and Commercial 
Vehicles | Greater flexibility to adapt to fluctuations in
demand  

365,571 employees worldwide 
At December 31, 2002, DaimlerChrysler employed
365,571 people worldwide (2001: 372,470). Of 
this total, approximately 191,574 worked in Germany 
(2001: 191,158), and 101,437 in the United States 
(2001: 104,871). The decrease in the size of the Group’s
workforce was the result not only of staff reductions
connected with the measures taken at Chrysler Group
to reduce costs and increase efficiency, but also of the
sale of production facilities such as in Graz, Austria, 
and of the restructuriing activities at the Commercial
Vehicles division. Overall, the total number of employees
was reduced by 6,900 during 2002.

Responding flexibly to fluctuations in demand. 
DaimlerChrysler is taking various measures to increase
its flexibility to respond to fluctuations in demand, 
while maintaining its permanent core workforce. These 
measures include adjusting employee numbers (work-
force flexibility) and employees’ working hours (working-
time flexibility) to actual requirements by means of 

Employees (Dec. 31)

DaimlerChrysler Group

Mercedes Car Group

Chrysler Group

Commercial Vehicles

Sales Organization Automotive Businesses

Services
Other 1

2002

2001

365,571

101,778

95,835

94,111

42,142

10,521

21,184

372,470

102,223

104,057

96,644

38,733

9,712

21,102

1 MTU Aero Engines, Corporate Research department, real-estate activities, and

holding and finance companies

We are the Berlin-Marienfelde facility.

The  oldest  production  plant  in  the

DaimlerChrysler  Group  offers  its  em-

ployees, from apprentices to production

manager,  the  right  opportunities  for

individual development. The outstand-

ing  levels  of  qualification  and  motiva-

tion of the Berlin workforce, combined

with  their  wealth  of  ideas  and  flexi-

bility,  have  been  a  decisive  factor  for

the success of the plant for 100 years. 

www.daimlerchrysler.com/livingbrands

66 | Human Resources

World Employee Committee established 
In 2002, the management of the Group in consultation
with international employee representatives founded the
World Employee Committee, an important information
and discussion panel for worldwide employment issues.
Mutual understanding and good working relationships
facilitate further progress with the global linkage of our
activities. 

e-business activities further expanded 
DaimlerChrysler has continuously expanded its 
e-business activities at Human Resources in recent
years. In this context our employees are gradually 
being introduced to internal e-business applications.
This accelerates and simplifies internal processes and
allows direct interaction. All employee-related e-business
applications are consolidated in the DCeLife program.
The Employee Portal, which is the individual employee’s
personal gateway to DC eLife, provides information to
employees at all DaimlerChrysler locations in Germany,
as well as handling working processes and personal
applications. The electronic travel service, for example,
brings together 70 travel agencies in a virtual Travel 
Service Center that registers approximately 180 online
bookings per day. 

In addition, the ePeople project has standardized 

web-based personnel management processes and
established an online network for human resources
departments throughout Germany. The first ePeople
applications have been successfully introduced. We
intend to gradually make our e-business applications
available at our locations worldwide. 

Comprehensive executive assessment with LEAD 
In 2002, we continued to develop our global executive
assessment and development instrument, LEAD 
(Leadership Evaluation And Development). LEAD is
designed to identify management potential in a timely
manner, promote talent, and ensure that the company’s
management requirements will be met over the long term. 
In 2002, the LEAD process generated a comprehensive
overview of global potential at DaimlerChrysler and
identified a large number of high-potential managers at
all levels, thus enabling the Group to meet its future
needs for specialists and executive staff and offering

attractive career prospects to our employees. The 
LEAD process was also instrumental in the recruitment
of an international team for Asia in 2002. In 2003, LEAD
will be expanded to include master craftsmen and non-
managerial salaried employees, so that persons with
potential can be systematically identified and promoted
at an earlier stage. 

Attracting young professionals and graduates 
Last year, DaimlerChrysler cooperated closely with
numerous colleges and universities in order to recruit
young, talented professionals to the company. These
recruitment efforts focused primarily on university 
graduates and young professionals with a technical
background. Various events, such as the International
Engineers Day, the Passenger Cars Development Career
Workshop, and the Women’s Career Workshop, enabled
potential recruits to gain a practical insight into the
inner workings of the company. In addition, customized
job-entry and employee-development programs will
ensure the successful integration of the approximately
2,400 young people we hired around the world in 2002. 

Training and continuing education to meet future
demands 
Training and continuing education are crucial to business
success. For this reason, DaimlerChrysler invested some
1310 million in training and further education programs
in 2002. Experienced employees are also prepared for the
constantly changing demands that are placed upon
them, in line with the philosophy of lifelong learning. At
the end of the year, the company had 10,300 trainees 
in Germany (2001: 10,400). 

A thank you to our staff 
We would like to thank all our employees for their initia-
tive, commitment and achievements. We are convinced
that the ability, enthusiasm and energy of our emp-
loyees will enable us to continue our successful deve-
lopment in the future. We also extend our thanks 
to the employee representatives for their constructive
cooperation. 

Financial Reporting | 67

Financial Reporting

68 | Analysis of the Financial Situation

114 | Notes to Consolidated Balance Sheets

68 | Operating Results

73 | Performance Measures

114 |

Goodwill

114 |

Other Intangible Assets

75 | Financial position and Cash Flow

115 |

Property, Plant and Equipment, net

78 | Risk Report

115 |

Equipment on Operating Leases, net

83 | Events after the end of the 2002 financial year

115 |

Inventories

84 | Statement by the Board of Management

115 |

Trade Receivables

85 | Independent Auditors’ Report

115 |

Receivables from Financial Services

86 | Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss)

116 |

Other Receivables

88 | Consolidated Balance Sheets

116 |

Securities, Investments and Long-Term Financial Assets

89 | Consolidated Statements of Changes in

118 |

Liquid Assets

Stockholders’ Equity

118 |

Prepaid Expenses

90 | Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

118 |

Stockholders’ Equity

92 | Consolidated Fixed Assets Schedule

120 |

Stock-Based Compensation

94 | Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

123 |

Accrued Liabilities

94 | Basis of Presentation

128 |

Financial Liabilities

94 |

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

129 |

Trade Liabilities

102 |

Scope of Consolidation

103 |

Equity Method Investments 

129 |

Other Liabilities

129 |

Deferred Income

104 |

Accquisitions and Dispositions

130 | Other Notes

106 | Notes to Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss)

130 |

Litigation and Claims

106 |

Functional Costs and Other Expenses 

132 |

Commitments and Contingencies

107 |

Other Income

133 |

Information About Financial Instruments and Derivatives

108 |

Turnaround Plan for the Chrysler Group

136 |

Retained Interests in Sold Receivables and Sales of

109 |

Financial Income, net

110 |

Income Taxes

Finance Receivables

138 |

Segment Reporting

112 |

Cumulative Effects of Changes in Accounting

140 |

Earnings (Loss) per Share

Principles

141 |

Related Party Transactions

113 |

Extraordinary Items

142 |

Compensation and share ownership of the members of

the Board of Management and the Supervisory Board and

further additional information concerning German

Corporate Governance Code 

68 | Analysis of the Financial Situation

Analysis of the Financial Situation 

Group operating profit 36.9 billion (2001: 31.3 billion operating
loss); adjusted for one-time effects operating profit of 35.8 
(2001: 31.3) billion  | Substantial improvement in earnings despite
difficult market conditions worldwide  | Significant progress in
implementation of turnaround plans at Chrysler Group and in the
Freightliner, Sterling and Thomas Built Buses business unit  |
Balance sheet particularly impacted by exchange rate effects and
the recording of pension accruals  | Cash flows impacted by
improved earnings and disposal gains

1. Operating Results

Operating profit up significantly despite global market
weakness
In 2002, DaimlerChrysler recorded an operating profit of 
16.9 billion, compared with an operating loss of 11.3 billion in 
the previous year. Gains on the sale of our investments in 
T-Systems ITS (formerly debis Systemhaus) and Conti Temic
microelectronic (formerly TEMIC) totaling 12.6 billion had a
positive impact on operating profit for 2002. One-time expens-
es totaling 11.6 billion which mainly resulted from restructur-
ing measures taken at the Chrysler Group and in the Commer-
cial Vehicles segment (11.0 billion) and from impairments on
long-lived assets in the Commercial Vehicles segment (10.2
billion), had a negative impact on operating profit for 2002.
The Services segment incurred costs of 10.4 billion in connec-
tion with the intended sale of portions of the Capital Services
portfolio (financial services activities outside the automotive
sector) and as a result of the decision of the Argentine govern-
ment to reform its financial system and monetary policy. 

Operating Profit (Loss) by Segments

In millions

Mercedes Car Group

Chrysler Group

Commercial Vehicles

Services

Other Activities

Eliminations

DaimlerChrysler Group

Adjusted for one-time effects

2002

US $

3,167

639

(360)

3,208

947

(414)

7,187

6,112

2002
3

3,020

609

(343)

3,060

903

(395)

6,854

5,829

2001
3

2,951

(5,281)

(514)

612

1,181

(267)

(1,318)

1,345

Note: The chapters “Business Review”, “Analysis of the Financial Situation” and “Outlook”
correspond to the consolidated business review report of DaimlerChrysler Group based
on the Financial Statements compiled according to generally accepted accounting princi-
ples in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP).

Additional one-time expenses in 2002 of 128 million resulted
from the impairment of an e-business investment, which
affected the Chrysler Group and Commercial Vehicles seg-
ments.

Operating loss of the previous year was negatively impacted

by one-time charges totaling 12.7 billion. 

The one-time effects affecting operating profit in the 2002
and 2001 financial years for each segment are presented in
the table on page 69.

Adjusted to exclude these one-time effects, operating profit

in 2002 was 15.8 billion, up considerably compared to the
previous year (11.3 billion). Chrysler Group accounted for 
a significant portion of this increase in operating profit, which
was achieved despite difficult global market conditions. The
positive impacts from Chrysler Group were principally caused
by the performance improvement measures initiated in 2001.
The other segments also increased their profit contributions
over the previous year’s levels.

Operating profit of Mercedes Car Group up on 
previous year
The operating profit of the Mercedes Car Group segment was
13.0 billion in the current year, a slight increase compared to
the previous year. 

In the 2002 financial year, the segment generated unit sales

of 1,232,300 units and revenues of 150.2 billion, which
exceeded the previous year’s unit sales (+ 0.2%) and revenues
(+ 5.2%) despite the overall decline of the global market.
With 2002 global unit sales of 1,110,000 vehicles, the 

Mercedes-Benz passenger cars brand nearly matched the high
unit sales level of the previous year (1,113,500 vehicles). The
slight decline in unit sales was accompanied by an increase 
in expenditures attributable to investments in connection with
the S-Class facelift and the second product initiative. The 
second product initiative was successfully continued in 2002
with the market launch of the new E-Class sedan and the
CLK coupe in the first six months of 2002. However, these
negative impacts on operating profit were more than offset 
by further increases in efficiency and an improved product
mix, which resulted from the launch of the new E-Class and
the CLK coupe. 

smart reduced its operating loss from 2001 to 2002, largely

through unit sales increases from 116,200 to 122,300 
vehicles. The rise in unit sales was largely due to positive 
market acceptance of the smart city-coupe and the smart con-
vertible, as well as the full availability of the right-hand drive
version in the UK. Development costs for the smart roadster
and the smart roadster coupe, both of which are scheduled for

Analysis of the Financial Situation | 69

launch in April 2003, and for a new four-seater (forfour) being
designed and manufactured in collaboration with Mitsubishi
Motors, which is scheduled for launch in 2004, had a negative
impact on operating profit.

Positive operating results posted at Chrysler Group
Chrysler Group achieved an operating profit of 10.6 billion in
2002 compared to an operating loss of 15.3 billion in the prior
year. The 2002 operating profit includes restructuring charges
of 10.7 billion while the 2001 operating loss includes restruc-
turing charges of 13.1 billion resulting from the turnaround
plan implemented in February 2001 in response to an increas-
ingly competitive and weakening US automotive market. 
The turnaround plan is designed to improve Chrysler Group’s
financial performance and market position. The restructuring

One-Time Effects included in Operating Profit (Loss) by Segments

In millions

Mercedes Car Group

Impairment charges

Chrysler Group

Turnaround plan

Impairment charges

Commercial Vehicles

Restructuring charges

Impairment charges

Services

Gains on disposals of business

Impairment charges

Economic crisis in Argentina

Other Activities

Dilution gains and gains on
disposals of businesses 

Restructuring charges

Impairment charges

2002

US $

–

–

(742)

(728)

(14)

(544)

(276)

(268)

2,198

2,605

(295)

(112)

163

163

–

–

2002
3

–

–

(708)

(694)

(14)

(519)

(263)

(256)

2,096

2,484

(281)

(107)

156

156

–

–

2001
3

(10)

(10)

(3,098)

(3,064)

(34)

(565)

(534)

(31)

34

292

(166)

(92)

976

1,335

(351)

(8)

DaimlerChrysler Group

1,075

1,025

(2,663)

Operating Profit (Loss) adjusted for One-time Effects

In millions

Industrial Business

Financial Services

DaimlerChrysler Group

2002

US $

5,073

1,039

6,112

2002
3

4,838

991

5,829

2001
3

782

563

1,345

charges in 2001 primarily related to workforce reductions,
asset write-downs and contract cancellation costs. The addi-
tional restructuring charges recognized in 2002 were for costs
associated with the idling, closing or disposal of certain manu-
facturing facilities and ongoing workforce reduction measures
as well as revisions of estimates based upon information 
currently available or actual settlements. The operating profit 
in 2002 also includes impairment charges of 114 million while
the operating loss in 2001 includes impairment charges of
134 million allocated to Chrysler Group relating to Daimler-
Chrysler’s e-business activities.

Adjusted to exclude one-time effects, the 2002 operating
profit amounted to 11.3 billion (2001: 12.2 billion loss). This
significant improvement was primarily the result of cost reduc-
tions and other actions taken as part of the turnaround plan,
lower customer satisfaction costs and increased shipments,
partially offset by net vehicle price reductions. The net vehicle
price reductions are the result of higher vehicle pricing which
was more than offset by higher sales incentives attributable to
intense competitive pressures in the North American market.
Consistent with industry patterns, US dealer inventory 
levels rose from 442,000 units at December 31, 2001 to
517,000 units at December 31, 2002. The Chrysler Group
market share in the US and Canada decreased slightly in 2002
compared to 2001. 

Improved earnings in the Commercial Vehicles segment
through rigorous restructuring 
The Commercial Vehicles segment posted an operating loss of
10.3 billion for the current year (2001: 10.5 billion). Due 
principally to the continued weakness of the global commer-
cial vehicle markets, personnel restructuring measures were
initiated in the Mercedes-Benz Trucks, DaimlerChrysler Power-
systems and DaimlerChrysler Buses and Coaches business
units in 2002, which resulted in one-time charges of 10.3 
billion. These charges also include exit costs of a production
plant in Mannheim. The restructuring program at the Freight-
liner, Sterling and Thomas Built Buses business unit, initiated
in the previous year, resulted in further charges in 2002. In
addition, impairment charges of 10.2 billion were incurred in
connection with the partial sale of a subsidiary as well as with
a change in the long-term product and production strategy. 

70 | Analysis of the Financial Situation

The operating loss of 10.5 billion in the previous year was 
negatively impacted by one-time expenses of 10.6 billion,
which were largely due to restructuring measures and costs
incurred in connection with weak market developments in the
Freightliner, Sterling and Thomas Built Buses business unit. 

Adjusted to exclude one-time effects, operating profit in the
Commercial Vehicles segment was up 10.1 billion to 10.2 bil-
lion despite the weak market development in Western Europe
and South America. Increased sales realized in anticipation 
of the introduction of new emission standards in the United
States led to higher revenues and improved profit margins
which nearly compensated for the weak demand in the truck
markets. In addition, the restructuring measures implemented
at Freightliner, Sterling and Thomas Built Buses significantly
contributed to the improvement in operating profit, much ear-
lier than anticipated, whereas the difficult market environment
prevented the other business units from approximating the
operating profit levels of the previous year. 

Earnings trend for Services positively impacted by 
favorable refinancing conditions 
In 2002, the Services segment recorded an operating profit 
of 13.1 billion (2001: 10.6 billion). The operating profit was
impacted by one-time effects in both years. 

The 2002 operating profit included a one-time gain of 12.5
billion from the sale of our 49.9% equity interest in T-Systems
ITS to Deutsche Telekom. In contrast, the continued economic 
crisis in Argentina (further devaluation of the Argentine peso
against the US dollar) led to one-time expenses totaling 10.1
billion. Additional expenses of 10.3 billion resulted from write-
downs of lease receivables and impairments of certain leased
assets recognized in connection with portions of the Capital
Services portfolio (financial services outside the automotive
sector) sold or held for sale. 

Operating profit of the previous year was positively impact-

ed by the sale of the remaining 10% investment in debitel to
Swisscom, which resulted in a gain of 10.3 billion. The Argen-
tine government’s restructuring of its finance and banking
industry resulted in one-time expenses of 10.1 billion in 2001.
In addition, in connection with an agreement to sell a portion
of the Capital Services portfolio to GE Capital that was con-
cluded in early 2002, 10.2 billion of expenses were incurred,
which were included in the results for the 2001 financial year. 
Adjusted to exclude one-time effects, the operating profit in
2002 amounted to 11.0 billion, which was significantly higher
than the operating profit of 10.6 billion for the previous year.

The improvement in earnings was largely due to favorable refi-
nancing conditions arising from continued low interest rates in
our key markets and improved re-marketing management for
returned leased vehicles, particularly in the United States. 
In addition, despite deteriorating economic conditions, provi-
sions for credit losses decreased resulting in an improvement
in operating profit. This decrease is mainly attributable to 
lower provisions for credit losses in the United States for the
leasing and financing business of Chrysler Group and Freight-
liner vehicles. The lower provisions for credit losses in the
United States were partially offset by higher provisions for
credit losses mainly in Europe and Mexico, in particular relat-
ing to the commercial vehicles portfolio. Also offsetting the
overall decrease in risk provisions were impairment charges of
10.3 billion due to declining resale prices of used passenger
cars in North America. The operating profit was also negative-
ly impacted by a loss of 10.1 billion related to the 35% equity
method investment in debis AirFinance. Additionally, this
investment debited the Other Activities segment with 118 
million. 

Improved profit contributions of EADS and Mitsubishi
Motors in Other Activities 
Other Activities comprises the investments in the European
Aeronautic Defence and Space Company EADS N.V. (“EADS”)
and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, both of which are
accounted for using the equity method of accounting. In addi-
tion, the MTU Aero Engines business unit, the holding and
finance companies, the real estate activities and central 
corporate research are included in this segment. The Rail 
Systems (Adtranz) and Automotive Electronics (TEMIC) 
business units were part of this segment through the date of
their respective sales. 

The 10.9 billion operating profit of Other Activities in 2002
was down from the previous year’s level of 11.2 billion. A gain
of 10.2 billion was recognized in April 2002 in connection 
with the sale of the 40% equity interest in Conti Temic micro-
electronic and its associated activities (formerly TEMIC). 
In the previous year, operating profit was positively im-
pacted by the Group’s equity method share of the gain arising
at EADS in connection with their formation of Airbus SAS
(10.9 billion), the sale of 60% of the Group’s interest in TEMIC
to Continental AG (10.2 billion) and the sale of the Rail
Systems business unit (10.3 billion). The positive effect of
these transactions was partially offset by the Group’s equity
method share of the impact of the restructuring program
(10.4 billion) initiated at Mitsubishi Motors in 2001. 

Analysis of the Financial Situation | 71

Adjusted to exclude the one-time effects noted above, operat-
ing profit increased significantly by 10.5 billion to 10.7 billion
in 2002.

impact on financial results. Due to the economic and currency
crisis in Argentina, 10.1 billion of expenses were recognized 
in other financial income in 2001. 

As a result of more efficient management of resources, 
further cost reductions, increased synergy effects, and the
continuing market success of its products, EADS contributed
to the improvement in operating profit in 2002, despite 
continued economic declines, by maintaining sales within 
the civil aviation market.

Mitsubishi Motors recorded a significantly higher operating
profit, primarily due to the continued implementation of their
restructuring plan and increased revenues in Europe and
North America. In the Japanese market, revenues continued 
to decline. 

MTU Aero Engines could not reach the 2001 operating 
profit level due to the difficult markets for industrial gas tur-
bines and civil-aviation engines. 

Eliminations in the operating profit 
Operating profit eliminations increased from 2001 to 2002 
primarily due to the expansion of leasing operations in Ger-
many and the increase of inventory financing of European
dealers. From a group perspective, the profits generated from
increased vehicle deliveries between the segments were 
unrealized and thus eliminated. 

Financial result characterized by gains from sales
In 2002, the financial result was 12.2 billion, considerably
higher than the previous year (10.2 billion). The financial
results of both years were considerably influenced by one-
time effects.

In 2002 gains from the sales of investments in T-Systems

ITS and Conti Temic microelectronic, totaling 12.6 billion, 
contributed to the increase in income from investments. 
One-time expenses of 128 million resulted from an impairment
of an investment in an e-business company of the Group. 
The financial result of the previous year was positively
impacted by one-time effects totaling 10.7 billion. Income
from investments included one-time gains recognized in
connection with the establishment of Airbus SAS at EADS 
and from the sale of the remaining 10% interest in debitel to
Swisscom. The Group’s equity method share in the loss of 
Mitsubishi Motors, which was negatively impacted by restruc-
turing charges, and expenditures related to impairments 
within the e-business activities of the Group had a negative

Adjusted to exclude the one-time effects noted above in
both years, the 2002 financial result increased by 10.2 billion
to financial expense of 10.3 billion compared to the previous
year. Results from investments rose by 10.5 billion to income
of 10.1 billion, primarily due to the improved earnings situa-
tion at EADS and Mitsubishi Motors, which are accounted for
using the equity method. Other financial result fell by 10.3
billion to an expense of 10.1 billion due to lower income from
sales of securities. Net interest expense of 10.3 billion, was
down slightly from the previous year. 

The effects on operating profit of the operating investments

were allocated to the respective segment’s operating profit. 
In 2002 this resulted in a positive overall contribution to ope-
rating profit of 10.5 billion, of which 10.8 billion related to 
the investments in EADS and Mitsubishi Motors. Other invest-
ments reduced the operating profit by 10.3 billion. 

These operative investments negatively impacted the 

financial result by a total of 128 million.

Income taxes 
In 2002, the Group recorded income tax expense of 11.2 
billion, compared with an income tax benefit of 10.8 billion 
in the previous year. 

Based on the earnings before income taxes of 16.1 billion
(2001: 11.5 billion loss before income taxes), the effective tax
rate was 19.4% compared with the previous year’s rate of
52.4%. The low effective tax rate in 2002 was principally due
to the tax-free sale of the investments in T-Systems ITS and
Conti Temic microelectronic. 

The high tax rate in 2001 was due to the pre-tax loss report-

ed in 2001 combined with the tax-free sales of the remaining
debitel shares, the Rail Systems business unit, and 60% of the
Group’s interest in TEMIC. Because of the pre-tax loss report-
ed in 2001, the tax-free gains realized in 2001 had the effect
of increasing the effective tax rate. Additional information 
on income taxes can be found in Note 9 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements. 

72 | Analysis of the Financial Situation

Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss)

In millions

Revenues

Cost of sales

2002

US $

2002
3

2001
3

156,838

149,583

152,873

(127,348)

(121,457)

(128,394)

Selling, administrative and 
other expenses

(19,180)

(18,293)

(18,331)

Research and development

(6,365)

(6,071)

Other income

830

792

(5,933)

1,212

Reconciliation Operating Profit (Loss)

(728)

(694)

(3,064)

In millions

Turnaround plan expenses – 
Chrysler Group

Income (loss) before financial
income

Financial income, net

Income (loss) before income
taxes

Income taxes

Minority interests

Income (loss) before extra-
ordinary items and cumulative
effects of changes in account-
ing principles

Extraordinary items – gains on
disposals of businesses, 
net of taxes

Cumulative effects of changes in
accounting principles: 
transition adjustments resulting
from adoption of SFAS 142 

Net income (loss)

Net income (loss) adjusted
for one-time effects 1

4,047

2,315

6,362

(1,233)

(15)

3,860

2,208

6,068

(1,177)

(14)

(1,637)

154

(1,483)

777

44

5,114

4,877

(662)

–

–

(167)

4,947

(159)

4,718

–

–

(662)

3,490

3,329

730

1 2002: Further restructuring charges in connection with the turnaround plan at 

Chrysler Group, restructuring measures and impairment charges in the Commercial 
Vehicles segment, write-downs of lease receivables in connection with the sale of portions
of the Capital Services portfolio and charges relating to the economic crisis in Argentina,
gains arising from the sales of the investments in T-Systems ITS and Conti Temic micro-
electronic, impairments of an investment in an e-business company as well as from the
initial application of new accounting standards.

2001: Turnaround plan Chrysler Group, restructuring of Freightliner, Sterling and Thomas
Built Buses business unit, Mitsubishi Motors restructuring, charge related to the recover-
ability of lease receivables of the capital services portfolio, impairment charge relating to 
e-business activities and the economic crisis in Argentina, gain arising at EADS in con-
nection with the formation of Airbus SAS, sale of the remaining 10% equity interest in
debitel, sale of 60% of the Group’s interest in TEMIC, sale of Adtranz.

Income (loss) before financial
income

+ Pension and postretirement
benefit expenses other than
service cost

+ Operating profit (loss) from 

affiliated and associated com-
panies and financial income
(loss) from related operating
companies

+ Gains (losses) from the sale of

operating businesses

+ Miscellaneous items

Operating profit (loss)

2002

US $

2002
3

2001
3

4,047

3,860

(1,637)

(254)

(242)

(450)

518

494

2,768

107

7,186

2,640

102

6,854

516

292

(39)

(1,318)

Considerable improvement in net income
The Group recorded net income of 14.7 billion in 2002, 
compared with a net loss of 10.7 billion in 2001. Based on 
the reported net income, earnings per share amounted to
14.68 compared with a loss per share of 10.66 in 2001. 

In 2002, the initial application of the new US Accounting
Standard SFAS 142 and the associated change in the method
of accounting for goodwill and intangible assets resulted 
in impairments of goodwill being recorded by certain of our 
equity method investments, principally EADS. Our pro rata
share of those impairment charges, which are presented in 
a separate line in the 2002 Statement of Income (loss), 
negatively impacted earnings by 10.2 billion. 

The one-time effects described in the discussion of operat-
ing profit and financial income increased Group net income by
a total of 11.6 billion after taxes (2001: 11.4 billion earnings
reduction).

Adjusted to exclude the one-time effects noted above and
to impairments from the initial application of SFAS 142, Group
net income increased by 12.6 billion to 13.3 billion. Adjusted
for these one-time effects, basic earnings per share were
13.30 compared with 10.73 in 2001. 

Analysis of the Financial Situation | 73

Development of Earnings

In billions of 3

Operating Profit

Net Income

12

10

8

6

4

2

´99

´00

´01

´02

In accordance with SFAS 142, goodwill and intangible assets
with indefinite useful lives are no longer amortized and thus
net income and operating profit are no longer negatively
impacted by the amortization of those assets. If SFAS 142 had
been applied as of January 1, 2001, the net loss and operating
loss for 2001 would have been reduced by 10.4 billion and
reported loss per share would have been 10.40 lower.

DaimlerChrysler AG earnings
In the current year, DaimlerChrysler AG’s financial statements
prepared in accordance with the German Commercial Code
(HGB) showed net income of 16.3 billion as compared with
earnings of 10.8 billion in the previous year. Results from ordi-
nary business activities amounted to 17.5 billion (2001: 
11.4 billion). These results were impacted by the high financial
result of 18.1 billion (2001: 11.0 billion) which reflected the
increased profit transfer of DaimlerChrysler Services AG fol-
lowing the sale of the investment in T-Systems ITS. Operating
result, which is defined as the results from ordinary business
activities less the financial result, was - 10.6 billion (2001:
10.4 billion).

Total income taxes of 11.2 billion (2001: 10.6 billion) resulted
largely from taxes on increased profits from ordinary business
activites. The results from ordinary business activities less tax
expense resulted in net income of 16.3 billion. Management
transferred half of the 2002 net income (13.15 billion) to
retained earnings and the other half to unappropriated profits.
In the previous year, unappropriated profits of 11.0 billion
were reported after withdrawing 10.2 billion from retained
earnings, which was distributed in full to the shareholders 
during 2002.

The annual financial statements and Management Report 
of DaimlerChrysler AG are published in the Federal Gazette
and are filed with the Stuttgart Commercial Register.

Dividend of 31.50 per share 
At the Annual Meeting on April 9, 2003, the Board of Manage-
ment and the Supervisory Board will propose the distribution
of 11.5 billion of unappropriated profits, or 11.50 per share, 
to shareholders and the transfer of the remaining amount of
11.65 billion to retained earnings. The equity entitled to 
dividend payments amounts to 12,633 million as of December
31, 2002.

2. Performance Measures

Integrated management tools
To manage and control the Group as a whole and its business
units, management employs modular and closely integrated
management tools. The implemented control system with its
performance standards promotes cross-divisional trans-
parency and comparability as well as capital market-oriented
investment control within the DaimlerChrysler Group.

Within the control framework, DaimlerChrysler differen-
tiates between the Group level and the operating level of 
the business units and segments. 

On the Group level, economic value added is an absolute
earnings ratio calculated by subtracting the weighted average
cost of capital from net operating income. The calculation of
net operating income, an after-tax figure, is illustrated in the
table on page 75. Economic value added is the core element
of the control system and therefore represents the most impor-
tant performance standard at DaimlerChrysler.

Development of return on net assets
Net operating income, which is derived from Group net income
adjusted to exclude one-time effects, amounted to 14.3 billion
(15.7 billion including these one-time effects) in the current
year. In connection with the decrease of net assets from 165.9
billion to 165.0 billion (annual average), this resulted in a
return on net assets of 6.7% after taxes (2001: 2.5%) for the
DaimlerChrysler Group. The Mercedes Car Group segment
considerably exceeded the hurdle rate of return of 13.0%
before taxes. The comprehensive programs to improve prof-
itability initiated in the Chrysler Group in 2001 had a positive
impact compared with the previous year. However, with a
return on net assets of 6.8% (2001: – 8.2%), the hurdle rate of
return was not yet achieved in 2002. The Commercial Vehicles
segment and Financial Services have not yet achieved the
minimum required rate of return, primarily due to the continu-
ally strained economic situation in some key markets.

In connection with the slight decline in average net assets,
the significant increase in the Group’s net operating income
led to a considerable improvement of the RONA compared
with the previous year (2002: 6.7%; 2001: 2.5%), but the eco-
nomic value added of 10.9 billion was still negative (calculated
on the basis of a cost of capital rate of 8.0% after taxes).

Net assets are derived from the consolidated balance sheet,

as illustrated by the following table.

74 | Analysis of the Financial Situation

In the calculation of the corporate profitability ratio, return 
on net assets (RONA), net operating income is divided by the
capital employed within the Group. This shows the extent 
to which the DaimlerChrysler Group as a whole generates or
exceeds the rate of return required by its investors and 
creditors. 

The required rate of return and the weighted average cost
of capital for the Group are derived from the minimum returns
that investors and creditors expect for equity and capital pro-
vided by outside sources. The cost of equity is determined 
in accordance with the capital asset pricing model, using the
interest rate for long-term, risk-free securities (e.g. govern-
ment bonds, fixed-interest bonds) plus a risk premium for
investment in shares. The cost of capital from outside sources
is derived from the required rate of return for obligations
entered into by the company with the outside sources provid-
ing the capital. 

At the level of the industrial business units and segments,
economic value added is calculated as operating profit less
the weighted average cost of capital. The calculation is based
on the result before interest and taxes, since this reflects the
area of responsibility of management more accurately than an
after-tax figure. The capital base is net assets, i.e. assets less
non-interest-bearing liabilities. The financial services activities
usually apply return on equity as a controlling benchmark. 
The objective of an adequate cost of capital rate is to 
promote value-adding investment projects and exploit corre-
sponding growth opportunities. In this way the company is
continually pursuing the goal of creating sustained value for
DaimlerChrysler’s shareholders.

To account for a series of changes both in DaimlerChrysler’s
capital structure and capital market requirements, the cost of
capital was recalculated in 2002. The various amended para-
meters of the cost of capital determined in accordance with
the capital asset pricing model resulted in a drop in the cost
of consolidated capital rate overall to 8.0% after taxes (2001:
9.2%). Beginning in 2002, this leads to a minimum required
rate of return of 13.0% before taxes (2001: 15.5%) for the
industrial business units and 14.0% before taxes (2001: 17.0%)
for Financial Services. However, in order to create sustained
value for the DaimlerChrysler shareholders, the business units
and segments are required to considerably exceed this hurdle.
The objective is derived from benchmarks with the best com-
parable companies and exceeds the minimum requirements. 

Analysis of the Financial Situation | 75

Net Assets and Return on Net Assets 1

3. Financial Position and Cash Flow

2002

2001

2002

2001

(annual average, in billions of 3)

Net Assets

%

%
Return on Net Assets

DaimlerChrysler Group
(after taxes)

Industrial business
(before interest and taxes)

Mercedes Car Group

Chrysler Group

Commercial Vehicles
Services 2
Other Industrial 
Activities 3

65.0

65.9

6.7

2.5

46.9

12.1

19.5

8.5

1.1

5.7

54.7

11.1

26.6

9.2

2.2

5.6

Stockholders’ Equity

10.3

25.0

6.8

2.1

0.9

1.4

26.7

(8.2)

0.6

1.9

7.2
13.1
Return on Equity 4

Financial Services

9.3

9.6

10.6

5.9

1 Adjusted for one-time effects.

2 Due to the disposal of the investments in T-Systems ITS to Deutsche Telekom, the 

investment was included only through March 2002.

3 Due to the disposition of business units, figures are not comparable with the prior year.
The sold business unit Rail Systems was included through April 2001. The business unit
Automotive Electronics was included through March 2001, thereafter at equity until it was
completely sold on April 1, 2002.

4 Before taxes.

Net Assets 1 
of the DaimlerChrysler Group

In millions

Stockholders’ equity 2
Minority interests

Financial liabilities of the industrial segment

Pension provisions of the industrial segment

Net assets 

2002
3

2001
3

33,565

39,184

432

12,201

15,864

62,062

417

15,701

12,608

67,910

1 Represents the value at year-end; the average for the year was 365.0 billion

(2001: 365.9 billion).

2 Adjusted for the effects from the application of SFAS 133.

Reconciliation to Net Operating Income

In millions

Net income (loss)

One-time effects

Net income (loss) adjusted for one-time
effects

Minority interests

Interest expense related to industrial
activities, after taxes

Interest cost of pensions related to
industrial activities, after taxes

Net operating income

2002
3

4,718

1,389

3,329

14

458

534

4,335

2001
3

(662)

(1,392)

730

(44)

422

539

1,647

Decrease of total assets
Year-on-year, the Group’s total assets decreased by 10% to
1187.3 billion. The lower value of the US dollar over the pre-
vious year was a key factor. Following further devaluation of
the US dollar, the assets and liabilities of our US Group com-
panies were translated at the exchange rate of 11 = US $
1.0487 (2001: 11 = US $ 0.8813) as of December 31, 2002.
This resulted in correspondingly lower balance sheet amounts
in euros. Currency effects accounted for 121.2 billion of the
total decrease in consolidated total assets, adjusted for cur-
rency impacts total assets increased by 11.1 billion. 

Due to developments in the international capital markets
during the year 2002 and the reduction of the discount rate
for valuation of the pension obligations, the pension plan
assets were lower than DaimlerChrysler’s accumulated benefit
obligation as of December 31, 2002. In accordance with US-
GAAP, such underfunding as of the balance sheet date
requires the Group to record additional pension accruals with-
out an effect on earnings. The pension accrual was adjusted
by an amount representing unrecognized prior service costs. 
Any remaining additional pension accrual is accounted for as a
reduction in equity. The underfunded status of the pension
plans also requires that any existing prepayments to the pen-
sion funds be netted against the pension accrual. As of
December 31, 2002, the DaimlerChrysler Group was required
to record additional pension accruals of 14.7 billion and intan-
gible assets of 12.3 billion, reduce prepaid pension assets by
17.6 billion and equity (after taxes) by 16.3 billion.

On the assets side, fixed assets decreased by 12% to 136.3

billion in the current reporting year, mainly due to currency
effects and lower additions to fixed assets. 

Year-on-year, financial assets decreased considerably to 
a total of 19.3 billion (2001: 112.4 billion). The reduction was
due mainly to the sale of the investments in T-Systems ITS
and in connection with the streamlining of Capital Services
portfolio in the United States. 

The 17.8 billion (22%) decrease in leased equipment was
due mainly to exchange rate changes. In addition, favorable
financing rates in the United States led customers to a shift
from operating lease agreements to sales financing agree-
ments, which are reported under receivables from financial
services. 

76 | Analysis of the Financial Situation

Balance Sheet Structure

In billions of 3

Balance Sheet Structure of the Industrial Business

In billions of 3

207
45%

207
18%

Fixed assets

187
42%

187
18%

Stockholders’ equity

Property, plant 
and equipment

109
37%

109
26%

100
36%

100
25%

Stockholders’ equity

Non-fixed assets

56%

50%

20%

57%

44%

23%

Accrued liabilities

55%

Liabilities

42%

of which:
Financial liabilities

of which: Liquidity

Deferred taxes and 
prepaid expenses

7%

2%

’02

7%

5%

’01

5%

’01

4%

’02

Deferred taxes
and income

The 12.6 billion (5%) increase in receivables from financial 
services was due mainly to a reduction in sales of receivables
and the increase in sales financing agreements in the United
States. Overall, the leasing and sales financing business
accounted for 180.3 billion, i.e. 43%, of our total assets. 

Inventories – less advance payments received – are report-

ed in the consolidated balance sheet at 115.6 billion (2001:
116.8 billion). Adjusted for currency effects (11.4 billion),
inventories increased by 10.3 billion, in particular as a result
of pending market launches for new products in the Mercedes
Car Group and higher levels of used vehicles in the Services
Division. On the other hand, the inventory in the Chrysler
Group Division decreased. 

Trade accounts receivable decreased to 16.3 billion (2001:
16.4 billion). The reduction was mainly influenced by currency
exchange rate effects, offset by an increase at Chrysler Group
due to higher sales. 

The increase in other receivables to 117.6 billion (2001:

116.2 billion) was principally due to the strong increase 
in derivative financial instruments as a result of the changed 
currency exchange rates.

Other fixed assets

17%

Inventories

Receivables

Liquidity

Deferred taxes and 
prepaid expenses

14%

17%

11%

5%

’02

16%

14%

13%

10%

10%

’01

43%

Accrued liabilities

37%

35%

32%

Liabilities

Deferred taxes
and income

2%

’01

’02

Year-on-year, liquid funds fell by 14% to 112.4 billion. Liquid
funds are actively managed within the Group to ensure a mini-
mum level of corporate liquidity. The total decrease in liquid
funds is comprised of 11.6 billion relating to cash and cash
equivalents and 10.5 billion relating to securities.

On the liabilities side, Group equity decreased by 10% to
134.9 billion (2001: 139.0 billion). The decrease was mainly
due to the additional pension liability, exchange rate effects,
and the dividends distributed for the 2001 financial year 
(11.0 billion). On the other hand, consolidated net income of
14.7 billion had the effect of increasing equity. The equity
ratio, adjusted for the proposed dividend distribution for 2002
(11.5 billion), declined 0.5 percentage points to 17.8% (2001:
18.3%). The equity ratio for the industrial business amounted
to 24.8% (2001: 25.7%). 

Accruals rose by 11.5 billion to 143.7 billion. The increase

was mainly due to additional pension accruals as a result 
of the underfunded status of the pension plans, higher tax and
warranty accruals, and accruals for sales incentives. Further-
more the accruals were reduced by currency effects amount-
ing to 14.6 billion, the valuation of accruals for derivative
financial instruments, and utilization of accruals in connection
with the turnaround plans at Chrysler Group and in the Freight-
liner, Sterling and Thomas Built Buses business unit. 

Analysis of the Financial Situation | 77

Trade payables and other liabilities decreased by 13.2 billion
to 121.2 billion. In addition to the adjustment for currency
effects (12.6 billion), the decrease was mainly due to the
reduction in trade payables in the Chrysler Group, offset by
higher trade payables in the Mercedes Car Group and 
Commercial Vehicles segments.

The Group’s financial liabilities amounted to 179.1 billion as
of the balance sheet date, which are mainly used for refinanc-
ing of the leasing and sales financing business of the Services
segment. The significant decrease in financial liabilities 
compared with the previous year was due primarily to currency
effects of 18.6 billion and repayments (net) from higher Group
operating cash inflows. 

Statement of cash flows impacted by disposal gains and
improved earnings
The increase in cash provided by operating activities of 11.9
billion to 117.8 billion was primarily caused by the significant
improvement in net income. 

The decrease in cash used for investing activities 

(112.9 billion, 2001: 114.0 billion) was impacted by partially
offsetting developments. Cash used for investing activities of
industrial business was reduced by 14.8 billion to 11.6 billion
(2001: 16.4 billion), whereas cash used of Financial Services
increased by 13.8 billion (111.3 billion, 2001: 17.5 billion).
The decrease in the Industrial Business was mainly a result of
proceeds from the sales of the investments in T-Systems 
ITS and TEMIC. An additional factor was the lower investment
in property, plant and equipment, due primarily to improved
production and development processes and fluctuations relat-
ed to product launches. The increase at Financial Services
was principally the result of, in comparison to 2001, higher

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
In millions of 3

17,796

10,715

-12,946

-5,270

-1,195

9,100

Cash and  
cash  
equivalents 
31.12. 2001

Cash provided 
 by operating  
activities

Cash used  
for investing  
activities

Cash used 
for 
financing  
activities

Effect of  
foreign  
exchange rate 
changes

Cash and  
cash  
equivalents 
31.12. 2002

net additions to receivables from financial services of 18.1 
billion, mainly due to lower proceeds from the sale of finance
receivables. This increase was partially offset by the lower
increase in equipment for operating leases of 14.5 billion.

Cash used for financing activities in 2002 amounted to 15.3

billion, and was mainly a reflection of net repayments of 
financial liabilities (14.3 billion). In addition, cash of 11.0 billion
was used to pay the dividend for the 2001 financial year. 

Cash and cash equivalents with an original maturity of three

months or less decreased by 11.6 billion to 19.1 billion,
compared to December 31, 2001, including a currency trans-
lation effect of 11.2 billion. Total liquidity, which also includes
long-term investments and securities, decreased from 114.5
billion to 112.4 billion.

Refinancing at the DaimlerChrysler Group 
In 2002, the refinancing activities of the DaimlerChrysler
Group were conducted on the basis of improved operating cash
flows, proceeds from the sale of assets outside the Group’s
core activities, in particular the investment in T-Systems ITS,
and weaker financial services business compared with the
previous year. To cover the financial resources requirements,
which were considerably lower compared to the previous 
year, DaimlerChrysler used a broad spectrum of financial and
capital market instruments across the global network of
regional holding companies and finance companies.

The Group issued the only benchmark transaction in 2002
by simultaneously floating a euro bond and a US dollar bond
amounting to 13.2 billion in January. In addition to these two
major bonds, DaimlerChrysler covered the ongoing funding
requirements through smaller transactions over the remainder
of the year, as the Group used medium-term note programs in
the form of public bonds and private placements. 

Securitizations of receivables, in particular those of the
Financial Services business in the United States, are being
used on an ongoing basis to refinance the Group. By establish-
ing a US dollar 3.0 billion asset-backed commercial paper
program in the United States, DaimlerChrysler attracted a new
group of investors. 

78 | Analysis of the Financial Situation

4. Risk Report

Integrated risk management system 
Within the framework of their global activities and as a result
of the increasingly intense competition in all markets, the
business units of the DaimlerChrysler Group are exposed to 
a great number of risks, which are inextricably linked with 
corporate business. Effective management and control instru-
ments, combined within a uniform risk management system
which is continuously improved, are deployed for the early
detection, evaluation and management of risks. 

The risk management system is an integral part of the 
overall planning, control and reporting process in all relevant
legal units and central functions. It is aimed at the systematic
detection, assessment, controlling and documentation of
risks. Taking defined risk categories into account, risks are
identified by management of the business units and segments
and the key associated companies and assessed with respect
to the likelihood of occurrence and the possible extent of
damage. The communication and reporting of relevant risks is
controlled by value limits set by management. Within the
framework of risk management, measures are developed and
initiated as required to avoid, reduce and prevent risks. The
key risks are monitored in the framework of risk monitoring.
The aim of the Group’s risk management system is to

enable corporate management to identify key risks at an early
stage and initiate counter measures. Compliance with uniform
Group guidelines, as defined in a risk management manual
applicable for the entire Group, is checked by the internal
audit department. In addition, external auditors test the early
risk detection system integrated into the risk management
system for its fundamental suitability for early detection of
developments that could jeopardize the continued existence
of the company.

Risks from overall economic development
Following a short phase of recovery, the global economy again
lost a great deal of momentum in the current year. The eco-
nomic outlook for 2003 as a whole has also deteriorated per-
ceptibly since the anticipated upturn did not fully materialize
and was later and weaker than expected. Consequently, the
economic risks for the earnings situation at DaimlerChrysler
grew during the same period.

Possible triggers of an unfavorable economic development
could be a sustained drop in consumption in the United States,
associated with a corresponding downturn of the most impor-
tant growth engine for the global economy, as well as the pos-
sible negative consequences of an escalation of military action
in Iraq either in terms of duration and/or scope. 

The ongoing structural problems of the Japanese economy

hold further risk potential, both with respect to the signifi-
cance of Japan as a market and because of the increased
investment at Mitsubishi Motors. The possible negative effects
of a Japanese economic recession on the developing countries
of Asia could likewise negatively influence the joint investment
with Hyundai Motor Company. 

A geographically restricted risk potential exists in connec-
tion with the ongoing crises in individual developing countries
(South America, Asia, Eastern Europe).

Industry- and company-specific risks 
The weak overall economic development and stagnating mar-
kets are increasingly affecting the automobile industry. Strong
competitive pressures are reducing earnings and increasing
the nature and extent of discount financing offers. Sales incen-
tives in the new vehicle business in turn affect the price level
in the used vehicle business. In addition to industry-specific
market developments, unit sales also depend on general politi-
cal conditions. Conditions relating to emissions, fuel economy
and energy prices affect growth in various product segments
and therefore also the profitability of the company. 

Innovative products and services provided by the company

are the key success factors for the DaimlerChrysler Group.
This success is decisively influenced by research activities and
the development of new products, the timely execution of
product launches and the achievement of defined efficiency
improvement objectives while at the same time maintaining
quality. Any quality reductions could result in increased war-
ranty liabilities and damage the Group’s image, which could
negatively impact unit sales. The successful continuation 
of the turnaround programs initiated at Chrysler Group, in the
Freightliner, Sterling and Thomas Built Buses business unit,
and at Mitsubishi Motors is decisive for the profitability 
of DaimlerChrysler. Against the background of the strategic 
orientation of the Group, recruiting and expanding manage-
ment potential in the engineering professions and for employ-
ment in Asia is essential. Other operating risks, such as risks
relating to information technology, play a less important role.

Analysis of the Financial Situation | 79

DaimlerChrysler’s services business includes financial and
mobility services. The financing and leasing of the Group’s
new vehicle business are extremely important. The necessary 
capital is largely refinanced by the external financial markets,
with associated exchange rate and interest rate risks. In addi-
tion, risks of counterparty default in the financing business
and residual value risks exist, which can arise with the market-
ing of returned lease vehicles. With the formation of Daimler-
Chrysler Bank in 2002, the range of services was extended to
include financial investing. The resulting extended spectrum 
of risks has no significant influence on the Group. 

DaimlerChrysler has a proportionate share of the risks of
Mitsubishi Motors in line with its investment stake. Above all,
the risks are contingent on the overall economic development
in Japan and in the NAFTA region. Risks from warranty com-
mitments could also be detrimental to the earnings situation
at Mitsubishi Motors. 

As a result of the investment in EADS, DaimlerChrysler is
also partially exposed to their risks. The current significant
drop in the number of airline passengers is manifested in the
cost-cutting measures adopted by many airlines. This could
lead to a further reduction in the demand for aircraft and to
increased competition in the aircraft business with pressure
on EADS’ profitability. It is unlikely that such losses will 
be compensated by increased demand in the military sector.

Transparency of market risks 
The DaimlerChrysler Group is exposed to market risks from
changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates.
To a minor degree the Group is also exposed to changes in
market prices of equity securities. These changes may
adversely affect DaimlerChrysler’s operating results and finan-
cial condition. The Group seeks to manage and control these
risks primarily through its regular operating and financing
activities, but, when we deem it appropriate, through the use
of derivative financial instruments. DaimlerChrysler evaluates
these market risks by monitoring changes in key economic
indicators and market information on an ongoing basis. 

In order to quantify the foreign exchange rate risk, interest
rate risk and equity price risk of the Group on a continuous
basis, DaimlerChrysler’s risk management control systems
employ value-at-risk analyses as recommended by the Bank
for International Settlements. The value-at-risk calculations
employed by DaimlerChrysler express potential losses in fair
values and are based on the variance-covariance-approach
assuming a 99% confidence level and a holding period of five
days. Estimates of volatilities and correlations are primarily
drawn from the RiskMetrics™ datasets and supplemented 
by additional exchange rate, interest rate and equity price
information. 

The Group does not use financial instruments for specula-

tive purposes. 

Following organizational standards in the international

banking industry, DaimlerChrysler maintains risk management
control systems independent of Corporate Treasury and with 
a separate reporting line.

Foreign exchange rate management 
The global nature of DaimlerChrysler’s business activities
results in cash receipts and payments denominated in various
currencies. Cash inflows and outflows of the business seg-
ments are offset and netted if they are denominated in the
same currency. Within the framework of central currency 
management, currency exposures are regularly assessed and
hedged with suitable financial instruments according to
exchange rate expectations, which are constantly reviewed.
The net assets of the Group which are invested in subsidiaries
and affiliated companies outside the euro zone are generally
not hedged against currency risks. However, in specific 
circumstances, DaimlerChrysler seeks to hedge the currency
risk inherent in certain of its long-term investments.

The following table shows values-at-risk figures for Daimler-

Chrysler’s 2002 and 2001 portfolio of derivative financial
instruments used to hedge the underlying currency exposure.
We have computed the average exposure based on an end-
of-quarter basis. 

Value-at-Risk

In millions of 3

Exchange rate
sensitive derivative
financial instruments 1

12.31.
2002

Average
for
2002

12.31.
2001

Average
for
2001

236

304

368

430

1 Forward foreign exchange contracts, foreign exchange swap contracts, currency options.

80 | Analysis of the Financial Situation

The average and period-end values-at-risk of derivative financial
instruments used to hedge exchange rate risk decreased 
in 2002, primarily as a result of lower foreign exchange rate
volatilities, despite a slightly increased foreign exchange 
derivatives’ volume.

Asset and liability management 
DaimlerChrysler holds a variety of interest rate sensitive
assets and liabilities to manage its liquidity and cash needs of
the day-to-day operations. A substantial volume of interest
rate sensitive assets and liabilities is related to the leasing and
sales financing business operated by DaimlerChrysler 
Services. The leasing and sales financing business enters into
transactions with customers which primarily result in fixed-
rate receivables. DaimlerChrysler’s general policy is to match
funding in terms of maturities and interest rates. However, 
for a limited portion of the receivables portfolio, the funding
does not match in terms of maturities and interest rates. As 
a result, DaimlerChrysler is exposed to risks due to changes 
in interest rates.

DaimlerChrysler coordinates funding activities of the indus-
trial business and financial services at the Group level. It uses
interest rate derivative instruments, such as interest rate
swaps, forward rate agreements, swaptions, caps and floors,
to achieve the desired interest rate maturities and asset/ 
liability structures.

The following table shows value-at-risk figures for Daimler-
Chrysler’s 2002 and 2001 portfolio of interest-rate sensitive
financial instruments. We have computed the average 
exposure based on an end-of-quarter basis. 

Value-at-Risk

In millions of 3

Interest-rate-sensitive
financial instruments

12.31.
2002

Average
for
2002

12.31.
2001

Average
for
2001

157

185

334

272

In 2002, the average and period-end value-at-risk of our 
portfolio of interest rate sensitive financial instruments
decreased, primarily due to less volatile interest rates and a
reduced mismatch in terms of interest rate maturities
between both, the receivables from the Group’s leasing and
sales financing business and the respective funding of that
business. 

Equity price risk management 
DaimlerChrysler also holds to a minor degree investments in
equity securities as a part of its strategy to manage excess 
liquidity. The Group hedges the risk inherent in these securi-
ties mainly through equity derivatives. Since DaimlerChrysler
has significantly reduced the portfolio of equity securities in
2001, the corresponding market risk is currently not material.
Thus, the Group is not presenting the value-at-risk figures 
for the remaining equity price risk. According to international
banking standards we do not include investments in equity
securities, which we classify as long term investments in the
equity price risk assessment.

Ratings 
On July 19, 2002, the rating agency Standard & Poor’s (S&P)
upgraded the outlook of DaimlerChrysler’s long-term rating
from negative to stable after the publication of the second-
quarter financial statements. S&P’s explanation was that the 
measures to improve performance were taking hold at the
Chrysler Group and Freightliner. The long-term and short-term
ratings remained unchanged, at BBB+ and A-2 respectively.
The rating agency Moody’s Investors Service (Moody’s) did not
change DaimlerChrysler’s rating or outlook in 2002. At the
year-end, the long-term rating from Moody’s was A-3 with a
negative outlook, and the short-term rating was P-2.

Legal proceedings
Various legal proceedings are pending against the Group.
DaimlerChrysler believes that such proceedings, other than
the purported class actions by South African plaintiffs and 
the shareholder lawsuit discussed below, constitute ordinary 
routine litigation incidental to its business. 

Various legal proceedings pending against DaimlerChrysler
Corporation allege defects in various components (including
door and liftgate latches, occupant restraint systems, seats,
brake systems, and fuel systems) in several different vehicle
models or allege design defects relating to vehicle stability
(rollover propensity), pedal misapplication (sudden accelera-
tion), or crashworthiness. Some of these proceedings seek
repair or replacement of the vehicles or compensation for
their alleged reduction in value, while others seek recovery for
personal injuries. Adverse decisions in these proceedings
could require DaimlerChrysler Corporation to pay substantial
compensatory and punitive damages, or undertake service
actions, recall campaigns or other costly actions. 

Analysis of the Financial Situation | 81

combination agreement, the defendants misrepresented that
DaimlerChrysler would operate as two equal companies, while
they always intended to relegate Chrysler to division status
and to replace Chrysler’s management with executives from
Daimler-Benz. The complaints generally seek (a) actual 
damages, including an acquisition premium, (b) “recissory”
damages representing the difference between the value of the
Chrysler common stock exchanged and the present value of
the DaimlerChrysler shares, (c) compensatory and, in the indi-
vidual actions, punitive damages, (d) an order unwinding the
transaction, (e) pre- and post-judgment interest, and (f) such
other relief as may be just and proper. In April 2001, all of the
pending class action complaints were consolidated into a 
single consolidated class action complaint that included two
claims not previously alleged in any of the complaints. The
new claims alleged that DaimlerChrysler had violated US secu-
rities laws by making false and misleading statements in 1999
and 2000 regarding its prospects for the year 2000. On May
9, 2001, DaimlerChrysler filed motions to dismiss all three
complaints. In March 2002, the Court granted the motion as
to the consolidated class action complaint, denied the motion
as to the Tracinda Corporation complaint except for the civil
conspiracy claim in that complaint, and denied the motion as
to the other complaint filed by Glickenhaus & Co., et al. 
The Court subsequently allowed the class action plaintiffs to
amend their complaint, which is now pending. These cases
have been consolidated for purposes of discovery and are
captioned In re: DaimlerChrysler AG Securities Litigation. The
parties substantially completed discovery in January 2003. 
In February 2003, DaimlerChrysler filed motions seeking 
summary judgment on all claims in the cases. The Group is
presently scheduled for trial of all the consolidated actions
in the second quarter of 2003. DaimlerChrysler believes the
complaints in this litigation are without merit and plans to
continue defending against them vigorously.

On February 18, 1999, a jury awarded $54.75 million 
(152.22 million) in compensatory damages and $3.7 million
(13.5 million) in punitive damages to the owners of approxi-
mately 75,000 1988 3/4 -1990 model year Chrysler vehicles in
Crawley vs. Chrysler Corporation, a class action lawsuit tried
in the Court of Common Pleas, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The
complaint alleged that the air bags in those vehicles were
defective because the vent hole positions could cause hand
burns when the air bags deploy. DaimlerChrysler Corporation
appealed the decision and in October 2002, the court 
of appeals decertified the class and vacated the judgment.

Four purported class action lawsuits are pending in various

US and Canadian courts that allege that the paint applied to
1982-1997 model year Chrysler, Plymouth, Jeep® and Dodge
vehicles delaminates, peels or chips as the result of defective
paint, paint primer, or application processes. Plaintiffs seek
compensatory and punitive damages, costs of repair or
replacement, attorneys’ fees and costs. Six other previously
reported class action lawsuits regarding paint delamination
have been dismissed.

DaimlerChrysler received a “statement of objections” from
the European Commission on April 1, 1999, which alleged that
it violated EC competition rules by impeding cross-border
sales of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars to final customers in
the European Economic Area. In October 2001, the European
Commission found that DaimlerChrysler infringed EC compe-
tition rules and imposed a fine of approximately 172 million.
DaimlerChrysler’s appeal is pending. 

As previously reported, in the fourth quarter of 2000,

Tracinda Corporation filed a lawsuit in the United States Dis-
trict Court for the District of Delaware against DaimlerChrysler
AG and some of the members of its Supervisory Board and
Board of Management (Messrs. Kopper, Schrempp and Gentz).
Shortly thereafter, other plaintiffs filed a number of actions
against the same defendants, making similar claims to those
in the Tracinda complaint. Two individual lawsuits and one
consolidated class action lawsuit are pending. The plaintiffs,
current or former DaimlerChrysler shareholders, allege that
the defendants violated US securities law and committed
fraud in obtaining approval from Chrysler stockholders of the
business combination between Chrysler and Daimler-Benz in
1998. In essence, the complaints allege that by describing the
transaction as a “merger of equals” in the proxy statement/
prospectus and other statements preceding the special meet-
ing of Chrysler stockholders called to vote on the business

82 | Analysis of the Financial Situation

support the dismissal of many of these claims. Although 
DaimlerChrysler’s expenditures to date in connection with
such claims have not been material to its financial condition, 
it is possible that the number of these lawsuits will continue
to grow, especially those alleging life-threatening illness, and
that the company could incur significant costs in the future 
in resolving these lawsuits. 

In September 2000, Freightliner LLC, DaimlerChrysler’s
North American commercial vehicles subsidiary, acquired
Western Star Trucks Holdings Ltd., a Canadian company
engaged in the design, assembly, and distribution of heavy
duty trucks and transit buses. Prior to its acquisition by
Freightliner, Western Star had completed the sale of ERF
(Holdings) plc, a company organized in England and Wales and
engaged in the assembly and sale of heavy duty trucks, to
MAN AG and MAN Nutzfahrzeuge AG for CAD 195 million. In
September 2002, MAN filed a claim against Freightliner Ltd.
(formerly Western Star) with the London Commercial Court for
breach of representations and warranties in the share pur-
chase agreement. The claim includes allegations that ERF’s
accounts and financial statements were misstated and seeks
to recover damages in excess of GBP 300 million. Freightliner
Ltd. intends to defend itself vigorously against such claims.
A purported class action lawsuit was filed in 2002 in the
United States District Court for the District of New Jersey
against DaimlerChrysler’s subsidiary Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
(MBUSA), and against MBUSA’s wholly-owned subsidiary 
Mercedes-Benz Manhattan, Inc. The lawsuit alleges that MBUSA
and Mercedes-Benz Manhattan participated in a price fixing
conspiracy among Mercedes-Benz dealers. A motion for class
certification is pending. MBUSA and Mercedes-Benz Manhattan
intend to defend themselves vigorously. In addition, the
Antitrust Division of the US Department of Justice, New York
Regional Office, advised MBUSA and Mercedes-Benz 
Manhattan that it is conducting a criminal investigation in con-
nection with the allegations made in the lawsuit. MBUSA 
and Mercedes-Benz Manhattan have been served with grand
jury subpoenas in connection with this investigation.

As previously reported, on April 30, 2001, DaimlerChrysler
sold its subsidiary, DaimlerChrysler Rail Systems GmbH (also
known as Adtranz), to Bombardier, Inc. for cash consideration
of $725 million. In July 2002, Bombardier filed a request for
arbitration with the International Chamber of Commerce in
Paris, and asserted claims for sales price adjustments under
the terms of the sale and purchase agreement as well as
claims for alleged breaches of contract and misrepresenta-
tions. Bombardier seeks total damages of approximately 1960
million. The agreement limits the amount of such price adjust-
ments to 1150 million, and, to the extent legally permissible,
the amount of other claims to an additional 1150 million. We
plan to continue defending against such claims vigorously. 

Like other companies in the automotive industry, Daimler-
Chrysler (primarily DaimlerChrysler Corporation) have experi-
enced a growing number of lawsuits which seek compensato-
ry and punitive damages for illnesses alleged to have resulted
from direct and indirect exposure to asbestos used in some
vehicle components (principally brake pads). Typically, these
lawsuits name many other corporate defendants and may 
also include claims of exposure to a variety of non-automotive
asbestos products. A single lawsuit may include claims by
multiple plaintiffs alleging illness in the form of asbestosis,
mesothelioma or other cancer or illness. The number of claims
in these lawsuits increased from approximately 14,000 at the
end of 2001 to approximately 19,000 at the end of January
2003. In the majority of these cases, the plaintiffs do not
specify their alleged illness and provide little detail about their
alleged exposure to components in our vehicles. Some plain-
tiffs do not exhibit current illness, but seek recovery based on
potential future illness. In 2001, DaimlerChrysler and other
automobile manufacturers asked the federal bankruptcy court
in Delaware overseeing the bankruptcy proceedings of an
automotive supplier, Federal-Mogul Corporation, to consoli-
date all of the asbestos brake cases pending in state courts
throughout the US with the asbestos brake litigation involving
Federal Mogul supervised by the bankruptcy court. Daimler-
Chrysler believed that consolidation would reduce the cost
and complexity of defending these individual cases. In 2002,
the bankruptcy court decided that it did not have the authority
to consolidate these cases, and the US Court of Appeals
upheld that decision. The US Supreme Court in January 2003
denied DaimlerChrysler's request and that of other manufac-
turers to review the decision. DaimlerChrysler believes that
many of these lawsuits involve unsubstantiated illnesses 
or assert only tenuous connections with components in our
vehicles, and that there is credible scientific evidence to 

Analysis of the Financial Situation | 83

Litigation is subject to many uncertainties, and Daimler-
Chrysler cannot predict the outcome of individual matters with
assurance. It is reasonably possible that the final resolution 
of some of these matters could require DaimlerChrysler to
make expenditures, in excess of established reserves, over an
extended period of time and in a range of amounts that 
cannot reasonably estimated. Although the final resolution of 
any such matters could have a material effect on Daimler-
Chrysler's consolidated operating results for a particular
reporting period, DaimlerChrysler believes that it should not
materially affect its consolidated financial position.

Overall risk 
There are no discernible risks that could jeopardize the 
continued existence of the company.

5. Events after the end of the 2002 financial year

No events that are of material importance to DaimlerChrysler
and could lead to a changed evaluation of the company, other
than the developments already mentioned, have occurred
after the end of the 2002 financial year. The development of
business in the first two months is consistent with the state-
ments in the Outlook section. 

Three lawsuits have recently been brought against Daimler-
Chrysler AG or some of its affiliates raising claims arising out
of the practice of apartheid in South Africa before 1994. 
In particular, on September 27, 2002, a putative class action
covering claims arising between 1952 and 1994, captioned
Digwamaje v. Bank of America, No. 02-CV-6218 (RCC)
(S.D.N.Y.), was filed in the United States District Court for the
Southern District of New York naming 84 US, European and
Japanese companies, including DaimlerChrysler AG, as defen-
dants. On November 11, 2002, 91 individuals filed a lawsuit
captioned Khulumani v. Barclays National Bank Ltd., Civ. A.
No. 02-5952 (E.D.N.Y.) in the United States District Court for
the Eastern District of New York against 22 US, European and
Japanese corporate defendants, including DaimlerChrysler AG
and Daimler-Benz Industrie. This lawsuit covers the period
from 1960 to 1993. On November 19, 2002, another putative
class action lawsuit, Ntsebeza v. Holcim Ltd., No. 02-74604
(RWS) (E.D. Mich.), was filed in the United States District
Court for the Eastern District of Michigan naming as defen-
dants four US and European companies, including Daimler-
Chrysler Corporation, and asserting claims arising from 1948
to 1993. All three lawsuits allege, in essence, that the corpo-
rate defendants knew about or participated in human rights
violations and other abuses of the South African apartheid
regime, cooperated with the apartheid government during that
period, and benefitted financially from such cooperation. The
plaintiffs assert various claims, including conspiracy, aiding
and abetting the apartheid regime, violations of the Racketeer-
ing Influence and Corrupt Organizations Act, violations of
international law and the Alien Tort Claims Act, unjust enrich-
ment and unfair and discriminatory labor practices. The plain-
tiffs seek compensatory and punitive damages, disgorgement
of purported illicit profits, an accounting, restitution of the 
value of defendants’ purported unjust enrichment, and other
forms of relief, including in the Digwamaje case the establish-
ment of a “historic commission”. Plaintiffs in the Digwamaje
case purport to seek compensatory damages in excess of
$200 billion and punitive damages in excess of $200 billion.
The complaints in the other two lawsuits do not specify 
damages. DaimlerChrysler intends to defend against these
claims vigorously.

84 | Statement by the Board of Management

Preliminary Note

The accompanying consolidated financial statements (consoli-
dated balance sheets as of December 31, 2002 and 2001, con-
solidated statements of income (loss), cash flows and changes
in stockholders’ equity for each of the financial years 2002,
2001 and 2000) were prepared in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles in the United States of 
America (U.S. GAAP).

In order to comply with Section 292a of the HGB (German

Commercial Code), the consolidated financial statements
were supplemented with a consolidated business review
report and additional explanations. Therefore, the consolidated
financial statements, which have to be filed with the 

Commercial Register and published in the Federal Gazette,
comply with the Fourth and Seventh Directives of the Euro-
pean Community. For the interpretation of these directives we
relied on the statement by the German Accounting Standards
Committee.

The consolidated financial statements and the consolidated
business review report as of December 31, 2002 prepared in
accordance with Section 292a of the HGB (German Commer-
cial Code) and filed with the Commercial Register in Stuttgart
under the number HRB 19 360 will be provided to share-
holders on request.

Statement by the Board of Management

The Board of Management of DaimlerChrysler AG is respon-
sible for preparing the accompanying financial statements.

We have installed effective controlling and monitoring sys-
tems to guarantee compliance with accounting principles and
the adequacy of reporting. These systems include the use 
of uniform guidelines group-wide, the use of reliable software,
the selection and training of qualified personnel, and regular
reviews by our internal auditing department.

Taking the legal requirements into consideration we have

integrated the group’s early warning systems into a risk 
management system. This enables the Board of Management
to identify significant risks at an early stage and to initiate
appropriate measures.

KPMG Deutsche Treuhand-Gesellschaft Aktiengesellschaft
Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft audited the consolidated
financial statements, which were prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles in the United States
of America, and issued an unqualified audit report.

Together with the independent auditors, the Supervisory
Board’s Financial Audit Committee examined and discussed
the consolidated financial statements including the business
review report and the auditors’ report in depth. Subsequently,
the entire Supervisory Board reviewed the documentation
related to the financial statements. The result of this examina-
tion is included in the Report of the Supervisory Board.

Jürgen E. Schrempp

Manfred Gentz

Independent Auditors’ Report | 85

Independent Auditors’ Report

The Supervisory Board DaimlerChrysler AG:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance
sheets of DaimlerChrysler AG and subsidiaries (“Daimler-
Chrysler”) as of December 31, 2002 and 2001, and the related
consolidated statements of income (loss), changes in stock-
holders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the
three-year period ended December 31, 2002. These consolidated
financial statements are the responsibility of DaimlerChrysler’s
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on
these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We did not audit the financial statements of DaimlerChrysler
Corporation or certain of its consolidated subsidiaries (“Daimler-
Chrysler Corporation”) for the year ended December 31, 2000,
which statements reflect total revenues constituting 42 percent
of the related consolidated totals. Those statements were
audited by other auditors whose report has been furnished to
us, and our opinion for the year ended December 31, 2000,
insofar as it relates to the amounts included for Daimler-
Chrysler Corporation, is based solely on the report of the other
auditors.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally
accepted auditing standards in the United States of America.
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit
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 evalu-
ating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe
that our audits and the report of the other auditors provide 
a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, based on our audits and the report of the other
auditors, the consolidated financial statements referred to
above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial posi-
tion of DaimlerChrysler as of December 31, 2002 and 2001,
and the results of their operations and their cash flows for
each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31,
2002, in conformity with generally accepted accounting 
principles in the United States of America.

As discussed in Note 10 to the consolidated financial state-

ments, DaimlerChrysler adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible
Assets”, in 2002 and Statement of Financial Accounting 
Standards No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments
and Hedging Activities”, and Emerging Issues Task Force Issue 
No. 99-20, “Recognition of Interest Income and Impairment 
on Purchased and Retained Beneficial Interests in Securitized
Financial Assets”, in 2000.

Stuttgart, Germany
February 11, 2003

KPMG Deutsche Treuhand-Gesellschaft
Aktiengesellschaft
Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft

Wiedmann
Wirtschaftsprüfer

Krauß
Wirtschaftsprüfer

86 | Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss)

Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss)

(in millions, except per share amounts)

Revenues

Cost of sales

Gross margin

Selling, administrative and other expenses

Research and development

Other income

Turnaround plan expenses – Chrysler Group

Income (loss) before financial income

Financial income (expense), net (therein gain on issuance of 
associated company stock of 1747 in 2001)
Income (loss) before income taxes

Effects of changes in German tax law

Income taxes

Total income taxes

Minority interests

Income (loss) before extraordinary items and cumulative effects
of changes in accounting principles

Extraordinary items:

Gains on disposals of businesses, net of taxes (therein gain on 
issuance of subsidiary and associated company stock of 12,418 in
2000)

Cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles: transition
adjustments resulting from adoption of SFAS 142, SFAS 133 and
EITF 99-20, net of taxes

Net income (loss)

Earnings (loss) per share

Basic earnings (loss) per share

Income (loss) before extraordinary items and cumulative effects
of changes in accounting principles

Extraordinary items

Cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles

Net income (loss)

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

Income (loss) before extraordinary items and cumulative effects
of changes in accounting principles

Extraordinary items

Cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles

Net income (loss)

Consolidated 

Note

2002

(Note 1) $

2002

3

Year ended December 31,
2000

2001

3 

3 

34.

5.

156,838

149,583

152,873

162,384

(127,348)

(121,457)

(128,394)

(134,370)

29,490

28,126

24,479

28,014

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

11.

10.

35.

(19,180)

(6,365)

(18,293)

(6,071)

830

(728)

4,047

2,315

6,362

–

(1,233)

(1,233)

(15)

792

(694)

3,860

2,208

6,068

–

(1,177)

(1,177)

(14)

(18,331)

(5,933)

1,212

(3,064)

(1,637)

154

(1,483)

–

777

777

44

(18,303)

(6,337)

946

–

4,320

156

4,476

(263)

(1,736)

(1,999)

(12)

5,114

4,877

(662)

2,465

–

–

(167)

4,947

(159)

4,718

5.08

–

(0.17)

4.91

5.06

–

(0.16)

4.90

4.84

–

(0.16)

4.68

4.82

–

(0.15)

4.67

–

–

(662)

(0.66)

–

–

(0.66)

(0.66)

–

–

(0.66)

5,516

(87)

7,894

2.46

5.50

(0.09)

7.87

2.45

5.44

(0.09)

7.80

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) | 87

Industrial Business 1

Financial Services 1

2002

3

Year ended Dec. 31,
2000

2001

3

3

133,883

136,020

147,260

(108,276)

(113,342)

(120,474)

25,607

22,678

26,786

2002

3

15,700

(13,181)

2,519

Year ended December 31,
2000

2001

3

16,853

(15,052)

1,801

3

(in millions)

15,124

Revenues

(13,896)

Cost of sales

1,228

Gross margin

(1,715)

(1,575)

(1,244)

Selling, administrative and other expenses

(16,578)

(6,071)

724

(694)

2,988

2,327

5,315

(800)

(11)

(16,756)

(5,933)

1,160

(3,064)

(1,915)

146

(1,769)

(17,059)

(6,337)

842

–

4,232

166

4,398

743

46

(2,152)

(11)

–

68

–

872

(119)

753

(377)

(3)

4,504

(980)

2,235

373

–

(124)

4,380

–

–

(980)

5,516

–

10

7,761

(35)

338

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

52

–

278

8

286

34

(2)

318

–

–

318

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Research and development

104

Other income

–

88

(10)

78

153

(1)

230

–

(97)

133

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Turnaround plan expenses – Chrysler Group

Income (loss) before financial income

Financial income (expense), net (therein gain on issuance of 
associated company stock of 1747 in 2001)
Income (loss) before income taxes

Effects of changes in German tax law

Income taxes

Total income taxes

Minority interests

Income (loss) before extraordinary items and cumulative effects
of changes in accounting principles

Extraordinary items:

Gains on disposals of businesses, net of taxes (therein gain on 
issuance of subsidiary and associated company stock of 12,418 in
2000)

Cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles: transition
adjustments resulting from adoption of SFAS 142, SFAS 133 and
EITF 99-20, net of taxes

Net income (loss)

Earnings (loss) per share

Basic earnings (loss) per share

Income (loss) before extraordinary items and cumulative effects
of changes in accounting principles

Extraordinary items

Cumulative effects in changes in accounting principles

Net income (loss)

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

Income (loss) before extraordinary items and cumulative effects
of changes in accounting principles

Extraordinary items

Cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles

Net income (loss)

1  Additional information about the Industrial Business and Financial Services is not required under U.S. GAAP and is unaudited.

88 | Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in millions)

Assets

Goodwill

Other intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment, net

Investments and long-term financial assets

Equipment on operating leases, net

Fixed assets

Inventories

Trade receivables

Receivables from financial services

Other receivables

Securities

Cash and cash equivalents

Non-fixed assets

Deferred taxes

Prepaid expenses

Total assets (thereof short-term 
2002: 368,118; 2001: 368,676)

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity

Capital stock

Additional paid-in capital

Retained earnings

Accumulated other comprehensive income

Treasury stock

Stockholders’ equity

Minority interests

Accrued liabilities

Financial liabilities

Trade liabilities

Other liabilities

Liabilities

Deferred taxes

Defered income

Total liabilities (thereof short-term
2002: 372,791; 2001: 380,874)

Consolidated

Industrial Business1 

Financial Services1 

Note

2002

(Note 1) $

At December 31,
2001

2002

At December 31,
2001

2002

At December 31,
2001

2002

3

3

3

3

3

3

12.

13.

14.

20.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

9.

22.

2,171

2,993

38,028

9,742

29,613

82,547

16,401

6,602

54,614

18,425

3,453

9,573

2,071

2,855

36,269

9,291

28,243

78,729

15,642

6,297

52,088

17,573

3,293

9,130

2,371

492

41,165

12,375

36,002

92,405

16,754

6,430

49,512

16,188

3,759

10,746

2,009

2,755

36,111

8,922

3,313

53,110

13,965

6,005

10

11,159

2,911

8,191

2,311

351

41,016

11,349

3,004

58,031

15,338

6,134

26

7,512

3,318

7,375

62

100

158

369

24,930

25,619

1,677

292

52,078

6,414

382

939

60

141

149

1,026

32,998

34,374

1,416

296

49,486

8,676

441

3,371

109,068

104,023

103,389

42,241

39,703

61,782

63,686

3,788

1,009

3,613

962

3,010

8,606

3,496

866

2,930

8,480

117

96

80

126

196,412

187,327

207,410

99,713

109,144

87,614

98,266

2,761

8,104

31,618

(5,876)

–

2,633

7,729

30,156

(5,604)

–

2,609

7,286

26,441

2,668

–

23.

36,607

34,914

39,004

26,294

29,009

453

45,832

82,949

12,941

9,271

432

43,712

79,112

12,342

8,843

417

42,194

90,908

14,157

10,262

105,161

100,297

115,327

2,424

5,935

2,312

5,660

4,851

5,617

25.

26.

27.

28.

9.

29.

414

42,709

12,201

12,106

6,152

30,459

(4,425)

4,262

403

41,158

15,701

13,773

7,431

36,905

(2,212)

3,881

8,620

18

1,003

66,911

236

2,691

9,995

14

1,036

75,207

384

2,831

69,838

78,422

6,737

1,398

7,063

1,736

159,805

152,413

168,406

73,419

80,135

78,994

88,271

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

196,412

187,327

207,410

99,713

109,144

87,614

98,266

1  Additional information about the Industrial Business and Financial Services is not required under U.S. GAAP and is unaudited.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity | 89

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity

(in millions of 3)

Balance at January 1, 2000

Net income

Other comprehensive income (loss)

Total comprehensive income

Increase in stated value of capital stock

Issuance of capital stock

Purchase of capital stock

Re-issuance of treasury stock

Dividends

Capital
stock

2,565

Additional 
paid-in 
capital

7,329

–

–

44

–

–

–

–

–

–

(44)

1

–

–

–

Balance at December 31, 2000

2,609

7,286

Net loss

Other comprehensive income (loss)

Total comprehensive loss

Purchase of capital stock

Re-issuance of treasury stock

Dividends

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Balance at December 31, 2001

2,609

7,286

Retained
earnings

23,925

7,894

–

–

–

–

–

(2,358)

29,461

(662)

–

–

–

(2,358)

26,441

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

Cumulative
translation
adjustment

Available-
for-sale
securities

Derivative
financial
instruments

1,922

–

1,363

347

–

(149)

–

–

(408)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Minimum
pension 
liability

(28)

–

6

–

–

–

–

–

3,285

198

(408)

(22)

–

565

–

(137)

–

–

–

3,850

–

–

–

61

–

–

71

–

–

–

–

(884)

–

–

–

(337)

(906)

–

–

Net income

Other comprehensive income (loss)

Total comprehensive loss

Issuance of shares upon conversion 
of notes

Purchase of capital stock

Re-issuance of treasury stock

Dividends

Other

–

–

24

–

–

–

–

Balance at December 31, 2002

2,633

–

–

482

–

–

–

(39)

7,729

4,718

–

–

(3,250)

(135)

1,402

(6,289)

–

–

–

(1,003)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

30,156

600

(74)

1,065

(7,195)

Treasury
stock

–

–

–

–

–

(88)

88

–

–

–

–

(66)

66

–

–

–

–

–

49

(49)

–

–

–

Total

36,060

7,894

812

8,706

–

1

(88)

88

(2,358)

42,409

(662)

(385)

(1,047)

(66)

66

(2,358)

39,004

4,718

(8,272)

(3,554)

506

49

(49)

(1,003)

(39)

34,914

The accompanying notes are an integral part ot these Consolidated Financial Statements.

90 | Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(in millions)

Net income (loss)

Income (loss) applicable to minority interests

Cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by
operating activities:

Gains on disposals of businesses

Depreciation and amortization of equipment on operating leases

Depreciation and amortization of fixed assets

Change in deferred taxes

Equity (income) loss from associated companies

Change in financial instruments

(Gains) losses on disposals of fixed assets/securities

Change in trading securities

Change in accrued liabilities

Turnaround plan expenses - Chrysler Group

Turnaround plan payments - Chrysler Group

Changes in other operating assets and liabilities:

– inventories, net

– trade receivables

– trade liabilities

– other assets and liabilities

Cash provided by operating activities

Purchases of fixed assets:

– Increase in equipment on operating leases

– Purchases of property, plant and equipment

– Purchases of other fixed assets

Proceeds from disposals of equipment on operating leases

Proceeds from disposals of fixed assets

Payments for investments in businesses

Proceeds from disposals of businesses

Change in cash from exchange of businesses

Additions to receivables from financial services

Repayments of receivables from financial services:

– Finance receivables collected

– Proceeds from sales of finance receivables

Acquisitions of securities (other than trading)

Proceeds from sales of securities (other than trading)

Change in other cash

Cash used for investing activities

Consolidated 

2002

(Note 1) $

4,947

15

166

2002 

3

4,718

14

159

(2,773)

7,595

6,688

(2,645)

7,244

6,379

281

17

224

(624)

269

3,473

728

(537)

6

(320)

(510)

(986)

268

16

214

(595)

257

3,312

694

(512)

6

(305)

(486)

(942)

Year ended December 31,
2000

2001 

3

(662)

(44)

–

(768)

7,254

7,022

(1,058)

(97)

(409)

(600)

(4)

2,825

3,064

(365)

(725)

620

(838)

729

3

7,894

12

87

(5,568)

6,487

7,131

1,220

244

(90)

(455)

22

1,778

–

–

(876)

(731)

(424)

(714)

18,659

17,796

15,944

16,017

(18,563)

(17,704)

(17,951)

(7,492)

(330)

15,845

921

(587)

5,962

–

(7,145)

(315)

15,112

878

(560)

5,686

–

(8,896)

(655)

11,042

1,043

(821)

1,680

–

(19,117)

(10,392)

(480)

8,285

862

(4,883)

311

(1,351)

(129,363)

(123,379)

(130,863)

(116,507)

58,803

61,072

(5,562)

5,637

83

56,083

58,247

(5,305)

5,376

80

53,251

76,662

(2,151)

3,531

142

44,276

63,649

(7,786)

10,224

200

(13,574)

(12,946)

(13,986)

(32,709)

Change in commercial paper borrowings and short-term financial 
liabilities

Additions to long-term financial liabilities

Repayment of financial liabilities

Dividends paid (including profit transferred from subsidiaries)

Proceeds from issuance of capital stock (including minority interests)

Purchase of treasury stock

3,038

10,447

(17,947)

(1,064)

51

(51)

2,898

9,964

(17,117)

(1,015)

49

(49)

Cash provided by (used for) financing activities

(5,526)

(5,270)

(12,431)

26,582

(10,394)

(2,367)

75

(66)

1,399

(3,238)

29,257

(9,152)

(2,379)

112

(88)

14,512

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash 
equivalents (maturing within 3 months)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 
(maturing within 3 months)

Cash and cash equivalents (maturing within 3 months)

At beginning of period

At end of period

(1,253)

(1,195)

276

501

(1,694)

(1,615)

3,633

(1,679)

11,235

9,541

10,715

9,100

7,082

10,715

8,761

7,082

The accompanying notes are an integral part ot these Consolidated Financial Statements.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows | 91

Industrial Business 2

Financial Services 2

Year ended December 31,
2000

2001 

2002 

3

338

3

35

Year ended December 31,
2000

2001 

3

318

2

–

3

(in millions)

133

Net income (loss)

1

97

Income (loss) applicable to minority interests

Cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by
operating activities:

–

6,700

(6)

6,964

–

Gains on disposals of businesses

6,280

Depreciation and amortization of equipment on operating leases

122

766

94

9

4

(55)

20

–

–

(166)

9

(169)

1,245

8,955

105

537

(7)

(44)

–

(7)

353

–

–

(176)

80

(7)

2,173

10,285

84

630

59

(14)

(1)

–

36

–

–

Depreciation and amortization of fixed assets

Change in deferred taxes

Equity (income) loss from associated companies

Change in financial instruments

(Gains) losses on disposals of fixed assets/securities

Change in trading securities

Change in accrued liabilities

Turnaround plan expenses – Chrysler Group

Turnaround plan payments – Chrysler Group

Changes in other operating assets and liabilities:

(151)

– inventories, net

(33)

74

(91)

– trade receivables

– trade liabilities

– other assets and liabilities

7,104

Cash provided by operating activities

Purchases of fixed assets:

(12,862)

(14,334)

(15,551)

– Increase in equipment on operating leases

(93)

(65)

10,138

50

(28)

518

–

(111)

(91)

7,091

52

(20)

224

–

(52)

(58)

– Purchases of property, plant and equipment

– Purchases of other fixed assets

4,911

Proceeds from disposals of equipment on operating leases

26

Proceeds from disposals of fixed assets

(160)

Payments for investments in businesses

13

–

Proceeds from disposals of businesses

Change in cash from exchange of businesses

3

7,761

11

(10)

(5,568)

207

7,047

590

185

(76)

(454)

22

1,742

–

–

(725)

(698)

(498)

(623)

8,913

(3,566)

(10,340)

(422)

3,374

836

(4,723)

298

(1,351)

133

(123,611)

(131,070)

(116,640)

Additions to receivables from financial services

–

–

(5,594)

8,355

385

56,083

58,247

(55)

93

271

53,251

76,662

(220)

1,150

(125)

44,276

63,649

(2,192)

1,869

(185)

Repayments of receivables from financial services:

– Finance receivables collected

– Proceeds from sales of finance receivables

Acquisitions of securities (other than trading)

Proceeds from sales of securities (other than trading)

Change in other cash

(6,445)

(12,615)

(11,314)

(7,541)

(20,094)

Cash used for investing activities

1,264

3,100

(347)

(393)

2,523

2,324

(2,356)

(2,370)

(224)

(88)

1,772

1,707

8,054

(9,421)

(581)

276

–

35

(13,695)

23,482

(10,047)

(11)

163

–

(2,845)

26,734

Change in commercial paper borrowings and short-term financial 
liabilities

Additions to long-term financial liabilities

(11,476)

Repayment of financial liabilities

(9)

336

Dividends paid (including profit transferred from subsidiaries)

Proceeds from issuance of capital stock (including minority interests)

–

Purchase of treasury stock

(108)

12,740

Cash provided by (used for) financing activities

471

(108)

53

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash 
equivalents (maturing within 3 months)

30

(1,459)

(2,432)

2,689

(220)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 
(maturing within 3 months)

Cash and cash equivalents (maturing within 3 months)

7,859

6,400

3,371

939

682

3,371

902

682

At beginning of period

At end of period

1  Additional information about the Industrial Business and Financial Services is not required under U.S. GAAP and is unaudited.

2002 

3

4,380

11

124

(2,645)

544

6,257

(498)

(78)

205

(599)

312

3,292

694

(512)

172

(314)

(317)

(2,187)

8,841

(4,842)

(7,052)

(250)

4,974

828

(532)

5,168

–

232

–

–

(5,250)

5,283

(191)

(1,632)

1,191

1,910

(7,696)

(434)

(227)

(49)

(5,305)

(1,087)

817

7,344

8,161

3

(980)

(46)

–

(762)

290

6,917

(1,595)

(90)

(365)

(600)

3

2,472

3,064

(365)

(549)

540

(831)

(1,444)

5,659

(3,617)

(8,785)

(564)

3,951

991

(801)

1,456

–

207

–

–

(1,931)

2,381

267

(88)

(66)

1,507

223

944

6,400

7,344

92 | Consolidated Fixed Assets Schedule

Consolidated Fixed Assets Schedule

(in millions of 3)

Goodwill

Other intangible assets

Intangible assets

Land, leasehold improvements and
buildings including buildings on
land owned by others

Technical equipment and machinery

Other equipment, factory and
office equipment

Advance payments relating to plant and
equipment and construction in progress

Property, plant and equipment

Investments in affiliated companies

Loans to affiliated
companies 

Investments in associated
companies

Investments in related companies

Loans to associated and
related companies

Long-term securities

Other loans

Investments and long-term 
financial assets
Equipment on operating leases 2

1  Currency translation changes with period end rates.
2  Excluding initial direct costs.

Acquisition or Manufacturing Costs

Balance at
January 
1, 2002

Currency
change

Change in
consolidated
companies

3,980

1,034

5,014

(547)

(227)

(774)

20,999

36,946

(1,776)

(4,240)

23,734

(2,815)

5,914

87,593

1,059

(852)

(9,683)

(49)

143

8,574

1,871

341

369

368

–

(121)

(65)

(36)

4

(7)

1

14

15

18

5

3

31

57

33

6

1

(4)

–

1

(1)

Additions

Reclassifica-
tions

Disposals

132

2,689

2,821

(62)

106

44

6

127

133

Balance at
December
31, 2002

3,498

3,489

6,987

381

808

350

2,061

614

1,760

19,358

33,820

858

1,961

1,361

22,380

5,144

7,191

340

43

617

68

30

70

6

(4,462)

(90)

–

–

–

2

–

–

–

2

44

109

3,844

162

5,666

81,224

1,221

98

94

2,732

614

6,339

1,258

39

247

68

296

197

298

3,960

22,365

9,703

37,689

12,725

48,388

(274)

(6,274)

36

192

1,174

17,704

The consolidated fixed assets schedule is part of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Consolidated Fixed Assets Schedule | 93

Depreciation/Amortization

Book Value 1

Balance at
January 
1, 2002

Currency
change

Change in
consolidated
companies

Additions

Reclassifica-
tions

Disposals

Balance at
December 
31, 2002

Balance at
December
31, 2002

Balance at
December
31, 2001

(in millions of 3)

1,609

542

2,151

(204)

(56)

(260)

9,174

23,054

(646)

(2,385)

14,074

(1,572)

1

3

4

(1)

(7)

(3)

126

(21)

46,428

(4,624)

1

(10)

130

–

(2)

210

1

1

10

–

–

–

(4)

–

–

–

350

(4)

12,598

(1,669)

9

7

2

–

–

(1)

(1)

16

44

40

175

215

684

2,756

2,929

16

6,385

23

–

–

40

14

–

1

78

7,244

(18)

19

1

(16)

(5)

28

(8)

(1)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1

49

50

1,427

634

2,061

2,071

2,855

4,926

2,371

Goodwill

492

Other intangible assets

2,863

Intangible assets

365

1,684

8,830

21,729

10,528

12,091

11,825

13,892

1,174

14,282

8,098

9,660

Land, leasehold improvements and
buildings including buildings on
land owned by others

Technical equipment and machinery

Other equipment, factory and 
office equipment

–

114

3,223

44,955

23

139

5,552

36,269

1,082

5,788

Advance payments relating to plant and 
equipment and construction in progress

41,165

Property, plant and equipment

929

Investments in affiliated companies

87

143

Loans to affiliated 
companies 

–

–

2

2

–

1

7

–

244

13

–

9

6,339

1,014

283

197

289

8,576

1,661

340

368

358

28

8,583

412

9,634

9,291

28,055

12,375

35,790

Investments in associated 
companies

Investments in related companies

Loans to associated and 
related companies

Long-term securities

Other loans

Investments and long-term
financial assets
Equipment on operating leases 2

94 | Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Basis of Presentation
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
General – The consolidated financial statements of Daimler-
Chrysler AG and subsidiaries (“DaimlerChrysler” or the
“Group”) have been prepared in accordance with Generally
Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States of Ameri-
ca (“U.S. GAAP”). All amounts herein are shown in euros and
for the year 2002 amounts are also presented in U.S. dollars
(“$”), the latter being unaudited and presented solely for 
the convenience of the reader at the rate of 11 = $1.0485, 
the Noon Buying Rate of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York
on December 31, 2002.

Certain amounts reported in previous years have been

reclassified to conform to the 2002 presentation.

Commercial practices with respect to certain products man-
ufactured by DaimlerChrysler necessitate that sales financing,
including leasing alternatives, be made available to the
Group’s customers. Accordingly, the Group’s consolidated
financial statements are also significantly influenced by activi-
ties of its financial services business. To enhance the readers’
understanding of the Group’s consolidated financial state-
ments, the accompanying financial statements present, 
in addition to the audited consolidated financial statements,
unaudited information with respect to the financial position,
results of operations and cash flows of the Group’s industrial
and financial services business activities. Such information,
however, is not required 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
industrial or financial services business activities. Transac-
tions between the Group’s industrial and financial services
business activities principally represent intercompany sales of
products, intercompany borrowings and related interest, and
other support under special vehicle financing programs. The
effects of transactions between the industrial and financial
services businesses have been eliminated within the industrial
business columns. 

Use of Estimates – Preparation of the financial statements

requires management to make estimates and assumptions
that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of
the financial statements and reported amounts of revenues
and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could
differ from those estimates.

DaimlerChrysler’s financial position, results of operations,
and cash flows are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties.
Factors that could affect DaimlerChrysler’s future financial
statements and cause actual results to vary materially from
expectations include, but are not limited to, further adverse

changes in global economic conditions; overcapacity and intense
competition in the automotive industry; the concentrations 
of DaimlerChrysler’s revenues derived from the United States
and Western Europe; the significant portion of Daimler-
Chrysler’s workforce subject to a collective bargaining agree-
ment; fluctuations in currency exchange rates and interest
rates; significant legal proceedings and environmental and
other government regulations.

Principles of Consolidation – The accompanying consolidated

financial statements include the financial statements 
of DaimlerChrysler AG and all of its material, majority-owned
subsidiaries.  All significant intercompany transactions and
balances relating to these majority-owned entities have been
eliminated.

Investments in Associated Companies – Significant invest-
ments in which DaimlerChrysler has 20% to 50% of the voting
rights or the ability to exercise significant influence over the
operating and financial policies of the investee (“associated
companies”) such as the European Aeronautic Defence and
Space Company EADS N.V. (“EADS”) and Mitsubishi Motors
Corporation (“MMC”) are accounted for using the equity
method. Because the financial statements of EADS and MMC
are not made available timely to DaimlerChrysler in order to
apply the equity method of accounting, the Group’s propor-
tionate share of the results of operations of these associated
companies are included in DaimlerChrysler’s consolidated
financial statements on a three month lag. An impairment loss
on its investment in an associated company is recognized
when the loss in value of the investment is determined to be
other than temporary.

Foreign Currencies – The assets and liabilities of foreign
operations where the functional currency is not the euro are
generally translated using period-end exchange rates while 
the statements of income (loss) and the statements of cash
flows are translated using average exchange rates during the
respective periods. The resulting translation adjustments 
are recorded as a separate component of accumulated other 
comprehensive income (loss).

The assets and liabilities of foreign operations in highly

inflationary economies are translated into euro on the basis of
period-end rates for monetary assets and liabilities and at his-
torical rates for non-monetary items, with resulting translation
gains and losses recognized in earnings. Further, in such eco-
nomies, depreciation and gains and losses from the disposal
of non-monetary assets are determined using historical rates.
Due to the economic and political situation in Argentina,
assets and liabilities of Argentine subsidiaries at December
31, 2001 were translated from Argentine peso (“ARP”) into
euro using the first subsequent rate after the balance sheet
date at which exchanges could be made (11 = ARP 1.498).

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | 95

The exchange rates of the significant currencies of non-euro
countries used in preparation of the consolidated financial
statements were as follows:

Exchange rate at
December 31,
2001

2002

31 =

3.71

0.65

31 =

2.05

0.61

2002

31 =

2.78

0.63

Annual average
exchange rate
2000

2001

31 =

2.11

0.62

31 =

1.69

0.61

BRL

GBP

JPY

124.39

115.33

118.04

108.69

99.47

Currency

Brazil

Great Britain

Japan

United States

USD

1.05

0.88

0.95

0.90

0.92

Revenue Recognition – Revenue for sales of vehicles, 
service parts and other related products is recognized when
persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has
occurred or services have been rendered, the price of the
transaction is fixed and determinable, and collectibility is rea-
sonably assured. Revenues are recognized net of discounts,
cash sales incentives, customer bonuses and rebates granted.
Non-cash sales incentives that do not reduce the transaction
price to the customer are classified within cost of sales. 
Shipping and handling costs are recorded as cost of sales in
the period incurred.

DaimlerChrysler uses price discounts (primarily at 

the Chrysler Group) to adjust market pricing in response to a
number of market and product factors, including: pricing
actions and incentives offered by competitors, economic con-
ditions, the amount of excess industry production capacity,
the intensity of market competition, and consumer demand
for the product. The Group may offer a variety of sales incen-
tive programs at any given point in time, including: cash offers
to dealers and consumers, lease subsidies which reduce the
consumer’s monthly lease payment, or reduced financing rate
programs offered to consumers.

The Group records as a reduction to revenue at the time 
of sale to the dealer the estimated impact of sales incentives
programs offered to dealers and consumers. This estimated
impact represents the incentive programs offered to dealers
and consumers as well as the expected modifications to these
programs in order for the dealers to sell their inventory. The
accrued liability for sales incentives is based on the estimated
cost of the sales incentive programs and the number of vehi-
cles held in dealers’ inventory. The majority of vehicles held 
in dealers’ inventory are sold to consumers within the next
quarter and the sales incentives accrued liability is adjusted 
to reflect actual experience.

When below market rate loans under special financing pro-
grams are used to promote sales of vehicles and the vehicle 
is financed by the Services segment, the effect of the rate
differential at the contract origination date is recorded as
unearned income in the consolidated balance sheet. Services
amortizes the unearned income balance into earnings using
the interest rate method over the original (contractual) life of
the receivables. Upon prepayment or sale of the receivable,
the unamortized unearned income is recognized into earnings.

Sales under which the Group guarantees the minimum
resale value of the product are accounted for as operating
leases with the related revenues and costs deferred at the
time of title passage. Revenue from operating leases is recog-
nized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Revenue 
on long-term contracts is generally recognized under the per-
centage-of-completion method based upon contractual mile-
stones or performance.

Revenue from sales financing and finance lease receivables

is recognized using the interest method. Recognition of 
revenue is generally suspended when a finance or lease receiv-
able becomes contractually delinquent for periods ranging
from 60 to 120 days.

The Group offers extended warranty contracts for certain
products. Revenues from these contracts are deferred and
recognized into income over the contract period in proportion
to the costs expected to be incurred based on historical infor-
mation. In circumstances in which there is insufficient histori-
cal information, income is recognized on a straight-line basis.
A loss on these service contracts is recognized in the period, if
the sum of expected costs for services under the contract
exceeds unearned revenue.

The Group sells significant amounts of finance receivables
as asset-backed securities through securitization. The Group
sells a portfolio of receivables to a non-consolidated trust and
usually remains as servicer, and is paid a servicing fee. Servic-
ing fees are earned on a level-yield basis over the remaining
term of the related sold receivables. In a subordinated capacity,
the Group retains residual cash flows, a beneficial interest in
principal balances of sold receivables and certain cash
deposits provided as credit enhancements for investors. Gains
and losses from the sales of finance receivables are recog-
nized in the period in which sales occur. In determining the
gain or loss for each qualifying sale of finance receivables, 
the investment in the sold receivable pool is allocated between
the portion sold and the portion retained based upon their 
relative fair values.

96 | Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

retained interest (the pool-by-pool method) is considered other-
than-temporary. Other-than-temporary impairment adjust-
ments are generally recorded as a reduction of revenue.

Product Warranties – A liability for the expected warranty-
related costs is established when the product is sold, upon
lease inception, or when a new warranty program is initiated.
Estimates for accrued warranty costs are primarily based on
historical experience.  Because portions of the products sold
and warranted by the Group contain parts manufactured 
(and warranted) by suppliers, the amount of warranty costs
accrued also contains an estimate of recoveries from 
suppliers.

Research and Development and Advertising – Research and
development and advertising costs are expensed as incurred.
Sales of Newly Issued Subsidiary Stock – Gains resulting
from the issuance of stock by a Group subsidiary or equity
method investment which reduces DaimlerChrysler’s percent-
age ownership (“dilution gains”) are recorded in the statement
of income (loss).

Stock-based Compensation Plans – At December 31, 2002,

DaimlerChrysler has various stock appreciation rights plans
(“SARs”), two stock option plans and a medium term incentive
award plan which are described more fully in Note 24. For 
the periods presented herein, the Group has applied the recog-
nition and measurement provisions of APB Opinion No. 
(“APB”) 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and
related Interpretations in accounting for those plans. 

The following table illustrates the effect on net income (loss)

and earnings (loss) per share as if the fair value method of 
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. (“SFAS”)
123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” had been
applied to all outstanding and unvested stock options in each
period.

Estimated Credit Losses – DaimlerChrysler determines its
allowance for credit losses based on a systematic, ongoing
review and evaluation performed as part of the credit-risk
evaluation process. The evaluation considers historical loss
experience, the size and composition of the portfolios, current
economic events and conditions, the estimated fair value and
adequacy of collateral and other pertinent factors. Certain
homogeneous loan portfolios are evaluated collectively, taking
into consideration primarily historical loss experience adjusted
for the estimated impact of current economic events and con-
ditions, including fluctuations in the fair value and adequacy 
of collateral. Other receivables, such as wholesale receivables
and loans to large commercial borrowers, are evaluated in-
dividually for impairment based on the fair value of collateral.
Credit exposures deemed to be uncollectible are charged
against the allowance for doubtful accounts.

Valuation of Retained Interests in Sold Receivables – 

DaimlerChrysler retains residual beneficial interests in certain
pools of sold and securitized retail and wholesale finance
receivables. Such retained interests represent the present 
value of the estimated residual cash flows after repayment of
all senior interests in the sold receivables. The Group deter-
mines the value of its retained interests using discounted cash
flow modeling upon the sale of receivables and at the end of
each quarter. The valuation methodology considers historical
and projected principal and interest collections on the sold
receivables, estimated future credit losses arising from the
collection of the sold receivables, and expected repayment of
principal and interest on notes issued to third parties and
secured by the sold receivables. 

The Group recognizes unrealized gains or losses attributable
to the change in the fair value of the retained interests, which
are recorded in a manner similar to available-for-sale securi-
ties, net of related income taxes as a separate component of
accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) until realized.
The Group is not aware of an active market for the purchase
or sale of retained interests, and accordingly, determines the
estimated fair value of the retained interests by discounting
the expected cash flow releases (the cash-out method) using a
discount rate that is commensurate with the risks involved. In
determining the fair value of the retained interests, the Group
estimates the future rates of prepayments, net credit losses
and forward yield curves. These estimates are developed by
evaluating the historical experience of comparable receivables
and the specific characteristics of the receivables sold, and
forward yield curves based on trends in the economy. An
impairment adjustment to the carrying value of the retained
interests is recognized if the expected cash flows decline 
below the cash flows inherent in the cost basis of an individual

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | 97

Net income (loss) (in millions of 1)
Net income (loss), as reported
before extraordinary items and
cumulative effects of changes in
accounting principles

Add: Stock-based employee
compensation expense included 
in reported net income, 
net of related tax effects

Deduct: Total stock-based
employee compensation expense
determinded under fair value
based method for all awards, 
net of related tax effects

Pro forma net income (loss)
Earnings (loss) per share (in 1):
Basic – as reported before extraor-
dinary items and cumulative effects
of changes in accounting principles

Basic – pro forma

Diluted – as reported before
extraordinary items and cumulative
effects of changes in accounting
principles

Diluted – pro forma

Year ended December 31,
2000

2001

2002

4,877

(662)

2,465

35

12

8

(149)

4,763

(84)

(734)

(20)

2,453

4.84

4.72

(0.66)

(0.73)

2.46

2.45

4.82

4.71

(0.66)

(0.73)

2.45

2.44

Pension and Other Post Retirement Plans – The measure-
ment of pension and postretirement benefit liabilities is based
upon the projected unit credit method in accordance with
SFAS 87, “Employers’ Accounting for Pensions,” and SFAS
106, “Employers’ Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Oth-
er Than Pensions,” respectively. As permitted under SFAS 87
and SFAS 106, changes in the amount of either the projected
benefit obligation (for pension plans), the accumulated benefit
obligation (for other postretirement plans) or plan assets
resulting from experience different from that assumed and
from changes in assumptions can result in gains and losses
not yet recognized in the Group’s consolidated financial state-
ments. The expected return on plan assets is determined
based on the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets
and the fair value or market-related value of plan assets.
Amortization of an unrecognized net gain or loss is included as
a component of the Group’s net periodic benefit plan cost for
a year if, as of the beginning of the year, that unrecognized
net gain or loss exceeds 10 percent of the greater of 1) the
projected benefit obligation (for pension plans) or the accumu-
lated postretirement benefit obligation (for other postretire-
ment plans) or 2) the fair value or market-related value of that
plan’s assets. In such case, the amount of amortization 
recognized by the Group is the resulting excess divided by the
average remaining service period of active employees expected
to receive benefits under the plan (see Note 25a).

Earnings Per Share – Basic earnings per share is calculated 
by dividing net income by the weighted average number of
shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share reflects the
potential dilution that would occur if all securities and other
contracts to issue Ordinary Shares were exercised or con-
verted (see Note 35). Net income represents the earnings of
the Group after minority interests. 

Intangible Assets – Purchased intangible assets, other than

goodwill, with a definite useful life, are valued at acquisition
cost and are amortized over their respective useful lives 
(2 to 10 years) on a straight-line basis. Goodwill and intangible
assets with an indefinite useful life are no longer amortized as
a result of the adoption of SFAS 142, “Goodwill and Other
Intangible Assets” in 2002 (see New Accounting Pronounce-
ments). The Group now evaluates the recoverability of its
goodwill at least annually or when significant events occur or
there are changes in circumstances that indicate the fair value
of a reporting unit of the Group is less than its carrying value.
The Group determines the fair value of each of its reporting
units by estimating the present value based on cash flows. 
Prior to the adoption of SFAS 142, goodwill derived from acquisi-
tions that were completed before July 1, 2001, was capitalized
and amortized over 3 to 40 years. Goodwill acquired in busi-
ness combinations after June 30, 2001, and intangible assets
with an indefinite useful life acquired after June 30, 2001,
were not amortized in accordance with SFAS 142. Goodwill
acquired in business combinations that were completed
before July 1, 2001, and intangible assets with an indefinite
useful life acquired before July 1, 2001, were amortized until
December 31, 2001.

Property, Plant and Equipment – Property, plant and equip-

ment is valued at acquisition or manufacturing costs less
accumulated depreciation. Depreciation expense is recognized
using either the declining balance method until the straight-
line method yields larger expenses or the straight-line method.
The costs of internally produced equipment and facilities
include all direct costs and allocable manufacturing overhead.
Costs of the construction of certain long-term assets include
capitalized interest, which is amortized over the estimated
useful life of the related asset. The following useful lives are
assumed: buildings – 10 to 50 years; site improvements – 
5 to 33 years; technical equipment and machinery – 3 to 30
years; and other equipment, factory and office equip-
ment – 2 to 33 years.

98 | Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Group’s subsidiaries in Germany, depreciation
expense for property, plant and equipment placed in service
before January 1, 2001 is being recognized using either the
straight-line method or the declining balance method until the
straight-line method yields larger expenses. Property, plant
and equipment placed in service at these companies after
December 31, 2000 is depreciated using the straight-line
method of depreciation. This change in accounting method for
new additions beginning January 1, 2001 was made to reflect
improvements in the design and flexibility of manufacturing
machinery and equipment and improvements in maintenance
practices. These improvements have resulted in more uniform
productive capacities and maintenance costs over the useful
life of an asset, and straight-line depreciation is preferable 
in these circumstances. The effect of this change in method 
on net income in 2002 and on the net loss in 2001 was not
significant.

As part of its Turnaround Plan objectives (see Note 7), the

Chrysler Group has lengthened its platform life-cycles and 
is aggressively pursuing a strategy to use manufacturing
equipment for more than one product launch. The Chrysler
Group performed an extensive engineering review of the
assets utilized in its manufacturing facilities. These studies
resulted in revisions to the estimated remaining useful lives as
well as a reduction in estimated salvage values of certain 
manufacturing machinery, equipment and tooling to better
represent the revised platform strategy and the increased use
of flexible manufacturing techniques in its facilities. The
change in these estimated useful lives and salvage values was
applied to existing assets and new additions beginning in
2002. The change in estimates resulted in reduced deprecia-
tion and amortization expenses of machinery, equipment and
tooling of 1324 million (1206 million, net of taxes, or 10.20
per diluted share) for the year ended December 31, 2002.

Leasing – The Group is a lessee of property, plant and equip-
ment 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 transferred to the
lessee are accounted for as capital leases. All other leases are
accounted for as operating leases. Rent expenses on operat-
ing leases, where the Group is lessee, is recognized over the
respective lease terms using the straight-line method. Equip-
ment on operating leases, where the Group is lessor, is carried
initially at its acquisition cost and is depreciated over the 
contractual term of the lease, using the straight-line method,
to its estimated residual value. The estimated residual value is
initially determined using published third party information as
well as historical and projected experience about expected
resale values for the types of equipment leased.

Long-Lived Assets – The Group evaluates its long-lived
assets (which includes equipment on operating leases where
the Group is lessor, but excludes goodwill) in accordance with
the provisions of SFAS 144, “Accounting for the Impairment 
or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” (see New Accounting Pro-
nouncements). This Statement requires that long-lived assets
and certain identifiable intangibles be reviewed for impairment
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that
the carrying amount of an asset or group of assets may not be
recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used 
is assessed by comparing the carrying amount of an asset or
asset group to the expected future undiscounted net cash
flows of the asset or group of assets. If an asset or group of
assets is considered to be impaired, the impairment to be 
recognized in the Group’s financial statements is measured as
the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset or
group of assets exceeds fair value. Long-lived assets meeting
the criteria to be considered as held for sale are reported 
at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less costs to
sell.

Non-fixed Assets – Non-fixed assets represent the Group’s

inventories, receivables, securities and cash, including
amounts to be realized in excess of one year. In the accompa-
nying notes, the portion of assets and liabilities to be realized
and settled in excess of one year has been disclosed.

Inventories – Inventories are valued at the lower of acqui-
sition 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. inventories are
valued using the last-in, first-out method (“LIFO”). Manufactur-
ing costs comprise direct material and labor and applicable
manufacturing overheads, including depreciation charges.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | 99

Commitments and Contingencies – Liabilities for loss contin-
gencies are recorded when it is probable that a liability has
been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. 
DaimlerChrysler accrues for losses associated with environ-
mental remediation obligations when such losses are probable
and reasonably estimable. Accruals for estimated losses from
environmental remediation obligations generally are recog-
nized no later than completion of the remedial feasibility
study.  Such accruals are adjusted as further information
develops or circumstances change. Costs of future expendi-
tures for environment remediation obligations are not dis-
counted to their present value. Recoveries of environmental
remediation costs from other parties are recorded as assets
when their receipt is deemed probable.

Deposits from Direct Banking Business – Demand deposit
accounts are classified as financial liabilities. Interest paid on
demand deposit accounts is recognized in cost of sales as
incurred.

New Accounting Pronouncements – In July 2001, the Finan-
cial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS 141,
“Business Combinations,” and SFAS 142. SFAS 141 requires
that the purchase method of accounting be used for all busi-
ness combinations initiated after June 30, 2001. SFAS 141
also specifies the types of acquired intangible assets that are
required to be recognized and reported separately from good-
will and those acquired intangible assets that are required 
to be included in goodwill. SFAS 142 requires that goodwill no
longer be amortized, but instead tested for impairment at
least annually. SFAS 142 also requires recognized intangible
assets with a definite useful life to be amortized over their
respective estimated useful lives and reviewed for impairment
in accordance with SFAS 144 (see below). Any recognized
intangible asset determined to have an indefinite useful life
will not be amortized, but instead tested for impairment 
in accordance with SFAS 142 until its life is determined to no
longer be indefinite.

Marketable Securities and Investments – Securities and 
certain investments are accounted for at fair value, if readily
determinable. Unrealized gains and losses on trading securi-
ties, representing securities bought principally for the purpose
of near term sales, are included in earnings. Unrealized gains
and losses on available-for-sale securities are included as 
a component of accumulated other comprehensive income
(loss), net of applicable taxes. All other securities are recorded
at cost. Unrealized losses on all marketable securities and
investments that are other than temporary are recognized in
earnings.

Cash equivalents – The Group’s liquid assets are recorded
under various balance sheet captions as more fully described
in Note 21. For purposes of the consolidated statements of
cash flows, the Group considers all highly liquid instruments
with original maturities of three months or less to be cash
equivalents.

Financial Instruments — DaimlerChrysler uses derivative

financial instruments such as forward contracts, swaps, options,
futures, swaptions, forward rate agreements, caps and floors
for hedging purposes. The accounting of financial instruments
is based upon the provisions of SFAS 133 “Accounting for
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” as amended
by SFAS 137 and 138 (see Note 10). SFAS 133 requires that
all derivative instruments are recognized as assets or liabilities
on the balance sheet and measured at fair value, regardless 
of the purpose or intent for holding them. Changes in the fair
value of derivative instruments are recognized periodically
either in earnings or stockholders’ equity, as a component of
accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), depending
on whether the derivative is designated as a hedge of changes
in fair value or cash flows. For derivatives designated as fair
value hedges, changes in fair value of the hedged item and the
derivative are recognized currently in earnings. For derivatives
designated as cash flow hedges, fair value changes of the
effective portion of the hedging instrument are recognized in
accumulated other comprehensive income on the balance
sheet, net of applicable taxes, until the hedged item is recog-
nized in earnings. The ineffective portions of the fair value
changes are recognized in earnings immediately. Derivatives
not meeting the criteria for hedge accounting are marked 
to market and impact earnings. SFAS 133 also requires that 
certain derivative instruments embedded in host contracts 
be accounted for separately as derivatives.

Further information on the Group’s financial instruments 

is included in Note 32.

100 | Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

DaimlerChrysler adopted the provisions of SFAS 141 and
SFAS 142 as of July 1, 2001, and January 1, 2002, respective-
ly. These Statements require that goodwill acquired in a 
business combination completed after June 30, 2001, and 
any intangible asset determined to have an indefinite useful
life acquired after June 30, 2001, should not be amortized. 
Goodwill acquired in business combinations completed 
before July 1, 2001, and any intangible assets with indefinite
useful lives acquired before July 1, 2001, were amortized 
until December 31, 2001.

SFAS 142 required the Group to evaluate its existing 
intangible assets and goodwill and to make any necessary
reclassifications in order to conform with the new separation
requirements at the date of adoption. The Group reassessed
the estimated useful lives and residual values of all intangible
assets other than goodwill and determined that no adjust-
ments regarding amortization periods were necessary.

In connection with the transitional impairment evaluation,
SFAS 142 required DaimlerChrysler to perform an assessment
of whether there is an indication that goodwill is impaired as
of January 1, 2002. To accomplish this, DaimlerChrysler (1)
identified its reporting units, (2) determined the carrying value
of each reporting unit by assigning the assets and liabilities,
including the existing goodwill and intangible assets, to those
reporting units, and (3) determined the fair value of each
reporting unit. DaimlerChrysler completed this first step of 
the transitional assessment for all of the Group’s reporting units
by June 30, 2002, and determined there was no indication
that goodwill had been impaired as of January 1, 2002. Accord-
ingly, no transitional goodwill impairment charge was 
necessary.

Companies accounted for by DaimlerChrysler using the
equity method, such as EADS and MMC are also subject to
the requirements of SFAS 141 and SFAS 142. Daimler-
Chrysler’s proportionate share of its equity method investees’
(primarily EADS) transitional goodwill impairment charge
resulting from the adoption of SFAS 142 was 1159 million
(10.16 per share). This transitional impairment charge and the
related per share amount are reported as the cumulative
effect of a change in accounting principle in the Group’s 
consolidated statement of income (loss) for the year ended
December 31, 2002 (see Note 10).

In June 2001, the FASB issued SFAS 143, “Accounting for
Asset Retirement Obligations.” The statement applies to legal
obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-
lived assets that result from the acquisition, construction,
development and/or the normal operation of a long-lived
asset, except for certain obligations of lessees. SFAS 143
requires that the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement
obligation be recognized in the period in which it is incurred if
a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The associat-
ed asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carry-
ing amount of the long-lived asset and subsequently allocated
to expense over the asset’s useful life. The Group adopted
SFAS 143 on January 1, 2003. The adoption of SFAS 143 did
not have a material impact on the Group’s consolidated 
financial statements.

In August 2001, the FASB issued SFAS 144, which retains
the previous requirement to recognize an impairment loss only
if the carrying amounts of long-lived assets to be held and
used are not recoverable from their expected undiscounted
future cash flows. However, goodwill is no longer required to
be allocated to these long-lived assets when determining their
carrying amounts. SFAS 144 requires that a long-lived asset 
to be abandoned, exchanged for a similar productive asset, or
distributed to owners in a spin-off be considered held and
used until it is disposed. SFAS 144 requires the depreciable
life of an asset to be abandoned, be revised to its shortened
useful life. SFAS 144 requires all long-lived assets to be 
disposed of by sale, be recorded at the lower of its carrying
amount or fair value less cost to sell and to cease deprecia-
tion (amortization). Thus, future operating losses from dis-
continued operations are no longer recognized before they
occur. SFAS 144 is effective January 1, 2002. The adoption of
SFAS 144 compared to previous requirements, except for good-
will, did not have an impact on the Group’s consolidated finan-
cial statements.

In December 2001, the American Institute of Certified 
Public Accountants (“AICPA”) issued Statement of Position
(“SOP”) 01-06, “Accounting by Certain Entities (Including 
Entities With Trade Receivables) That Lend to or Finance the
Activities of Others.” SOP 01-06 aligns accounting guidance
related to loans and trade receivables for all entities. 
The measurement provisions of the Statement only apply to 
financial institutions. The disclosure and classification 
requirements for loans and trade receivables apply to all 
entities. This SOP is effective for financial statements issued
for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001. 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | 101

In April 2002, the FASB issued SFAS 145, “Rescission of FASB
Statements No. 4, 44 and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement
13 and Technical Corrections.” SFAS 145 requires gains and
losses on extinguishments of debt to be classified as gains or
losses from continuing operations rather than as extraordinary
items as previously required under SFAS 4, unless the gains
and losses meet the criteria to be classified as extraordinary
pursuant to APB 30. SFAS 145 also amends SFAS 13,
“Accounting for Leases,” to eliminate an inconsistency between
the required accounting for sale-lease back transactions and
the required accounting for certain lease modifications that
have economic effects that are similar to sale-lease back
transactions. The rescission of SFAS 4 is effective for fiscal
years beginning after May 15, 2002. The provisions of SFAS
145 related to SFAS 13 are effective for transactions occurring
after May 15, 2002. The adoption of these provisions had no
impact on the Group’s consolidated financial statements.

In July 2002, the FASB issued SFAS 146, “Accounting for
Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities.” The State-
ment requires that a liability for costs associated with exit or
disposal activities be recognized in the period in which the
costs are incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be
made. Under current accounting guidance, a liability can be
recognized when management has committed to an exit plan.
The requirements under SFAS 146 are effective prospectively
for exit or disposal activities initiated after December 31,
2002. Restatement of previously issued financial statements
is not permitted. The adoption of this Statement will affect the
Group’s accounting for exit and disposal activities initiated
after December 31, 2002.

In November 2002, the Emerging Issue Task Force (“EITF”)
reached a final consensus on EITF 00-21, “Revenue Arrange-
ments with Multiple Deliverables.” EITF 00-21 addresses 
certain aspects of the accounting of revenue arrangements
with multiple deliverables by a vendor. The Issue outlines an
approach to determine when a revenue arrangement for 
multiple deliverables should be divided into separate units of
accounting and, if separation is appropriate, how the arrange-
ment consideration should be allocated to the identified
accounting units. The consensus reached in the Issue will be
effective for DaimlerChrysler in its financial statements begin-
ning July 1, 2003. DaimlerChrysler will apply the consensus
prospectively in 2003. DaimlerChrysler is currently determin-
ing the impact of the adoption of EITF 00-21 on the Group’s
consolidated financial statements.

Also in November 2002, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation
(“FIN”) 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Require-
ments for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of
Indebtedness of Others – an interpretation of FASB state-
ments 5, 57, and 107 and rescission of FASB Interpretation
34.” This Interpretation elaborates on the disclosure to be
made by a guarantor in its financial statements regarding obli-
gations under certain guarantees that it has issued. FIN 45
also clarifies that a guarantor is required to recognize, at
inception of a guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the
obligation due to the issuance of the guarantee. Disclosure
requirements are effective for financial statements of interim
and annual periods ending after December 15, 2002 (see
Notes 25 b and 31). The recognition and measurement provi-
sions are effective for guarantees issued or modified after
December 31, 2002. DaimlerChrysler is currently determining
the impact of the recognition and measurement provisions of
FIN 45 on the Group’s consolidated financial statements.

In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS 148, “Accounting

for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure –
an amendment of FASB Statement No. 123.” SFAS 148
amends SFAS 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensa-
tion” to provide alternative methods of transition for a volun-
tary change to the fair value based method of accounting for
stock-based employee compensation. In addition, SFAS 148
requires more prominent disclosures in both interim and annu-
al financial statements about the method of accounting used
for stock-based employee compensation and the effect of the
method used on reported results. DaimlerChrysler applies APB
25 that uses an intrinsic value based approach to measure
compensation expense. The Group is currently considering the
adoption of SFAS 123 in 2003. Under SFAS 123, compen-
sation expense of stock option plans is measured at the grant
date based on the fair value of the award using an option-pric-
ing model. Compensation expense is recognized over the serv-
ice period with an offsetting credit to equity (paid-in capital). 
If adopted, use of the fair value based method will result in
additional compensation expense in the Group’s statement of
income (loss) depending upon the number, price and other
significant terms of the stock options granted (see Note 24). 
In January 2003, the FASB issued FIN 46, “Consolidation 
of Variable Interest Entities – an interpretation of ARB No. 51,”
which clarifies the application of the consolidation rules to
certain variable interest entities. FIN 46 established a new
multi-step model for the consolidation of variable interest enti-
ties when a company has a controlling financial interest based
either on voting interests or variable interests. Consolidation
based on variable interests is required by the primary benefici-
ary if the equity investors lack essential characteristics of a

102 | Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

controlling financial interest or if the equity investment at risk
is not sufficient for the entity to finance its activities without
additional subordinated financial support from other parties.
The primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity is the par-
ty that absorbs a majority of the entity’s expected losses,
receives a majority of its expected residual returns, or both, 
as a result of holding variable interests. FIN 46 also provides
disclosure requirements related to investments in variable
interest entities, whether or not those entities are consolidated.
For DaimlerChrysler, FIN 46 applies immediately to variable
interest entities created after January 31, 2003, and to vari-
able interest entities in which DaimlerChrysler obtains an
interest after that date. For variable interest entities created
prior to February 1, 2003, the consolidation requirements 
of FIN 46 will be effective as of July 1, 2003.

DaimlerChrysler utilizes various special purpose entities to
securitize wholesale and retail automotive receivables in the
ordinary course of business. Public retail and public wholesale
transactions typically involve the sale of a portfolio of receivables
through trusts that issue securities to the public. These trusts
meet the criteria in SFAS 140 for qualifying special purposes
entities (QSPE) and therefore, such securitizations are treated
as sales with de-recognition of the transferred receivables. In
these transactions, DaimlerChrysler generally receives a 
servicing fee in exchange for primarily collecting payments,
responding to inquiries of obligors on the sold receivables 
and furnishing the reports as required under the respective
servicing agreements. DaimlerChrysler retains a subordinated
beneficial interest in the receivables sold and legally its risk 
of loss is limited to the amount of the carrying value of these
retained interests. These transactions are not subject to the
provisions of FIN 46.

DaimlerChrysler also sells automotive receivables to multi-

seller and multi-collateralized bank conduits, which are 
considered variable interest entities, in the ordinary course 
of business. DaimlerChrysler generally remains as servicer.
DaimlerChrysler also retains residual beneficial interests in
the receivables sold which are designed to absorb substantial-
ly all of the credit, prepayment, and interest-rate risk of the
receivables transferred to the conduit. These transactions are
subject to the provisions of FIN 46. DaimlerChrysler is cur-
rently evaluating whether it is the primary beneficiary of these
variable interest entities and therefore would be required to
consolidate them.

The outstanding balance of receivables sold to QSPEs and
corresponding retained interest balance as of December 31,
2002 are approximately 122.9 billion and 13.2 billion, respec-
tively. The outstanding balance of receivables sold to conduits
and corresponding retained interest balance as of December 31,

2002 are approximately 17.2 billion and 11.0 billion, respec-
tively.

To a limited extent, DaimlerChrysler uses off-balance-sheet

leasing structures. In these structures, a variable interest
entity is established and owned by third parties. The variable
interest entity raises funds by issuing debt and equity securi-
ties to third party investors. The variable interest entity uses
the debt and equity proceeds to purchase property and
equipment, which is leased by the Group and used in the nor-
mal course of business. At the end of the lease term, Daimler-
Chrysler generally has the option to purchase the property
and equipment at fair value or re-lease the property and equip-
ment under new terms. DaimlerChrysler is currently evaluating
whether its interests in these entities require consolidation 
or information to be disclosed when FIN 46 becomes effective.
If these entities are required to be consolidated in accordance
with FIN 46, their aggregate size is not expected to be material
to the Group's consolidated financial statements. Further, 
the Group’s maximum exposure to loss as a result of its 
involvement with these entities is also not expected to be 
significant.

DaimlerChrysler is evaluating the extent to which it has
involvement in other entities, in addition to those described
above, and whether its interests are subject to the require-
ments of FIN 46. It is reasonably possible that Daimler-
Chrysler may be required to consolidate or disclose informa-
tion about any of these entities when FIN 46 becomes 
effective. However, DaimlerChrysler believes the aggregate
size and the Group’s maximum exposure to loss as a result of
its involvement with these entities is also insignificant.

2. Scope of Consolidation
Scope of Consolidation – DaimlerChrysler comprises 451 
German and non-German subsidiaries (2001: 470). A total 
of 102 (2001: 102) companies are accounted for in the con-
solidated financial statements using the equity method of
accounting. During 2002, 45 subsidiaries were included in the
consolidated financial statements for the first time. A total 
of 64 subsidiaries were no longer included in the consolidated
group. Significant effects of changes in the consolidated
group on the consolidated balance sheets and the consolidat-
ed statements of income (loss) are explained further in the
notes to the consolidated financial statements. A total of 305
subsidiaries (“affiliated companies”) are not consolidated as
their combined influence on the financial position, results of
operations, and cash flows of the Group is not material (2001:
296). The effect of such non-consolidated subsidiaries for 
all years presented on consolidated assets, revenues and net
income (loss) of DaimlerChrysler was approximately 1%. In

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | 103

The following tables present, on a three month lag, summa-
rized U.S. GAAP financial information for EADS and MMC
(amounts shown on a 100% basis in millions of 1) which are
the basis for applying the equity method in the Group’s 
consolidated financial statements:

EADS

Income statement information

Revenues

Net income 

Balance sheet information

Fixed assets

Non-fixed assets

Total assets

Stockholders’ equity

Minority interests

Accrued liabilities

Other liabilities

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

MMC

Income statement information

Revenues

Net income (loss)

Balance sheet information

Fixed assets

Non-fixed assets

Total assets

Stockholders’ equity

Minority interests

Accrued liabilities

Other liabilities

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

2002

28,769

521

2001

27,004

2,598

At December 31,
2001

2002

26,254

19,207

45,461

13,143

942

8,262

23,114

45,461

2002

27,847

154

2002

10,465

11,971

22,436

1,422

121

5,039

15,854

22,436

26,505

22,119

48,624

11,409

598

11,149

25,468

48,624

2001

30,057

(1,209)

2001

11,974

12,697

24,671

1,528

(61)

5,800

17,404

24,671

addition, 5 (2001: 5) companies administering pension funds
whose assets are subject to restrictions have not been included
in the consolidated financial statements. The consolidated
financial statements include 112 associated companies
(2001: 96) accounted for at cost and recorded under invest-
ments in related companies as these companies are not 
material to the respective presentation of the financial position,
results of operations or cash flows of the Group.

3. Equity Method Investments
At December 31, 2002, the significant investments in compa-
nies accounted for under the equity method were the following:

Company

European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company 
EADS N.V.

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation

Ownership
percentage

33.0%

37.1%

Further information with respect to the transactions which
resulted in the Group’s holdings in EADS and MMC is presented
in Note 4 (Acquisitions and Dispositions) and Note 11 (Extra-
ordinary Items). The aggregate quoted market prices as of
December 31, 2002, for DaimlerChrysler’s shares in EADS and
MMC were 12,627 million and 11,124 million, respectively. 
The carrying value of the significant investments exceeded
DaimlerChrysler’s share of the underlying reported net assets
by approximately 1840 million at December 31, 2002. The
excess of the Group’s initial investment in equity method com-
panies over the Group’s ownership percentage in the underly-
ing net assets of those companies is attributed to certain fair
value adjustments with the remaining portion considered as
investor level goodwill. The fair value adjustments and good-
will are accounted for in the respective equity method invest-
ment balances. Under the equity method, investments are
stated at initial cost and are adjusted for subsequent contri-
butions and DaimlerChrysler’s share of the equity investees’
earnings, losses and distributions. Investor level goodwill
relating to the Group’s investments in EADS and MMC was
being amortized over a 20 year period until December 31,
2001. After December 31, 2001, such goodwill was no longer
amortized as a result of adopting SFAS 142. The total carrying
value, including goodwill, of each equity method investment
will continue to be evaluated for impairment when conditions
indicate that a decline in fair value below the carrying amount
is other than temporary.

104 | Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

4. Acquisitions and Dispositions
DaimlerChrysler signed contracts to sell a controlling (51%)
interest in VM Motori S.p.A. and its 100% ownership interest
in Detroit Diesel Motores do Brasil Ltda, both wholly-owned
subsidiaries of DaimlerChrysler, in the fourth quarter of 2002.
The sales of these ownership interests are expected to be
concluded in the first quarter of 2003. The expected losses
from the sales of these ownership interests has been allocat-
ed to impairment losses on (1) long-lived assets in the dispos-
al groups held for sale, (2) goodwill in the disposal groups held
for sale, (3) long-lived assets to be retained and (4) goodwill to
be retained. The total goodwill impairment charge recognized
in 2002 amounted to 140 million and is included in other
expenses of the Commercial Vehicles segment (see Note 5).
Within the consolidated balance sheet, 1122 million of total
assets and 1102 million total liabilities have been classified as
held for sale at December 31, 2002. DaimlerChrysler will
account for the remaining 49% of VM Motori S.p.A. using the
equity method.

On January 6, 2003, MMC spun off its “Fuso Truck and Bus”

division, creating Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation
(“MFTBC”). Pursuant to a share sale and purchase agreement
with MMC dated September 20, 2002, DaimlerChrysler agreed
to purchase from MMC a non-controlling (43%) interest of
MFTBC’s shares for approximately 1760 million in cash. Ten
Mitsubishi Group companies, including Mitsubishi Corporation,
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi,
entered into a separate share sale and purchase agreement
with MMC pursuant to which they agreed to purchase from
MMC a total minority interest of 15% of MFTBC’s shares for
approximately 1265 million in cash. DaimlerChrysler and the
Mitsubishi Group purchasers expect to consummate their
respective transactions in March 2003. After the transactions
are executed, MMC will hold a non-controlling (42%) interest
in MFTBC. DaimlerChrysler will account for its investment in
MFTBC using the equity method with the excess of the pur-
chase price of DaimlerChrysler’s share of the underlying net
assets of MFTBC allocated to any identifiable tangible and
intangible assets based on estimated fair values. Any remaining
excess purchase price will be allocated to investor-level 
goodwill.

In June 2001, DaimlerChrysler entered into a commercial
vehicle joint venture agreement with Hyundai Motor Company
(“HMC”). In a first phase, the Group and HMC established
DaimlerHyundai Truck Corporation (“DHTC”). The Group
acquired a non-controlling (50%) interest in DHTC. DHTC was
formed to produce and/or distribute engines and engine
parts. The commercial vehicle joint venture agreement with
HMC also included an option for the Group to acquire 50% of
the commercial vehicle business of HMC. Pursuant to this
option, which DaimlerChrysler exercised in December 2002,
HMC is in the process of contributing its entire commercial
vehicle business to a new legal entity. Subject to receiving all
necessary governmental approvals, DaimlerChrysler currently
plans to acquire a 50% interest in that entity from HMC for
1400 million at the end of February 2003. DaimlerChrysler will
account for its investment in the commercial vehicle business
using the equity method with the excess of the purchase price
of DaimlerChrysler’s share of the underlying net assets allo-
cated to any identifiable tangible and intangible assets based
on estimated fair values. Any remaining excess purchase price
will be allocated to investor-level goodwill. The purpose of the
new commercial vehicle joint venture is to design, produce
and distribute commercial vehicles above 4t gross vehicle
weight (GVW), including buses, as well as components for
those vehicles. DaimlerChrysler and HMC intend to combine
their commercial vehicle and engine joint ventures in the first
half of 2003. The Group continues to hold a 10% equity 
interest in HMC, which was acquired in two installments in
September 2000 and in March 2001 for approximately 1484
million and is accounted for as an available-for-sale security.
During 2002, in separate transactions, the Group acquired

various dealerships in Europe and completed certain other
acquisitions, none of which were material. The aggregate 
purchase price paid in these separate acquisitions resulted 
in additions to goodwill of approximately 1132 million.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | 105

In October 2000, DaimlerChrysler acquired all the remai-
ning outstanding shares of Detroit Diesel Corporation for
approximately 1500 million. The acquisition of the remaining
78.6% interest in Detroit Diesel was accounted for using the
purchase method of accounting and resulted in goodwill of
approximately 1310 million, which was being amortized on a
straight-line basis using an useful life of 20 years until 
December 31, 2001. After December 31, 2001, goodwill will 
no longer be amortized, but instead tested for impairment 
at least annually, as a result of adopting SFAS 142.

In October 2000, DaimlerChrysler Services AG and

Deutsche Telekom AG formed a joint venture in the area of
information technology. In accordance with the agreement,
Deutsche Telekom received a 50.1% interest in T-Systems ITS
through an investment of approximately 14,571 million for
new shares of T-Systems ITS (see Note 11). In January 2002,
DaimlerChrysler exercised its option to sell to Deutsche
Telekom the Group’s 49.9% interest in T-Systems ITS for pro-
ceeds of 14,694 million. The sale was consummated in March
2002 with the termination of the joint venture, resulting in 
a gain of 12,484 million.

In September 2000, DaimlerChrysler acquired 100% of the

outstanding shares of the Canadian company Western Star
Trucks Holdings Ltd. for approximately 1500 million. The
acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of
accounting and resulted in goodwill of approximately 1380
million, which was being amortized on a straight-line basis
using a useful life of 20 years until December 31, 2001. After
December 31, 2001, goodwill will no longer be amortized, 
but instead tested for impairment at least annually, as 
a result of adopting SFAS 142.

Information on the exchange of the Group’s controlling
interest in DaimlerChrysler Aerospace for shares of EADS 
and the related initial public offering of EADS in July 2000 is
included in Note 11.

On October 18, 2000, DaimlerChrysler acquired a 34% equity
interest in MMC for approximately 12,200 million. At the
closing date of the transaction, the Group also purchased
MMC bonds with an aggregate face value of JPY19,200 million
and a stated interest rate of 1.7% for 1206 million, which are
convertible into shares of MMC stock. The bonds are only 
convertible by DaimlerChrysler in the event that its ownership
percentage would be diluted below 34% upon conversion 
of previously issued convertible bonds. To the extent not con-
verted, the bonds and accrued interest are due on April 30,
2003. In June 2001, Volvo AB sold its 3.3% interest in MMC,
plus its operational contracts with MMC, to DaimlerChrysler
for $297 million (1343 million) increasing DaimlerChrysler’s
interest in MMC to 37.3%. In November 2002, a rights offering
at MMC reduced the Group’s interest to 37.1%.

In August 2000, DaimlerChrysler signed a sale and purchase

agreement with the Canadian company Bombardier Inc. for
the sale of DaimlerChrysler Rail Systems GmbH (“Adtranz”).
With the closing of the transaction on April 30, 2001, control
over the operations of Adtranz was transferred to Bombardier
on May 1, 2001. Accordingly, the operating results of Adtranz
are included in the consolidated financial statements of 
DaimlerChrysler through April 30, 2001. The sales price of
$725 million was received during 2001. On July 5, 2002, 
Bombardier filed a request for arbitration with the International
Chamber of Commerce, Paris, and thereby raised claims for
sales price adjustments under the terms of the sale and pur-
chase agreement as well as claims for alleged breaches of
contract and misrepresentation, and seeks total damages of
approximately 1960 million. The sale and purchase agreement
limits the amount of such price adjustments to 1150 million,
and, to the extent legally permissible, the amount of other
claims to an additional 1150 million. DaimlerChrysler believes
the complaints are without merit and is defending itself vigor-
ously against such claims in the current arbitration proceed-
ings. Due to uncertainties with respect to the ultimate out-
come of these proceedings, the Group has recognized a par-
tial after-tax gain of 1237 million on the sale of Adtranz in the
fourth quarter of 2001, representing the maximum possible
adjustment to the sales price and the aforementioned maxi-
mum amount with respect to any further claims in accordance
with the sale and purchase agreement.

In April 2001, DaimlerChrysler completed the sale of 60% of

the interest in TEMIC to Continental AG for 1398 million,
resulting in a pretax gain of 1209 million. In April 2002, 
DaimlerChrysler exercised its option to sell to Continental AG
the Group’s 40% interest in Conti Temic microelectronic for
proceeds of 1215 million, resulting in a pretax gain of 1128
million.

106 | Notes to Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss)

Notes to Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss)

5. Functional Costs and Other Expenses
Selling, administrative and other expenses are comprised of
the following: 

(in millions of 3)

Selling expenses

Administration expenses

Goodwill amortization and 
impairments

Other expenses

Year ended December 31,
2000

2001

2002

12,059

11,823

11,666

5,390

5,539

5,921

40

804

184

785

279

437

18,293

18,331

18,303

Moderate demand and strong competition in the European
market for commercial vehicles resulted in idle capacity at
one of the Group’s German assembly plants. Consequently,
DaimlerChrysler determined that it does not expect to recover
the carrying value of certain long-lived assets (primarily 
manufacturing equipment and tooling) at this plant. In accor-
dance with the provisions of SFAS 144, an impairment charge
amounting to 1201 million was recognized in 2002. The
charge is included in cost of sales of the Commercial Vehicles
segment.

In 2002, a goodwill impairment charge of 140 million was
recognized in connection with the contracted sale of control-
ling interests in two businesses in the Commercial Vehicles
segment (see Note 4).

In October 2002, DaimlerChrysler reached a final agree-
ment with GE Capital to sell a significant portion of its port-
folio of corporate aircraft, consisting of finance lease receiv-
ables and owned aircraft currently under operating leases. The
sale will be consummated in tranches beginning in November
2002 over a period of approximately 12 months. The agree-
ment contains provisions for DaimlerChrysler to receive a
share of future payments throughout the remaining term of
the contracts in the portfolio. As a result of current economic
conditions, the Group also re-evaluated the recoverability of
its remaining leasing portfolio in the fourth quarter of 2002. In
connection with the sale agreement, the Group classified
finance lease receivables with a carrying value of 1493 million
and equipment under operating leases with a carrying value 
of 140 million as held for sale at December 31, 2002. The 
Services segment recognized impairment losses amounting to
1191 million in other expenses and 120 million in cost of
sales related to the assets held for sale and the re-evaluation
of the remaining portfolio.

In 2002, due to declining resale prices of used passenger cars
and commercial vehicles in North America, DaimlerChrysler
recognized impairment charges totaling 1256 million upon re-
evaluation of the recoverability of the carrying value of its
leased vehicles. This re-evaluation was performed using
product specific cash flow information. As a result, the carry-
ing values of these leased vehicles were determined to be
impaired as the identifiable undiscounted future cash flows
were less than their respective carrying values. In accordance
with SFAS 144, the resulting impairment charges, recorded as
a component of cost of sales in the Services segment, repre-
sent the amount by which the carrying values of such vehicles
exceeded their respective fair market values.

Following a decision of DaimlerChrysler’s Board of Manage-
ment in the fourth quarter of 2001, DaimlerChrysler, GE Capi-
tal and other financial services providers reached an agree-
ment during the six months ended June 30, 2002 to purchase
a portion of the DaimlerChrysler’s commercial real estate and
asset-based lending portfolios in the United States for 11,260
million. The decision resulted in a charge of 1166 million,
which is included in other expense of the Services segment 
in 2001.

As discussed in Note 7, the DaimlerChrysler Supervisory
Board approved a multi-year turnaround plan for the Chrysler
Group in February 2001. The related charges are presented 
as a separate line item on the accompanying consolidated
statements of income (loss) and are not reflected in cost of
sales or selling, administrative and other expenses.

In October 2001, the DaimlerChrysler Board of Management

approved a turnaround plan for its North American truck 
subsidiary Freightliner. The turnaround plan is designed to
return Freightliner to sustainable profitability and comprises
four main elements: material cost savings, production cost
savings, overhead reductions and improvements to the exist-
ing business model. The implementation of the turnaround
plan resulted in charges of 1310 million, reflecting employee
termination benefits of 183 million, asset impairment charges
of 1170 million, and other costs to exit certain activities of
157 million (see Note 25b). The charges were recorded in cost
of sales (1173 million) and selling, administrative and other
expenses (1137 million) in 2001. Employee termination bene-
fits related to voluntary and involuntary severance measures
affected hourly and salaried employees. As a result of the
voluntary and involuntary measures, 1,314 and 1,484 hourly
and salaried employees were affected by the plan in 2002
and 2001, respectively. The amount of employee termination
benefit paid and charged against the liability was 138 million
in 2002. 

Notes to Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) | 107

Based on its investment in MMC and the corresponding stra-
tegic alliance entered into in the fourth quarter 2000, Daimler-
Chrysler conducted a review of its compact car strategy in
2000, and concluded that it was necessary to revise the cur-
rent strategic plan for the smart brand, including restructuring
of supplier contracts. As a result, the carrying values of cer-
tain of the brand’s long-lived assets were determined to be
impaired as the identifiable, undiscounted future cash flows
from the operation of such assets were less then their respec-
tive carrying values. In accordance with SFAS 121, “Account-
ing for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-
Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of,” DaimlerChrysler recorded
an impairment charge of 1281 million. The impairment charge
represents the amount by which the carrying values of such
assets exceeded their respective fair market values. The im-
pairment relates principally to the carrying values of the man-
ufacturing facility, equipment and tooling. In addition, charges
of 1255 million were recorded related to fixed cost reimbur-
sement agreements with MCC smart suppliers. The charges
were recorded in cost of sales (1494 million) and other
expenses (142 million) for the year 2000.

In 2000, DaimlerChrysler recorded an impairment charge in
cost of sales of approximately 1500 million for certain leased
vehicles in the Services segment. Declining resale prices 
of used vehicles in the North American and the U.K. markets
required the Group to re-evaluate the recoverability of the 
carrying values of its leased vehicles. This re-evaluation was
performed using product specific cash flow information. As a
result, the carrying values of these leased vehicles were deter-
mined to be impaired as the identifiable undiscounted future
cash flows from such vehicles were less than their respective
carrying values. In accordance with SFAS 121, the resulting
pre-tax impairment charges represent the amount by which
the carrying values of such vehicles exceeded their respective
fair market values. 

Personnel expenses included in the statement of income
(loss) are comprised of:

(in millions of 3)

Wages and salaries

Social levies

Net pension cost 
(see Note 25a)

Net postretirement benefit cost 
(see Note 25a)

Other expenses for pensions and 
retirements

Year ended December 31,
2000

2001

2002

19,701

20,073

21,836

3,132

3,193

3,428

152

630

1,119

1,173

59

26

327

830

79

24,163

25,095

26,500

Number of employees (annual average):

Hourly employees

Salaried employees

Trainees/apprentices

Year ended December 31,
2000

2001

2002

232,304

244,938

270,814

125,110

122,094

165,117

13,263

12,512

13,663

370,677

379,544

449,594

In 2001 and 2000, 28 people were employed in each of the
years in joint venture companies.

Information on the remuneration to the current members 
of the Supervisory Board and the Board of Management is in-
cluded in Note 37. In 2002, disbursements to former members
of the Board of Management of DaimlerChrysler AG and their
survivors amounted to 19 million. An amount of 1150 million
has been accrued for pension obligations to former members
of the Board of Management and their survivors. As of 
December 31, 2002, no advances or loans existed to members
of the Board of Management of DaimlerChrysler AG.

6. Other Income
Other income includes gains on sales of property, plant and
equipment (149 million, 1104 million and 1106 million in
2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively) and rental income, other
than relating to financial services leasing activities (1197 
million, 1191 million and 1178 million in 2002, 2001 and
2000, respectively). In 2001, gains on sales of companies of
1465 million were recognized in other income.

108 | Notes to Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss)

The pretax amounts for turnaround plan charges since initia-
tion in the first quarter of 2001 are comprised of the following:

(in millions of 3)

Reserve balance
at January 1, 2001

Initial charges

Additional charges

Adjustments

Net charges

Payments

Amount charged
against assets

Amount recognized
by and transferred
to the employee
benefit plans

Currency trans-
lation adjustment

Reserve balance 
at December 31,
2001

Additional charges

Adjustments

Net charges

Payments

Amount charged
against assets

Amount recognized
by and transferred
to the employee
benefit plans

Currency trans-
lation adjustment

Reserve balance 
at December 31,
2002

Workforce
reductions

Asset
write-downs

Other costs

Total

–

1,403

93

(122)

1,374

(211)

–

836

148

–

984

–

–

808

27

(129)

706

(154)

–

3,047

268

(251)

(3,064)

(365)

–

(984)

(63)

(1,047)

(695)

38

506

353

(41)

312

(297)

–

–

–

269

30

299

–

–

21

510

99

(16)

83

(695)

59

1,016

721

(27)

694

(215)

(512)

–

(299)

(6)

(305)

(152)

(89)

280

–

–

–

–

(152)

(67)

(156)

305

585

7. Turnaround Plan for the Chrysler Group
The DaimlerChrysler Supervisory Board approved a multi-year
turnaround plan for the Chrysler Group in 2001. Key initiatives
for the turnaround plan over the period 2001 through 2003
include a workforce reduction and an elimination of excess
capacity. The workforce reduction affected represented and
non-represented hourly and salary employees. To eliminate
excess capacity, the Chrysler Group is idling, closing or 
disposing of certain manufacturing plants, eliminating shifts
and reducing line speeds at certain manufacturing facilities,
and adjusting volumes at component, stamping and powertrain
facilities. 

The net charges recorded for the plan in 2001 were 13,064

million (11,934 million net of taxes) and are presented as a
separate line item on the accompanying consolidated state-
ments of income (loss) (12,555 million and 1509 million would
have otherwise been reflected in cost of sales and selling,
administrative and other expenses, respectively).

The initial charges of 13,047 million were recorded in 
February 2001 with the approval of the turnaround plan. 
Additional charges of 1268 million in 2001 resulted from the
subsequent impairment and disposal costs associated 
with a component plant as well as costs for a special early 
retirement program. The return to income adjustments of
1251 million in 2001 include revisions of estimates based
upon information currently available or actual settlements.
These adjustments reflect lower than anticipated costs 
associated with workforce reduction initiatives, including the
involuntary severance benefits, and favorable resolution of
supplier contract cancellation claims.

The net charges recorded for the plan in 2002, were 1694
million (1439 million net of taxes) and are presented as a sep-
arate line item on the accompanying consolidated statements
of income (loss) (1680 million and 114 million would have 
otherwise been reflected in cost of sales and selling, adminis-
trative and other expenses, respectively). These charges were
for additional costs associated with the idling, closing or dis-
posal of certain manufacturing facilities in 2002 and 2003 and
ongoing workforce reduction measures as well as revisions of
estimates based upon information currently available or actual
settlements. 

Notes to Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) | 109

Workforce reduction charges in 2002 and 2001 relate to 
early retirement incentive programs (1160 million and 1725
million, respectively) and involuntary severance benefits 
(1152 million and 1649 million, respectively). The voluntary early
retirement programs, accepted by 3,175 and 9,261 employ-
ees in 2002 and 2001, respectively, are formula driven based
on salary levels, age and past service. In addition, 5,106 
and 7,174 employees were involuntarily affected by the plan 
in 2002 and 2001, respectively. The amount of involuntary 
severance benefits paid and charged against the liability was
1199 million and 1131 million in 2002 and 2001, respectively.
The amount recognized by and transferred to the employee
benefit plans represents the cost of the special early retirement
programs and the curtailment of prior service costs actuarially
recognized by the pension and postretirement health and life
insurance benefit plans.

As a result of the planned idling, closing or disposal of 
certain manufacturing facilities, the recovery of the carrying
values of certain long-lived assets at these plants were deter-
mined to be impaired. Accordingly, the Chrysler Group 
recorded impairment charges of 1299 million in 2002 and
1984 million in 2001. The impairment charges represent the
amount by which the carrying values of the property, plant,
equipment and tooling exceeded their respective fair market
values as determined by third party appraisals or comparative
market analyses developed by the Chrysler Group.

The Chrysler Group sold the Dayton Thermal Products facility
on May 1, 2002 to a joint venture company with Behr America,
Inc. and will maintain a minority interest for two years. 
In addition, the Chrysler Group sold the Graz, Austria plant 
to Magna International Inc. on July 12, 2002. The exit costs of
these two plant sales were provided for in the Turnaround
Plan charges.

Other costs primarily include supplier contract cancellation

costs.

Other key initiatives of the plan include additional cost

reduction and revenue enhancing measures. Specifically, in an
effort to reduce costs, suppliers were requested to voluntarily
reduce the prices charged for materials and services. Under
the revenue enhancement measures of the turnaround plan,
certain dealer programs were replaced with a new perform-
ance-based incentive program under which dealers may earn
cash payments based on levels of achievement compared 
to pre-assigned monthly retail sales objectives as well as 24
individual sales offices throughout the United States were
reorganized into eight regional business centers.

8. Financial Income, net

(in millions of 3)

Income from investments 
of which from affiliated companies
144 (2001: 1(2); 2000: 124)
Gains, net from disposals of 
investments and shares in affiliated
and associated companies

Write-down of investments and shares
in affiliated companies

Income (loss) from companies 
included at equity

Income (loss) from investments, net

Other interest and similar income 
of which from affiliated companies 
19 (2001: 131; 2000: 120)
Interest and similar expenses 
of which from affiliated companies
121 (2001: 121; 2000: 114)
Interest income (expense), net

Income from securities and 
long-term receivable of which 
from affiliated companies 
17 (2001: 19; 2000: 110)
Write-down of securities and 
long-term receivable

Other, net

Other financial income (loss), net

Year ended December 31,
2000

2001

2002

74

24

73

2,645

320

1

(63)

(109)

(54)

(16)

2,640

97

332

(244)

(224)

720

1,040

1,268

(1,040)

(1,317)

(320)

(277)

(988)

280

84

291

(71)

(125)

(112)

2,208

(16)

(176)

99

154

161

(3)

(58)

100

156

In 2002 the Group sold its 49.9%-interest in T-Systems ITS.
This sale resulted in a gain of 12,484 million, which is included
in gains from disposals of investments and shares in affiliated
and associated companies (see Note 4).

In 2001, EADS, an equity method investee of the Group,
created a new company, Airbus SAS, and contributed all of its
Airbus activities into the new company for a 100% ownership
interest. Also in 2001, Airbus SAS issued new shares to BAe
Systems in exchange for all of its Airbus activities. As a result
of this transaction, EADS’ ownership interest in Airbus SAS,
which is consolidated by EADS, was diluted to 80%. Daimler-
Chrysler recognized under U.S. GAAP its share of the gain
resulting from the formation of Airbus SAS in the amount of
1747 million in income (loss) from companies included at
equity.

The Group capitalized interest expenses related to qualifying

construction projects of 1147 million (2001: 1275 million;
2000: 1181 million).

110 | Notes to Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss)

9. Income Taxes
Income (loss) before income taxes consists of the following:

(in millions of 3)

Germany

Non-German countries

Year ended December 31,
2000

2001

2002

4,379

1,689

6,068

4,498

(5,981)

(1,483)

2,729

1,747

4,476

Income tax expense (benefit) is comprised of the following
components:

(in millions of 3)

Current taxes

Germany

Non-German countries

Deferred taxes

Germany

Non-German countries

Year ended December 31,
2000

2001

2002

1,195

(286)

793

(512)

(430)

637

698

(1,695)

1,177

(777)

(45)

1,160

1,490

(606)

1,999

For German companies, the deferred taxes at December 31,
2002 are calculated using a federal corporate tax rate 
of 26.5% (2001 and 2000: 25%) for deferred taxes which will
reverse in the next year and 25% (2001 and 2000: 25%) for
deferred taxes which will reverse after one year. Deferred 
taxes are also calculated with a solidarity surcharge of 5.5%
for each year on federal corporate taxes payable plus the after
federal tax benefit rate for trade tax of 11.842% (2001 and
2000: 12.125%) for deferred taxes which will reverse in the
next year and 12.125% (2001 and 2000: 12.125%) for
deferred taxes which will reverse after one year. Including the
impact of the surcharge and the trade tax, the tax rate applied
to German deferred taxes amounts to 39.8% (2001 and 2000:
38.5%) for deferred taxes which will reverse in the next year
and 38.5% (2001 and 2000: 38.5%) for deferred taxes which
will reverse after one year. 

In 2002, the German government enacted new tax legis-
lation for the purpose of financing the flood disaster which,
among other changes, increased the Group’s statutory 
corporate tax rate for German companies from 25% to 26.5%,
effective for the calendar year 2003. The effect of the increase
in the tax rate on the deferred tax assets and liabilities of the
Group’s German companies was recognized in the year of
enactment and as a result, a net charge of 13 million is includ-
ed in the consolidated statement of income (loss) in 2002. 

In 2000, the German government enacted new tax legislation
which, among other changes, reduced the Group’s statutory
corporate tax rate for German companies from 40% on
retained earnings and 30% on distributed earnings to a uniform
25%, effective for the Group’s year beginning January 1, 2001.
The significant other tax law change is the exemption from tax
for certain gains and losses from the sale of shares in affiliated
and unaffiliated companies. The effects of the reduction in the
tax rate and other changes on the deferred tax assets and 
liabilities of the Group’s German companies were recognized
in the year of enactment. As a result, a net charge of 1263
million is included in the consolidated statement of income
(loss) in 2000. The effects of the reduction in the tax rate
resulted in deferred tax expense of 1373 million. The exemp-
tion from tax for certain gains from the sale of shares resulted
in deferred tax benefit of 1110 million due to the elimination
of the net deferred tax liabilities on the net unrealized gains.
The effect of the tax law changes in Germany in 2002 and
2000 are reflected separately in the reconciliations presented
below.

For the year ending December 31, 2000, the German corpo-

rate tax law applied a split-rate imputation with regard to the
taxation of the earnings of a corporation. In accordance with
the tax law in effect for 2000, retained corporate income was
initially subject to a federal corporate tax of 40% plus a soli-
darity surcharge of 5.5% on federal corporate taxes payable.
Including the impact of the surcharge, the federal corporate
tax rate amounted to 42.2%. Upon distribution of certain
retained earnings generated in Germany to stockholders, the
corporate income tax rate on the earnings was adjusted 
to 30%, plus a solidarity surcharge of 5.5% on the distribution
corporate tax, for a total of 31.65%, by means of a refund for
taxes previously paid. Under the new German corporate tax
system, during a 15 year transition period beginning on January
1, 2001, the Group will continue to receive a refund on the
distribution of retained earnings which existed as of December
31, 2000. As of December 31, 2002, the Group has used 
substantially all of its credit for German corporate tax on the
distribution of retained earnings.

A reconciliation of expected income taxes to actual income
tax expense (benefit) determined using the applicable German
corporate tax rate for the calendar year of 25% (2001: 25%;
2000: 40%) plus a solidarity surcharge of 5.5% on federal cor-
porate taxes plus the after federal tax benefit rate for trade
taxes of 12.125% (2001: 12.125%; 2000: 9.3%) for a combined
statutory rate of 38.5% in 2002 (2001: 38.5%; 2000: 51.5%) 
is as follows:

(in millions of 3)

Expected expense (benefit)
for income taxes

Tax rate differential with 
non-German countries

Gains from sales of business interests
(T-Systems ITS, TEMIC, Adtranz, 
debitel)

Trade tax rate differential

Changes in valuation allowances on
German deferred tax assets

Tax effect of equity method 
investments

Amortization of non-deductible 
goodwill

Tax free income and non-deductible
expenses

Effect of changes in German tax laws

Dividend distribution credit at DC AG

Other

Actual expense (benefit) for 
income taxes

(1,012)

(31)

–

2

–

114

3

(57)

60

5

52

(76)

–

–

6

48

263

(491)

83

1,177

(777)

1,999

In 2002, income tax credits from dividend distribution reflected
the tax benefit from the 2001 dividend distribution of 11.00
per Ordinary Share paid in 2002. In 2000, income tax credits
from dividend distribution reflected the tax benefit from 
the dividend distribution of 12.35 per Ordinary Share to be
paid for that year.

Notes to Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) | 111

Year ended December 31,
2000

2001

2002

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are summarized as
follows:

2,336

(571)

2,305

(in millions of 3)

(238)

96

(346)

Property, plant and equipment

(191)

(50)

29

–

(28)

–

Investments and long-term financial assets

Equipment on operating leases

Inventories

Receivables 

Net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards

Pension plans and similar obligations

(25)

113

Other accrued liabilities

At December 31,
2001

2002

611

2,132

956

709

663

3,002

3,424

4,938

1,733

1,138

120

365

2,135

689

697

1,369

3,078

3,682

6,340

1,331

944

423

19,426

21,053

(241)

19,185

(3,733)

(7,855)

(115)

(145)

20,908

(4,095)

(8,286)

(385)

(2,558)

(2,542)

(472)

(388)

(448)

(482)

(1,497)

(4,794)

(112)

(673)

(399)

(567)

(188)

(514)

(197)

(333)

(17,884)

(22,749)

1,301

(1,841)

Liabilities

Deferred income

Other

Valuation allowances

Deferred tax assets

Property, plant and equipment

Equipment on operating leases

Inventories

Receivables

Securities

Prepaid expenses

Pension plans and similar obligations

Other accrued liabilities

Taxes on undistributed earnings of non-German
subsidiaries

Liabilities

Other

Deferred tax liabilities

Deferred tax assets (liabilities), net

At December 31, 2002, the Group had corporate and trade tax
net operating losses (“NOLs”) amounting to 15,234 million
(2001: 14,668 million) and credit carryforwards amounting to
11,788 million (2001: 11,552 million), determined in accor-
dance with U.S. GAAP. The corporate tax NOLs and credit 
carryforwards relate to losses of non-German companies and
German non-Organschaft companies and are partly limited in
their use to the Group. The valuation allowances on deferred
tax assets of German and non-German operations increased
by 196 million. In future periods, depending upon the financial
results, management’s estimate of the amount of the deferred
tax assets considered realizable may change, and hence the
valuation allowances may increase or decrease.

10. Cumulative Effects of Changes in Accounting Principles
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets: Adoption of SFAS 142 –
DaimlerChrysler adopted SFAS 142 on January 1, 2002. The
transitional goodwill impairment charge recognized in the 
consolidated statement of income (loss) in 2002 by Daimler-
Chrysler was 1159 million (10.16 per share), which represents
the Group’s proportionate share of the transitional goodwill
impairment charges from equity method investees, primarily
EADS (see Note 1).

Beneficial Interests in Securitized Financial Assets: Adoption

of EITF 99-20 – As of July 1, 2000, DaimlerChrysler adopted
EITF 99-20 which specifies, among other things, how a trans-
feror that retains an interest in a securitization transaction, 
or an enterprise that purchases a beneficial interest, should
account for interest income and impairment. The cumulative
effect of adopting EITF 99-20 was a charge of 199 million 
(net of income tax benefits of 158 million).

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities:

Adoption of SFAS 133 and SFAS 138 – DaimlerChrysler elect-
ed to adopt SFAS 133 on January 1, 2000. Upon adoption 
of this Statement, DaimlerChrysler recorded a net transition
adjustment gain of 112 million (net of income tax expense of
15 million) in the statement of income (loss) and a net transi-
tion adjustment loss of 1349 million (net of income tax benefit
of 1367 million) in accumulated other comprehensive income.
Adoption of SFAS 138 did not have an impact on the Group’s
consolidated statement of income (loss).

112 | Notes to Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss)

The Group has various income tax years unresolved with 
the taxing authorities. The open years are either under review
by taxing authorities or not yet under examination. The Group
believes it has made adequate provision for any future income
taxes that may be owed for all open years. 

Net deferred income tax assets and liabilities in the con-

solidated balance sheets are as follows:

(in millions of 3)

At December 31, 2002
thereof
noncurrent

Total

At December 31, 2001
thereof
noncurrent

Total

Deferred tax assets

3,613

1,714

3,010

425

Deferred tax liabilities

(2,312)

(1,535)

(4,851)

(4,761)

Deferred tax assets 
(liabilities), net

1,301

179

(1,841)

(4,336)

DaimlerChrysler recorded deferred tax liabilities for non-Ger-
man withholding taxes of 1288 million (2001: 1371 million) on
15,760 million (2001: 17,421 million) in cumulative undistrib-
uted earnings of non-German subsidiaries and additional 
German tax of 1111 million (2001: 1143 million) on the future
payout of these foreign dividends because the earnings are
not intended to be permanently reinvested in those opera-
tions. 

The Group did not provide income taxes or non-German
withholding taxes on 16,950 million (2001: 112,357 million) 
in cumulative earnings of non-German subsidiaries because
the earnings are intended to be indefinitely reinvested in those
operations. It is not practicable to estimate the amount of
unrecognized deferred tax liabilities for these undistributed
foreign earnings.

Including the items charged or credited directly to related

components of accumulated other comprehensive income
(loss) and the expense (benefit) for income taxes of extraordi-
nary items and from changes in accounting principles, the
expense (benefit) for income taxes consists of the following:

(in millions of 3)

2002

2001

2000

Expense (benefit) for income taxes
before extraordinary items

Income tax expense of extraordinary
items

Income tax benefit from changes in
accounting principles

Stockholders’ equity for items in accu-
mulated other comprehensive income

1,177

(777)

1,999

–

–

–

–

324

(53)

(2,699)

(1,522)

(507)

(1,284)

(338)

1,932

In 2002, tax benefits of 1175 million from the reversal of de-
ferred tax asset valuation allowances at subsidiaries of MMC
were recorded as a reduction of the investor level goodwill
relating to the Group’s investment in MMC.

Notes to Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) | 113

11. Extraordinary Items
In October 2000, Adtranz sold its fixed installations business
which primarily focuses on rail electrification and traction
power to Balfour Beatty for 1153 million resulting in an extra-
ordinary after-tax gain of 189 million (net of income tax
expense of 152 million).

In 2000, Ballard Power Systems Inc., a developer of fuel cells
and related power generation systems, issued additional 
common shares to its shareholders. DaimlerChrysler elected
not to purchase additional shares thereby reducing its owner-
ship interest. The dilution of its ownership interest resulted in
an extraordinary gain of 173 million.

In October 2000, DaimlerChrysler and Deutsche Telekom

The gains from each of the foregoing transactions are

reported as extraordinary items in the consolidated statements
of income (loss) for the year 2000 because U.S. GAAP
requires such presentation when a significant disposition of
assets or businesses occurs within two years subsequent 
to accounting for a business combination using the pooling-
of-interests method.

combined their information technology activities in a joint 
venture. In accordance with an agreement announced on
March 27, 2000, Deutsche Telekom received a 50.1% interest
in T-Systems ITS through an investment of approximately 14.6
billion for new shares of T-Systems ITS. In 2000, the transaction
resulted in an extraordinary after-tax gain of 12,345 million.
The agreements also confer on Deutsche Telekom the option
to acquire from the Group, and on DaimlerChrysler the option
to sell to Deutsche Telekom, the Group’s 49.9% interest 
in T-Systems ITS. The DaimlerChrysler option was exercised in
January 2002 (see Note 4). DaimlerChrysler accounted for 
its interest in T-Systems ITS using the equity method until
February 28, 2002. 

In July 2000, the Group exchanged its controlling interest in
DaimlerChrysler Aerospace for shares of EADS, which subse-
quently completed its initial public offering. EADS is a global
aerospace and defense company which was established
through a merger of Aerospatiale Matra S.A., DaimlerChrysler
Aerospace AG and Construcciones Aeronauticas S.A.
(“CASA”). DaimlerChrysler accounted for the shares of EADS
received in the exchange at their fair value on that date and
recorded an extraordinary after-tax gain of 13,009 million. The
Group accounts for its 33% interest in EADS using the equity
method of accounting. DaimlerChrysler has the right to sell all
of its ownership interest in EADS to certain French shareholders.
This put option may be exercised immediately in the event of 
a voting deadlock on certain matters or at certain times after
three years. The price is based on the average closing mid-
market price of EADS shares during the 30 trading days prior
to the exercise of the put option.

114 | Notes to Consolidated Balance Sheets

Notes to Consolidated Balance Sheets

12. Goodwill 
Information with respect to changes in the Group’s goodwill is
presented in the Consolidated Fixed Asset Schedule included
herein. 

Upon adoption of SFAS 142, intangible assets relating 
to distribution rights with a net carrying amount of 144 million
were reclassified from goodwill to other intangible assets. In
2002, goodwill of 161 million was recorded in connection with
the acquisition of dealerships in Europe and 171 million was
recorded in connection with certain other acquisitions, none
of which were material. A goodwill impairment charge of 140
million was recognized in connection with the contracted
sales of two businesses in the Commercial Vehicles segment
(see Note 4). The remaining changes in the carrying amount of
goodwill primarily relate to currency translation adjustments.
At December 31, 2002, the carrying value of goodwill,
excluding investor level goodwill, allocated to the Group’s
reportable segments are: Mercedes Car Group (1104 million),
Chrysler Group (11,165 million), Commercial Vehicles 
(1696 million), Services (162 million) and Other Activities 
(144 million). 

There is no goodwill that has not been allocated to a report-

ing unit as of December 31, 2002.

DaimlerChrysler’s investor level goodwill in companies
accounted for using the equity method was 1845 million at
December 31, 2002. Such goodwill is not subject to the
impairment tests required by SFAS 142. Instead, the total
investment, including investor level goodwill, will continue 
to be evaluated for impairment when conditions indicate that
a decline in fair value of the investment below the carrying
amount is other than temporary.

Adjusted Prior Period Information
Net income (loss) and earnings (loss) per share for the years
ended December 31, 2001 and 2000, adjusted to exclude
goodwill amortization expense (including amounts recognized
in income (loss) from investments representing investor level
equity method goodwill amortization) and investee level good-
will amortization resulting from the Group’s investment in
EADS, were as follows:

Net income (loss) (in millions of 1)

Reported net income (loss)

Goodwill amortization 

Goodwill amortization – investee level

Adjusted net income (loss) 
Income (loss) per share (in 1):

Reported income (loss) per share – basic

Goodwill amortization

Goodwill amortization – investee level

Adjusted income (loss) per share – basic

Reported income (loss) per share – diluted

Goodwill amortization 

Goodwill amortization – investee level

Adjusted income (loss) per share – diluted 

Year ended December 31,
2000

2001

(662)

7,894

236

168

297

93

(258)

8,284

(0.66)

0.24

0.16

(0.26)

(0.66)

0.24

0.16

(0.26)

7.87

0.30

0.09

8.26

7.80

0.29

0.09

8.18

13. Other Intangible Assets
Information with respect to changes in the Group’s other
intangible assets is presented in the Consolidated Fixed Asset
Schedule included herein. 
Other intangible assets comprise:

(in millions of 3)

Other intangible assets subject 
to amortization

Gross carrying amount 

Accumulated amortization 

Net carrying amount 

Other intangible assets not subject 
to amortization

At December 31,
2001

2002

1,036

(634)

402

2,453

2,855

897

(542)

355

137

492

DaimlerChrysler’s other intangible assets subject to amortiza-
tion primarily represent software. In 2002, additions of 1374
million were recognized with a weighted average useful life 
of 6 years. Distribution rights amounting to 144 million were
reclassified from goodwill to other intangible assets on 
January 1, 2002. The aggregate amortization expense for the
years ended December 2002, 2001 and 2000, was 1175 
million, 1172 million and 1153 million, respectively. 

Amortization expense for the gross carrying amount of other

intangible assets at December 31, 2002, is estimated to be
1138 million in 2003, 196 million in 2004, 159 million in 2005,
129 million in 2006 and 118 million in 2007.

Other intangible assets not subject to amortization represent

intangible pension assets. The Group recorded an intangible
pension asset totaling 12.3 billion in connection with the require-
ment to recognize an additional minimum pension liability 
in 2002, principally at the Chrysler Group (see Note 25a).

Notes to Consolidated Balance Sheets | 115

14. Property, Plant and Equipment, net
Information with respect to changes in the Group’s property,
plant and equipment is presented in the Consolidated Fixed
Assets Schedule included herein.

Property, plant and equipment includes buildings, technical

equipment and other equipment capitalized under capital
lease agreements of 1152 million (2001: 1148 million). 
Depreciation expense and impairment charges on assets
under capital lease arrangements were 115 million (2001: 
113 million; 2000: 1188 million).

15. Equipment on Operating Leases, net
Information with respect to changes in the Group’s equipment
on operating leases is presented in the Consolidated Fixed
Assets Schedule included herein. Of the total equipment on
operating leases, 127,361 million represent automobiles and
commercial vehicles (2001: 135,015 million).
Noncancellable future lease payments due from customers 
for equipment on operating leases at December 31, 2002 are
as follows:

(in millions of 3)

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

thereafter

16. Inventories

(in millions of 3)

6,699

3,745

2,217

628

204

172

13,635

At December 31,
2001

2002

Raw materials and manufacturing supplies

1,900

2,251

Work-in-process
thereof relating to long-term contracts and 
programs in process

Finished goods, parts and products held for
resale

Advance payments to suppliers

Less: Advance payments received thereof
relating to long-term contracts and programs
in process 1127 (2001: 1110)

2,693

3,038

11,567

11,904

63

97

16,223

17,290

(581)

(536)

15,642

16,754

Certain of the Group’s U.S. inventories are valued using the
LIFO method. If the FIFO method had been used instead of 
the LIFO method, inventories would have been higher by 1724
million (2001: 11,102 million). For the years ended December
31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, inventory quantities were reduced,
which resulted in a liquidation of LIFO inventory carried at 
lower costs which prevailed in prior years. The effect of the
liquidation was to decrease cost of sales by 142 million, 129
million and 114 million in 2002, 2001and 2000, respectively.

17. Trade Receivables

(in millions of 3)

Receivables from sales of goods and 
services

Long-term contracts and programs, unbilled,
net of advance payments received

Allowance for doubtful accounts

At December 31,
2001

2002

6,879

7,052

47

6,926

(629)

6,297

24

7,076

(646)

6,430

As of December 31, 2002, 1110 million of the trade receiv-
ables mature after more than one year (2001: 1136 million).

18. Receivables from Financial Services

(in millions of 3)

Receivables from:

Sales financing

Finance leases

Initial direct costs

Unearned income

Unguaranteed residual value of leased assets

Allowance for doubtful accounts

At December 31,
2001

2002

41,386

16,423

57,809

250

38,882

17,400

56,282

248

(5,590)

(6,833)

1,178

53,647

(1,559)

52,088

1,417

51,114

(1,602)

49,512

As of December 31, 2002, 134,472 million of the financing
receivables mature after more than one year (2001: 135,551
million).

116 | Notes to Consolidated Balance Sheets

Changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts for receiv-
ables from financial services were as follows:

(in millions of 3)

Balance at beginning of year

Provisions for credit losses

Net credit losses

Reversals

Currency translation and other 
adjustments

Balance at end of year

Year ended December 31,
2000

2001

890

1,446

(783)

(88)

137

1,602

599

755

(455)

(9)

–

890

2002

1,602

1,004

(639)

(36)

(372)

1,559

Sales financing and finance lease receivables consist of retail
installment sales contracts secured by automobiles and 
commercial vehicles. Contractual maturities applicable to
receivables from sales financing and finance leases in each of
the years following December 31, 2002 are as follows:

20. 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 non-
fixed assets are comprised of the following:

(in millions of 3)

Debt securities

Equity securities

Equity-based funds

Debt-based funds

At December 31,
2001

2002

1,871

2,314

29

84

1,309

3,293

120

91

1,234

3,759

(in millions of 3)

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

thereafter

19,810

11,735

9,549

6,362

3,377

6,976

57,809

Actual cash flows will vary from contractual maturities due to
future sales of finance receivables, prepayments and charge-
offs.

19. Other Receivables

(in millions of 3)

Receivables from affiliated companies
Receivables from related companies 1
Retained interests in sold receivables and
subordinated asset backed certificates

Other receivables and other assets

Allowance for doubtful accounts

At December 31,
2001

2002

1,118

1,265

1,250

1,041

4,241

11,672

18,296

(723)

5,482

9,141

16,914

(726)

17,573

16,188

1  Related companies include entities which have a significant ownership in DaimlerChrysler

or entities in which the Group holds a significant investment.

As of December 31, 2002, 13,847 million of the other receiv-
ables mature after more than one year (2001: 12,584 million).

Notes to Consolidated Balance Sheets | 117

Carrying amounts and fair values of debt and equity securities
included in securities and investments for which fair values
are readily determinable are classified as follows:

(in millions of 3)

Available-for-sale

Trading

Securities

Investments and long-term
financial assets available-for-sale

Cost

Fair value

At December 31, 2002
Unrealized
Loss

Gain

Cost

Fair value

At December 31, 2001
Unrealized
Loss

Gain

3,085

202

3,287

685

3,972

3,086

207

3,293

728

4,021

19

6

25

43

68

18

1

19

–

19

3,327

460

3,787

731

4,518

3,295

464

3,759

987

4,746

34

6

40

316

356

66

2

68

60

128

The aggregate costs, fair values and gross unrealized holding
gains and losses per security class are as follows:

(in millions of 3)

Equity securities

Debt securities issued by the German 
government and its agencies

Municipal securities

Debt securities issued by non-German 
governments

Corporate debt securities

Equity-based funds

Debt-based funds

Asset-backed securities

Other marketable debt securities

Available-for-sale

Trading

Cost

695

4

13

275

710

94

Fair value

733

4

14

277

715

84

1,308

1,309

323

348

3,770

202

3,972

330

348

3,814

207

4,021

At December 31, 2002
Unrealized
Loss

Gain

44

–

1

2

6

–

1

8

–

62

6

68

6

–

–

–

1

10

–

1

–

18

1

19

Fair value

1,083

At December 31, 2001
Unrealized
Loss

Gain

333

69

Cost

819

112

27

520

588

96

112

27

523

592

91

1,239

1,234

247

410

4,058

460

4,518

253

367

4,282

464

4,746

–

–

3

7

–

–

7

–

350

6

356

–

–

–

3

5

5

1

43

126

2

128

The estimated fair values of investments in debt securities,
by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities
may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers
may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without
penalty.

(in millions of 3)

Due within one year

Due after one year through five years

Due after five years through ten years

Due after ten years

At December 31, 
2001

2002

2,011

493

228

265

1,477

1,007

422

202

2,997

3,108

Proceeds from disposals of available-for-sale securities were
15,254 million (2001: 13,402 million; 2000: 19,422 million).
Gross realized gains from sales of available-for-sale securities
were 1157 million (2001: 1425 million; 2000: 1275 million),
while gross realized losses were 123 million (2001: 1145 
million; 2000: 1140 million). DaimlerChrysler uses the specific
identification method as a basis for determining cost and 
calculating realized gains and losses.

Other securities classified as cash equivalents were approx-

imately 14.6 billion and 16.6 billion at December 31, 2002
and 2001, respectively, and consisted primarily of purchase
agreements, commercial paper and certificates of deposit. 

118 | Notes to Consolidated Balance Sheets

21. Liquid Assets
Liquid assets recorded under various balance sheet captions
are as follows:

(in millions of 3)

Cash and cash equivalents 1

2002

At December 31,
2000

2001

originally maturing within 3 months

9,100

10,715

7,082

originally maturing after 3 months

Total cash and cash equivalents

Securities

Other

30

9,130

3,293

5

31

10,746

3,759

20

45

7,127

5,378

5

12,428

14,525

12,510

1 Cash and cash equivalents are mainly comprised of cash at banks, cash on hand and

checks in transit

The following represents supplemental information with
respect to cash flows:

(in millions of 3)

Interest paid

Income taxes paid (refunded)

Year ended December 31,
2000

2001

2002

3,615

1,178

4,616

(624)

5,629

775

22. Prepaid Expenses
Prepaid expenses are comprised of the following:

(in millions of 3):

Prepaid pension cost

Other prepaid expenses

At December 31, 
2001

2002

243

719

962

7,584

1,022

8,606

As of December 31, 2002, 1352 million of the total prepaid
expenses mature after more than one year (2001: 17,632 
million).

As a result of the underfunded status of the accumulated
pension benefit obligations in 2002, DaimlerChrysler elimi-
nated prepaid pension cost totaling 17.6 billion (see Note 23
and Note 25a).

23. Stockholders’ Equity
Number of Shares Issued and Outstanding
DaimlerChrysler had issued and outstanding 1,012,803,493
registered Ordinary Shares of no par value at December 31,
2002 (2001: 1,003,271,998). Each share represents a nominal
value of 12.60 of capital stock.

Treasury Stock
In 2002, DaimlerChrysler purchased approximately 1.1 million
(2001 and 2000: 1.4 million) Ordinary Shares in connection
with an employee share purchase plan, of which 1.1 million
(2001: 1.2 million; 2000: 1.4 million) were re-issued to
employees. The remaining 0.2 million in 2001 were resold in
the market. 

Authorized and Conditional Capital
Through April 30, 2003, the Board of Management is author-
ized, upon approval of the Supervisory Board, to increase 
capital stock by a total of up to an aggregate nominal amount
of approximately 1256 million and to issue Ordinary Shares 
of up to an aggregate nominal amount of approximately 126
million to employees.

DaimlerChrysler is authorized to issue convertible bonds
and notes with warrants in a nominal volume of up to 115 
billion with a term of up to 20 years by April 18, 2005. The
convertible bonds and notes with warrants shall grant to the
holders or creditors option or conversion rights for new shares
in DaimlerChrysler in a nominal amount not to exceed 1300
million of capital stock. DaimlerChrysler is also entitled to
grant up to 96,000,000 rights (representing up to a nominal
amount of approximately 1250 million of capital stock) with
respect to the DaimlerChrysler Stock Option Plan by April 18,
2005.

In 2002, 7,035 Ordinary Shares of DaimlerChrysler were
issued upon exercise of options from the Stock Option Plan
1996.

DaimlerChrysler is authorized through October 10, 2003, 
to acquire treasury stock for certain defined purposes up to a
maximum nominal amount of 1260 million of capital stock,
representing approximately 10% of issued and outstanding
capital stock.

Convertible Notes
In June 1997, DaimlerChrysler issued 5.75% subordinated
mandatory convertible notes due June 14, 2002, with a nominal
amount of 166.83 per note. These convertible notes repre-
sented at the date of issue a nominal amount of 1508 million
including 7,600,000 notes which could be converted, subject
to adjustment, into 0.86631 newly issuable shares of Daimler-
Chrysler AG for each note before June 4, 2002. During 2002,
17,927 DaimlerChrysler Ordinary Shares were issued upon
exercise (2001: 87; 2000: 92). On June 14, 2002, the manda-
tory conversion date, 7,572,881 notes were converted into
9,506,483 newly issued Ordinary Shares of DaimlerChrysler
AG. The conversion price of 152.72 was determined on June
8, 2002, on the basis of the average closing auction price for

Notes to Consolidated Balance Sheets | 119

the shares in Xetra-trading for the period between May 13,
2002 and June 7, 2002. Because this conversion price was
below the adjusted minimum conversion price of 153.19, the
number of shares was calculated based on the adjusted 
minimum conversion price. Thus each shareholder received
1.25643 Ordinary Shares of DaimlerChrysler AG per note.
Fractions that remained after aggregation were settled in cash
based on a conversion rate of 152.72 amounting to a total
cash payment of 10.4 million.

During 1996, DaimlerChrysler Luxembourg Capital S.A., a
wholly-owned subsidiary of DaimlerChrysler, issued 4.125%
bearer notes with appertaining warrants due July 5, 2003, in
the amount of 1613 million (with a nominal value of 1511

each) entitling the bond holders to subscribe for a total of
12,366,324 shares (7,728,048 of which represent newly
issued shares totaling 1383 million) of DaimlerChrysler.
According to the note agreements the option price per share
is 142.67 in consideration of exchange of the notes or 
144.49 in cash. During 2002, 50 options for the subscription 
of newly issued DaimlerChrysler Ordinary Shares (2001: -;
2000:10,416) were exercised.

Comprehensive Income
The changes in the components of accumulated other 
comprehensive income (loss) are as follows:

(in millions of 3)

Unrealized gains (losses) on securities 
(incl. retained interests):

Pretax

Tax
effect

Net

Pretax

Tax
effect

Net

Pretax

2002

2001 

Tax
effect

2000 

Net

Unrealized holding gains (losses)

122

(77)

45

(129)

149

20

(250)

Reclassiffication adjustments for 
(gains) losses included in net income (loss)

Unrealized gains (losses) on securities

Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives 
Hedging variability of cash flows:

(223)

(101)

43

(34)

(180)

(135)

(46)

(175)

(111)

38

(157)

(137)

61

(189)

46

(6)

40

(204)

55

(149)

Unrealized derivative gains (losses)

2,417

(952)

1,465

(708)

257

(451)

(1,932)

978

(954)

Reclassification adjustments for 
(gains) losses included in net income (loss)

Unrealized derivative gains (losses)

Foreign currency translation adjustments

Minimum pension liability adjustments

Other comprehensive income (loss)

(111)

2,306

(3,170)

(10,006)

(10,971)

48

(904)

(63)

1,402

(80)

(3,250)

829

121

598

3,717

2,699

(6,289)

(8,272)

(1,436)

(892)

(307)

(50)

(33)

552

507

522

71

565

(884)

(385)

1,113

(819)

1,474

8

(474)

(567)

411

(111)

(2)

338

546

(408)

1,363

6

812

120 | Notes to Consolidated Balance Sheets

Miscellaneous
The minority stockholders of Dornier GmbH, a subsidiary 
of DADC Luft- und Raumfahrt Beteiligungs AG, have the right,
exercisable at any time, to exchange their shareholdings in
Dornier for cash or holdings in DaimlerChrysler AG or its subsi-
diary DaimlerChrysler Luft- und Raumfahrt Holding Aktien-
gesellschaft. Some of the Dornier minority stockholders 
partially exercised this right in 2001. In 2002, an additional
minority shareholder partially exercised his right to transfer
his Dornier shares to DaimlerChrysler AG.

Under the German corporation law (Aktiengesetz), the

amount of dividends available for distribution to shareholders
is based upon the unappropriated accumulated earnings of
DaimlerChrysler AG (parent company only) as reported in its
statutory financial statements determined in accordance with
the German commercial code (Handelsgesetzbuch). For the
year ended December 31, 2002, DaimlerChrysler manage-
ment has proposed a distribution of 11,519 million (11.50 per
share) of the 2002 earnings of DaimlerChrysler AG as a 
dividend to the stockholders. 

As a result of the underfunded status of the accumulated

pension benefit obligations in 2002, DaimlerChrysler was
required to recognize an additional minimum pension liability
of 16.3 billion, after tax (see Note 22 and Note 25a).

24. Stock-Based Compensation
The Group currently has two stock option plans, various stock
appreciation rights (“SARs”) plans and medium term incentive
awards, which are accounted  for based on APB 25.

Stock Option Plans
In April 2000, the Group’s shareholders approved the Daimler-
Chrysler Stock Option Plan 2000 which provides for the 
granting of stock options for the purchase of DaimlerChrysler
Ordinary Shares to eligible employees. Options granted under
the Stock Option Plan 2000 are exercisable at a reference
price per DaimlerChrysler Ordinary Share determined in
advance plus a 20% premium. The options become exercisable
in equal installments on the second and third anniversaries
from the date of grant. All unexercised options expire ten
years from the date of grant. If the market price per Daimler-
Chrysler Ordinary Share on the date of exercise is at least 
20% higher than the reference price, the holder is entitled to
receive a cash payment equal to the original exercise premium
of 20%. 

The table below shows the basic terms of options issued (in
millions) under the Stock Option Plan 2000:

Year of Grant

2000

2001

2002

Reference 
price

Convesion 
price

Options
granted

Options
outstanding

Options
exercisable
At December 31, 2002

162.30
155.80
142.93

174.76
166.96
151.52

15.2

18.7

20.0

15.0

18.2

19.8

7.5

–

–

In May 2000, certain shareholders challenged the approval of
the Stock Option Plan 2000 at the stockholders’ meeting on
April 19, 2000. In October 2000, the Stuttgart District Court
(Landgericht Stuttgart) dismissed the case and the Stuttgart
Court of Appeals (Oberlandesgericht Stuttgart) dismissed an
appeal in June 2001. The shareholders appealed the decision
of the Stuttgart Court of Appeals to the Federal Supreme
Court (Bundesgerichtshof) in July 2001. In March 2002, the
Federal Supreme Court decided not to admit the appeal. 
In April 2002, a constitutional appeal was filed against this
decision. The Stock Option Plan 2000, approved by the share-
holders of DaimlerChrysler AG in April 2000, was judicially
confirmed lawful and valid by the above named courts and
remains valid unless a court decides to the contrary. 
DaimlerChrysler established, based on shareholder
approvals, the 1998, 1997 and 1996 Stock Option Plans 
(former Daimler-Benz plans), which provide for the granting of
options for the purchase of DaimlerChrysler Ordinary Shares
to certain members of management. The options granted
under the plans are evidenced by non-transferable convertible
bonds with a principal amount of 1511 per bond due ten years
after issuance. During certain specified periods each year,
each convertible bond may be converted into 201 Daimler-
Chrysler Ordinary Shares, if the market price per share on the
day of conversion is at least 15% higher than the predeter-
mined conversion price and the options (granted in 1998 and
1997) have been held for a 24 month waiting period. The
basic terms of the rights issued (in millions) under these plans
are as follows:

Bonds granted in

Stated interest
rate

Conversion
price

Number of
Rights

Rights 
outstanding

Rights 
convertible
At December 31, 2002

1996

1997

1998

5.9%

5.3%

4.4%

142.62
165.90
192.30

0.9

7.4 

8.2 

– 

6.0 

6.6 

– 

– 

– 

Notes to Consolidated Balance Sheets | 121

In the second quarter of 1999, DaimlerChrysler converted 
all options granted under the 1998 and 1997 Stock Option
Plans into SARs. All terms and conditions of the new SARs are
identical to the stock options which were replaced, except
that the holder of a SAR has the right to receive cash equal to
the difference between the exercise price of the original
option and the fair value of the Group’s stock at the exercise
date rather than receiving DaimlerChrysler Ordinary Shares. 
Analysis of the stock options issued is as follows (options in
millions):

Balance at beginning of year

Options granted

Bonds sold

Converted

Forfeited

Repayment

Exchanged for SARs

Outstanding at year-end

Exercisable at year-end

2002
Average 
exercise 
price per share

Number of
stock options

Number of
stock options

33.6

20.0

–

–

370.43
51.52

–

–

15.3

18.7

–

–

(0.5)

61.29

(0.4)

–

–

53.1

7.6

–

–

63.40
374.56 

–

–

33.6

0.1

2001
Average 
exercise 
price per share
174.65
66.96
–
–
70.08
–
–
70.43
142.62

2000
Average 
exercise 
price per share

Number of
stock options

0.1

15.2

142.62
74.76

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

15.3

0.1

74.65
142.62

In conjunction with the consummation of the merger between
Daimler-Benz and Chrysler in 1998, the Group implemented a
SAR plan through which 22.3 million SARs were issued at an
exercise price of $75.56 each, of which 17.0 million SARs are
outstanding and exercisable at year-end 2002. The initial
grant of SARs replaced Chrysler fixed stock options that were
converted to DaimlerChrysler Ordinary Shares as of the con-
summation of the merger. SARs which replaced stock options
that were exercisable at the time of the consummation of the
merger were immediately exercisable at the date of grant.
SARs related to stock options that were not exercisable at the
date of consummation of the merger became exercisable in
two installments; 50% on the six-month and one-year anniver-
saries of the consummation date. 

For the year ended December 31, 2002, the Group recognized
compensation expense on stock options of 157 million (2001:
119 million; 2000: 113 million).

Stock Appreciation Rights Plans
In 1999, DaimlerChrysler established a stock appreciation
rights plan (the “SAR Plan 1999”) which provides eligible
employees of the Group with the right to receive cash equal 
to the appreciation of DaimlerChrysler Ordinary Shares sub-
sequent to the date of grant. The stock appreciation rights
granted under the SAR Plan 1999 vest in equal installments
on the second and third anniversaries from the date of grant.
All unexercised SARs expire ten years from the grant date. The
exercise price of a SAR is equal to the fair market value of
DaimlerChrysler’s Ordinary Shares on the date of grant. On
February 24, 1999, the Group issued 11.4 million SARs at an
exercise price of 189.70 each, of which 10.7 million SARs 
are outstanding and exercisable at year-end 2002.

As discussed above (see “Stock Option Plans”), in the 

second quarter of 1999 DaimlerChrysler converted all options
granted under its existing stock option plans from 1997 and
1998 into SARs. 

122 | Notes to Consolidated Balance Sheets

A summary of the activity related to the Group’s SAR plans 
as of and for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and
2000 is presented below (SARs in millions): 

Outstanding at beginning of year

Grandet

Exercised

Forfeited

Outstanding at year-end

SARs exercisable at year-end

2002
Weighted-
average
exercise price
384.75
–

–

78.31

79.13
379.13

Number of
SARs

42,5

–

–

(2.2)

40.3

40.3

2001
Weighted-
average
exercise price
182.87
–

–

85.93

84.75
184.75

Number of
SARs

44.5

–

–

(2.0)

42.5

42.5

2000
Weighted-
average
exercise price
180.25
–

–

78.52

82.87
180.63

Number of
SARs

45.8

–

–

(1.3)

44.5

33.6

The table below presents the underlying assumptions as well
as the resulting fair values and total values (in millions of 1):

Stock options granted in

Expected dividend yield

Expected volatility

Risk-free interest rate

Expected lives (in years)

Fair value per option

Total value by award

2002

2.0%

30%

4.2%

2001

4.6%

33%

4.2%

3
318.70
374.0

3
112.15
227.2

2000

3.8%

25%

4.8%

3
19.50
144.4

Compensation expense or benefit (representing the reversal 
of previously recognized expense) on SARs is recorded based
on changes in the market price of DaimlerChrysler Ordinary
Shares. For the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2000
the Group recognized compensation benefits of 19 million and
158 million respectively, in connection with SARs. For the 
year ended December 31, 2001, the SARs had no effect on
the consolidated statement of income (loss). 

Medium Term Incentive Awards
The Group grants medium term incentives to certain eligible
employees that track, among other things, the value of the
DaimlerChrysler Ordinary Shares at the beginning of three
year performance periods. The amount ultimately earned in
cash at the end of a performance period is particularly based
on the degree of achievement of corporate goals derived from
competitive and internal planning benchmarks and the value
of DaimlerChrysler Ordinary Shares at the end of three year
performance periods. The benchmarks include return on 
net assets and return on sales. The Group issued 1.2 million
medium term incentives in 2002 (2001: 0.9 million; 2000:
0.7 million).

For the year ended December 31, 2002 the Group recog-
nized compensation expense of 120 million (2001: 117 million;
2000: 114 million) in connection with the medium term 
incentive awards.

Fair Value Information
Had the Group adopted SFAS 123, stock options would have
been accounted  for based on their fair values. The fair values
of the DaimlerChrysler stock options issued in 2002, 2001
and 2000 were calculated at the grant dates with a modified
Black-Scholes option pricing model, which considers the
terms of issuance. 

Notes to Consolidated Balance Sheets | 123

The following information with respect to the Group’s pen-
sion plans is presented by German Plans and non-German
Plans (principally comprised of plans in the U.S.):

Foreign currency
exchange rate changes

–

(3,829)

At December 31, 
2002
Non-
German
Plans

German
Plans

At December 31,
2001
Non-
German
Plans

German
Plans

10,483

24,139

9,579

21,878

384

1,622

16

1,199

–

37 

–

198

612

1

613

(179)

140

1,026

404

1,696

109

563

(765)

25

226

629

(1)

45

–

63

2

292

2

964

(506)

(1,852)

(483)

(1,761)

10,941

22,008

10,483

24,139

7,503

24,125

7,908

25,962

–

(3,465)

–

1,199

(1,101)

(1,756)

(720)

(1,309)

Service cost

Interest cost

Plan amendments

Actuarial losses

Dispositions

Acquisitions and other

Settlement/
curtailment loss

Benefits paid

Projected benefit 
obligations at end of year

Change in plan assets:

Fair value of plan assets
at beginning of year

Foreign currency
exchange rate changes

Actual return (loss) on 
plan assets

Employer contributions

807

621

713

843

Plan participant 
contributions

Dispositions

Acquisitions and other

–

–

–

21

–

36

–

–

–

25

(865)

17

Benefits paid

(420)

(1,827)

(398)

(1,747)

Fair value of plan assets 
at end of year

6,789

17,755 

7,503

24,125

25. Accrued Liabilities
Accrued liabilities are comprised of the following:

2002
Due after
one year

Total

At December 31,
2001
Due after
one year

Total

(in millions of 3)

Pension plans and similar
obligations (see Note 25a)

15,909

14,658

12,647

11,650

(in millions of 3)

Income and other taxes

3,621

1,602

2,393

651

Other accrued liabilities
(see Note 25b)

24,182

9,876

43,712

26,136

27,154

42,194

10,104

22,405

Change in projected 
benefit obligations:

Projected benefit 
obligations at 
beginning of year

a) Pension Plans and Similar Obligations
Pension plans and similar obligations are comprised of the 
following components:

(in millions of 3)

Pension liabilities (pension plans)

Accrued postretirement health and life 
insurance benefits

Other benefit liabilities

At December 31,
2001

2002

7,393

2,612

8,167

349

9,442

593

15,909

12,647

As a result of the underfunded status of the accumulated pen-
sion benefit obligations, DaimlerChrysler recognized additional
pension liabilities amounting to 14.7 billion in 2002, which 
did not impact the consolidated statement of income (loss).
Of the 14.7 billion, the Group recognized 12.3 billion as an
intangible pension asset (see Note 13) and 12.4 billion within
accumulated other comprehensive income (see Note 23).

As described in Note 5 and Note 7, DaimlerChrysler imple-

mented in 2001 restructuring plans at Freightliner and
Chrysler Group, including certain workforce reduction initia-
tives. The impacts on the pension and postretirement obliga-
tions resulting from settlements and curtailments of these
turnaround plans are contained in the following disclosures.

Pension Plans
The Group provides pension benefits to substantially all of its
hourly and salaried employees. Plan benefits are principally
based upon years of service. Certain pension plans are based
on salary earned in the last year or last five years of employment
while others are fixed plans depending on ranking (both wage
level and position).

At December 31, 2002, plan assets were invested in diversi-

fied portfolios that consisted primarily of debt and equity
securities, including 14,855 shares of DaimlerChrysler Ordi-
nary Shares with a market value of 10.4 million in a Canadian
plan. Assets and income accruing on all pension trust and
relief funds are used solely to pay pension benefits and admin-
ister the plans.

124 | Notes to Consolidated Balance Sheets

A reconciliation of the funded status to the amounts recog-
nized in the consolidated balance sheets is as follows:

At December 31, 
2002
Non-
German
Plans

German
Plans

At December 31, 
2001
Non-
German
Plans

German
Plans

4,152

4,253

2,980

14

(3,837)

(8,762)

(2,168)

(4,112)

(6)

(2,507)

(5)

(3,261)

–

(11)

–

(24)

309

(7,027)

807

(7,383)

(in millions of 3)

Funded status 1

Unrecognized actuarial
net losses

Unrecognized prior 
service cost

Unrecognized net 
obligation at date of 
initial application

Net liability (asset) 
recognized

Amounts recognized in the
consolidated balance
sheets consist of:

Prepaid pension cost

–

Accrued pension liability

3,484

(243)

3,909

Intangible assets

–

(2,453)

–

(7,584)

2,164

–

448

(137)

Accumulated other 
comprehensive income

Net liability (asset) 
recognized

(3,175)

(8,240)

(1,357)

(110)

309

(7,027)

807

(7,383)

1 Difference between the projected benefit obligations and the fair value of plan assets.

The measurement dates for the Group’s pension plans are
principally December 31. Assumed discount rates and rates of
increase in remuneration 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 pension plans are situated. The weighted-
average assumptions used in calculating the actuarial values
for the principal pension plans were as follows (in %):

Weighted-average assumptions:

Discount rate

Expected return on plan assets (at the beginning of the year)

Rate of long-term compensation increase

2002

2001

German Plans
2000

5.8

7.9

3.0

6.0

7.9

3.0

6.5

7.9

3.0

2002

6.7

10.1

5.4

Non-German Plans
2000

2001

7.4

10.1

5.4

7.7

10.2

5.5

Notes to Consolidated Balance Sheets | 125

The expected return on plan assets for 2003 is 7.5% for 
German plans and 8.5% for non-German plans (primarily U.S.
plans). 
The components of net pension cost were as follows for the
years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000:

(in millions of 3)

Service cost

Interest cost

Expected return on plan assets

Amortization of:

Unrecognized net actuarial (gains) losses

Unrecognized prior service cost 

Unrecognized net obligation

Other

Net periodic pension cost (benefit)

Settlement/curtailment loss

Net pension cost

The accumulated benefit obligations and fair value of plan
assets for pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations
in excess of plan assets were 131,206 million and 123,882
million, respectively, as of December 31, 2002, 110,224 mil-
lion and 17,934 million, respectively, as of December 31,
2001 and 11,697 million and 1343 million, respectively, as 
of December 31, 2000.

Other Postretirement Benefits
Certain DaimlerChrysler operations in the U.S. and Canada
provide postretirement health and life insurance benefits to
their employees. Upon retirement from DaimlerChrysler the
employees may become eligible for continuation of these 
benefits. The benefits and eligibility rules may be modified
periodically.

At December 31, 2002, plan assets were invested in 
diversified portfolios that consisted primarily of debt and 
equity securities.

2002
Non-
German
Plans

384

1,622

German
Plans

198

612

2001
Non-
German
Plans

404

1,696

German
Plans

242

696

2000
Non-
German
Plans

433

1,570

German
Plans

226

629

(595)

(2,692)

(649)

(2,750)

(625)

(2,487)

74

–

–

–

334

1

335

3

291

1

–

(391)

208

(183)

–

–

–

–

161

1

162

(11)

356

148

–

(157)

625

468

3

1

–

1

318

–

318

(18)

371

146

(6)

9

–

9

The following information is presented with respect to the
Group’s postretirement benefit plans:

(in millions of 3)

Change in accumulated postretirement 
benefit obligations:

Accumulated postretirement benefit 
obligations at beginning of year

Foreign currency exchange rate changes

Service cost

Interest cost

Plan amendments

Actuarial losses

Settlement/curtailment loss

Acquisitions and other

Benefits paid

Accumulated postretirement benefit
obligations at end of year

At December 31,
2001

2002

15,095

(2,454)

262

1,062

(90)

2,863

59

7

12,857

652

257

1,033

(18)

941

186

(13)

(871)

(800)

15,933

15,095

Change in plan assets:

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

Foreign currency exchange rate changes

Actual losses on plan assets

Employee and employer contributions

Benefits paid

2,982

(447)

(294)

1

(10)

2,995

167

(181)

9

(8)

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

2,232

2,982

126 | Notes to Consolidated Balance Sheets

A reconciliation of the funded status to the liability recog-
nized for accrued postretirement health and life insurance
benefits in pension plans and similar obligations is as follows: 

The expected return on plan assets for 2003 is 8.5%. The 
components of net postretirement benefit cost were as follows
for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000: 

(in millions of 3)

Funded status 1

Unrecognized actuarial net losses

Unrecognized prior service cost

Net liabilitiy recognized

At December 31, 
2001

2002

13,701

(4,979)

(555)

8,167

12,113

(1,828)

(843)

9,442

1 Difference between the accumulated postretirement obligations and the fair value 

of plan assets.

Assumed discount rates and rates of increase in remuneration
used in calculating the accumulated postretirement benefit
obligations together with long-term rates of return on plan
assets vary according to the economic conditions of the coun-
try in which the plans are situated. The weighted-average
assumptions used in calculating the actuarial values for the
postretirement benefit plans were as follows (in %):

(in millions of 3)

Service cost

Interest cost

Expected return on plan assets

Amortization of:

Unrecognized net actuarial 
(gains) losses

Unrecognized prior service cost

Other

Net periodic postretirement 
benefit cost

Settlement/curtailment loss

Net postretirement benefit cost

2002

262

1,062

(345)

2001

257

1,033

(346)

38

76

–

(7)

82

–

1,093

26

1,119

1,019

154

1,173

2000

208

873

(308)

5

54

(2)

830

–

830

The following schedule presents the effects of a one-percent-
age-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates:

2002

2001

2000

(in millions of 3)

1%-increase

1%-decrease

Weighted-average assumptions at
December 31:

Discount rate

6.8

7.4

7.7

Expected return on plan assets 
(at the beginning of the year)

Health care inflation rate in 
following (or “base”) year

Ultimate health care inflation 
rate (2008)

10.5

10.5

10.4

10.0

5.0

6.9

5.0

7.5

5.0

Effect on total of service and interest cost
components

Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit
obligations

178

(144)

1,811

(1,525)

Prepaid Employee Benefits
In 1996 DaimlerChrysler established a Voluntary Employees’
Beneficiary Association (“VEBA”) trust for payment of non-
pension employee benefits. At December 31, 2002 and 2001,
the VEBA had a balance of 12,833 million and 13,648 million,
respectively, of which 12,140 million and 12,848 million,
respectively, were designated and restricted for the payment
of postretirement health care benefits. No contributions to 
the VEBA trust were made in 2002, 2001 and 2000.

Notes to Consolidated Balance Sheets | 127

b) Other Accrued Liabilities
Other accrued liabilities consisted of the following:

(in millions of 3)

Accrued warranty costs and price risks

Accrued losses on uncompleted contracts 

Restructuring

Accrued personnel and social costs

Accrued sales incentives 

Other

At December 31,
2001

2002

9,120

507

758

2,286

4,813

6,698

9,213

549

1,190

2,386

4,395

9,421

24,182

27,154

Accruals for restructuring comprise certain employee termi-
nation benefits and costs which are directly associated with
plans to exit specified activities. The changes in these 
provisions are summarized as follows:

(in millions of 3)

Balance at January 1, 2000

Utilizations and transfers

Reductions

Additions

Balance at December 31, 2000

Utilizations and transfers 

Reductions 

Additions 

Balance at December 31, 2001

Utilizations and transfers 

Reductions 

Additions 

Balance at December 31, 2002

Termination
benefit

407

(229)

(43)

16

151

(947)

(135)

1,504

573

(461)

(57)

323

378

Exit 
cost

188

(56)

(34)

11

109

(275)

(144)

927

617

(358)

(39)

160

380

Total 
liabilities

595

(285)

(77)

27

260

(1,222)

(279)

2,431

1,190

(819)

(96)

483

758

In connection with the Group’s restructuring, provisions 
were recorded for termination benefits of 1323 million (2001:
11,504 million; 2000: 116 million), in 2002 principally within
Chrysler Group (see Note 7) and Commercial Vehicles, 
in 2001 principally within Chrysler Group (see Note 7) and
Freightliner (see Note 5) and in 2000 principally within 
Mercedes Car Group and Commercial Vehicles. In connection
with these restructuring efforts, the Group effected workforce
reductions of approximately 11,500 employees (2001:
17,700; 2000: 2,600) and paid termination benefits of 1431
million (2001: 1269 million; 2000: 1135 million), of which
1359 million (2001: 1227 million; 2000: 1120 million) were
charged against previously established liabilities. At December
31, 2002, the Group had liabilities for estimated future 
terminations for approximately 7,100 employees.

In 2002, exit costs primarily result from restructuring within

Chrysler Group. Exit costs in 2001 primarily due to the
restructuring within Chrysler Group and Freightliner. In 2000
exit costs primarily result from the restructuring of industrial
businesses.

The Group issues various types of contractual product war-
ranties under which it generally guarantees the performance
of products delivered and services rendered for a certain 
period or term (see Note 31). In addition, the accrued liability
for product warranties covers expected costs for policy 
coverage, recall campaigns and buyback commitments. The
changes in provisions for those product warranties are 
summarized as follows:

(in millions of 3)

Balance at January 1, 2002

Currency change

Utilizations and transfers

Changes from product warranties issued in 2002

Changes from prior period product warranties issued

Balance at December 31, 2002

9,059

(1,057)

(4,384)

5,423

(27)

9,014

128 | Notes to Consolidated Balance Sheets

26. Financial Liabilities

(in millions of 3)

Notes/Bonds

Commercial paper

Liabilities to financial institutions

Liabilities to affiliated companies

Deposits from direct banking business

Loans, other financial liabilities

Liabilities from capital lease and 
residual value guarantees

Short-term financial liabilities 
(due within one year)

Notes/Bonds

of which due in more than five years: 
111,492 (2001: 110,712)

Liabilities to financial institutions 

of which due in more than five years: 
11,911 (2001: 12,702)

Liabilities to affiliated companies

of which due in more than five years: 
1– (2001: 1–)

Loans, other financial liabilities 

of which due in more than five years: 
128 (2001: 166)

Liabilities from capital lease and 
residual value guarantees 

of which due in more than five years:
1249 (2001: 1209)

Long-term financial liabilities

Maturities

2004-
2097

2004-
2020

Aggregate nominal amounts of financial liabilities maturing
during the next five years and thereafter are as follows:

At December 31,
2001

2002

12,971

17,726

(in millions of 3)

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

there-
after

Financial 
liabilities

30,204 12,285

9,643

9,058

3,259 13,016

At December 31, 2002, the Group had unused short-term
credit lines of 111,026 million (2001: 15,796 million) 
and unused long-term credit lines of 110,597 million (2001:
120,322 million). The credit lines include an $18 billion 
revolving credit facility with a syndicate of international banks.
The credit agreement is comprised of a multi-currency revolv-
ing credit facility which allows DaimlerChrysler AG and several
subsidiaries to borrow up to $5 billion until 2006, a U.S. dollar
revolving credit facility which allows DaimlerChrysler North
America Holding Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of
DaimlerChrysler AG, to borrow up to $6 billion available until
2004, and a multi-currency revolving credit facility for working
capital purposes which allows DaimlerChrysler AG and several
subsidiaries to borrow up to $7 billion until 2003. A part of the
$18 billion facility serves as a back-up for commercial paper
drawings.

9,494

5,593

339

768

29

7,480

7,183

361

-

86

1,134

1,106

30,328

33,942

38,887

47,632

8,465

8,194

62

193

71

82

1,177

48,784

79,112

987

56,966

90,908

Weighted average interest rates for notes/bonds, commercial
paper and liabilities to financial institutions are 6.3%, 2.6% and
5.3%, respectively, at December 31, 2002.

Commercial paper is denominated in euros and U.S. dollars
and includes accrued interest. Bonds and liabilities to financial
institutions are largely secured by mortgage conveyance, liens
and assignment of receivables of approximately 11,754 million
(2001: 11,804 million).

Notes to Consolidated Balance Sheets | 129

27. Trade Liabilities

(in millions of 3)

Trade liabilities

28. Other Liabilities

(in millions of 3)

Liabilities to affiliated companies

Liabilities to ralated companies

Other liabilities

Total

12,342

At December 31, 2002
Due after 
five years

Due after 
one year

At December 31, 2001
Due after 
five years

Due after 
one year

Total

1

1

14,157

12

1

At December 31, 2002
Due after 
five years

Due after 
one year

–

3

708

711

–

–

151

151

Total

416

293

9,553

10,262

At December 31, 2001
Due after 
five years

Due after 
one year

–

–

828

828

–

–

232

232

Total

338

161

8,344

8,843

As of December 31, 2002, other liabilities include tax 
liabilities of 1827 million (2001: 1620 million) and social 
benefits due of 1782 million (2001: 1877 million). 

29. Deferred Income
As of December 31, 2002, 11,989 million of the total 
deferred income is to be recognized after more than one year
(2001: 11,911 million).

130 | Other Notes

Other Notes

30. Litigation and Claims
Three lawsuits have recently been brought against Daimler-
Chrysler AG or some of its affiliates raising claims arising out
of the practice of apartheid in South Africa before 1994. In
particular, on September 27, 2002, a putative class action
covering claims arising between 1952 and 1994, captioned
Digwamaje v. Bank of America, No. 02-CV-6218 (RCC)
(S.D.N.Y.), was filed in the United States District Court for the
Southern District of New York naming 84 U.S., European and
Japanese companies, including DaimlerChrysler AG, as defen-
dants. On November 11, 2002, 91 individuals filed a lawsuit
captioned Khulumani v. Barclays National Bank Ltd., Civ. A.
No. 02-5952 (E.D.N.Y.) in the United States District Court for
the Eastern District of New York against 22 U.S., European
and Japanese corporate defendants, including DaimlerChrysler
AG and Daimler-Benz Industrie. This lawsuit covers the period
from 1960 to 1993. On November 19, 2002, another putative
class action lawsuit, Ntsebeza v. Holcim Ltd., No. 02-74604
(RWS) (E.D. Mich.), was filed in the United States District
Court for the Eastern District of Michigan naming as defendants
four U.S. and European companies, including Daimler-
Chrysler Corporation, and asserting claims arising from 1948
to 1993. All three lawsuits allege, in essence, that the corpo-
rate defendants knew about or participated in human rights
violations and other abuses of the South African apartheid
regime, cooperated with the apartheid government during that
period, and benefitted financially from such cooperation. The
plaintiffs assert various claims, including conspiracy, aiding and
abetting the apartheid regime, violations of the Racketeering
Influence and Corrupt Organizations Act, violations of interna-
tional law and the Alien Tort Claims Act, unjust enrichment
and unfair and discriminatory labor practices. The plaintiffs
seek compensatory and punitive damages, disgorgement of
purported illicit profits, an accounting, restitution of the value
of defendants’ purported unjust enrichment, and other forms
of relief, including in the Digwamaje case the establishment of
a “historic commission.” Plaintiffs in the Digwamaje case 
purport to seek compensatory damages in excess of $200 
billion and punitive damages in excess of $200 billion. The
complaints in the other two lawsuits do not specify damages.
DaimlerChrysler intends to defend against these claims 
vigorously.

Like other companies in the automotive industry, Daimler-
Chrysler (primarily DaimlerChrysler Corporation) have experi-
enced a growing number of lawsuits which seek compensatory
and punitive damages for illnesses alleged to have resulted
from direct and indirect exposure to asbestos used in some

vehicle components (principally brake pads). Typically, these
lawsuits name many other corporate defendants and may also
include claims of exposure to a variety of non-automotive
asbestos products. A single lawsuit may include claims by
multiple plaintiffs alleging illness in the form of asbestosis,
mesothelioma or other cancer or illness. The number of claims
in these lawsuits increased from approximately 14,000 at the
end of 2001 to approximately 19,000 at the end of January
2003. In the majority of these cases, the plaintiffs do not
specify their alleged illness and provide little detail about their
alleged exposure to components in DaimlerChrysler vehicles.
Some plaintiffs do not exhibit current illness, but seek recovery
based on potential future illness. In 2001, DaimlerChrysler
and other automobile manufacturers asked the federal bank-
ruptcy court in Delaware overseeing the bankruptcy proceed-
ings of an automotive supplier, Federal-Mogul Corporation, to
consolidate all of the asbestos brake cases pending in state
courts throughout the U.S. with the asbestos brake litigation
involving Federal Mogul supervised by the bankruptcy court.
DaimlerChrysler believed that consolidation would reduce the
cost and complexity of defending these individual cases. In
2002, the bankruptcy court decided that it did not have the
authority to consolidate these cases, and the U.S. Court of
Appeals upheld that decision. The U.S. Supreme Court in Janu-
ary 2003 denied DaimlerChrysler’s request and that of other
manufacturers to review the decision. The Group believes that
many of these lawsuits involve unsubstantiated illnesses or
assert only tenuous connections with components in Daimler-
Chrysler vehicles, and that there is credible scientific evidence
to support the dismissal of many of these claims. Although
DaimlerChrysler’s expenditures to date in connection with
such claims have not been material to its financial condition, 
it is possible that the number of these lawsuits will continue 
to grow, especially those alleging life-threatening illness, and
that the Group could incur significant costs in the future in
resolving these lawsuits.

In the fourth quarter of 2000, Tracinda Corporation filed 
a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the District of
Delaware against DaimlerChrysler AG and some of the 
members of its Supervisory Board and Board of Management
(Messrs. Kopper, Schrempp and Gentz). Shortly thereafter,
other plaintiffs filed a number of actions against the same
defendants, making similar claims to those in the Tracinda
complaint. Two individual lawsuits and one consolidated class
action lawsuit are pending. The plaintiffs, current or former
DaimlerChrysler shareholders, allege that the defendants 
violated U.S. securities law and committed fraud in obtaining

Other Notes | 131

approval from Chrysler stockholders of the business combina-
tion between Chrysler and Daimler-Benz in 1998. In essence,
the complaints allege that by describing the transaction as a
“merger of equals” in the proxy statement/prospectus and
other statements preceding the special meeting of Chrysler
stockholders called to vote on the business combination
agreement, the defendants misrepresented that Daimler-
Chrysler would operate as two equal companies, while they
always intended to relegate Chrysler to division status and to
replace Chrysler’s management with executives from Daimler-
Benz. The complaints generally seek (a) actual damages,
including an acquisition premium, (b) “recissory” damages
representing the difference between the value of the Chrysler
common stock exchanged and the present value of the 
DaimlerChrysler Ordinary Shares, (c) compensatory and, in the
individual actions, punitive damages, (d) an order unwinding
the transaction, (e) pre- and post-judgment interest, and (f)
such other relief as may be just and proper. In April 2001, all
of the pending class action complaints were consolidated 
into a single consolidated class action complaint that included
two claims not previously alleged in any of the complaints. 
The new claims alleged that DaimlerChrysler had violated U.S.
securities laws by making false and misleading statements 
in 1999 and 2000 regarding its prospects for the year 2000.
On May 9, 2001, DaimlerChrysler filed motions to dismiss 
all three complaints. In March 2002, the Court granted the
motion as to the consolidated class action complaint, denied
the motion as to the Tracinda Corporation complaint except
for the civil conspiracy claim in that complaint, and denied the
motion as to the other complaint filed by Glickenhaus & Co.,
et al. The Court subsequently allowed the class action plaintiffs
to amend their complaint, which is now pending. These cases
have been consolidated for purposes of discovery and are
captioned In re: DaimlerChrysler AG Securities Litigation. The
parties substantially completed discovery in January 2003. In
February 2003, DaimlerChrysler filed motions seeking 
summary judgment on all claims in the cases. The Group is
presently scheduled for trial of all the consolidated actions in
the second quarter of 2003. DaimlerChrysler believes the
complaints in this litigation are without merit and plans to
continue defending against them vigorously.

In September 2000, Freightliner LLC, DaimlerChrysler’s
North American commercial vehicles subsidiary, acquired
Western Star Trucks Holdings Ltd., a Canadian company
engaged in the design, assembly, and distribution of heavy
duty trucks and transit buses. Prior to its acquisition by
Freightliner, Western Star had completed the sale of ERF

(Holdings) plc, a company organized in England and Wales 
and engaged in the assembly and sale of heavy duty trucks, 
to MAN AG and MAN Nutzfahrzeuge AG for CAD 195 million. 
In September 2002, MAN filed a claim against Freightliner
Ltd. (formerly Western Star) with the London Commercial
Court for breach of representations and warranties in the share
purchase agreement. The claim includes allegations that ERF’s
accounts and financial statements were misstated and seeks
to recover damages in excess of GBP 300 million. Freightliner
Ltd. intends to defend itself vigorously against such claims.
A purported class action lawsuit was filed in 2002 in the
United States District Court for the District of New Jersey
against DaimlerChrysler’s subsidiary Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
(“MBUSA”), and against MBUSA’s wholly-owned subsidiary
Mercedes-Benz Manhattan, Inc (“MBM”). The lawsuit alleges
that MBUSA and MBM participated in a price fixing conspiracy
among Mercedes-Benz dealers. A motion for class certification
is pending. MBUSA and MBM intend to defend themselves vig-
orously. In addition, the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Depart-
ment of Justice, New York Regional Office, advised MBUSA
and MBM that it is conducting a criminal investigation in con-
nection with the allegations made in the lawsuit. MBUSA 
and MBM have been served with grand jury subpoenas in con-
nection with this investigation.

Various other claims and legal proceedings have been
asserted or instituted against the Group, including product 
liability and other lawsuits, some of which purport to be class
actions. In the event of adverse decisions in these proceedings,
DaimlerChrysler could be required to pay substantial compen-
satory and punitive damages, or undertake service actions,
recall campaigns or other costly actions. Litigation is subject
to many uncertainties, and the outcome of individual matters
is not predictable with assurance. It is reasonably possible
that the final resolution of some of these matters may require
the Group to make expenditures, in excess of established
reserves, over an extended period of time and in a range of
amounts that cannot be reasonably estimated. The term 
“reasonably possible” is used herein to mean that the chance
of a future transaction or event occurring is more than remote
but less than likely. Although the final resolution of any such
matters could have a material effect on the Group’s consoli-
dated operating results for the particular reporting period in
which an adjustment of the estimated reserve is recorded, the
Group believes that any resulting adjustment should not mate-
rially affect its consolidated financial position.

See Note 4 for a description of claims raised by Bombardier.

132 | Other Notes

31. Commitments and Contingencies
Obligations from issuing guarantees as a guarantor 
(excluding product warranties) are as follows:

(in millions of 3)

Guarantees for third party
liabilities

Guarantees under 
buy-back commitments

Performance guarantees
and environmental risks

Other

Maximum potential
future obligation
2001

2002

2,119

2,839

3,232

3,280

581

830

608

616

At December 31, 
Amount recognized
as a liability
2001

2002

370

609

370

246

317

673

200

231

6,762

7,343

1,595

1,421

Guarantees for third party liabilities principally represent 
guarantees of indebtedness of non-consolidated affiliated
companies and third parties and commitments by Group 
companies as to contractual performance by joint venture
companies and certain non-incorporated companies, 
partnerships, and project groups. The term under these
arrangements generally cover the range of the related 
indebtedness of the non-consolidated affiliated companies
and third parties or the contractual performance period of
joint venture companies, non-incorporated companies, 
partnerships, and project groups. The parent company of the
Group (DaimlerChrysler AG) provides guarantees to third 
parties of certain obligations of its consolidated subsidiaries.
At December 31, 2002, these guarantees amounted to 151.7
billion. To a lesser extent, consolidated subsidiaries provide
guarantees to third parties of obligations of other consolidated
subsidiaries. All intercompany guarantees are eliminated 
in consolidation and therefore are not reflected in the above
table.

Guarantees under buy-back commitments principally repre-

sent arrangements whereby the Group guarantees specified
trade-in values for assets or products sold to non-consolidated
affiliated companies and third parties. Such guarantees 
provide the holder with the right to return purchased assets 
or products back to the Group in connection with a future 
purchase of products or services. The table above excludes
residual value guarantees related to arrangements for which
revenue recognition is precluded due to the Group’s obligation
to repurchase assets sold to unrelated guaranteed parties.

Performance guarantees principally represent pledges or
indemnifications related to the quality or timing of perform-
ance by third parties or participations in performance gua-
rantees of consortiums. Performance guarantees typically pro-
vide the purchaser of goods or services with the right to be
reimbursed for losses incurred or other penalties if the third
party or the consortium fails to perform. Amounts accrued
under performance guarantees reflect estimates of probable
losses resulting from a third party’s failure to perform under
obligating agreements. 

DaimlerChrysler Services, Deutsche Telekom, and Compagnie

Financiere et Industrielle des Autoroutes S.A. (“Cofiroute”),
(individually, the “partners;” collectively, the “consortium”),
entered into an agreement with the Federal Republic 
of Germany (“FRG”) to develop and operate a toll collection
system for the use of German roadways by commercial vehicles
over 12 tons (gross vehicle weight). DaimlerChrysler Services
and Deutsche Telekom each represent 45% of the consortium
and Cofiroute represents the remaining 10%.

Pursuant to the agreement, the partners have guaranteed
the successful completion of the toll system, in phases with
applicable late penalties, with ultimate completion scheduled
for August 2003. The partners have also guaranteed the 
successful operation of the toll system. In the event the toll
system is not developed on schedule or does not operate
effectively upon completion, the consortium will be obligated to
pay penalties which cannot be presently estimated. These
guarantees have not been included in the table above since
they relate, in part, to the Group’s own future performance.

The Group is subject to potential liability under certain gov-
ernment regulations and various claims and legal actions that
are pending or may be asserted against DaimlerChrysler con-
cerning environmental matters. The maximum potential future
obligation related to certain environmental guarantees cannot
be estimated due to numerous uncertainties including the
enactment of new laws and regulations, the development and
application of new technologies, the identification of new sites
for which the Group may have remediation responsibility and
the apportionment and collectibility of remediation costs when
other parties are involved.

When circumstances indicate that payment is probable,
guarantees made by the Group are recognized as a liability in
the consolidated balance sheet with an offsetting amount
recorded as an expense.

Other Notes | 133

The Group periodically initiates voluntary service actions 
and recall actions to address various customer satisfaction,
safety and emissions issues related to vehicles it sells. The
Group records a liability for product warranty, including 
the estimated cost of these service and recall actions, when
the related sale is recognized based on historical experience
as to product failures as well as current information on repair 
costs. The Group also enters into extended product warranty
arrangements in consideration for a separate arrangement
fee. The consideration received in extended product warranty
arrangements is deferred and amortized to revenue over the
term of the extended warranty period. Costs related to
extended product warranty services contracts are expensed
as incurred. The ultimate costs associated with product war-
ranty arrangements cannot be estimated due to numerous
uncertainties including the enactment of new laws and regu-
lations, the number of vehicles affected by service or recall
actions, and the nature of the corrective action which may
result in adjustments to the established liabilities (see Note
25b). In accordance with FIN 45, the obligations associated
with product warranties are not reflected in the above table.
In addition to the above guarantees and warranties, in 
connection with certain production programs, the Group has
committed to purchase various levels of outsourced manufac-
tured parts and components over extended periods at market
prices. The Group has also committed to purchase or invest 
in the construction and maintenance of various production
facilities. Amounts under these guarantees represent commit-
ments to purchase plant or equipment at market prices in the
future. As of December 31, 2002, commitments to purchase
outsourced manufactured parts and components or to invest
in plant and equipment are approximately 1 3.7 billion. These
amounts are not reflected in the above table.

The Group also enters into noncancellable operating leases
for facilities, plant and equipment. Total rentals under operat-
ing leases charged to expense in 2002 in the statement of
income (loss) amounted to 1737 million (2001: 1819 million;
2000: 1881 million). Future minimum lease payments under
noncancellable lease agreements which have initial or remain-
ing terms in excess of one year at December 31, 2002 are 
as follows:

32. Information About Financial Instruments and 
Derivatives
a) Use of Financial Instruments
The Group conducts business on a global basis in numerous
major international currencies and is, therefore, exposed to
adverse movements in foreign currency exchange rates. The
Group uses bonds, medium-term-notes, commercial paper and
bank loans in various currencies. As a consequence of using
these types of financial instruments, the Group is exposed to
risks from changes in interest and foreign currency exchange
rates. DaimlerChrysler holds financial instruments, such 
as financial investments, variable- and fixed-interest bearing
securities and to a minor extent equity securities that subject
the Group to risks from changes in interest rates and market
prices. DaimlerChrysler manages the various types of market
risks by using derivative financial instruments. Without these
instruments the Group’s market risks would be higher. 
DaimlerChrysler does not use derivative financial instruments
for purposes other than risk management.

Based on regulations issued by regulatory authorities for
financial institutions, the Group has established guidelines 
for risk controlling procedures and for the use of financial
instruments, including a clear segregation of duties with
regard to operating financial activities, settlement, accounting
and controlling.

Market risks are quantified according to the “value-at-risk”

method which is commonly used among banks. Using 
historical variability of market data, potential changes in value
resulting from changes of market prices are calculated on 
the basis of statistical methods. 

b) 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 determined
with reference to available market information at the balance
sheet date and the valuation methodologies discussed below.
Considering the variability of their value-determining factors,
the fair values presented herein are only an indication of the
amounts that the Group could realize under current market
conditions.

(in millions of 3)

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

thereafter

Operating
leases

581

348

275

214

191

1,074

134 | Other Notes

The carrying amounts and fair values of the Group’s financial
instruments are as follows:

(in millions of 3)

Financial instruments 
(other than derivative
instruments):

Assets:

Financial assets

Recaivables from 
financial service

Securities

Cash and cash 
equivalents

At December 31,
2002

Carrying
amount

Fair value

At December 31,
2001

Carrying
amount

Fair value

1,870

1,870

1,209

1,209

52,088

52,622

49,512

49,678

3,293

3,293

3,077

3,077

9,130

9,130

11,428

11,428

Other receivables

5

5

20

20

Liabilities:

Financial liabilities

79,112

83,861

90,908

94,513

Derivative instruments:

Assets:

Currency contracts

Interest rate contracts

Equity contracts

Liabilities:

Currency contracts

Interest rate contracts

Equity contracts

1,759

3,776

–

105

302

–

1,759

3,776

–

105

302

–

477

1,011

4

806

1,434

4

477

1,011

4

806

1,434

4

The methods and assumptions used to determine the fair values
of financial instruments are summarized below:

Financial Assets and Securities – The fair values of securities

were estimated using quoted market prices. The Group has
certain equity investments in related and affiliated companies
not presented in the table, as these investments are not 
publicly traded and determination of fair values is impracti-
cable.

Receivables from Financial Services – The carrying amounts
of variable rate finance receivables were estimated to approxi-
mate their fair values since the contract rates of those receiv-
ables approximate current market rates. The fair values of
fixed rate finance receivables were estimated by discounting
expected cash flows using the current interest rates at which
comparable loans with identical maturity would be made as 
of December 31, 2002 and 2001. 

The carrying amounts of Cash and Other receivables
approximate fair values due to the short-term maturities of
these instruments.

Financial Liabilities – The fair value of publicly traded debt 
was estimated using quoted market prices. The fair values of
other long-term notes and bonds were estimated by discount-
ing future cash flows using market interest rates over the
remaining term. The carrying amounts of commercial paper
and borrowings under revolving credit facilities were assumed
to approximate fair value due to their short maturities.

Currency Contracts – The fair values of forward foreign
exchange contracts were based on European Central Bank 
reference exchange rates adjusted for the respective interest
rate differentials (premiums or discounts). Currency options
were valued on the basis of quoted market prices or on 
estimates based on option pricing models.

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 
pricing models.

Equity Contracts – The fair values of existing instruments to

hedge equity price risk (e. g. futures or options) were deter-
mined on the basis of quoted market prices or on estimates
based on option pricing models.

c) Credit Risk
The Group is exposed to credit-related losses in the event of
non-performance by counterparties to financial instruments.
DaimlerChrysler manages the credit risk exposure to financial
institutions through diversification of counterparties and
review of each counterparties’ financial strength. Daimler-
Chrysler does not have a significant exposure to any individual
counterparty, based on the rating of the counterparties per-
formed by established rating agencies. DaimlerChrysler 
Services has established detailed guidelines for the risk mana-
gement process related to the exposure to financial services
customers. Additional information with respect to receivables
from financial services and allowance for doubtful accounts 
is included in Note 18.

Other Notes | 135

d) Accounting for and Reporting of Financial Instruments
(Other than Derivative Instruments)
The income or expense of the Group’s financial instruments
(other than derivative instruments), with the exception of
receivables from financial services and financial liabilities
related to leasing and sales financing activities, is recognized
in financial income, net. Interest income on receivables from
financial services and gains and losses from sales of receiv-
ables are recognized as revenues. Interest expense on finan-
cial liabilities related to leasing and sales financing activities
are recognized as cost of sales. The carrying amounts of 
the financial instruments (other than derivative instruments)
are included in the consolidated balance sheets under their
related captions. 

e) Accounting for and Reporting of Derivative Instru-
ments and Hedging Activities
Foreign Currency Risk Management
As a consequence of the global nature of DaimlerChrysler’s
businesses, its operations and its reported financial results
and cash flows are exposed to the risks associated with fluc-
tuations in the exchange rates of the U.S. dollar, the euro and
other world currencies. The Group’s businesses are exposed
to transaction risk whenever revenues of a business are
denominated in a currency other than the currency in which
the business incurs the costs relating to those revenues. This
risk exposure primarily affects the Mercedes Car Group 
segment. The Mercedes Car Group segment generates its rev-
enues mainly in the currencies of the countries in which cars
are sold, but it incurs manufacturing costs primarily in euros.
The Commercial Vehicles segment is subject to transaction
risk, to a lesser extent, because of its global production net-
work. At Chrysler Group revenues and costs are principally
generated in U.S. dollars, resulting in a relatively low transac-
tion risk for this segment. The Other Activities segment is
exposed to transaction risk resulting primarily from the U.S.
dollar exposure of the aircraft engine business, which Daimler-
Chrysler conducts through MTU Aero Engines.

In order to mitigate the impact of currency exchange rate
fluctuations, DaimlerChrysler continually assesses its expo-
sure to currency risks and hedges a portion of those risks
through the use of derivative financial instruments. Responsi-
bility for managing DaimlerChrysler’s currency exposures and
use of currency derivatives is centralized within the Group’s
Currency Committee. The Currency Committee, which con-
sists of two separate subgroups, one for the Group’s vehicle
businesses and one for MTU Aero Engines, is comprised of
members of senior management from each of the respective

businesses as well as from Corporate Treasury and Risk Con-
trolling. Corporate Treasury implements decisions concerning
foreign currency hedging taken by the Currency Committee.
Risk Controlling regularly informs the Board of Management 
of the actions of Corporate Treasury based on the decisions of
the Currency Committee.

Interest Rate and Equity Price Risk Management
DaimlerChrysler holds a variety of interest rate sensitive
assets and liabilities to manage the liquidity and cash needs 
of its day-to-day operations. In addition a substantial volume
of interest rate sensitive assets and liabilities is related to 
the leasing and sales financing business which is operated by
DaimlerChrysler Services. In particular, the Group’s leasing
and sales financing business enters into transactions with 
customers, primarily resulting in fixed rate receivables. 
DaimlerChrysler’s general policy is to match funding in terms
of maturities and interest rates. However, for a limited portion
of the receivables portfolio funding does not match in terms 
of maturities and interest rates. As a result, DaimlerChrysler 
is exposed to risks due to changes in interest rates. Daimler-
Chrysler coordinates funding activities of the industrial 
business and financial services on the Group level. The Group
uses interest rate derivative instruments such as interest rate
swaps, forward rate agreements, swaptions, caps and floors
to achieve the desired interest rate maturities and asset/
liability structures.

The Group assesses interest rate risk by continually identi-

fying and monitoring changes in interest rate exposures 
that may adversely impact expected future cash flows and by 
evaluating hedging opportunities.

The Group maintains risk management control systems
independent of Corporate Treasury to monitor interest rate
risk attributable to DaimlerChrysler’s outstanding interest rate
exposures as well as its offsetting hedge positions. The risk
management control systems involve the use of analytical
techniques, including value-at-risk analyses, to estimate the
expected impact of changes in interest rates on the Group’s
future cash flows.

DaimlerChrysler also holds, to a minor extent, investments

in equity securities as part of its strategy to manage excess
liquidity. The risk inherent in these securities is hedged through
the use of equity derivatives.

136 | Other Notes

The Group assesses equity price risk by continually monitor-
ing changes in key economic, industry and market information
and maintains risk management control systems independent
of Corporate Treasury to monitor risks attributable to both
DaimlerChrysler’s investments as well as its offsetting hedge
positions. The risk control systems involve the use of analy-
tical techniques, including value-at-risk analyses, to estimate
the potential loss and support the risk management of the
Group’s investments.

Information with Respect to Fair Value Hedges
Gains and losses in fair value of recognized assets and liabi-
lities and firm commitments of operating transactions as well
as gains and losses on derivative financial instruments desig-
nated as fair value hedges of these recognized assets and 
liabilities and firm commitments are recognized currently in
revenues or cost of sales, as the transactions being hedged
involve sales or production of the Group’s products. Net gains
and losses in fair value of both recognized financial assets 
and liabilities and derivative financial instruments designated 
as fair value hedges of these financial assets and liabilities 
are recognized currently in financial income, net.

For the year ended December 31, 2002, net gains of 134

million (2001: net losses of 117 million) were recognized 
in operating and financial income, net, representing principally
the component of the derivative instruments’ gain or loss
excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness and the
amount of hedging ineffectiveness. 

Information with Respect to Cash Flow Hedges 
Changes in the value of forward foreign currency exchange
contracts and currency options designated and qualifying as
cash flow hedges are reported in accumulated other compre-
hensive income. These amounts are subsequently reclassified
into operating income, in the same period as the underlying
transactions affect operating income. Changes in the fair val-
ue of derivative hedging instruments designated as hedges 
of variability of cash flows associated with variable-rate long-
term debt are also reported in accumulated other comprehen-
sive income. These amounts are subsequently reclassified 
into financial income, net, as a yield adjustment in the same
period in which the related interest on the floating-rate debt
obligations affect operating income. 

For the year ended December 31, 2002, no gains or losses
(2001: net losses of 112 million), representing principally the
component of the derivative instruments’ gain/loss excluded
from the assessment of the hedge effectiveness and the
amount of hedge ineffectiveness, were recognized in operat-
ing and financial income, net.

For the year ended December 31, 2002, no gains or losses
(2001: gains of 11 million) had to be reclassified from accu-
mulated other comprehensive income into earnings as a result
of the discontinuance of cash flow hedges. 

It is anticipated that 1517 million of net gains included in
accumulated other comprehensive income at December 31,
2002, will be reclassified into earnings during the next year.
As of December 31, 2002, DaimlerChrysler held derivative
financial instruments with a maximum maturity of 43 months
to hedge its exposure to the variability in future cash flows
from foreign currency forecasted transactions.

Information with Respect to Hedges of the Net Investment in 
a Foreign Operation
In specific circumstances, DaimlerChrysler seeks to hedge 
the currency risk inherent in certain of its long-term invest-
ments, where the functional currency is other than the euro,
through the use of derivative and non-derivative financial
instruments. For the year ended December 31, 2002, net
gains of 1127 million (2001: net gains of 153 million) hedging
the Group’s net investments in certain foreign operations 
were included in the cumulative translation adjustment with-
out affecting DaimlerChrysler’s net income (loss).

33. Retained Interests in Sold Receivables and Sales of
Finance Receivables
The fair value of retained interests in sold receivables was as
follows:

(in millions of 3)

Fair value of estimated residual cash flows,
net of prepayments, from sold receivables,
before expected future net credit losses

Expected future net credit losses on 
sold receivables

Fair value of net residual cash flows 
from sold receivables

Restricted cash accounts

Retained subordinated securities

Retained interests in sold receivables, 
at fair value

At December 31,
2001

2002

4,119

5,311

(644)

(787)

3,475

4,524

2

764

2

956

4,241

5,482

In 2002, the Group recorded an impairment charge of 198
million on the retained interest in sold receivables resulting
from a decline in the expected pool by pool cash flows. This
decrease in cash flows was primarily the result of an increase
in the estimate of future credit losses.

At December 31, 2002, the significant assumptions used 

in estimating the residual cash flows from sold receivables
and the sensitivity of the current fair value to immediate 10%
and 20% adverse changes are as follows:

Other Notes | 137

(in millions of 3)

Assumption
percentage

Impact on fair value 
based on adverse
20% 
10%
change
change

Actual and projected credit losses for receivables securitized
were as follows:

Prepayment speed, monthly

1.5%

(11)

(16)

Estimated remaining net credit losses
as a percentage of receivables sold

Residual cash flow discount rate,
annualized

Actual and projected credit losses
Percentages as of:

December 31, 2002

December 31, 2001

1.3%

(61)

(122)

12.0%

(33)

(66)

December 31, 2000

December 31, 1999 

Receivables securitized in
2001
2002

2000

2.6%

2.4%

2.4%

2.3%

1.7%

1.2%

1999

2.6%

2.2%

1.1%

1.0%

The effect of a 10% and 20% adverse change in the discount
rate used to compute the fair value of the retained subor-
dinated securities would be a decrease of 118 million and 134
million, respectively. Similar changes to the monthly prepay-
ment speed and the estimated remaining net credit losses as a
percentage of receivables sold for the retained subordinated
securities would have no adverse effect on the fair value of
the retained subordinated securities.

These sensitivities are hypothetical and should be used with

caution. The effect of a variation in a particular assumption 
on the fair value of the retained interests is calculated without
changing any other assumption; in reality, changes in one
assumption may result in changes in another, which might
magnify or counteract the sensitivities.

Static pool losses are calculated by summing the actual and
projected future credit losses and dividing them by the 
original balance of each pool of assets. The amount shown
above for each year is a weighted average for all securitizations 
during that year and outstanding at December 31, 2002.

Certain cash flows received and paid to securitization trusts

were as follows:

(in millions of 3)

2002

2001

Proceeds from new securitizations

10,705

18,219

Proceeds from collections reinvested in 
previous wholesale securitizations 

Amounts reinvested in previous 
wholesale securitizations

Servicing fees received

Receipt of cash flow on retained interest in
securitized receivables

49,888

56,040

(49,965)

(56,040)

304

553

353

580

The outstanding balance, delinquencies and net credit loss-
es of sold receivables and other receivables, of those financial
services businesses that sell receivables, as of and for the
years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively, were
as follows:

(in millions of 3)

Retail receivables

Wholesale receivables

Total receivables managed

Less: receivables sold

Receivables held in portfolio

Outstanding 
balance at
2001

58,224

17,448

75,672

2002

48,476

16,754

65,230

(30,103)

(42,312)

35,127

33,360

Delinquencies 
> 60 days at
2001

Net credit losses 
for the year ended
2001

2002

584

24

608

(182)

426

652

19

671

(342)

329

691

18

709

(310)

399

2002

506

–

506

(160)

346

138 | Other Notes

During the year ended December 31, 2002, DaimlerChrysler
sold 18,653 million (2001: 119,290 million) and 149,592 
million (2001: 157,372 million) of retail and wholesale receiv-
ables, respectively. From these transactions, the Group recog-
nized gains of 1162 million (2001: 1414 million) and 1201 
million (2001: 1182 million) on sales of retail and wholesale
receivables, respectively.

Significant assumptions used in measuring the residual inter-

est resulting from the sale of retail and wholesale receivables
were as follows (weighted average rates for securitizations
completed during the year) at December 31, 2002 and 2001:

(in millions of 3)

Prepayment speed assumption
(monthly rate)

Estimated lifetime net credit losses
(an average percentage of sold
receivables) 

Residual cash flows discount rate
(annual rate)

2002

1.0-
1.5%

Retail
2001

1.0-
1.5%

Wholesale
2001

1

2002

1

2.6%

2.4%

0.0%

0.0%

12.0%

12.0%

12.0%

10.0%

1 For the calculation of wholesale gains, the Group estimated the average wholesale 

loan liquidated in 210 days.

In 2002, the Group’s financial services business in North
America developed an asset-backed commercial paper pro-
gram to be used as part of its securitization activities. To 
support the asset-backed commercial paper program, several
banks have provided contractually committed liquidity facili-
ties aggregating $3 billion. As of December 31, 2002, no
receivables have been sold into this program and none of the
liquidity facilities have been utilized.

34. Segment Reporting
In 2002, the Board of Management decided to rename the
Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars & smart segment to Mercedes
Car Group, effective as of January 1, 2003. The decision to
rename the segment was made to reflect the recently
enhanced brand portfolio and did not impact the composition
of this reportable segment. Information with respect to the
Group’s reportable segments follows:

Mercedes Car Group. This segment includes activities relat-
ed mainly to the development, design, manufacture, assembly
and sale of passenger cars and off-road vehicles under the
brand names Mercedes-Benz, smart and Maybach as well as
related parts and accessories.

Chrysler Group. This segment includes the development,
design, manufacture, assembly and sale of cars and trucks
under the brand names Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge and related
automotive parts and accessories.

Commercial Vehicles. This segment is involved in the devel-
opment, design, manufacture, assembly and sale of vans,
trucks, buses and Unimogs as well as related parts and acces-
sories. The products are sold mainly under the brand names
Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner.

Services. The activities in this segment extend to the 

marketing of services related to financial services (principally
retail and lease financing for vehicles and dealer financing),
insurance brokerage, trading and information technology. 
In October 2000, the information technology activities were
contributed into a joint venture. The Group’s 49.9% interest in
T-Systems ITS is included at equity subsequent to that date. 
In January 2002, DaimlerChrysler exercised its option to sell
to Deutsche Telekom the Group’s 49.9% interest in T-Systems
ITS. The sale was consummated in March 2002 with the 
termination of the joint venture. 

Other Activities. These activities principally represents the
business MTU Aero Engines and the Group’s equity method
investments in MMC, EADS and Automotive Electronics. Other
Activities also contains corporate research, real estate acti-
vities and holding and financing companies. In April 2001,
DaimlerChrysler completed the sale of 60% of the interest in
its Automotive Electronics activities to Continental AG. The
Group’s 40% interest in the Automotive Electronics activities
(Conti Temic microelectronic) is included at equity from that
date. In April 2002, DaimlerChrysler exercised its option 
to sell to Continental AG the Group’s remaining 40% interest 
in Conti Temic microelectronic. 

The Group’s management reporting and controlling systems

use accounting policies that are substantially the same 
as those described in Note 1 in the summary of significant
accounting policies (U.S. GAAP). The Group measures the 
performance of its operating segments through “Operating
Profit.” Segment Operating Profit is defined as income (loss)
before financial income included in the consolidated state-
ment of income (loss), modified to exclude pension and
postretirement benefit expenses other than service costs, 
to include pretax operating profit (loss) from affiliated and
associated companies, to include financial income (loss) from
related operating companies, to include gains (losses) from
the sale of operating businesses, and to include or exclude
certain miscellaneous items. 

Intersegment sales and revenues are generally recorded 

at values that approximate third-party selling prices.

Revenues are allocated to countries based on the location

of the customer; long-lived assets are disclosed according 
to the physical location of these assets.

Capital expenditures represent the purchase of property,

plant and equipment.

Other Notes | 139

Segment information as of and for the years ended December
31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 follows:

(in millions of 3)

2002

Revenues

Intersegment sales

Total revenues

Operating Profit (Loss)

Identifiable segment assets

Capital expenditures

Depreciation and amortization

2001

Revenues

Intersegment sales

Total revenues

Operating Profit (Loss)

Identifiable segment assets

Capital expenditures

Depreciation and amortization

2000

Revenues

Intersegment sales

Total revenues

Operating Profit (Loss)

Identifiable segment assets

Capital expenditures

Depreciation and amortization

Mercedes
Car Group

Chrysler
Group

Commercial 
Vehicles

Services

Other 
Activities

Eliminations

Consolidated

46,796

3,374

50,170

3,020

22,103

2,495

1,652

44,002

3,703

47,705

2,951

20,558

2,061

1,853

40,822

2,878

43,700

2,145

19,355

2,096

2,038

59,716

465

60,181

609

26,905

1,496

28,401

(343)

52,807

15,269

3,155

4,276

1,263

1,210

27,084

1,488

28,572

(514)

13,765

1,934

15,699

3,060

87,833

95

6,804

14,975

1,876

16,851

612

2,401

322

2,723

903

–

149,583

(7,591)

(7,591)

(395)

–

149,583 

6,854 

33,970

(24,655)

187,327 

137

157

–

7,145 

(255)

13,844

4,136

371

4,507

1,181

–

152,873

(8,245)

(8,245)

(267)

–

152,873

(1,318)

16,232

100,570

31,200

(24,475)

207,410

1,484

922

112

7,071

168

197

(12)

(217)

8,896

15,190

28,521

1,283

29,804

1,212

15,879

1,128

847

15,322

2,204

17,526

2,457

94,369

282

6,603

10,314

301

10,615

3,590

–

162,384

(7,633)

(7,633)

(153)

–

162,384

9,752

34,298

(18,287)

199,274

547

425

–

(204)

10,392

13,587

62,676

807

63,483

(5,281)

63,325

5,083

5,364

67,405

967

68,372

501

53,660

6,339

3,878

Capital expenditures for equipment on operating leases 
for 2002, 2001 and 2000 for the Services segment amounted
to 112,862 million, 114,334 million and 115,551 million, 
respectively. 

The Operating Profit of the Mercedes Car Group segment
for the year ended December 31, 2000, includes 1470 million
of non-cash charges related to the adoption of the European
Union’s directive regarding end-of-life vehicles and related 
to fixed cost reimbursement agreements with MCC smart 
suppliers.

For the year ended December 31, 2001, Operating Loss 
of the Chrysler Group segment includes 11,715 million of non-
cash turnaround plan charges, other than depreciation and
amortization. 

The Operating Loss of the Commercial Vehicles segment for

the year ended December 31, 2002, includes 1161 million
(2001: 1353 million) of non-cash turnaround plan and other
charges, other than depreciation and amortization. 

For the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000,
Operating Profit of the Services segment includes 110 million,
141 million and 11 million, respectively, from the equity
investment in T-Systems ITS, representing the Group’s per-
centage share of the Operating Profit of T-Systems ITS. In
addition, Operating Profit of the Services segment for the year
ended December 31, 2000, includes a non-cash gain of
12,315 million from the transaction involving T-Systems ITS
(see Note 11). At December 31, 2001 and 2000, the identifi-
able assets of the Services segment includes 12,193 million
and 12,152 million, respectively, of the investment in T-Systems
ITS. For the year ended December 31, 2002, Operating Profit
of the Services segment includes impairment charges of 
1537 million, which primarily relate to equipment on operating 
leases and receivables from financial services.

For the year ended December 31, 2002, Operating Profit of
the Other Activities segment includes 1778 million from EADS
and MMC, the significant companies accounted for using the
equity method. For the year ended December 31, 2001, Oper-
ating Profit of the Other Activities segment includes 1694 

140 | Other Notes

million from EADS and MMC, including a 1876 million gain
from the formation of Airbus SAS. For the year ended Decem-
ber 31, 2000, Operating Profit of the Other Activities segment
includes 13,259 million from EADS and MMC, including 
a 13,303 million gain in connection with the exchange of the
Group’s controlling interest in DaimlerChrysler Aerospace 
for shares in EADS (see Note 11). At December 31, 2002,
2001 and 2000, the identifiable assets of the Other Activities 
segment include 15,714 million, 15,393 million and 15,143
million, respectively, of investments in these equity method
investees.

A reconciliation to Operating Profit (Loss) follows:

(in millions of 3)

Income (loss) before 
financial income

Pension and postretirement
benifit expenses other than 
service costs

Operating income (loss) from
affiliated and associated com-
panies, and financial income
(loss) from related companies

Gains (losses) from the sale of
operating businesses

Miscellaneous items

Consolidated Operating 
Profit (Loss)

2002

2001

2000

3,860

(1,637)

4,320

(242)

(450)

(228)

494

2,640

102

516

292

(39)

(35)

5,832

(137)

6,854

(1,318)

9,752

Revenues from external customers presented by geographic
region are as follows:

(in millions of 3)

2002

2001

2000

1 Excluding Germany

Germany

23,121

24,340

25,988

European
Union1

23,425

21,300

24,360

United
States

77,686

81,132

84,503

Other 
American
countries

12,104

13,585

14,762

Other 

Asia

countries Consolidated

6,284

6,208

5,892

6,963

6,308

6,879

149,583

152,873

162,384

Germany accounts for 119,627 million of long-lived assets
(2001: 120,584 million; 2000: 117,450 million), the United
States for 144,758 million (2001: 158,850 million; 2000:
151,996 million) and other countries for 114,344 million
(2001: 112,971 million; 2000: 119,633 million).

35. Earnings (Loss) per Share
The computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share
for “Income (loss) before extraordinary items and cumulative
effects of changes in accounting principles” is as follows:

(in millions of 3 or millions of shares,
except earnings (loss) per share)

Year ended December 31,
2000

2001

2002

Income (loss) before extraordinary 
items and cumulative effects of change 
in accounting principles – basic

Interest expense on convertible 
bonds and notes (net of tax)

Income (loss) before extraordinary 
items and cumulative effects of change 
in accounting principles – diluted 

4,877

(662)

2,465

12

–

18

4,889

(662)

2,483

Weighted average number of shares 
outstanding – basic

Dilutive effect of convertible 
bonds and notes

Weighted average number of shares 
outstanding – diluted

1,008.3

1,033.2

1,033.2

5.6

–

10.7

1,013.9

1,033.2

1,013.9

Earning (loss) per share before
extraordinary items and cumulative
effects of changes in accounting
principles

Basic

Diluted

4.84

4.82

(0.66)

(0.66)

2.46

2.45

Other Notes | 141

See Note 23 for shares issued upon conversion of bonds and
notes in 2002.

Because the Group reported a loss before extraordinary
items and cumulative effects of changes in accounting princi-
ples for the year ended December 31, 2001, the diluted loss
per share does not include the antidilutive effects of convert-
ible bonds and notes. Had the Group reported income before
extraordinary items and cumulative effects of changes in
accounting principles for the year ended December 31, 2001,
the weighted average number of shares outstanding would
have potentially been diluted by 10.7 million shares resulting
from the conversion of bonds and notes.

Stock options issued in 2002, 2001 and 2000 in connection

with the Stock Option Plan 2000 were not included in the
computation of diluted earnings per share for all years pre-
sented, because the options’ underlying exercise prices were
greater than the average market prices for DaimlerChrysler
Ordinary Shares on December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000. 

Income tax charges of 1263 million relating to changes in
German tax laws were included in the consolidated statement
of income for the year ended December 31, 2000 and result-
ed in a reduction of basic and diluted earnings per share of
10.26 and 10.26 in 2000 (see Note 9). 

36. Related Party Transactions
The Group purchases materials, supplies and services from
numerous suppliers throughout the world in the ordinary
course of our business. These suppliers include firms in which
the Group holds an ownership interest and firms that are 
affiliated with some members of DaimlerChrysler’s Supervisory
Board. 

Mitsubishi Motor Manufacturing of America, a subsidiary of

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, produces the Dodge Stratus
and Chrysler Sebring coupes for the Group. As discussed 
in Note 3, DaimlerChrylser owns a 37% equity interest in 
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation. 

DaimlerChrysler has an agreement with McLaren Cars Ltd.,
a wholly owned subsidiary of TAG McLaren Holdings Ltd., for
the design and production of a new high-performance sports
car, the SLR, which DaimlerChrysler expects to launch by 
the end of 2003. The Group owns a 40% equity interest in TAG
McLaren Holdings Ltd.

DaimlerChrysler increased its stake in the Formula 1 engine

manufacturer Ilmor Engineering Ltd. from 25% to 55% in
December 2002 and has agreed to gradually acquire the
remaining shares by 2005. The company has been renamed
Mercedes-Ilmor. Ilmor Engineering Ltd. and DaimlerChrysler
have been responsible for the development, design and 
production of Mercedes-Benz Formula 1 engines since 1993,

which DaimlerChrysler supplies to the West McLaren team in
support of motor sport activities under the Mercedes-Benz
brand.

In May 2002, DaimlerChrysler Corporation sold its Dayton

thermal products facility to Behr Dayton Thermal Products
LLC, a joint venture company in which Behr America, Inc. owns
a majority interest and DaimlerChrysler Corporation owns 
a minority interest. DaimlerChrysler Corporation is required to
maintain its minority interest through May 2004 and to pur-
chase products from the joint venture company under a supply
agreement entered into in connection with the sale.

The Group’s subsidiaries DaimlerChrysler Coordination Cen-

ter S.A. (DCCC) and DaimlerChrysler Aerospace AG (DASA)
granted a series of loans to debis Air Finance B.V. (dAF).
Through DaimlerChrysler’s subsidiaries DaimlerChrysler Ser-
vices AG and DaimlerChrysler Aerospace AG, the Group holds
a 45% non-controlling interest in debis Air Finance B.V. The
total book value of these loans as of December 31, 2002, was
1519 million, the highest aggregate amount outstanding 
during 2002 was 1546 million. The interest rates are partially
fixed, partially based on Libor. 

The Group purchases products and services from T-Systems
ITS GmbH, an information technology company. As discussed
in Note 4, the Group beneficially owned a 49.9% equity inter-
est in T-Systems through a joint venture prior to March 2002
and then decided to exit the joint venture by exercising its
option to sell its interest to Deutsche Telekom for 14.7 billion.
The sale closed in March 2002. The Group continues to pur-
chase products from T-Systems ITS. 

As discussed in Note 4, in April, 2002, DaimlerChrysler
exercised its option to sell its 40% interest in Conti Temic
microelectronic GmbH to Continental. The Group continues 
to purchase products from Conti Temic.
The following represent transactions with shareholders:
– DaimlerChrysler incurred expenses of approximately

$846,000 in 2002 for advertising and related marketing
activities with a U.S. magazine. Earl G. Graves, member of
DaimlerChrysler’s Supervisory Board and shareholder of
DaimlerChrysler AG, is the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer
and sole stockholder of the magazine’s ultimate parent 
company.

– DB Value GmbH, a wholly owned subsidiary of Deutsche Bank
AG, owns approximately 12% of DaimlerChrysler’s outstand-
ing shares. Deutsche Bank AG and its subsidiaries provided
the Group with various financial and other services for which
they were paid reasonable and customary fees. Hilmar Kop-
per, the Chairman of DaimlerChrysler’s Supervisory Board and
shareholder of DaimlerChrysler AG, was also Chairman of the
Supervisory Board of Deutsche Bank AG until May 22, 2002.

142 | Other Notes

37. Compensation and share ownership of the members
of the Board of Management and the Supervisory Board
and further additional information concerning German
Corporate Governance Code
Remuneration – The total remuneration paid by Group com-
panies to the members of the Board of Management of Daimler-
Chrysler AG are calculated from the amount of compensation
paid in cash and from the non-cash benefits in kind. The total
remuneration in 2002 for the members of the Board of Man-
agement of DaimlerChrysler AG amount to 150.8 million, 
of which 113.4 million is fixed and 137.4 million is short-term
and mid-term incentive remuneration components. In 2002,
no compensation resulted from long-term incentive remunera-
tion components. 

In 2002, 3.03 million stock options from the Stock Option
Plan 2000 were granted to members of the Board of Manage-
ment as a long-term remuneration component. Also in 2002,
476,500 performance-based awards were granted to the
members of the Board of Management based on a 3 year per-
formance plan. For detailed information on stock based 
compensation programs, see Note 24.

The remuneration paid in 2002 to the members of the
Supervisory Board of DaimlerChrysler AG for services in all
capacities to the Group amounted 12.5 million. 

Directors’ Dealings – Transactions of ordinary shares, options

and derivatives of DaimlerChrysler AG and Group related com-
panies1, exercised by members of the Board of Management 
as well as by their spouses and first-grade relatives since July 1,
2002, which are to be published according to Article 15a of the
German Securities Trading Act, are listed below:

Name

Dr. Dieter Zetsche

Prof. Klaus-Dieter Vöhringer

Prof. Klaus-Dieter Vöhringer

Prof. Klaus-Dieter Vöhringer

Prof. Klaus-Dieter Vöhringer

Type of Trans-
action

Purchase

Purchase

Purchase

Purchase

Purchase 

Title 
(Security or
Right)

Share

Share

Share

Share

Share 

Company

DCAG

DCAG

DCAG

DCAG

DCAG 

Nominal
Amount
12.60
12.60
12.60
12.60
12.60

Date of 
Transaction

Number 
of Units

7/3/2002

9/4/2002

9/19/2002

9/25/2002

10/9/2002

4,255

1,000

1,000

2,000

1,000

Price 
in 3

46.93

39.50

37.90

34.92

31.90

Members of the Supervisory Board as well as their spouses
and first-grade relatives exercised no transactions of ordinary
shares, options and derivatives of DaimlerChrysler AG and
Group related companies1 in the second half of 2002, which
are to be published.

Share Ownership – As of December 31, 2002, the current
members of the Board of Management and the members of
the Supervisory Board as a group owned 9.6 million Ordinary
Shares, options or derivatives (SAR) of DaimlerChrysler AG
(0.95% of all outstanding shares). 

Transactions with Related Parties – For transactions with

shareholders, please see last paragraph of Note 36.

1 at the present time: EADS and Maschinenfabrik Esslingen AG

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements | 143

If any of these risks and uncertainties occur, or if the
assumptions underlying any of our forward-looking
statements prove incorrect, then our actual results may
be materially different from those we express or imply
by such statements. We do not intend or assume any
obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the
date on which it is made. 

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking
Statements
This annual report contains forward-looking statements
that reflect our current views about future events. 
We use the words “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,”
“estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “project,”
“should” and similar expressions to identify forward-
looking statements. These statements are subject to
many risks and uncertainties, including: 
– changes in general political, economic and business
conditions, especially an economic downturn or slow
economic growth in Europe or North America; 
– changes in currency exchange rates and interest

rates; 

– introduction of competing products and lack of accep-

tance of our new products or services;

– increased competitive pressures which limit our ability

to reduce sales incentives and raise prices; 

– whether Chrysler Group, Freightliner, and Mitsubishi
Motors will be able to continue to implement their
turnaround plans successfully and especially whether
they will be able to meet their revenue enhancement,
efficiency and cost reduction initiatives; 

– shortages or interruptions in the supply of fuel or 

production materials, or labor strikes;

– changes in laws, regulations and government policies,

particularly those relating to vehicle emissions, 
fuel economy and safety, and the outcome of current
pending and possible future legal proceedings; 

– decline in resale prices of used vehicles;
– changes in business strategy; and
– other risks and uncertainties, some of which we
describe under the heading “Risk Report” on the
pages 78 to 83 of this annual report.

144 | Major Subsidiaries of the DaimlerChrysler Group

Major Subsidiaries of the DaimlerChrysler Group

Mercedes Car Group

smart GmbH, Böblingen

Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc., Tuscaloosa

DaimlerChrysler India Private Limited, Poona
DaimlerChrysler South Africa (Pty.) Ltd., Pretoria 4

Chrysler Group
DaimlerChrysler Motors Company LLC, Auburn Hills 4
DaimlerChrysler Corporation, Auburn Hills

DaimlerChrysler Canada Inc., Windsor

DaimlerChrysler de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Mexico City

Commercial Vehicles
EvoBus GmbH, Stuttgart 4
Mercedes-Benz Lenkungen GmbH, Düsseldorf

Mercedes-Benz España S.A., Madrid

Detroit Diesel Corporation, Detroit
Freightliner LLC, Portland 4
Mercedes-Benz Mexico S.A. de C.V., Mexico-City 4
DaimlerChrysler do Brasil Ltda., 
São Bernardo do Campo
DaimlerChrysler Argentina S.A., Buenos Aires 4
P.T. DaimlerChrysler Indonesia, Jakarta 4
Mercedes-Benz Türk A.S., Istanbul
MTU Friedrichshafen GmbH, Friedrichshafen 4

Ownership 1
in %

Stockholders’
equity 2 in 
millions of 3

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

95.0

66.9

88.4

76

257

56

356

9,949
5

5

5

297

27

278

157

536

93

205

27

76

118

51

Revenues 3 in millions of 3

Employment at year-end

2002

2001

2002

2001

974

3,029

56

2,048

996

3,155

62

1,807

1,245

1,906

345

3,881

1,037

1,888

347

4,450

60,181

–

14,414

8,568

–

63,483

15,692

9,414

96,040

–
12,767 5
8,083 5

–

107,369
13,052 5
10,287 5

1,887

272

2,895

1,856

8,692

586

1,986

261

2,752

1,849

8,072

626

1,323

1,731

176

138

629

322

153

478

1,273

1,128

10,078

10,969

1,250

5,499

5,919

12,340

960

9,799

888

1,222

3,489

6,688

1,295

5,262

6,342

12,810

967

10,958

957

1,231

3,364

6,200

Major Subsidiaries of the DaimlerChrysler Group | 145

Vehicle Sales Organization
Mercedes-Benz USA, L.L.C., Montvale 4
DaimlerChrysler France S.A.S, Le Chesnay 4
DaimlerChrysler Belgium Luxembourg S.A., Brussels
DaimlerChrysler Nederland B.V., Utrecht 4
DaimlerChrysler UK Ltd., Milton Keynes 4
DaimlerChrysler Danmark AS, Copenhagen 

DaimlerChrysler Sverige AB, Malmo
DaimlerChrysler Italia S.p.A., Rome 4
DaimlerChrysler Schweiz AG, Zurich

Mercedes-Benz Hellas S.A., Athens

DaimlerChrysler Japan Co., Ltd., Tokyo

DaimlerChrysler Australia/Pacific Pty. Ltd., 
Mulgrave 4

Services

DaimlerChrysler Services AG, Berlin

DaimlerChrysler Bank AG, Stuttgart

DaimlerChrysler Services Leasing GmbH, Stuttgart

DaimlerChrysler Services North America L.L.C., 
Farmington Hills

Chrysler Capital Company L.L.C., Norwalk

DaimlerChrysler Insurance Company, Farmington Hills

debis Financial Services Inc., Norwalk

Other Activities
MTU Aero Engines GmbH, Munich 4
European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company
EADS, N.V., Amsterdam 6
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Tokyo 7
Hyundai Motor Company, Seoul

Ownership 1
in %

Stockholders’
equity 2 in 
millions of 3

Revenues 3 in millions of 3

Employment at year-end

2002

2001

2002

2001

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

346

154

61

60

177

23

20

170

59

27

53

199

989

546

36

11,287

11,396

3,466

1,108

1,162

5,226

292

475

3,370

1,009

199

2,340

1,109

0

340

945

3,252

1,160

1,193

4,769

289

459

2,934

1,128

199

2,511

967

0

342

1,712

1,644

2,818

658

761

2,517

388

491

575

410

167

441

764

304

1,622
5

1,549

2,190

655

679

1,535

361

439

537

419

157

457

729

314

1,483
5

6,018

8,220

11,200

4,665

4,341

413

130

20

110

154

130

112

121

348

22

73

56

23

97

152

100.0

412

2,215

2,487

8,376

7,839

33.0

37.1

10.5

11,510

2,038

8,416

19,996

13,852
10,846 8

20,685

14,176

18,949

103,787

102,967

61,100

49,000

66,700

50,000

1 Relating to the respective parent company.
2 Stockholders’ equity taken from national financial statements; stockholders’ 

equity converted at year-end exchange rates.
3 Converted at average annual exchange rates.
4 Preconsolidated financial statements.
5 Included in the consolidated financial statements of the parent company.
6 Details based on the consolidated financial statements of September 30, 2002

(stockholders’ equity at September 30, 2002; revenues January through 
September 2002/2001; employees at September 30, 2002/2001).

7 Details based on the consolidated financial statements of September 30, 2002

(stockholders’ equity at September 30, 2002; revenues April through 
September 2002/2001; employees at September 30, 2002/ 2001).

8 Revenues January through June 2002.

146 | Members of the Supervisory Board

Members of the Supervisory Board

Hilmar Kopper
Frankfurt am Main
Chairman of the Supervisory Board
of DaimlerChrysler AG
Chairman

Erich Klemm 1
Sindelfingen
Chairman of the Corporate Works
Council, DaimlerChrysler Group and 
DaimlerChrysler AG
Deputy Chairman

Manfred Göbels 1
Stuttgart
Director, Services and Mobility 
Concept, DaimlerChrysler AG

Nate Gooden 1
Detroit
Vice President of the International
Union, United Automobile, Aerospace
and Agricultural Implement Workers 
of America (UAW)
(since June 26, 2002)

Earl G. Graves
New York
Publisher and CEO
of Black Enterprise magazine

Prof. Victor Halberstadt
Amsterdam
Professor of Public Economics
at Leiden University,
Netherlands

Robert J. Lanigan
Toledo
Chairman Emeritus 
of Owens-Illinois, Inc.; 
Founder Partner, Palladium Equity
Partners

Helmut Lense 1
Stuttgart
Chairman of the Labor Council,
Untertürkheim Plant, 
DaimlerChrysler AG

Peter A. Magowan
San Francisco
President of San Francisco Giants

Gerd Rheude 1
Wörth
Chairman of the Labor Council,
Wörth Plant, DaimlerChrysler AG

Udo Richter 1
Bremen
Chairman of the Labor Council,
Bremen Plant, DaimlerChrysler AG

Wolf Jürgen Röder 1
Frankfurt am Main
Member of the Executive Council
of the German Metalworkers’ Union

Dr. rer. pol. Manfred Schneider
Leverkusen
Chairman of the Supervisory Board 
of Bayer AG

Peter Schönfelder 1
Augsburg
Chairman of the Labor Council,
Augsburg Plant, 
EADS Deutschland GmbH

Stefan Schwaab 1
Gaggenau
Vice Chairman of the Corporate 
Labor Council, DaimlerChrysler Group 
and DaimlerChrysler AG,
Vice Chairman of the Labor Council
Gaggenau Plant, DaimlerChrysler AG

G. Richard Thoman
New York
Former President and Chief Executive
Officer of Xerox Corporation;
Managing Partner, 
Corporate Perspectives

Bernhard Walter
Frankfurt am Main
Former Chairman of the
Board of Management 
of Dresdner Bank AG

Lynton R. Wilson
Toronto
Chairman of the Board of CAE Inc.;
Chairman of the Board of 
Nortel Networks Corporation

Dr.-Ing. Mark Wössner
Munich 
Former CEO and Chairman of the
Supervisory Board of Bertelsmann AG

Bernhard Wurl 1
Frankfurt am Main
Responsible for Labor and 
Codetermination Policy, 
German Metalworkers’ Union

Committees of the 
Supervisory Board:

Committee pursuant to Section 27,
Subsection 3 of the German Law 
of Industrial Codetermination  
Hilmar Kopper (Chairman)
Erich Klemm
Dr. rer. pol. Manfred Schneider
Bernhard Wurl

Presidential Committee
Hilmar Kopper (Chairman)
Erich Klemm
Dr. rer. pol. Manfred Schneider
Bernhard Wurl

Audit Committee
Hilmar Kopper (Chairman)
Erich Klemm
Stefan Schwaab
Bernhard Walter

Retired from the Supervisory Board:
Stephan P. Yokich 1 †
Detroit
President of the International Union, 
United Automobile,
Aerospace and Agricultural
Implement Workers of America (UAW)
(retired May 31, 2002, 
deceased August 16, 2002)

1 Representative of the employees

Report of the Supervisory Board | 147

Report of the Supervisory Board 

In five meetings during the 2002 financial year, the Super-
visory Board dealt in detail with the business situation of
DaimlerChrysler, the future strategic development of the
Group and its business units, and various other issues, and
also discussed these matters with the Board of Management. 

The Presidential Committee met three times in 2002, 
primarily to deal with Board of Management issues, but also
with questions of corporate governance, and to prepare the
plenary meetings. The Audit Committee convened three times
with the external auditors to discuss the financial statements
for 2001, the financial statements for the first half of 2002,
and, for the first time, the interim report on the third quarter.
After receiving the approval of the Annual Shareholders’ Meet-
ing, the Audit Committee engaged KPMG Deutsche Treuhand-
Gesellschaft AG, Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft (KPMG), 
a company of auditors, to conduct the annual audit, and also
determined the audit emphasis for 2002. The Mediation 
Committee, a body formed in accordance with the stipulations
of the German Law of Industrial Codetermination, was not
required to convene last year. 

In its meetings the Supervisory Board was regularly and 
fully informed by the Board of Management regarding the 
situation of the company, particularly its business and financial
status, the personnel situation, business developments,
investment plans and questions of fundamental business policy.
In addition, there was regular monthly reporting in which the
Board of Management presented the company’s key perfor-
mance figures, and written reports were submitted on special
matters. The Chairman of the Supervisory Board was also 
kept regularly informed of all important developments and deci-
sions through separate discussions with the Board of Manage-
ment. No conflicts of interest of any of the members of the
Supervisory Board occurred during 2002. 

The focus of the Supervisory Board’s discussions was on the
current situation of the company and the development of 
the individual business units against the backdrop of a difficult
global economy. In this context, questions concerning the
Group’s automotive product portfolio were also dealt with. In
connection with the commercial vehicles business, the main
issue was the Asian strategy and cooperation with Mitsubishi
Motors Corporation (MMC) and Hyundai Motor Company
(HMC). Another topic was the further development of corpo-
rate governance at DaimlerChrysler, in view of new legislation
in the United States and Germany. 

In the meeting in February 2002, particular attention was
paid to the annual financial statements of DaimlerChrysler AG
and the consolidated financial statements. After detailed dis-
cussions, the medium-term planning for 2002 through 2004
(including investment, human-resources and earnings targets)
and financing requirements for 2002 were approved. 
The Supervisory Board also received a detailed report on the
situation and strategy of the Mercedes Car Group division. 
Furthermore, the Supervisory Board consented to the sale 
of the Austrian Eurostar plant to Magna Steyr, with the pro-
duction of the minivans and the Cherokee remaining in Graz.
Preparations for the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting were also
dealt with in detail. 

In April 2002, the Supervisory Board approved the financing

of capital expenditure for the construction of a new engine
plant in Kölleda, Thuringia. In this plant, which will employ 500
persons, gasoline engines for Mitsubishi and smart vehicles
are to be produced as a joint venture between Daimler-
Chrysler AG and MMC. The Board of Management provided
the Supervisory Board with detailed information on the situa-
tion at EADS and the general state of the aerospace industry.
The Supervisory Board passed resolutions concerning the
financing of equipment for the production of the CLK convert-
ible and the Crossfire at the Karmann company. In addition, 
a capital increase at Freightliner LLC was also approved. 

148 | Report of the Supervisory Board

In the July meeting, the Supervisory Board discussed the 
strategy of the Commercial Vehicles division. In this context it
received a detailed report from the Board of Management on
the division’s strategic goals and their consequences, as well
as on the present state of the market for commercial vehicles.
The report on the first half of 2002 was presented and infor-
mation was received on the engagement of KPMG as external
auditors for the 2002 financial year and on the main areas of
this audit as determined by the Chairman of the Supervisory
Board. The Supervisory Board also consented to the closure
and sale plans for some of Chrysler Group’s component
plants. The Supervisory Board also dealt intensively with the
situation at MMC, including the progress of restructuring 
measures, and with general market developments in Asia. 
The focus of September’s meeting was on decisions con-
cerning the Commercial Vehicles division. The Supervisory
Board agreed to the acquisition of a 43% equity interest in the
spun-off commercial-vehicles business of MMC. It also con-
sented to the acquisition of a 50% stake in Hyundai Motor
Company’s commercial-vehicles business, also to be spun off.
Within this context the Supervisory Board also dealt with the
issue of financing at MMC. Important decisions were also tak-
en on personnel matters. Klaus-Dieter Vöhringer, responsible
for research and technology, retired from the Board of Man-
agement on December 31, 2002. As his successor, the Super-
visory Board appointed Thomas Weber as deputy member of
the Board of Management for a period of three years with
effect from January 1, 2003. In view of their good work, Wolf-
gang Bernhard and Rüdiger Grube, both hitherto deputy mem-
bers of the Board of Management, were made full members.
The Board of Management informed the Supervisory Board in
detail on Chrysler Group’s situation and current strategic 
considerations, including the future product portfolio. In the
context of restructuring Formula One racing activities, the
gradual acquisition of a 75% ownership interest in Ilmor UK
was approved. 

In the last meeting of the year 2002 on December 12, follow-
ing detailed discussions, the Supervisory Board approved 
the medium-term corporate planning for 2003 through 2005
(including investment, human-resources and earnings targets),
as well as the scope of financing limits for the year 2003.
Decisions were taken on the further financing of Toll Collect
GmbH and debis AirFinance. In addition, the Supervisory
Board received reports on regulations connected with the 
German Corporate Governance Code and the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act, and discussed their implementation at the company. After
detailed consultations, a Declaration of Compliance in accor-
dance with Section 161 of the 
German Stock Corporation Law (AktG) and new Rules of 
Procedure for the Supervisory Board and its committees 
were approved. 

At the end of January 2003 and following a recommendation

by the Presidential Committee, the Supervisory Board took
several decisions regarding the reduction of the size of the
Board of Management and its rejuvenation. The appointments
of Manfred Bischoff, Klaus Mangold and Gary C. Valade will
expire on December 16, 2003. In addition to his own respon-
sibilities, Rüdiger Grube will then assume the duties of Mr.
Bischoff relating to the Group’s investment in Mitsubishi
Motors Corporation. After Mr. Mangold’s departure, respon-
sibility for the Services division will be transferred to Bodo
Uebber, who was appointed deputy member of the Board of
Management for a period of three years with effect from
December 16, 2003. Thomas W. Sidlik, who was re-appointed
for a further five years from December 16, 2003, will on that
date also take over responsibility for global procurement and
supply from Mr. Valade. Mr. Sidlik’s present responsibility 
of procurement and supply for Chrysler Group will no longer
be a Board of Management position. It is planned that Messrs.
Bischoff, Mangold and Valade will continue to be available to
the company on an advisory basis. 

In order to ensure continuity in the Board of Management,

also with effect from December 16, 2003, the Supervisory
Board extended the appointment of Manfred Gentz for another
year and the appointments of Eckhard Cordes and Dieter
Zetsche for a further five years. The areas of responsibility of
these three members will remain unchanged. 

Report of the Supervisory Board | 149

The DaimlerChrysler AG financial statements for 2002 and 
the management report were audited by KPMG Deutsche
Treuhand-Gesellschaft AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft,
Berlin and Frankfurt/Main, and certified without qualification.
The same applies to the consolidated financial statements
according to US GAAP. These are prepared in euros and 
supplemented by a management report and additional notes 
pursuant to Section 292a of the German Commercial Code
(HGB). In accordance with Section 292a of the HGB, the US
GAAP consolidated financial statements presented in this
report grant exemption from the obligation to produce con-
solidated financial statements according to German Law. 

All financial statements and the appropriation of earnings
proposed by the Board of Management, as well as the audi-
tors’ reports, were submitted to the Supervisory Board. They
were inspected by the Audit Committee and the Supervisory
Board and discussed in the presence of the auditors. The
Supervisory Board has declared itself in agreement with the
results of the statutory audit and has established that there
are no objections to be made.

In its meeting on February 19, 2003, the Supervisory Board

approved the consolidated financial statements for 2002,
approved, and thereby adopted, the financial statements of
DaimlerChrysler AG for 2002, and consented to the appropria-
tion of earnings proposed by the Board of Management. 

Effective May 31, 2002, Stephen P. Yokich retired from 
his position as a member of the Supervisory Board represent-
ing the employees. Mr. Nate Gooden was appointed as his
successor with effect from June 26, 2002. 

The Supervisory Board expresses its gratitude to the 

management and employees of DaimlerChrysler AG for their 
outstanding individual efforts and achievements in 2002. 

Stuttgart-Möhringen, February 2003 

The Supervisory Board 

Hilmar Kopper 
Chairman 

150 | Corporate Governance

Corporate Governance 

The issue of the management and control of stock corpora-
tions is the subject of lively discussion among large sections
of the public under the heading of “corporate governance”.
DaimlerChrysler supports all the initiatives that aim to improve
corporate governance, and many of the resulting principles
and recommendations have long been practiced at our com-
pany. In particular due to the fact that our company has its
roots in Germany and the United States, the Board of Manage-
ment and the Supervisory Board intend to ensure that 
Daimler-Chrysler’s corporate governance system complies with
international standards and is transparent. This report has
these aims. 

General conditions 
The legal framework for the corporate governance of 
DaimlerChrysler as a stock corporation with its headquarters
in Germany derive from German Law, particularly the Stock
Corporation Law, the Co-determination Act, legislation
concerning the capital market, and the company’s articles of
association. 

Due to the listing of our company at foreign stock

exchanges, especially at the New York Stock Exchange, these
countries’ applicable capital-market legislation and their stock
exchanges’ listing regulations are also important. In this 
legal framework, much public attention has been paid to the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act in the United States. As DaimlerChrysler is
listed at the New York Stock Exchange and is therefore also
obliged to observe these legal stipulations, we are in favor of
equivalent international stock exchange regulations. 

Shareholders and the Annual Meeting 
The company's shareholders exercise their rights and cast
their votes at the Annual Meeting. Each share in Daimler-
Chrysler AG entitles its owner to one vote. There are no shares
with multiple voting rights, no preferred, privileged stock, 
and no maximum voting rights. 

Various important decisions can only be taken by the Annual
Meeting. These include: 

– the appropriation of net income and – in such cases as 

specified by the law – the adoption of the annual financial 
statements and the approval of the consolidated financial 
statements; 

– the ratification of the acts of the members of the Board 

of Management and the Supervisory Board; 

– the election of the independent auditors; 
– the election of members of the Supervisory Board and, 

if necessary, their dismissal; 

– amendments to the Articles of Association; 
– the raising of capital – also for stock-based compensation – 

and capital reductions; 

– approval to buy back shares, limited to 10% of the issued

shares; 

– consent to certain inter-company agreements. 

The influence of the Annual Meeting on the management 
of the company is limited. Management decisions can only 
be taken by the Annual Meeting if it is requested to do so 
by the Board of Management. 

Dual management system 
DaimlerChrysler AG is obliged by the German Commercial
Code to apply a dual management system. With this system,
the company’s Board of Management is responsible for the
executive functions, while the Supervisory Board appoints,
monitors and advises the Board of Management. The mem-
bers of the Board of Management bear shared responsibility
for managing the company, while the Chairman of the Board 
of Management coordinates the work of the Board of
Management. The Supervisory Board is involved in decisions
which are of fundamental importance, and the work of the
Supervisory Board is coordinated by its own chairman. 

Half of the members of the Supervisory Board are elected
by the shareholders at the Annual Meeting. The other half are
elected by the company’s German employees. The members
representing the shareholders and the members representing
the employees are equally obliged to act in the company’s
best interests. 

Additional information is available on the Internet at

www.daimlerchrysler.com/corpgov_e. 

Corporate Governance | 151

Annual Meeting

all shareholders

Supervisory Board

10 shareholder representatives

10 employee representatives

Board of Management

13 executive members

Supervisory Board

10 shareholder representatives

10 employee representatives

Presidential Committee

2 shareholder and 2 employee representatives

Audit Committee

2 shareholder and 2 employee representatives

Mediation Committee

2 shareholder and 2 employee representatives

Board of Management

13 executive members
(chairman, 5 members of operating divisions,  
7 members with functional responsibility)

Committees of the Board of Management, e.g. EAC

Chairman’s Council

International Advisory Board

Chairman of the 
Board of Management
and 11 additional members

Board of Management 
and 13 additional members

The Supervisory Board 
The Supervisory Board has formed three committees: the
Presidential, the Audit and the Mediation Committee.

The Presidential Committee has particular responsibility for

the contractual affairs of the Board of Management, and
enters into contracts with them. Otherwise, it supports and
advises the Chairman of the Supervisory Board and his
deputies and prepares the meetings of the Supervisory Board. 
The Audit Committee deals with questions of accounting
and risk management. It discusses the interim and year-end
financial statements of the DaimlerChrysler Group and of
DaimlerChrysler AG. The Audit Committee makes recommen-
dations concerning the selection of external auditors, and,
after these are elected by the Annual Meeting, commissions
them to conduct the annual audit and determines the main
focus of this audit. The Audit Committee receives reports from
the external auditors on any accounting matters that might 
be regarded as critical and on any differences of opinion with
the Board of Management. In addition, it makes recommen-
dations to the Supervisory Board, for example, concerning the
appropriation of net income and capital measures. In the
future the Audit Committee will also approve all non-audit 
services that are to be performed by the external auditors. 
The Mediation Committee is formed solely to perform the
functions laid down in Section 31, Subsection 3 of the German
Codetermination Act. According to this stipulation, it has 
the task of making proposals for the appointment of members
of the Board of Management if a previously proposed appoint-
ment did not obtain the legally required majority of two thirds
of the votes. 

The Board of Management 
At present, the Board of Management of DaimlerChrysler AG
comprises thirteen members. The rules of procedure define
the areas of responsibility of the entire Board of Management,
its Chairman and the individual members. The areas of
responsibility of the individual Board of Management members
can be found on pages 6 and 7of this Annual Report. 

The management structure reflects the global orientation of
the company and its concentration on the automotive business,
while facilitating a strong focus on markets and customers.
The Board of Management of DaimlerChrysler is organized into
five operative divisions (Mercedes Car Group, Chrysler Group,
Commercial Vehicles, Services, Industrial Holdings) and 
into seven functional areas, including crossdivisional functions
such as Finance & Controlling, Procurement and Human
Resources. 

152 | Corporate Governance

The Chairman of the Supervisory Board has regular contacts
with the Board of Management to advise not only on the
Group’s strategy and business developments, but also to 
discuss the issue of risk management. 

Transparency 
DaimlerChrysler regularly informs its shareholders, financial
analysts, shareholders’ associations, the media and the 
interested public on the situation of the company and on any
significant changes in its business. 

In accordance with the principle of fair disclosure, all share-

holders are equally treated with regard to the disclosure of
information. All new facts that DaimlerChrysler communicates
to institutional investors and financial analysts are simultane-
ously also made available to the shareholders. If any 
information is made public outside Germany as a result of the
regulations governing capital markets in the respective 
countries, the company also makes this information available
without delay in Germany in the original version, or at least in
English. In order to ensure that information is provided quickly
and equally, DaimlerChrysler makes full use of the Internet,
but also of other methods of communication. 

In a financial diary all the dates of important disclosures
(e.g. the Annual Report, interim reports, the Annual Meeting)
are published in advance. The financial diary can also be
accessed on the Internet, at
www.daimlerchrysler.com/ir/calendar. 

In addition to its regular scheduled reporting, Daimler-
Chrysler also reports without delay any new facts which may
arise within the company’s areas of activity and which are 
not known to the public, if these facts are likely to have a sub-
stantial impact on the stock-market price of DaimlerChrysler’s
shares due to their effects on the company’s assets, financial
situation or general course of business (ad-hoc publications). 
DaimlerChrysler also reports, in accordance with the require-

ments of the law and without any delay, after being informed
that by means of acquisition, disposal or any other method,
the shareholding in DaimlerChrysler AG of any person or insti-
tution has reached, exceeded or fallen below 5, 10, 25, 50 
or 75%. 

The Executive Automotive Committee 
The Executive Automotive Committee (EAC) has been estab-
lished as a committee of the Board of Management. The task
of the EAC is to coordinate all cross-divisional automotive
issues and to identify potential for improving efficiency. The
EAC prepares Board of Management decisions and regularly
informs the Board of Management of its activities. Further
details of the work of the EAC can be found on pages 42 and
43 of this Annual Report. 

The Chairman’s Council 
The Chairman’s Council is headed by the Chairman of the
Board of Management of DaimlerChrysler AG, and reflects 
elements of US and German corporate governance. It advises
the Board of Management, primarily on questions of global
business strategy. 

The International Advisory Board 
The International Advisory Board (IAB) consults with the Board
of Management of DaimlerChrysler once a year on develop-
ments in the fields of the global economy, technology, politics
and society, and their effects on the company’s activities. 
The IAB is composed of high-ranking international per-
sonalities from the fields of economics, politics and science.
Guest speakers are also invited to hold talks on issues of 
current relevance. 

Financial statements 
The consolidated financial statements of the DaimlerChrysler
Group are prepared in accordance with United States
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (US GAAP). Details
of US GAAP can be found on page 94 of this Annual Report. 
The year-end financial statements of DaimlerChrysler AG 
are prepared in accordance with the accounting guidelines of 
the German Commercial Code (HGB). Both sets of financial
statements are audited by an independent company of auditors.

Risk management 
DaimlerChrysler has a risk-management system commen-
surate with its situation as a company with global operations
(details can be found on page 78 et seq. of this Annual Report
or on the Internet at www.daimlerchrysler.com/corpgov_e
under transparency). The risk-management system is one
component of the overall planning, controlling and reporting
process. Its goal is to enable the company’s management 
to recognize significant risks at an early stage and to initiate
appropriate countermeasures. 

Corporate Governance | 153

Any securities transactions conducted by members of the
Board of Management or the Supervisory Board (or by persons
regarded by the German Securities Trading Law as being 
similarly situated) are disclosed by DaimlerChrysler without
delay after the company is informed of such transactions
(directors’ dealings), in accordance with the requirements of
the German Securities Trading Law. The relevant details are
given in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
on page 142 of this Annual Report, and, in accordance with 
the requirements of the law, are also available on the Internet
at www.daimlerchrysler.com/corpgov_e. 

Integrity code 
The Integrity Code is a guideline that has been in effect since
1999. It defines binding limits to the activities of all employees
worldwide, and is regularly referred to. Among other things, 
it contains rules of conduct concerning international trans-
actions, conflicts of interest, the issue of equality, the role of
internal monitoring systems, the right to the fulfillment 
of statutory standards, as well as other internal and external 
regulations. 

Declaration of compliance with the German Corporate
Governance Code (convenience translation)
Section 161 of the German Stock Corporation Act (AktG)
requires the Board of Management and the Supervisory Board
of a listed stock corporation to give a declaration each year
that the recommendations of the “German Corporate
Governance Code Government Commission” published by the
Federal Ministry of Justice in the official section of the elec-
tronic Federal Gazette are being or have been met, or, if not,
which recommendations are not being or have not been
applied. As 2002 is the first year in which such declarations
are mandatory, they can consist merely of a statement to the
effect that the recommendations are being met, or, if not,
which recommendations are not being applied. This declaration
must be made available to shareholders at all times. 

The German Corporate Governance Code (the “Code”) 

contains rules with varying binding effect. Apart from outlining
aspects of the current German Stock Corporation Act, it 
contains recommendations from which companies are per-
mitted to deviate. However, if they do so, they must disclose
this fact each year. The Code also contains suggestions, which
can be ignored without giving rise to any disclosure require-
ment. 

The Board of Management and the Supervisory Board of
DaimlerChrysler AG have decided to disclose not only devia-
tions from the Code’s recommendations (see I.), but also –
without being legally obliged to do so – deviations from its
suggestions (see II). For reasons of language simplicity,
only the masculine gender is used in this text, which form
should be understood to include both male and female 
persons. (This declaration is also available on the Internet 
at www.daimlerchrysler.com/corpgov_e.) 1

I. Recommendations 
The Board of Management and the Supervisory Board of
DaimlerChrysler AG declare that the recommendations
of the “German Corporate Governance Code Government
Commission“, published on November 26, 2002 by the
Federal Ministry of Justice in the official section of the elec-
tronic Federal Gazette, are being met. The following 
recommendations are the only ones not being applied:

1. Clause 3.8, Paragraph 2 
(Directors’ and officers’ liability insurance for the Board 
of Management and the Supervisory Board) 1
If the company takes out a D&O (directors’ and officers’ liability
insurance) policy for the Board of Management and the
Supervisory Board, a suitable deductible shall be agreed in
accordance with clause 3.8, para. 2 of the Code. 

The D & O insurance obtained by DaimlerChrysler AG for 

the Board of Management and Supervisory Board does not
provide any insurance cover for intentional acts and omissions
or for breaches of duty knowingly committed. 

Insurance cover is provided only for negligent breaches of

duty by members of the Board of Management and the
Supervisory Board, so that this is the only context in which 
the question of the agreement of a deductible arises.

It is not advisable to agree a deductible for negligence on

the part of the members of the Supervisory Board.
DaimlerChrysler AG endeavors to staff its Supervisory Board
with prominent members of the community from Germany 
and abroad who have extensive business experience, and the
company may be impeded in this aim if members of its
Supervisory Board have to accept far-reaching liability risks for
potential negligence. The fact that a deductible is still fairly
unusual in other countries makes this even more of a problem.

Nor does the D & O insurance of DaimlerChrysler AG 
envisage any deductible for ordinary or gross negligence on
the part of members of the Board of Management. In cases of
a grossly negligent breach of duty by a member of the Board
of Management, the Presidential Committee of the Supervisory
Board, with responsibility for human resources, may agree to

154 | Corporate Governance

4. Clause 7.1.4 (List of third-party companies) 1
Clause 7.1.4 of the Code requires the company to publish a 
list of third -party companies stating, i. a. the operating results
for the last financial year. 
The company has decided not to publish the operating results
of these companies for the past financial year, firstly because
the control mechanisms of DaimlerChrysler AG are geared
not to legal entities but to business units, whose results are
shown by way of the segmental reporting, and secondly
because such disclosure of results does not provide any
meaningful information as the accounting principles on which
they are based vary from country to country. Finally, showing
individual year-end statements separately without precisely
defining which subsidiaries are included in the consolidated
accounts could be very misleading. 

II. Suggestions 
There is no obligation to provide any explanation for deviations
from suggestions. 

The Board of Management and the Supervisory Board of

DaimlerChrysler AG declare that the suggestions of the
“German Corporate Governance Code Government Commission”,
published on November 26, 2002 by the Federal Ministry of
Justice in the official section of the electronic Federal Gazette,
are being met. The following suggestions are the only ones 
not being applied:

1. Clause 2.3.3 (Proxy voting at the Annual Meeting) 1
Clause 2.3.3 of the Code requires the Board of Management to
appoint a representative to ensure that the shareholders’ 
voting right is exercised in accordance with the shareholders’
instructions; this representative should also be contactable 
during the Annual Meeting. 

make a percentage deduction from the variable portion of the
remuneration of the member of the Board of Management
concerned. In terms of its economic result, this is the same as
a deductible. In the view of DaimlerChrysler AG this rule
enables individual cases to be judged more fairly on their mer-
its than the blanket approach of the Code. 

2. Clause 4.3.5 (Approval of side line activities) 1
Clause 4.3.5 of the Code states that Members of the Board of
Management may only take on side line activities, in particular
Supervisory Board mandates outside the enterprise, with the
approval of the Supervisory Board. 

For reasons of practicality relating to the way in which the
Supervisory Board works, such consent is granted not by the
whole Board but by the Chairman of the Supervisory Board.
For the same reason, such approval is required only in cases
where the additional activity is a paid position (but not, for
example, for honorary positions on advisory boards or boards
of governors). The Presidential Committee will be informed
about the decisions of the Chairman of the Supervisory Board
accordingly. 

3. Clause 5.4.5 (Compensation of the Supervisory Board) 1
Clause 5.4.5, para. 2 of the Code states that members of the
Supervisory Board shall receive performance-related as well as
fixed compensation. 

It is intended to decide about a proposal for the appropriate

amendment of the articles of association in order to award a
performance-related pay element to the members of the
Supervisory Board at a later point of time. 

Clause 5.4.5, para. 3 of the Code states that payments 
made by the enterprise to members of the Supervisory Board 
or advantages granted for services provided individually, 
in particular advisory or agency services, shall be listed sepa-
rately in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

The company plans to list such information separately from

fiscal 2004. The shareholder representatives on the Super-
visory Board will be up for re-election in 2004. For this reason
it seems appropriate to start the separate listing from this
point in time, and, until then, to present a summarized account
of the payments or benefits granted to all members of the
Supervisory Board.

Corporate Governance | 155

As explained below with regard to Clause 2.3.4 of the Code,
the company does not intend to broadcast its entire Annual
Meeting on the Internet. Generally, there will therefore be no
need to contact the company’s voting rights representative
during the Annual Meeting. Furthermore, there is a possibility
of technical problems in trying to ensure the availability of
such a representative using the communication media current-
ly available. 

2. Clause 2.3.4 (Broadcast of the Annual Meeting) 1
Clause 2.3.4 of the Code states that the company should make
it possible for shareholders to follow the Annual Meeting using
modern communication media (e.g. the Internet). 

The Annual Meeting will be broadcast on the Internet until
the end of the Board of Management’s report. To continue the
broadcast after this point, in particular to broadcast the contri-
butions of individual shareholders, could also be construed 
as interference in the shareholders’ privacy rights. For this rea-
son the company has decided not to make such a broadcast.

3. Clause 4.2.4
(Compensation of the Board of Management) 1
Clause 4.2.4 states that the compensation paid to members 
of the Board of Management should be reported individually in
the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. 

The remuneration of the members of the Board of Manage-
ment is reported, broken down into fixed and variable elements
and into components with a long-term incentive effect. This
information is crucial for assessing whether the division of
such remuneration into guaranteed and performance-related
components is appropriate and whether the structure of such
remuneration provides adequate incentives for the Board 
of Management. This information will be disclosed for the first
time in 2003 for fiscal 2002. As the Board of Management
operates according to the principle of collective responsibility,
the decisive factor is the incentives provided for the Board 
of Management as a whole. In other respects, there is a risk
that listing these figures separately will lead to a leveling 
of performance-related and task-related differences in pay. 

4. Clause 5.2 (Chairman of the Audit Committee) 1
Clause 5.2 of the Code states that the Chairman of the Super-
visory Board should not chair the Audit Committee. 

The Chairman of the Supervisory Board currently chairs the

Audit Committee. To avoid a reallocation of responsibilities
during the current term of office of the Supervisory Board, the
Chairman of the Supervisory Board will continue to chair 
the Audit Committee until the new shareholders’ Supervisory
Board representatives are elected in fiscal 2004. Subsequently,
the Supervisory Board will again decide on the matter.

5. Clause 5.4.4 (Election of Supervisory Board members) 1
Clause 5.4.4 of the Code states that the need for change can be
met by structuring the Supervisory Board so that members 
can be elected or re-elected at different times and for differing
periods of office. 

The company intends to introduce differing terms of office

when the new shareholders’ representatives are elected to 
the Supervisory Board in 2004, because to do otherwise would
require intervention in existing appointments. 

6. Clause 5.4.5
(Disclosure of Supervisory Board compensation) 1
Clause 5.4.5, para. 3 of the Code states that the compensation
paid to members of the Supervisory Board should be reported
individually in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial
Statements, subdivided according to components. Performance-
related remuneration should also contain components based 
on the long-term performance of the enterprise. 

This information will be listed separately from fiscal 2004. 

In 2004, the new shareholders’ representatives will be 
elected to the Supervisory Board. For this reason it seems
appropriate to carry out the separate listing from this point in 
time, and until then to present a summarized account for all 
members of the Supervisory Board. 

Stuttgart, in December 2002
DaimlerChrysler AG

The Board of Management

The Supervisory Board

1 The text in brackets is not part of the compliance declaration.

156 | International Representative Offices

International Representative Offices

Berlin
Phone
Fax

Abidjan
Phone
Fax

+49 30 25 94 11 00
+49 30 25 94 11 09

+225 21 75 1001
+225 21 75 1090

Abu Dhabi
Phone
Fax

+97 14 8833 200
+97 14 8833 201

Bangkok
Phone
Fax

Beijing
Phone
Fax

Brussels
Phone
Fax

+662 334 6100
+662 676 5550

+86 10 6590 0158
+86 10 6590 6237

+32 2 23311 33
+32 2 23311 80

Budapest
Phone
Fax

+361 451 2233
+361 451 2201

Buenos Aires
Phone
Fax

+54 11 4801 3585
+54 11 4808 8702

Cairo
Phone
Fax

Caracas
Phone
Fax

Hanoi
Phone
Fax

+20 2 524 6127
+20 2 524 6700

+58 241 613 2540
+58 241 613 2542

+84 8 8959 710
+84 8 8958 714

Hong Kong
Phone
Fax

+85 2 2594 8876
+85 2 2594 8801

Istanbul
Phone
Fax

+90 212 482 3520
+90 212 482 3521

Kiev
Phone
Fax

Lagos
Phone
Fax

+380 44 235 5251
+380 44 235 5288

+234 1 2612 088
+234 1 4618 728

Ljubljana
Phone
Fax

+386 61 1883 797
+386 61 1883 799

London
Phone
Fax

Madrid
Phone
Fax

+44 193 28 67 350
+44 193 28 60 738

+34 91 484 6161
+34 91 484 6019

Melbourne
Phone
Fax

+61 39 566 9104
+61 39 566 9110

Mexico City
Phone
Fax

+52 55 5081 7376
+52 55 5081 7674

Moscow
Phone
Fax

+7 095 926 4018
+7 095 745 2614

New Delhi
Phone
Fax

+91 1 1410 4959
+91 1 1410 5226

Paris
Phone
Fax

Pretoria
Phone
Fax

Rome
Phone
Fax

+33 1 39 23 5400
+33 1 39 23 5442

+27 12 677 1502
+27 12 666 8191

+39 06 4144 2405
+39 06 4121 9097

São Paulo
Phone
Fax

+55 11 4178 0602
+55 11 4173 7118

Seoul
Phone
Fax

+82 2 2112 2656
+82 2 2112 2600

Singapore
Phone
Fax

+65 6849 8321
+65 6849 8493

Skopje
Phone
Fax

Sofia
Phone
Fax

Taipei
Phone
Fax

+389 2 114 016
+389 2 114 754

+359 2 91 988 77
+359 2 945 40 48

+886 2 2715 9696
+886 2 2715 2776

Tashkent
Phone
Fax

+998 71 120 6374
+998 71 120 6674

Teheran
Phone
Fax

Tel Aviv
Phone
Fax

Tokyo
Phone
Fax

Warsaw
Phone
Fax

+98 21 204 6047
+98 21 204 6126

+972 9957 9091
+972 9957 6872

+81 3 5572 7172
+81 3 5572 7126

+48 22 697 7040
+48 22 654 8633

Washington D.C.
Phone
Fax

+1 202 414 6747
+1 202 414 6716

Windsor, Ontario
Phone
Fax

+1 519 973 2101
+1 519 973 2226

Zagreb
Phone
Fax

+38 51 489 1500
+38 51 489 1501

Seven-Year Summary | 157

Seven-Year Summary 1

Amounts in millions of 3

From the statements of income:

Revenues

Personnel expenses

of which: Wages and salaries

Research and development expenditure 

Operating profit (loss)

Operating margin

Financial income 

Income (loss) before income taxes and extraordinary items

Net operating income

Net operating income as % of net assets (RONA)

Net income (loss)
Net income (loss) per share (1)
Diluted net income (loss) per share (1)
Net income per share (excluding one-time effects) (1)
Diluted net income per share (excluding one-time effects) (1)
Cash dividend
Cash dividend per share (1)
Cash dividend including tax credit 3 per share (1)
From the balance sheets:

Property, plant and equipment

Leased equipment

Current assets

of which: Liquid assets

Total assets

Stockholders’ equity

of which: Capital stock

Accrued liabilities

Liabilities

of which: Financial liabilities

Debt-to-equity ratio

Mid- and long-term provisions and liabilities

Short-term provisions and liabilities

Current ratio

Net assets (annual average)

Credit rating, long-term

Standard & Poor’s

Moody’s

From the statements of cash flows:

Investments in property, plant and equipment

Investments in leased equipment

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

Depreciation of leased equipment

Cash provided by operating activities

Cash used for investing activities

From the stock exchanges:
Share price at year-end  Frankfurt (1)

New York (US $)

Average shares outstanding (in millions)

Average dilutive shares outstanding (in millions)

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

101,415

117,572

131,782

149,985

162,384

152,873

149,583

21,648

17,143

5,751

6,212

6.1%

408

5,693

–

–

4,022

4.09

4.05

4.24

4.20

–

–

–

23,111

7,905

54,888

12,851

23,370

18,656

25,033

19,982

6,501

6,230

5.3%

633

6,145

4,946

10.9%

6,547
4.282
4.212
4.28

4.21

–

–

–

6,693

8,593

6.5%

763

8,093

6,359

12.7%

4,820

5.03

4.91

5.58

5.45

2,356

2.35

3.36

28,558

11,092

68,244

17,325

29,532

14,662

75,393

19,073

26,158

21,044

7,575

11,012

7.3%

333

9,657

7,032

13.2%

5,746

5.73

5.69

6.21

6.16

2,358

2.35

3.36

36,434

27,249

93,199

18,201

26,500

21,836

7,395

9,752

6.0%

156

4,476

4,383

7.4%

7,894

7.87

7.80

3.47

3.45

2,358

2.35

3.36

25,095

20,073

6,008

(1,318)

(0.9%)

154

(1,483)

1,647

2.5%

(662)

(0.66)

(0.66)

0.73

0.73

1,003

1.00

–

24,163

19,701

6,156

6,854

4.6%

2,208

6,068

4,335

6.7%

4,718

4.68

4.67

3.30

3.30

1,519

1.50

–

40,145

33,714

99,852

12,510

41,165

36,002

36,269

28,243

103,389

104,023

14,525

12,428

101,294

124,831

136,149

174,667

199,274

207,410

187,327

22,355

2,444

32,135

41,672

25,496

114%

36,989

41,950

–

–

–

–

6,721

4,891

4,427

1,159

9,956

27,960

2,391

36,007

54,313

34,375

123%

45,953

50,918

85%

30,367

2,561

35,057

62,527

40,430

133%

47,601

58,181

79%

36,060

2,565

38,211

90,560

64,488

179%

55,291

83,315

66%

42,409

2,609

36,985

39,004

2,609

42,194

34,914

2,633

43,712

109,661

115,327

100,297

84,783

200%

75,349

81,516

67%

90,908

233%

87,532

80,874

64%

79,112

227%

79,622

72,791

72%

45,252

50,062

53,174

59,489

65,882

64,986

–

–

8,051

7,225

5,683

1,456

A +

A 1

8,155

10,245

4,937

1,972

A +

A 1

9,470

19,336

5,655

3,315

A

A 2

BBB+

A 3

BBB+

A 3

10,392

19,117

6,645

6,487

8,896

17,951

7,580

7,254

7,145

17,704

6,385

7,244

12,337

16,681

18,023

16,017

15,944

17,796

(8,745)

(14,530)

(23,445)

(32,110)

(32,709)

(13,287)

(12,946)

–
–

981.6

994.0

–
–

949.3

968.2

83.60
96.06

959.3

987.1

77.00
78.25

1,002.9

1,013.6

44.74
41.20

1,003.2

1,013.9

48.35
41.67

1,003.2

1,003,2

29.35
30.65

1,008.3

1,013.9

Average annual number of employees

419,758

421,661

433.939

463,561

449,594

379,544

370,677

1 Certain amounts reported in previous years have been reclassified to conform to the 2002 presentation.
2 Excluding one-time positive tax effects, especially due to extra distribution of 110.23 per share.
3 For our stockholders who are taxable in Germany. There is no tax credit from 2001 due to a change in 

the corporate income tax system.

158 | The DaimlerChrysler Share

The DaimlerChrysler Share 

Disappointing capital markets in 2002 | Sluggish economic
conditions and unstable political environments create 
uncertainty | DCX outperformed the DAX during 2002

International stock markets in 2002
Following a weak 2001, international capital markets trended
lower again in 2002. For the third year in a row, leading inter-
national indices, such as the S&P 500, the Dow, the Nikkei,
Euro Stoxx 50 and the DAX, finished the year significantly 
lower than they began. The DAX recorded the sharpest drop
among major global indices ending the year down 44%. 

The downward trend began in May, after relative stability in
the first few months of the year. Gloomier sentiment followed
early indications that the economic recovery in the US and
Europe might not proceed as rapidly as had been anticipated.
Share values deteriorated further also as a result of investor
uncertainty resulting from poor corporate earnings and account-
ing scandals. 

In the fall, markets were further negatively impacted 
by the general weakness of the world’s major economies and
speculation concerning possible military action in the Middle
East. Nevertheless, European automotive stocks remained rel-
atively firm in this difficult market environment and performed
significantly better than the S&P 500, the Nasdaq, the DAX
and Euro Stoxx 50. 

DCX performance in 2002
The DaimlerChrysler share was unable to escape the effects of
world market conditions. The share price was impacted at the
beginning of the year by external forecasts of a likely decline
in automotive sales, particularly in the US, and the drop in
earnings that this might entail. However, between March and
May when it became apparent that demand in the US was
stronger than expected, the DaimlerChrysler share price rose
and remained stable at this higher level. Thus, in the period
following the announcement of the results for 2001 on 
February through to the the end of May, DCX shares rose 
37% to 155.44. This made the share one of the best performers
in the automotive sector and the strongest in the DAX. 

Although DaimlerChrysler’s earnings in the second and third

quarters significantly exceeded market expectations and 
the company had raised its earnings forecast for the remainder
of the year, DCX was unable to escape the general malaise in
the markets. 

Thus the share price fell in August and September as 
a result of the expectation of a sales decline in international
automotive markets in 2003, the possibility of armed conflict
in the Middle East and a relative sluggishness in the capital
markets. DCX closed on December 30 at 129.35 in Frankfurt
and at $30.65 in New York. Nevertheless, DCX was one of 
the few shares in 2002 to outperform the DAX over the year 
as a whole.

DaimlerChrysler stock was again among the most liquid 
in the world in 2002, with a global trading volume of 1.6 billion
shares (2001: 1.3 billion), of which 154 million were traded 
in the US (2001: 130 million) and 1,469 million in Germany
(2001: 1,169 million). 

Investor relations activities
Activities at DaimlerChrysler Investor Relations during the year
under review focused particularly on providing consistent 
reliable and timely information on the company to institutional
investors, financial analysts, rating agencies and shareholders.
The most important channels for informing our shareholders
on corporate strategy and the company’s performance were
the Annual Meeting in Berlin, which was attended by more
than 10,000 people, and the Investor Relations section of the
DaimlerChrysler website. Our communication activities 
for institutional investors and analysts in 2002 included road-
shows in the major financial centers of Europe, North America
and Asia, along with one-on-one meetings at our headquarters
in Stuttgart. We also provided information on our quarterly
results to the investment community through conference calls
that were simultaneously broadcast on the Internet.

The DaimlerChrysler Share | 159

Share Price Index

Development of Important Indices

120

110

100

90

80

70

60

50

40

Jan.
2

Feb.
28

April
30

June
28

Aug.
30

Oct.
31

Dec.
30

DaimlerChrysler
MSCI Automobiles Index
DAX

DaimlerChrysler Share Price (high/low) in 3

3
60

55

50

45

40

35

30

25

20

Jan.
´02

Feb.
´02

March
´02

April
´02

May
´02

June
´02

July
´02

Aug.
´02

Sept.
´02

Oct.
´02

Nov.
´02

Dec.
´02

Status 
End of 2002

Status 
End of 2001

% Change

Dow Jones Industrial Average

Nasdaq Composite

FTSE 100

Nikkei

Dow Jones Euro Stoxx 50

DAX 30

Dow Jones Stoxx Auto Europa

MSCI World Index Automobiles

For comparison:
DaimlerChrysler share (in 1)

8,342

1,336

3,940

8,579

2,386

2,893

154

73

10,022

1,950

5,217

10,543

3,806

5,160

218

81

29.35

48.35

- 17

- 32

- 24

- 19

- 37

- 44

- 29

- 10

- 39

Statistics

December 31

Capital stock (in millions)

Number of shares (in millions)

2002
US $

2,761

Market capitalization (in billions)

31.04

Number of shareholders
(in millions)

Weighting on share index

DAX 30

Dow Jones Euro Stoxx 50

Credit rating, long-term

Standard & Poor’s

Moody’s

2002
3 

2,633

1,012.8

29.73

2001
3 

2,609

1,003.3

48.51

1.8

1.9

8.1%

2.1%

BBB+

A3

6.8%

2.2%

BBB+

A3

Shareholder Structure at of Dec. 31, 2002

Statistics per Share

By type of shareholder

Major shareholders 19%

Free float 81%

12%

7%
54%

Deutsche Bank AG

Kuwait Investment Authority
Institutional investors

By region

27%

Retail investors

8%
14%

Rest of the world
USA

21%

Europe excluding Germany

57%

Germany

2002
US $

3.46

3.46

36.31
30.65 3
50.88 3
29.79 3

2002
3 

3.30

3.30

1.50

34.63
29.35 2
55.44 2
28.16 2

2001
3 

0.73

0.73

1.00

38.88
48.35 2
58.19 2
27.24 2

Net income (basic) 1
Net income (diluted) 1
Dividend

Stockholders’ equity (Dec. 31)

Share price: year-end 

high

low

1 Excluding one-time effects 
2 Frankfurt Stock Exchange 
3 New York Stock Exchange 

160 | Addresses / Information

Addresses

Information

DaimlerChrysler AG 
70546 Stuttgart
Germany
Phone +49 711 17 0
Fax
+49 711 17 94022
www.daimlerchrysler.com

DaimlerChrysler Corporation 
Auburn Hills, MI 48326-2766
USA
Phone +1 248 576 5741
www.daimlerchrysler.com

Investor Relations
Stuttgart
Phone +49 711 17 92261
+49 711 17 95277
+49 711 17 94075
+49 711 17 94109

Fax

New York
Phone +1 212 909 9080
+1 212 909 9085
Fax

Publications for our shareholders:
- DaimlerChrysler Annual Report (German, English)
- Form 20-F (English)
- DaimlerChrysler Interim Reports 

for 1st, 2nd and 3rd quarters (German, English)

- DaimlerChrysler Environment Report (German, English)
- DaimlerChrysler Social Responsibility Report 

(German, English)

The financial statements of DaimlerChrysler 
Aktiengesellschaft prepared in accordance with 
German GAAP were audited by KPMG Deutsche 
Treuhand-Gesellschaft Aktiengesellschaft, 
Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft, and an unqualified 
opinion was rendered thereon.

These publications can be requested from:
DaimlerChrysler AG, 70546 Stuttgart, Germany

The information can also be ordered by phone or fax 
using the following number: 
+49 711 17 92287