Commitment to Excellence
Annual Report 2006
Key Figures
DaimlerChrysler Group
Amounts in millions of €
Revenues
Western Europe
thereof: Germany
NAFTA
thereof: United States
Other markets
Employees (at year-end)
Investments in property, plant and equipment
Research and development expenditure
Cash provided by operating activities
Operating profit
Net income
per share (in €)
Total dividend
Dividend per share (in €)
2006
2005
2004
06/05
% change
151,589
50,122
22,198
75,347
63,925
26,120
360,385
5,938
5,331
14,016
5,517
3,227
3.16
1,542
1.50
149,776
47,337
20,948
77,611
67,015
24,828
382,724
6,580
5,649
12,353
5,185
2,846
2.80
1,527
1.50
142,059
48,845
22,315
73,266
64,232
19,948
384,723
6,386
5,658
11,060
5,754
2,466
2.43
1,519
1.50
+1
+6
+6
-3
-5
+5
-6
-10
-6
+13
+6
+13
+13
+1
0
DaimlerChrysler Divisions >
Divisions
Amounts in millions of €
Mercedes Car Group
Operating profit (loss)
Revenues
Investments in property, plant and equipment
Research and development expenditure
Unit sales
Employees (Dec. 31)
Chrysler Group
Operating profit (loss)
Revenues
Investments in property, plant and equipment
Research and development expenditure
Unit sales
Employees (Dec. 31)
Truck Group
Operating profit
Revenues
Investments in property, plant and equipment
Research and development expenditure
Unit sales
Employees (Dec. 31)
Financial Services
Operating profit
Revenues
New business
Contract volume
Investments in property, plant and equipment
Employees (Dec. 31)
Van, Bus, Other
Operating profit
Revenues
Investments in property, plant and equipment
Research and development expenditure
Unit sales
Employees (Dec. 31)
2006
2005
2004
06/05
% change
2,415
54,579
1,663
2,176
1,251,797
99,343
(1,118)
47,116
2,892
1,638
2,654,710
80,735
2,020
31,988
907
1,023
536,956
83,237
1,714
17,154
52,981
113,297
29
10,718
913
13,439
447
494
305,001
39,400
(505)
50,015
1,629
2,418
1,216,838
104,345
1,534
50,118
3,083
1,710
2,812,993
83,130
1,606
30,368
966
944
529,499
84,254
1,468
15,439
48,152
117,724
45
11,129
1,091
14,835
886
577
315,567
51,093
1,666
49,630
2,343
2,634
1,226,773
105,857
1,427
49,498
2,647
1,570
2,779,895
84,375
789
25,207
638
789
420,644
82,633
1,250
13,939
50,857
102,399
91
11,224
1,020
13,972
680
451
304,359
52,792
.
+9
+2
-10
+3
-5
.
-6
-6
-4
-6
-3
+26
+5
-6
+8
+1
-1
+17
+11
+10
-4
-36
-4
-16
-9
-50
-14
-3
-23
Unit Sales Structure
Mercedes Car Group
A-/B-Class
C-/CLK-/SLK-Class
E-/CLS-Class
S-/CL-/SL-Class/SLR/Maybach
M-/R-/GL-/G-Class
smart
Chrysler Group
Passenger cars
Light trucks
Sports tourers
Minivans
SUVs
Truck Group
Trucks Europe/Latin America
Trucks NAFTA
Trucks Asia
Vans
Vario
Sprinter
Vito/Viano
Buses
Mercedes-Benz
Setra
Orion
Chassis
23%
26%
20%
9%
14%
8%
25%
20%
10%
18%
27%
26%
39%
35%
2%
61%
37%
24%
6%
2%
68%
Commitment to Excellence
DaimlerChrysler is committed to excellence. We intend to excel in
everything we do by achieving exceptional results. We have set the bar
high, but no higher than our customers’ expectations. Day after day,
our employees do their best so that we meet these expectations. In all
our efforts, there are four fundamental values: Passion, Respect,
Integrity and Discipline. They provide a frame of reference for our
activities and for a corporate culture in which we live and deliver peak
performance. We aim to create lasting value, and we are working to
achieve this goal with all our strength and passion.
Dieter Zetsche
Rüdiger Grube
Thomas W. LaSorda
Günther Fleig
Thomas Weber
Bodo Uebber
Andreas Renschler
Thomas W. Sidlik
Eric R. Ridenour
Our Portfolio
2
Mercedes Car Group
The product portfolio of the Mercedes Car Group ranges from the premium automobiles
of the brands Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-Benz AMG, Mercedes-Benz McLaren and
Maybach to the high-quality small car, smart. The Mercedes Car Group is a technology
leader in the automotive industry and sets new standards for safety and comfort.
Chrysler Group
The Chrysler Group comprises the Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge brands. Its product
portfolio includes passenger cars, sports tourers, minivans, sport-utility vehicles and light
trucks. Chrysler enthuses its customers with pioneering concept cars and the bold
implementation of these ideas in its series models. The Jeep® brand now offers a complete
range of vehicles. Customers of the Dodge brand appreciate above all their vehicles’
style, performance and high utility.
Truck Group
As the world’s leading manufacturer of trucks, the Truck Group develops and produces
vehicles of the Mercedes-Benz, Freightliner, Sterling, Western Star, Thomas Built Buses
and Mitsubishi Fuso brands in a global network. The Truck Group’s attractive variety of
brands is based on excellent and technologically leading products as well as tailored
services.
Vans
Our Vans unit supplies vehicles ranging from the Vito/Viano to the Sprinter to the Vario.
These vans feature an extremely high degree of versatility, allowing great scope for
specialization and adaptation to suit every customer’s needs.
Buses
The Buses unit supplies buses for urban, overland and tourist applications, as well as
bus chassis, from the brands Mercedes-Benz, Setra and Orion. DaimlerChrysler is the
world’s market leader for buses above 8 tons and has a full-line product portfolio: from
minibuses to double-deckers to articulated buses. And Orion, our urban-bus brand in the
United States, is the world’s leading producer of hybrid buses.
Financial Services
With worldwide operations, the Financial Services division provides leasing, financing,
fleet management and insurance for all of the Group’s automotive brands. The
DaimlerChrysler Bank in Germany also offers investment products and credit cards.
Commitment to Excellence | Our Portfolio | 3
Contents
02 - 29
30 - 79
80 - 97
98 - 109
Commitment to
Excellence
02 Our Portfolio
04 Contents
06 Chairman’s Letter
10 Board of Management
12 Commitment to Excellence
24 Important Events in 2006
26 DaimlerChrysler Shares
Management Report
Divisions
Sustainability
80 Overview
82 Mercedes Car Group
86 Chrysler Group
90 Truck Group
94 Financial Services
96 Van, Bus, Other
98 Overview
100 Sustainability at
DaimlerChrysler
102 Human Resources
104 Research and Development
106 Environment
108 Social Responsibility
30 Overview
32 Business and Strategy
43 Profitability
56 Liquidity and Capital
Resources
63 Financial Position
65 Overall Assessment
of the Economic Situation
66 Events after the End of
the 2006 Financial Year
67 Risk Report
74 Outlook
DaimlerChrysler is committed to
excellence in all of its activities.
In this chapter, you will find fundamental
information and examples of the
DaimlerChrysler world. A series of pictures
shows DaimlerChrysler’s attractive products
and the excellent processes that stand
behind them.
The Management Report is prepared
in accordance with German Accounting
Standard DRS 15 and is audited by
independent auditors.
In this chapter, the Board of Management
provides information on the business
situation, the Group’s finances, cash flow
and profitability, and the opportunities
and risks of future developments.
DaimlerChrysler comprises four
divisions.
DaimlerChrysler is committed to the
principles of sustainability.
This chapter describes the business
developments of the divisions. In addition,
we report here on new products, major
investments and the measures we have
initiated to enhance quality and efficiency.
This chapter provides details of the Group’s
cross-divisional activities. Economic,
ecological and social responsibility are the
basis of our actions.
4
110 - 135
136 - 210
211 - 218
Corporate Governance
Consolidated Financial
Statements
Additional Information
110 Overview
112 Corporate Governance
136 Overview
138 Statement by the Board
of Management
139 Report of Independent
Registered Public
Accounting Firm
140 Consolidated Financial
Statements
Report
118 Compliance at
DaimlerChrysler
120 Compensation Report
126 Declaration of
Compliance with the
German Corporate
Governance Code
128 Report of the
Supervisory Board
133 Members of the
Supervisory Board
134 Report of the
Audit Committee
211 Transition to International
Financial Reporting
Standards (IFRS)
213 DaimlerChrysler
Worldwide
214 Ten-Year Summary
216 Glossary
217 Index
218 International
Representative Offices
Internet/Information/Addresses/
Financial Calendar 2007
The system of corporate management
and supervision at DaimlerChrysler is
oriented towards the German Corporate
Governance Code and international
standards.
DaimlerChrysler’s consolidated financial
statements are prepared in accordance
with US Generally Accepted Accounting
Principles (US GAAP) and are audited
by independent auditors.
In this section, you will find more facts
and figures, supplementary information
and practical suggestions for other
sources of information.
Aid to navigation:
List of contents on
the folding page >
This chapter explains the functions, inter-
actions and compensation of the bodies
of the company, especially the Board of
Management and the Supervisory Board.
In this chapter, the consolidated financial
statements are shown in full detail.
Commitment to Excellence | Contents | 5
Chairman’s Letter
For DaimlerChrysler, the year 2006 was characterized by two opposing trends.
In the North American market, the Chrysler Group posted a significant loss due
to a dramatic shift in market demand. In contrast, we posted strong earnings
at the Mercedes Car Group, the Truck Group and Financial Services.
Although the Group’s earnings surpassed last year’s results, they came in below
our original target due to the downturn at the Chrysler Group. As a result, we did
not completely earn our cost of capital last year. That’s an unsatisfactory perfor-
mance, given that our goal is to earn considerably more than our cost of capital
over the long term.
6
Our comprehensive Recovery and Transformation Plan for the Chrysler Group,
which we presented on February 14, has two main components. The Recovery Plan
consists of a package of measures that will enable us to restructure our business
operations in the short term to restore profitability. The strategic Transformation
Process aims at redesigning the Chrysler Group’s business model in such a way
that it will remain profitable in the long term, even under difficult market conditions.
In order to optimize and accelerate the presented plan we are looking into further
strategic options with partners beyond business cooperation in specific areas.
At the Chrysler Group, we are continuing the product offensive we began in 2006.
The ten new models we launched last year, the majority of which did not arrive in
dealerships in volume until the latter half of the year, will be followed by eight
more in 2007. Many of these new models will satisfy the increased demand for more
fuel-efficient vehicles with lower emission levels.
The Mercedes Car Group is back on track. 2006 was an all-time record year for
sales. The new CL, GL and E-Class models are delighting our customers. Plus,
we have two more exciting new models coming in the spring of 2007: the new C-Class
and smart fortwo. In addition, thanks to our CORE program, we significantly
improved quality and reduced costs as well as boosting productivity by 10 percent.
We’ve also sharpened the profile of the Mercedes-Benz brand. Inspired by our rich
heritage, we are putting a strong emphasis on the level of appreciation our Mercedes
customers experience every time they come into contact with our people or products.
The combination of all these measures – more efficient processes, first-class
products and an even stronger brand – ensured that 2006 improved on a difficult
2005. The Mercedes star is starting to shine brightly again!
To make this possible, we have had to work hard and, in some cases, experience
painful cutbacks. But our success demonstrates that our approach was the right
one. It also inspires us to become better still.
Commitment to Excellence | Chairman’s Letter | 7
The Truck Group’s record earnings were also the result of a combination of outstanding
products and a successful efficiency-enhancing program we call “Global Excellence.”
Through innovative technologies, such as Active Brake Assist and BLUETEC, we con-
tinue to underscore our leadership in key areas such as safety and environmental
protection. Our new hybrid-drive Fuso Canter is the cleanest light truck on the world
market.
The Truck Group is also making substantial progress in the implementation of its
program to harmonize processes and components across its global brands – creating
powerful synergies from development all the way through production. As a result,
we have created the conditions that will enable us to achieve sustained success,
despite the cyclical nature of the commercial vehicle market. 2007, in which
we expect a double-digit decline of the U.S. and Japanese markets, will test the
effectiveness of our measures.
Our Buses unit remains the undisputed global market leader, and we’ve maintained
the strong market position of our Vans unit.
DaimlerChrysler Financial Services seamlessly continued its positive growth, increasing
its earnings for the fifth year in a row. Increased efficiency and improved pro-
cesses more than compensated for the dampening effect of rising interest rates.
Overall, we are making solid progress in our efforts to create more efficient structures
throughout DaimlerChrysler. Thanks to the new management model, we are estab-
lishing standardized processes in Group-wide administration. These processes will
reduce the administrative work of our operating units, which, in turn, will become
faster and more efficient. They will also bring the performance of our administrative
activities up to our industry’s benchmark level.
We experienced intense and comprehensive change at DaimlerChrysler in 2006.
But there was, and is, no alternative but to strive for continuous improvement through-
out our global enterprise.
8
We fully realize that we’re demanding a great deal of our teams. That’s all the more
reason I want to thank all our employees, on behalf of the Board of Management,
for their hard work and dedication. Without their expertise, professionalism and
personal commitment we could not succeed in our mission.
Passion, respect, integrity and discipline – these are the four core values that
guide our actions. They create a binding set of guidelines that help us to ensure
that our behavior satisfies the strictest ethical standards.
This means that compliance is an integral component of our corporate culture.
It also means that we strive to achieve a sustainable balance between individual
mobility and climate protection. We take our commitment to help preserve the
natural resources that are the foundation of life on earth very seriously. That’s why
we’re intensively working on developing realistic future-oriented solutions that
will further reduce the fuel consumption and emissions of our vehicles.
As a global company, we are also aware of our shared responsibility for the well-
being of society as a whole. We know that we must achieve a balance of economic
success, social responsibility and effective environmental protection to deliver
superior results in the long term. That is the objective of our Commitment to Excel-
lence, and why we have chosen it as the motto of our Annual Report 2006.
We owe it to our unique heritage to achieve excellence.
We owe it to our customers.
And we owe it to you, our shareholders.
DaimlerChrysler is doing everything possible to live up to its commitment to excel-
lence – and I invite you to join us as we strive to achieve our goals.
Yours sincerely,
Dieter Zetsche
Commitment to Excellence | Chairman’s Letter | 9
Board of Management
Günther Fleig | 58
Human Resources & Labor
Relations Director
Appointed until 2009
Thomas Weber | 52
Group Research & Mercedes Car
Group Development
Appointed until 2010
Eric R. Ridenour | 48
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Chrysler Group
Appointed until 2008
Thomas W. LaSorda | 52
Chrysler Group
Appointed until 2012
10
Dieter Zetsche | 53
Chairman of the Board of
Management,
Head of Mercedes Car Group
Appointed until 2010
Bodo Uebber | 47
Finance & Controlling,
Financial Services
Appointed until 2011
Andreas Renschler | 48
Truck Group
Appointed until 2010
Rüdiger Grube | 55
Corporate Development
Appointed until 2010
Thomas W. Sidlik | 57
Global Procurement & Supply
Appointed until 2008
11
More comfort.
With the new generation of the E-Class, our customers experience maximum driving pleasure, the
latest technology and outstanding quality. In addition to its fascinating design, exceptional ride
and powerful, clean engines, the car’s safety equipment sets new standards. The new-generation
E-Class offers PRE-SAFE®, Intelligent Light System, NECK-PRO head restraints and adaptive brake
lights: innovations that no other automobile in the world can offer in this segment. This compre-
hensive safety equipment makes the E-Class the safest car in its class. So it’s no surprise that the
new generation of the E-Class has taken the lead again in the full-size segment.
Fewer compromises.
The new-generation E-Class stands for maximum reliability. To ensure that vehicle quality is of
the usual Mercedes standard, parts, components and vehicles were subjected to test programs
on computers, on test benches and on the roads. Mercedes-Benz engineers drove a total of
5.6 million kilometers in E-Class test cars all over the world. The planning, development, pur-
chasing, production and sales departments worked hand in hand to enhance the quality of our
products, shorten development times and reduce costs. This cross-departmental collaboration
is being intensified – for the benefit of our customers.
More expression and value.
The new Chrysler Sebring embodies a modern spirit like almost no other car in its segment.
The Sebring’s elegant exterior lines bring expressive design to the mid-size market, while the
interior’s modern, clean appearance features a strong focus on quality, detail and execution.
Purposeful technology makes life easier and safer, while making the overall driving experience
more enjoyable and adding value for customers.
Less fuel consumption.
The new Chrysler Sebring’s combination of elegant design, purposeful technology, strong
performance and excellent fuel efficiency targets a growing market segment. Fuel economy
is a high priority for these customers, and the Chrysler Sebring’s new 2.4-liter four-cylinder
World Engine rivals the best in its class. These engines, produced in five plants around the
world, set new standards for fuel consumption at lower production costs. The World Engine
also saves gas and reduces vehicle costs in other Chrysler Group models – creating added
value for customers.
More utility.
As the world’s biggest truck manufacturer, the Truck Group division knows its markets and
the challenges facing its customers: Trucks are commercial vehicles and as such have to earn
money by offering optimal economy in use. This requires excellent drivability, high loading
capacity, low fuel consumption, low maintenance costs, long lifetime and minimal service
time. One example of the growing market success of our premium trucks in the United States
is the Western Star brand.
Less complexity.
More shared components and modules will be used in all of the Truck Group division’s different
brands in the future. This will reduce development and production costs. Our truck engines are
one example of this modular strategy: At present, eight different engine families are in use at
the Truck Group – in the future there will be just three. This will enable the division to offer a full
portfolio of economical and environmentally friendly engines – with a maximum of versatility
and a minimum of complexity.
More financial scope.
Our Financial Services division provides tailored financing, leasing and insurance services, so
that our customers can not only drive their dream car, but also have financial scope for other
personal desires. Worldwide, more than one third of all DaimlerChrysler vehicles are financed
or leased by Financial Services.
Fewer formalities.
We offer our customers one-stop shopping for attractive and convenient automotive financial
services. If desired, we integrate our individual service packages and insurance cover into the
monthly leasing or financing installments. We simplify and accelerate the process of credit
application, approval and contract with the use of modern information technology. That saves
not only valuable time, but also money. And increases customer and dealer satisfaction.
More service.
Drawing on many years of experience, Mercedes-Benz can offer its customers not only out-
standing service, but also the most comprehensive range of delivery vans. Outstanding service
means professional assistance with extremely well-trained specialists and the best workshop
equipment. Fast, value-for-money and competent service quickly puts the vehicle back where
its belongs: on the road – to the customer’s satisfaction.
Fewer stops.
The more comprehensive the service, the more efficiently a van can be used. Mercedes-Benz
CharterWay offers the possibility to integrate maintenance, repairs, tires, replacement
vehicles and much more into the service package – if and when required. With approximately
2,500 service centers for commercial vehicles all over Europe, Mercedes-Benz service is
never far away and is available all around the clock. For fewer stops, minimum time off the
road, and maximum utilization.
More safety.
At DaimlerChrysler, research and development are key factors for long-term market success:
They help to put innovations on the road – as well as avoiding accidents with safer vehicles and
reducing damage and the consequences of any accidents. As a safety pioneer, DaimlerChrysler
consistently pursues the “vision of accident-free driving”. The new CL-Class is a further milestone
along this road: It combines the utmost exclusiveness with a fascinating driving experience and
trend-setting safety technology.
Fewer accidents.
The standard equipment of the CL-Class includes a number of groundbreaking safety features
from Mercedes-Benz. Three examples are: the electronic Brake Assistant, which can shorten
braking distances by up to 45%; PRE-SAFE® brakes with remote and proximity radar, to brake
the car automatically if there is a danger of a rear-end collision; and PRE-SAFE®, the preventive
occupant-protection system, which can recognize potentially dangerous situations and trigger
measures to prepare occupants and vehicle for an impending accident and to protect them
from its consequences.
Important Events in 2006
The new Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim
Production of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class in the new plant in Beijing
January
April
DaimlerChrysler presents new management model.
The new management model is designed to promote the Group’s
ongoing integration, to focus its business on core processes,
and to foster collaboration within the Group. The goal is to create
a lean structure with optimized and stable processes, allowing
DaimlerChrysler to achieve its full potential.
February
Start of financial services for Fuso.
With the foundation of Fuso Financial in Japan, the Financial
Services division extends its activities in the field of financing
commercial vehicles in Asia. The new unit supports the sale of
trucks and buses of the Mitsubishi Fuso brand throughout Japan.
March
Focus on the smart fortwo.
The Board of Management decides on a package of measures
designed to give the smart brand sustained success and profit-
ability. This includes discontinuing production of the smart forfour
and integrating smart into the Mercedes-Benz organization.
The new smart fortwo will be launched in 2007.
Launch of the new Sprinter.
The new Sprinter van features numerous technical innovations.
It combines appealing design with excellent functionality and
extremely high levels of safety and comfort.
DaimlerChrysler plans to sell 7.5% of the shares in EADS.
After receiving the approval of the Supervisory Board, the Board
of Management initiates all the necessary measures to dispose
of 7.5% of the shares in the European Aeronautic Defence and
Space Company (EADS) by means of a forward sales agreement.
The shares are sold in January 2007.
May
Opening of new Mercedes-Benz Museum.
The new Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim is
the biggest automobile brand museum in the world and an
architectural highlight. Together with the adjacent Mercedes-Benz
Center, it forms an exciting ensemble in which visitors can
experience the fascination of the Mercedes-Benz brand.
June
Launch of the Dodge brand in Europe.
With its distinctive design and SUV-like shape, the Dodge Caliber
is the first Dodge-branded vehicle on the European market. It will
be followed by additional models such as the Dodge Nitro in 2007.
24
Presentation of the new Mitsubishi Fuso Canter Eco Hybrid
The new smart fortwo
Presentation of the new CL-Class.
The new Mercedes-Benz luxury coupe combines peerless
exclusivity and ambitious design with trailblazing technology
and perfect driving pleasure.
Opening of production plant in China.
In cooperation with Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Company
(BAIC), DaimlerChrysler opens a plant in Beijing for the production
of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the Chrysler 300C. Assembly
of the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class is also planned for this plant.
July
Presentation of the Canter Eco Hybrid.
This new light truck from Mitsubishi Fuso features a parallel
hybrid drive system with a turbo-charged diesel engine and an
electric motor that can be used either alone or in conjunction
with the diesel engine. The Canter Eco Hybrid is the most
environmentally friendly series vehicle in its class, and is highly
attractive due to its low fuel consumption and emissions.
Announcement of losses at the Chrysler Group.
In the context of publishing the figures for the second quarter,
DaimlerChrysler announces that a loss of up to €500 million is
now anticipated for the Chrysler Group in the third quarter.
September
DaimlerChrysler reduces profit guidance for 2006.
Due to the difficult market situation in the United States, a third-
quarter loss of €1.2 billion is now expected for the Chrysler Group,
and a loss of approximately €1 billion for the full year. As a result
of reassessing the Chrysler Group’s profitability, the outlook for
the DaimlerChrysler Group for full-year 2006 is reduced to an
operating profit in the magnitude of €5 billion.
October
Mercedes Car Group and Truck Group report record earnings.
The Mercedes Car Group more than doubles its third-quarter
operating profit to around €1 billion. The Truck Group improves
its third-quarter operating profit by 57% and achieves its be-
st-ever result from operating activities.
E320 BLUETEC launched in the United States.
The application of a modular exhaust-gas cleaning system allows
fuel consumption up to 30% lower than for the same vehicle with
a comparable gasoline engine. The E320 with the BLUETEC engine
is the cleanest diesel car in the world and the first diesel vehicle
to fulfill the strict BIN 8 emission standards in the United States.
November
World premiere of new smart fortwo.
The second generation of the smart fortwo is unveiled on a depart-
ment store rooftop in Stuttgart. Two of the new car’s key features
are its newly developed engines and even higher standards of
passive safety.
Commitment to Excellence | Important Events in 2006 | 25
DaimlerChrysler Shares
Ongoing positive development of international stock markets | DaimlerChrysler’s share price
increases by 8% in 2006 | Focus on key stock exchanges | More than 70,000 shareholders use our
Personal Internet Service
Development of DaimlerChrysler’s share price and relevant indices
Stock-exchange data for DaimlerChrysler shares
DaimlerChrysler share price (in €)
DAX 30
Dow Jones Euro Stoxx 50
Dow Jones Industrial Average
Nikkei
Dow Jones Stoxx Auto Index
S&P Automobiles Industry Index
End of
2006
46.80
6,597
4,120
12,463
17,226
290
121
End of
2005
43.14
5,408
3,579
10,718
16,111
231
94
06/05
% change
+8
ISIN
German securities identification number
CUSIP
Stock-exchange abbreviation
Reuters ticker symbol
Bloomberg ticker symbol
+22
+15
+16
+7
+26
+29
DE0007100000
710000
D1668R123
DCX
DCXGn.DE, DCX.N
DCX:GR
Upward trend for international stock exchanges. The generally
robust state of the world economy and the stable development of
companies’ profits were reflected by further share-price increases
on international stock markets in 2006. The Dow Jones Euro Stoxx
50 rose by 15%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average by 16% and the
Nikkei by 7%, while the DAX actually gained 22%. Global stock
markets fluctuated sharply during the year, however. Following
significant gains in the spring, sales of stocks in May led to
falling prices. This was partially a result of profit taking, but also
because many investors were concerned about increasing
evidence of inflationary tendencies and the incipient weakening
of the US economy. Other negative factors were the high oil
price at that time of well over US $70 per barrel and the conflict
in the Middle East. But demand for stocks increased in
the second half of the year and prices rose again significantly.
The German stock market displayed a particularly positive
development in 2006, profiting from its attractive valuations
relative to other markets and also from a significant
brightening of the country’s economic outlook.
26
The S&P Automobiles Industry Index (of automobile manufacturers
and suppliers in the United States) and the European Dow Jones
Stoxx Auto Index each returned an above-average performance,
although the share prices of the various European and US
automobile producers increased for very different reasons.
Whereas some stocks rose following the announcement of
corporate restructuring measures, others climbed due to solid
earnings or positive profit forecasts for the coming years.
And prices of some companies’ stocks benefited from the
acquisition of large numbers of shares by strategic investors.
In 2006, the US index S&P Automobiles Industry rose by 29% and
the European Dow Jones Stoxx Auto Index climbed by 26%.
Positive development of DaimlerChrysler’s share price.
After DaimlerChrysler’s share price had closed the year 2005 in
Frankfurt (Xetra trading) at €43.14, the upward trend of the
previous months continued in the first few weeks of 2006.
By the middle of February, the price had risen to €50. But
DaimlerChrysler shares were not immune to the generally weaker
market environment in the spring. In addition to the incipient
growth slowdown in the United States, there was pressure to sell
due to industry-specific factors such as ongoing intense com-
petition in the US automobile market, the high oil price and rising
interest rates. The earnings situation and expectations for the
Chrysler Group were also a burden. By the end of June, the price
of DaimlerChrysler shares had therefore fallen to €37.01. This
was its lowest level for the year, as many investors became
convinced that too much weighting had been given to the negative
factors and that the shares were attractively valued considering
their earnings potential and dividend yield.
DaimlerChrysler share price (high/low)
Share price index
(in €)
52.50
50.00
47.50
45.00
42.50
40.00
37.50
35.00
32.50
DaimlerChrysler
Dow Jones STOXX Auto Index
DAX
150
140
130
120
110
100
90
80
70
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
June
July
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
12/30/05
2/28/06
4/28/06
6/30/06
8/31/06
10/31/06
12/29/06
As a result of this increased demand, DaimlerChrysler shares
recovered a large part of their lost ground by the middle of
September and developed better than the market as a whole.
The upward trend was interrupted by the announcement
of a reduced earnings outlook for the Chrysler Group and the
DaimlerChrysler Group on September 15. But after a brief
phase of sideways movement, the share price continued to climb.
Demand from investors was supported by the positive development
of business at the Mercedes Car Group and at the Truck Group.
From the end of June until the middle of November, the price
of DaimlerChrysler shares increased by nearly 30% to €48. This
development was significantly better than that of both the
German stock market and the international automotive sector.
At the end of November, the positive stock-market sentiment was
dampened by the significant weakening of the US dollar against
the euro. This prompted investors to sell shares in companies
with high volumes of business in the dollar zone, consequentially
putting pressure on DaimlerChrysler’s share price. By the end
of the year, the share price had overcome this temporary weaker
phase. The closing price at the end of 2006 was €46.80 in
Frankfurt (Xetra trading) and US $61.41 in New York. Following
slight increases at the beginning of 2007, DaimlerChrysler’s
share price rose sharply after the Annual Press Conference on
February 14, 2007.
Stock-exchange listings focus on major trading centers.
In recent years, trading in DaimlerChrysler shares has increasingly
concentrated on specific stock exchanges. For this reason,
we analyzed our worldwide stock-exchange listings from a cost-
benefit viewpoint in 2006. One of the factors we took into
consideration was the impact of the listings on the complexity of
our administrative processes. On June 20, 2006, we announced
the discontinuation of listings at 12 stock exchanges in the United
States, Japan and Europe. Effective December 30, 2006,
DaimlerChrysler shares are now only listed on the stock exchanges
in Frankfurt, New York (NYSE) and Stuttgart.
Broad shareholder base. DaimlerChrysler has a broad
shareholder base of approximately 1.3 million shareholders.
At the end of 2006, the largest shareholder was the Kuwait
Investment Authority with a holding of 7.1%. In total, institutional
investors held 72.4% of our equity and private investors
held 20.5%. Around 75% of our capital stock was in the hands of
European investors and around 17% was held by US investors.
In the German DAX 30 index, DaimlerChrysler shares were
ranked in fifth position at the end of 2006 with a weighting of
6.47%. In the Dow Jones Euro Stoxx 50 index, our stock was
represented with a weighting of 2.1%.
Global trading volume in DaimlerChrysler stock amounted to
approximately 1.9 billion shares in the year 2006 (2005: 1.7 billion),
of which 96 million were traded in the United States (2005:
111 million) and 1,779 million in Germany (2005: 1,577 million).
Commitment to Excellence | DaimlerChrysler Shares | 27
Statistics
Statistics per share
End of
2006
End of
2005
Capital stock (in millions of €)
Number of shares (in millions)
Market capitalization (in billions of €)
Number of shareholders (in millions)
Weightings in share indices
DAX 30
Dow Jones Euro Stoxx 50
Long-term credit ratings
Standard & Poor’s
Moody’s
Fitch
Dominion Bond
2,673
1,028.2
48.12
1,3
6.47%
2.10%
BBB
Baa1
BBB+
A(low)
2,647
1,018.2
43.9
1.5
7.00%
2.20%
BBB
A3
BBB+
A(low)
06/05
% change
+1
+1
+10
-13
Net income (basic)
Net income (diluted)
Dividend
Stockholders’ equity (Dec. 31)
Share price: year-end
high
low
1 Frankfurt Stock Exchange
2006
€
3.16
3.14
1.50
33.22
46.80 1
50.09 1
37.01 1
2005
€
2.80
2.80
1.50
35.80
43.14 1
45.65 1
30.20 1
06/05
% change
+13
+12
0
-7
+8
+10
+23
Extensive Investor Relations activities. As in the prior years,
the Investor Relations department provided timely information on
the Group to analysts, institutional investors, rating agencies
and private shareholders.
Our communication activities for institutional investors and
analysts included roadshows in the major financial centers of
Europe, North America and Asia, as well as a large number
of one-on-one meetings in Stuttgart and Auburn Hills. We carried
out presentations of the Group at the international motor
shows in Detroit, Paris and Geneva. On January 24, 2006, we
held a conference call, simultaneously transmitted on the Internet,
to inform the capital market about our new management model,
which is designed to improve the Group’s competitiveness and to
allow further profitable growth. We also arranged regular
conference calls with live Internet transmission to provide infor-
mation on our quarterly results and important changes at the
Group. The key areas of capital-market communication included the
Group’s current development, the outlook for full-year 2006
(which was adjusted in the fall as a result of new information on
profitability at the Chrysler Group) and the strategic orientation
of the Group.
In order to provide information on specific divisions, we carried
out two all-day information events for analysts and investors: the
Mercedes Car Group Division Day and the Truck Group Division
Day. The top management of these two divisions presented their
strategic and operational goals and activities and explained them
in detailed discussions. The two events were transmitted live
on the Internet in order to make the information available to all
shareholders simultaneously. The Mercedes Car Group Division
Day began with a statement by the Chairman of the Board of
Management on the topical issue of the Group’s earnings
trend following the adjustment of our profit guidance for the
Chrysler Group. This timely and very open style of communi-
cation was given a very positive reception by the capital market.
At the Truck Group Division Day, the Truck Group presented
itself for the first time with details of its long-term return goals,
products, innovations and technologies. These Investor
Relations events were rounded off with presentations and
test drives of new models from the product ranges of the
Mercedes Car Group and the Truck Group.
28
Shareholder structure as of Dec. 31, 2006
By type of shareholder
Kuwait Investment Authority
Institutional investors
Retail investors
7.1%
72.4%
20.5%
By region
Germany
Europe excluding Germany
USA
Rest of the world
43.6%
30.9%
17.2%
8.3%
Enhanced Investor Relations website presence. As part
of DaimlerChrysler’s corporate website, the Investor Relations
section at www.daimlerchrysler.com/investors is accessed
approximately 40,000 times a month, equivalent to around 1,300
visits each day. 41% of visitors access the German version and
59% access the pages in English.
We improved the user friendliness of our Internet information
service for shareholders in 2006, giving it a clearer navigation
structure, additional tools and enhanced visual appeal.
Strong visitor interest in the Annual Meeting. Approximately
8,100 shareholders attended the Annual Meeting of Daimler-
Chrysler AG at the International Congress Center (ICC) in Berlin
on April 12, 2006. Nearly 39% of the equity capital was
represented at the Annual Meeting. In the voting on the nine
items on the agenda, the Annual Meeting adopted the
recommendations of the management with large majorities.
More than 40 shareholder spokespersons asked a total of
over 300 questions at the Annual Meeting, which were answered
by the Board of Management and the Supervisory Board.
In addition, DaimlerChrysler’s shareholder service replied by
telephone or e-mail to some 5,900 inquiries about the
Annual Meeting and other issues connected with our stock.
Shareholders go online. Our electronic information and
communication service, which we are continually expanding and
improving for our shareholders, is becoming increasingly popular:
– The number of shareholders registered in DaimlerChrysler’s
Personal Internet Service increased slightly in 2006 to more
than 70,000.
– Around 45,000 shareholders (2005: 35,000) received their
invitations to the Annual Meeting by e-mail instead of by post
in 2006.
– Approximately 26% of all entrance tickets to the
Annual Meeting were ordered online.
– Around 21% of all shareholders who exercised their voting
rights at the 2006 Annual Meeting used our Internet Service.
– And more than 50,000 shareholders have already decided
to have their documents for the 2007 Annual Meeting sent
by e-mail.
As part of the Investor Relations department’s comprehensive
approach, the “Personal Internet Service” provides support
to our shareholders on all aspects of the Annual Meeting. In this
way, we make it easier for shareholders to exercise their voting
rights, as well as cutting costs and protecting the environment
by reducing the use of paper.
The Personal Internet Service is also available to shareholders with
other attractive functions outside the period of the Annual Meeting,
acting as an additional platform for electronic communication
by Investor Relations. For example, it allows personal data in the
share register to be viewed and updated online. In addition,
shareholders can obtain information on the Group in electronic
form even more conveniently than before.
Access to the Personal Internet Service and further information on
it can be found on our website at
https://register.daimlerchrysler.com.
Commitment to Excellence | DaimlerChrysler Shares | 29
In the year 2006, DaimlerChrysler increased its total revenues by 1% to €151.6
billion; unit sales of 4.7 million vehicles did not quite match the level of the prior
year. Operating profit of €5.5 billion was lower than our original target of more
than €6 billion. This was primarily due to the unexpectedly difficult market and
competitive situation in the US automobile market and the resulting loss at the
Chrysler Group. However, we made progress towards our goal of sustained pro-
fitable growth, due to the other divisions surpassing their targets: The Mercedes
Car Group significantly improved its profitability in 2006, the Truck Group posted
record earnings, and the Financial Services division increased its operating profit
once again. The Chrysler Group took additional measures to improve efficiency
and launched various new models that are specifically designed to meet changing
market requirements. The efficiency-improving programs running in all areas of
the Group are showing results. Overall, in the year 2006 we put the Group on
track for profitable growth in the coming years. Nonetheless, earnings in 2007
– reported for the first time according to IFRS – will be impacted once again by
the actions taken to achieve sustained profitability at the Chrysler Group. Our
medium-term goal is to achieve a return on net assets of at least 10% at the
Group level.
30
30 - 79
Management Report
32 Business and Strategy
The DaimlerChrysler Group
Legal framework
New management model
Strategy
Economy and the industry
Business developments
43 Profitability
Operating profit
63 Financial Position
65 Overall Assessment of
the Economic Situation
66 Events after the End of the 2006
Financial Year
Financial performance measures
67 Risk Report
Return on net assets and value added
Risk management system
Statement of income
Dividend
Workforce
Procurement
Research and development
56 Liquidity and Capital Resources
Principles and objectives of financial
management
Cash flow
Capital expenditure
Refinancing
Credit ratings
Economic risks
Industry and business risks
Finance market risks
Legal risks
Overall risks
74 Outlook
The world economy
Automotive markets
Unit sales
Revenues and earnings
Capital expenditure
Research and development
Workforce
Management Report | 31
Business and Strategy
The DaimlerChrysler Group
DaimlerChrysler AG was created in November 1998 through the
merger of Daimler-Benz AG and Chrysler Corporation. The Daimler-
Chrysler Group can look back on a tradition covering more
than one hundred years and featuring pioneering achievements in
automotive engineering by both of its predecessor companies.
Today, DaimlerChrysler is a leading supplier of superior passenger
cars, sport-utility vehicles, sports tourers, minivans and pickups,
as well as the world’s largest manufacturer of trucks over 6 tons
and buses over 8 tons. DaimlerChrysler also holds an equity
interest in the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company
(EADS), one of the world’s leading companies in the field of
aerospace and defense technology.
With its strong brands and a comprehensive portfolio of vehicles
ranging from small cars to heavy trucks, supplemented by tailored
services along the automotive value chain, DaimlerChrysler is active
in nearly all of the world’s countries, and has production facilities
in a total of 21 countries. The worldwide networking of research
and development activities and production and sales locations
gives DaimlerChrysler considerable potential to enhance efficiency
and gain advantages in an internationally competitive market.
Of DaimlerChrysler’s total revenues of €151.6 billion in the year
2006, 33% was generated by the Mercedes Car Group, 31% by
the Chrysler Group, 19% by the Truck Group, 9% by the Financial
Services division and 8% by the Van, Bus, Other segment.
At the end of 2006, DaimlerChrysler employed more than
360,000 people worldwide.
The products supplied by the Mercedes Car Group range from
the premium vehicles of the Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-Benz
AMG and Mercedes-Benz McLaren brands to the Maybach luxury
sedans and the high-quality small cars of the smart brand.
Most of these vehicles are produced in Germany, but the division
also has production facilities in the United States, France,
South Africa, Brazil, India, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia
and since the year 2006 also in China. The Group’s most
important markets in 2006 were Germany with 28% of unit sales,
the other markets of Western Europe (34%), the United States
(20%) and Japan (4%).
The Chrysler Group develops, produces and sells passenger cars,
sports tourers, minivans, sport-utility vehicles and light
trucks under the Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge brands. In addition, the
Chrysler Group manufactures and markets spare parts and
accessories under the MOPAR brand. Most of its production
facilities are in the United States, Canada and Mexico, but
the production of Chrysler Group vehicles in China is also gaining
importance. In 2006, 79% of its vehicles were sold in the
United States, 8% in Canada, 5% in Mexico and 8% of its vehicles
were exported to markets outside the NAFTA region.
As the world’s leading truck manufacturer, the Truck Group
develops and produces vehicles within a worldwide network
under the brands Mercedes-Benz, Freightliner, Sterling, Western
Star, Thomas Built Buses and Mitsubishi Fuso. The division’s
main production facilities are in North America, Western Europe,
Latin America (excluding Mexico), Japan and Turkey. Its product
range covers light, medium and heavy trucks for local and long-
distance deliveries and construction sites, as well as the special
vehicles Unimog and Econic. Due to the close links, the Truck
Group’s product range also includes the buses of the Thomas
Built Buses and Mitsubishi Fuso brands. The division’s most
important sales markets in 2006 were the NAFTA region
(with 35% of unit sales), Western Europe (20%), Asia (27%) and
Latin America (excluding Mexico) with 7%.
32
Consolidated revenues by division
DaimlerChrysler – business portfolio
Mercedes Car Group
Chrysler Group
Truck Group
Financial Services
Van, Bus, Other
33%
31%
19%
9%
8%
Mercedes Car
Group
Chrysler
Group
Truck Group
Financial
Services
Van, Bus,
Other
Mercedes-Benz
Passenger Cars
Chrysler
Trucks Europe/
Latin America
Americas
Vans
smart
Maybach
Jeep
®
Dodge
Trucks NAFTA
Trucks Asia
Europe, Africa,
Asia/Pacific
Buses &
Coaches
Stake in EADS
The Financial Services division supports the unit sales of the
DaimlerChrysler Group’s automotive brands in more than
40 countries. Its product portfolio mainly comprises tailored
financing and leasing packages for dealers and customers, but
it also provides services such as insurance and fleet management.
The focus of Financial Services’ activities is in North America
and Western Europe. In Germany, in addition to automotive financial
services, the product portfolio of the DaimlerChrysler Bank also
includes investment products and credit-card services. Daimler-
Chrysler Financial Services also holds a 45% interest in the
Toll Collect consortium, which on January 1, 2005 launched an
electronic toll system for trucks over 12 tons on autobahns
in Germany.
The Van, Bus, Other segment comprises the Vans and Buses
units, our shareholding in the European Aeronautic Defence
and Space Company (EADS), the Corporate Research department,
the Group’s real-estate activities and the holding and finance
companies.
The Vans unit has production facilities at various locations
in Germany, Spain and Argentina for the Mercedes-Benz series
Vito/Viano, Sprinter and Vario in weight classes ranging from
2 to 7.5 tons. Its main sales markets are Western Europe (70%) and
the NAFTA region (11%). The Sprinter is also sold under the
Dodge and Freightliner brands in the NAFTA region, and starting
in 2007 it will also be manufactured in the United States.
DaimlerChrysler Buses’ product range comprises buses for
tourist, urban and interurban applications, as well as bus chassis,
under the Mercedes-Benz, Setra and Orion brands. The unit’s
most important production sites are in Germany, Turkey, Brazil and
the NAFTA region. In 2006, 48% of its revenues were generated
in Western Europe, 17% in the NAFTA markets and 16% in Latin
America (excluding Mexico).
Legal framework
Management. DaimlerChrysler is a stock corporation domiciled
in Germany (see page 112 ff). It is managed by a Board of
Management, whose members are authorized to represent it
vis-a-vis third parties. The Board of Management must have
at least two members, who are appointed by the Supervisory
Board for a maximum period of five years, in accordance with
Section 84 of the German Stock Corporation Act. Reappointment or
the extension of a period of office, in each case for a maximum
of five years, is permissible. The Supervisory Board of Daimler-
Chrysler AG has resolved, however, generally to limit such
appointments and reappointments to three years in the future.
These appointments and reappointments can only be made
by a resolution of the Supervisory Board; reappointments may
generally not be made more than one year before the end of
the current period of office. The Supervisory Board appoints one
of the members of the Board of Management as the Chairman
of the Board of Management.
The Supervisory Board can revoke the appointment of a member of
the Board of Management and of the Chairman of the Board
of Management if there is an important reason to do so. Such a
reason could be, for example, gross neglect of duty, lack of
ability to conduct the management in a proper manner, or a vote
of no confidence by the Annual Meeting.
Compensation. A description of the system of compensation
and the individualized details of the compensation of the members
of the Board of Management and of the Supervisory Board are
shown in the Compensation Report on pages 120 ff.
Management Report | Business and Strategy | 33
Purpose of the company. The general purpose for which the
company is organized is defined in Article 2 of the Articles
of Incorporation. Pursuant to Section 179 of the German Stock
Corporation Act, the Articles of Incorporation can only be
changed through a resolution of the Annual Meeting. In accordance
with Article 19, Paragraph 1 of the Articles of Incorporation,
resolutions of the Annual Meeting are passed with a simple majority
of the votes cast unless otherwise required by binding provisions
of applicable law, and with a simple majority of the capital stock
represented at the Annual Meeting if this be required. Pursuant
to Section 179, Subsection 2, Sentence 2 of the German Stock
Corporation Act, any amendment to the purpose of the company
requires a 75% majority of the capital stock represented at the
Annual Meeting.
Change of control. DaimlerChrysler AG has concluded various
material agreements that include clauses regulating the possible
occurrence of a change of control given below. One of the issues
involved is a number of non-utilized syndicated credit lines in
a total amount of US $12 billion, which the lenders are entitled to
terminate if DaimlerChrysler AG becomes a subsidiary of another
company or is controlled by one person or several persons acting
jointly. Furthermore, DaimlerChrysler AG is a party in a joint
venture for the development of fuel cell systems. This joint venture
can be terminated by either of the contracting parties if the
other party is subject to a change of control. A change of control is
defined here as the right to give instructions to the Board of
Management and to determine the company’s guiding principles,
the possibility to elect the majority of the members of the
Supervisory Board, or possession of at least 40% of the voting
rights. In addition, DaimlerChrysler AG is a party to an
agreement concerning the intellectual property rights in connection
with a joint venture for the development of a hybrid drive system,
which in the case of a change of control of one of the partners
involved, allows the other partners to terminate the agreement.
A change of control as defined by this agreement refers to the
beneficial ownership of the majority of the voting rights in the
company, and with a stock-exchange listed company the beneficial
ownership of at least 20% of the voting rights in the company
if within 18 months after this limit is exceeded the majority of the
members of the Supervisory Board representing the shareholders
consists of persons who were proposed by the owner of the 20%
of the voting rights; a change of control is also understood
as a merger or amalgamation with another company, unless in the
case of a stock-exchange listed company after the merger the
majority of the votes are held by the previous owners and no-one
has beneficial ownership of more than 20% of the voting rights;
a change of ownership is also understood as the transfer of all or
nearly all of the assets. Finally, DaimlerChrysler AG is a party
to an agreement regulating the exercise of voting rights in EADS
N.V. In the case of a change of control, this agreement stipulates
that DaimlerChrysler AG is obliged, if so requested by the French
party to the agreement, to make all efforts to dispose of its
shares in EADS under appropriate conditions to a third party that
is not a competitor of EADS or of the French contracting party
of DaimlerChrysler AG. In this case, the French party has the right
of preemption under the same conditions as were offered by a
the third party. A change of control can also lead to the dissolution
of the voting consortium. According to the EADS agreement,
a change of control has taken place if a competitor of EADS N.V.
or of the French contracting party either appoints so many
members of the Supervisory Board of DaimlerChrysler AG that
it can appoint the majority of the members of the Board of
Management or holds an investment that enables it to control
the day-to-day business of DaimlerChrysler AG.
34
New management model
On January 24, 2006, DaimlerChrysler presented a new manage-
ment model with the aim of improving the Group’s competitiveness.
The model is designed to further integrate the Group’s functions,
focus operational areas more closely on their core processes, and
encourage internal collaboration. It is also intended to reduce
the duplication of activities in administrative areas.
The structural changes include the consolidation and integration of
all administrative functions, such as Finance and Controlling,
Human Resources and Strategy. Each of these functions will be
centralized and will report to the Board of Management member
responsible for the respective function throughout the Group.
The duplication of activities between the corporate level and
the operating level will be eliminated, thereby reducing complexity
within the Group. The integration of administrative functions
will result in shorter, faster and leaner reporting channels and
decision making.
In March 2006, the Commercial Vehicles division was renamed
as the “Truck Group”, and since then has focused on its core
business of producing and selling trucks; bus and van activities are
directly managed as separate units within the new segment
“Van, Bus, Other”. The new structure allows a stronger orientation
towards customers’ specific requirements in these market
segments. Due to the commonality of powertrains and components,
the Bus unit will report to the head of the Truck Group and
the Van unit will report to the head of the Mercedes Car Group.
In order to react faster to changing market conditions, we have
more closely integrated the organization of our research,
predevelopment and development departments and pooled their
resources. Responsibility for product development at the
Mercedes Car Group has been integrated into the newly created
Board of Management area “Group Research and Mercedes
Car Group Development”, which acts as a research competence
center for the entire DaimlerChrysler Group. In addition to
its responsibility for the products of the Mercedes Car Group,
it is increasingly taking on predevelopment work for all the
automotive divisions.
Furthermore, the location of the Group’s headquarters
in Germany has been transferred from Stuttgart-Möhringen
to Stuttgart-Untertürkheim.
With the implementation of the new management model, we intend
to reduce our administrative expenses by an average of €1.5
billion each year. €0.5 billion of this total will be addressed by
other programs, such as CORE at the Mercedes Car Group.
In order to achieve the goals of the new management model,
personnel capacities are also being adjusted. This will lead to a
total reduction of up to 20% in the number of persons employed
in administrative departments during the years of 2006 through
2008, equivalent to approximately 6,000 jobs worldwide.
The implementation of the new management model is running
according to plan. Most of the planned reductions in management
positions had already taken place by the end of 2006. On July 18,
2006, we reached an agreement with the Group Employee Council
on the details of the settlement of interests for employees
paid according to external wage tariffs. We have been working with
the new structures since August 1, 2006 and have achieved
substantial efficiency gains as a result.
The total expenditure for the implementation of the program
in the years 2006 through 2008 is likely to be in the region of €2
billion. Of this total, €393 million was incurred in the year 2006.
Management Report | Business and Strategy | 35
DaimlerChrysler target system
Profitable
Growth
Superior
Products &
Customer
Experience
Leading
Brands
Innovation &
Technology
Leadership
Global
Presence &
Network
Operational Excellence
High Performing, Inspired People
Passion
Respect
Integrity
Discipline
DaimlerChrysler ScoreCard. The DaimlerChrysler ScoreCard
supports us with the implementation of our strategy. It is the link
between our target system and the operational management of
the divisions; with its help, the status of implementation and target
achievement is tracked regularly and effectively. The ScoreCard
serves as an additional management instrument that supplements
the financial controlling instruments with the use of non-financial
performance indicators.
All dimensions are regularly measured and collated in the
ScoreCard reports for discussion by the Board of Management.
Deviations from the target path are thus recognized at
an early stage and the required adjustments are initiated.
To assist the achievement of our targets, measures have been
defined for each of the six strategic dimensions:
– Superior Products & Customer Experience: We want to
inspire our customers with outstanding products and services.
Exceptional results in terms of quality, customer satisfaction,
customer perception, total vehicle costs and product appeal make
a decisive contribution to our overall success. These success
factors are quantified in the DaimlerChrysler ScoreCard; for
example, “quality” and “customer satisfaction” are evaluated
by external quality studies and internal surveys.
Strategy
Target system. DaimlerChrysler’s strategic goal is to achieve
sustainable profitable growth and thus to increase our enterprise
value. We intend to be one of the most successful automobile
manufacturers in the world in the medium term.
To achieve this goal, we have defined a strategic framework – the
DaimlerChrysler target system – which is based on six strategic
dimensions:
– Superior Products & Customer Experience
– Leading Brands
– Innovation & Technology Leadership
– Global Presence & Network
– Operational Excellence
– High Performing, Inspired People
The foundation of our target system comprises the four basic
values of Passion, Respect, Integrity and Discipline. We believe
that acting in accordance with these values will enable us to
deliver excellent performance.
Target profile and priorities. The DaimlerChrysler target system
makes our targets explicit by defining the actual situation and
the target for each dimension. To improve the execution of the
strategy, targets have been defined at both Group level and
division level. In the dimensions “Superior Products & Customer
Experience” and “Leading Brands”, we aim to reach the leading
position worldwide. With all the other dimensions, we intend to be
among the top competitors.
One aggregate effect of the measures taken to achieve the
target profile will be a significant improvement in profitability,
ensuring that we hold a position among the top performers
of the automobile industry.
36
– Leading Brands: We want to position our brands clearly and
– Global Presence & Network: We want to expand our global
attractively. With our broad brand portfolio we appeal to specific
groups of customers all over the world. Consistent brand
management forms the basis for this appeal. One example is the
brand initiative started by the Mercedes Car Group in 2006:
The profile of the Mercedes-Benz brand is to be further developed
and sharpened under the brand pledge of “Appreciation”,
with greater focus placed on traditional values (see page 84).
We regularly review the positioning of our brands with the
use of various parameters. Value retention is an important
indicator for the image of a brand, for example.
– Innovation & Technology Leadership: We want to stand out
from the competition through innovation and technology
leadership. We therefore concentrate on innovations that offer
our customers genuine added value in everyday use. We aim
to lead the way with important, customer-relevant technologies.
Pioneering innovations demonstrate our outstanding position
on the issue of safety and drive-system technologies: some
examples are the preventive occupant protection system
PRE-SAFE®, the night-view assistant, the assistance system
“Active Brake Assist” and our ESP® as used in the Sprinter
van series. With its BLUETEC technology, Mercedes-Benz is
paving the way for a new generation of powerful and clean
high-tech diesel engines. With the Mitsubishi Fuso Canter Eco
Hybrid, we offer our customers the world’s cleanest vehicle
in the light-truck segment. By transferring such innovations to
other brands at the Group, we create advantages for our entire
product range in global competition. Innovation & Technology
Leadership is evaluated by the success factors drive-system
technology, safety, reliability and customer satisfaction. The
parameters measured include the results of crash tests or
fuel-consumption figures, for example.
presence and utilize its potential. As a result of rising unit sales
and our worldwide network of production plants and research
and development facilities, we aim to strengthen our market
presence and maintain a competitive cost situation over the
long term. Especially with our commercial-vehicle business,
we are already globally active along the entire value chain.
Another important step in China has contributed to the expansion
of our activities in Asia: In the middle of September 2006,
DaimlerChrysler and Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Com-
pany opened a joint production plant in Beijing. This highly
modern plant, in which vehicles from Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler
and Mitsubishi will be assembled, will strengthen our presence
in the Chinese car market and in the entire economic area of
Northeast Asia. Key steps have also been taken to push for-
ward with the planned expansion of the commercial-vehicle and
financial-services businesses in Asia.
– Operational Excellence: We want to do the right thing – and
to do it the right way! Our goal is to develop, produce and sell
excellent products using processes with above-average efficiency.
For this purpose, we create clear structures and lean processes.
We utilize the possibilities of standardization and modularization
– in all areas of the company and of the value chain. For this
purpose, efficiency-improving programs are being implemented
in all divisions and along the entire value chain: the new
management model for all administrative departments at the
Group, the CORE program at the Mercedes Car Group, the
“Recovery and Transformation Plan” at the Chrysler Group pre-
sented in February 2007, the efficiency programs within the
framework of the Truck Group’s Global Excellence initiative, the
Creating-the-Next (CTX) program at the Vans unit, BusPlus or
for example Roadmap Europe at Financial Services. The Daimler-
Chrysler ScoreCard is also used in this context to monitor
progress for the entire Group.
Management Report | Business and Strategy | 37
– High Performing, Inspired People: We want to have highly
motivated employees, who actively contribute to the Group’s
success with their outstanding performance; because our
employees’ motivation, creativity and willingness to perform are
the key to the Group’s success. The aforementioned basic
values of Passion, Respect, Integrity and Discipline are the basis
for all our employees’ actions and are essential for the
achievement of top performance.
Portfolio changes. We consistently pursued our strategy
of focusing on the core business once again in the year 2006.
In March 2006, after receiving the approval of the antitrust
authorities, we completed the sale of our off-highway activities
to EQT, a Swedish financial investor, as previously agreed
upon in December 2005. The transaction covers both MTU
Friedrichshafen and the off-highway activities of Detroit
Diesel Corporation (DDC) and had a positive impact on operating
profit of €0.3 billion.
In April 2006, DaimlerChrysler entered into a forward agreement
to hedge a 7.5% interest in the European Aeronautic Defence
and Space Company N.V. (EADS). In January 2007, it was decided
to dispose of the shares on the basis of the contractual
agreement. This resulted in a cash inflow for DaimlerChrysler of
approximately €2 billion.
In February 2007, we reached an agreement with a consortium
of private and public-sector investors by which DaimlerChrysler
will effectively reduce its shareholding in EADS as planned by a
further 7.5% to 15% while maintaining the balance of voting rights
between German and French controlling shareholders. Daimler-
Chrysler has placed its entire 22.5% equity interest in EADS into a
new company, in which the consortium of investors will acquire a
one-third interest through a special-purpose entity. This effectively
represents a 7.5% stake in EADS. DaimlerChrysler will continue
to control the voting rights of the entire 22.5% package of EADS
shares. In return for granting the indirect shareholding in EADS,
DaimlerChrysler will receive approximately €1.5 billion, with a
corresponding effect on its cash flow. The transaction will be
executed in the first quarter of 2007. As compensation for the
indirect ownership of EADS shares, the investors will receive
from DaimlerChrysler a preference dividend on the 7.5% indirect
investment of 175% of the normal EADS dividend. Daimler-
Chrysler has the option of dissolving the newly created company
structure on July 1, 2010 at the earliest. If the structure is
dissolved, DaimlerChrysler has the right either to provide the
investors with EADS shares or to pay cash compensation.
If EADS shares are provided, the German State, the French State
and Lagardère through Sogeade will be entitled to preempt
such EADS shares to retain the balance between the German
and the French side.
The impacts of both transactions on DaimlerChrysler’s net
income will be announced with the disclosure of the results for
the first quarter of 2007.
Various other disposals, such as the sale of real-estate no longer
required for operational purposes, had no impact on our business
portfolio. No significant acquisitions were made in the year 2006.
38
Economic growth
Gross domestic product, growth rate (in %)
2005
2006
Global automotive markets
Unit sales growth rate
2006/2005 (in %)
Passenger cars
Commercial vehicles
10
8
6
4
2
0
Total
NAFTA
Western Europe
Japan
Asia excluding
Japan
Other
markets
Source: Global Insight
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
-5
Total
Western Europe
Japan
USA1
South America1
China
Source: German Association of the
Automotive Industry (VDA)
1 Segment passenger vehicles
including light trucks
Automotive markets. The overall expansion of worldwide
automotive markets slowed slightly in 2006. Global demand for
passenger cars continued to grow at a positive rate (+3%),
but slower than in the prior year due to repeated increases in the
prices of crude oil and fuel. The commercial-vehicle market showed
a strong rate of expansion (+6%) – especially in the medium and
heavy segments – and a continuation of lively investment activity.
Sales of passenger cars and commercial vehicles in the United
States decreased slightly to 17.1 million units (2005: 17.4 million),
partially as a result of higher financing costs caused by the
continuous increase in interest rates and repeated sharp fuel-
price rises. The latter led to a change in customer preferences:
In a comparison of vehicle segments, small, fuel-efficient cars
profited considerably at the expense of minivans, SUVs and pick-
ups. Although demand in Western Europe increased slightly
to 14.6 million passenger cars (2005: 14.5 million), car sales did
not generally benefit commensurately from the region’s broad
economic upswing. Among the major national markets, car sales
increased in Germany (+4%) and Italy (+4%), but decreased in
France (-3%), the United Kingdom (-4%) and Spain (-2%). In Japan,
the car market shrank by 2% to 4.6 million passenger cars
despite the country’s positive economic performance. Driven by
double-digit growth rates for car sales in China and India,
the emerging markets of Asia were once again the main source
of growth for the global automobile industry. South America
also continued its dynamic expansion, while higher sales in Central
and Eastern Europe were almost solely a reflection of strong
growth in Russia.
Economy and the industry
The world economy. The world economy continued along its
expansionary path in the year 2006. Despite high raw-material
prices with repeated increases for some materials, higher
interest rates and some tense political situations (particularly in
the Middle East), growth of 3.5% in 2005 was followed by 3.9%
in 2006. This was once again significantly above the long-term
average of approximately 3%. The trend was assisted by the
continuation of dynamic growth rates in the United States (+3.3%)
and China (+10.7%), surprisingly positive developments in Japan
(+2.2%) and the ongoing strong expansion of the emerging markets
(+6.9%). But another key factor for the acceleration of global
growth was the significant upturn of economic activity in Western
Europe (+2.7%), where developments had been disappointing
in the previous year. The German economy also showed strong
growth again for the first time in several years, expanding by
2.7%. However, this growth of the world economy in excess of the
long-term trend could not be maintained indefinitely and the
cycle already peaked in the first quarter of 2006, although with
significant regional differences (at first in North America, later
in Asia and at the end of the year in Western Europe). Growth was
increasingly dampened during the year by the increased cost
of capital, the ongoing burden of high raw-material prices, falls in
the high market values of real estate in some parts of the world,
and more restrictive fiscal policy in various countries. Global
economic imbalances – on the one hand the current-account
deficit of the United States, and on the other hand the immense
foreign-currency reserves in Asia and the current-account
surpluses of the oil-exporting countries – grew larger as the year
progressed, along with the potential risks for the capital markets
and the world economy. Economic growth in DaimlerChrysler’s
sales markets, weighted for each country’s share of the Group’s
revenues, was 3.3%. This was slightly higher than the prior-year
growth rate of 3.1% and the long-term trend of nearly 3% per
annum. The euro gained nearly 12% against the US dollar and 13%
against the Japanese yen during the course of the year, and fell
slightly against the British pound (by about 2%).
Management Report | Business and Strategy | 39
Unit sales structure
Mercedes Car Group
A-/B-Class
C-/CLK-/SLK-Class
E-/CLS-Class
23%
26%
20%
S-/CL-/SL-Class/SLR/Maybach 9%
M-/R-/GL-/G-Class
smart
14%
8%
Chrysler Group
Truck Group
Passenger cars
Light trucks
Sports tourers
Minivans
SUVs
25%
20%
10%
18%
27%
Trucks Europe/Latin America 26%
Trucks NAFTA
Trucks Asia
39%
35%
The world’s major markets for commercial vehicles continued
to expand in 2006. In North America, demand for trucks increased
once again (+10%). However, this increase was due not only to
the healthy economy, but above all to a boost in sales because of
stricter emission regulations coming into force at the beginning
of 2007. There was a distinct decrease in demand at the end of
the year, especially for heavy and medium trucks. In Western
Europe, unit sales of commercial vehicles also increased once again
in 2006. Truck sales were boosted in this market by pull-forward
purchases triggered by the introduction of digital tachographs in
May 2006 and the mandatory introduction of the Euro 4 emission
limits in the fall. In Japan, sales of heavy and medium trucks also
rose in the year 2006. In China, there was a slight upturn of the
commercial-vehicle market following the decline in the previous
year.
Business developments
Unit sales. DaimlerChrysler sold a total of 4.7 million vehicles
in 2006 (2005: 4.8 million).
The Mercedes Car Group sold 1,251,800 vehicles, surpassing the
prior-year figure by 3%. The Mercedes-Benz brand increased
its unit sales by 5% to 1,149,100 vehicles, thus strengthening its
worldwide market position in the premium-car segment despite
the tougher competition. The increase was primarily due to the
great success of the new models launched in 2005, in particular
the new S-, M- and B-Class. The new CL- and GL-Class presented in
the year 2006 and the new generation of the E- and SL-Class
were also given a very positive reception by the market and con-
tributed to the overall success of the Mercedes-Benz brand.
Unit sales by the smart brand decreased to 102,700 cars (2005:
124,300), but the discontinuation of the smart forfour must be
taken into consideration. Unit sales of the smart fortwo developed
positively. More units were sold than planned, in the ninth and
last year of production before the changeover to the new model
(see pages 82 ff).
The Chrysler Group launched a total of ten new products in 2006,
and significantly expanded its sales outside the United States.
However, the main factors affecting business development were
the extremely intense competition and the difficult market
situation in the United States, where the structure of demand
shifted unexpectedly fast to the disadvantage of the Chrysler
Group’s product range. As a result of increased fuel prices and
higher interest rates, demand decreased for large and powerful
minivans, sport-utility vehicles and pickups, while sales of smaller
and more economical vehicles increased. The Chrysler Group had
to significantly scale back its production volumes and shipments in
the second half of the year in order to reduce dealer inventories
and create space for the new products. Total unit sales (factory
shipments) by the Chrysler Group therefore decreased in 2006
to 2.7 million vehicles of the Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge brands
(2005: 2.8 million); retail sales in the United States decreased
to 2.1 million vehicles (2005: 2.3 million) and US market share fell
to 12.6% (2005: 13.2%). Since most of the new models were
not launched until the end of the year, they were not yet able to
offset the drop in sales of the other products (see page 86 ff).
The Truck Group continued its very positive development of
the prior year in 2006, increasing its unit sales once again by 1%
to a new record of 537,000 heavy, medium and light trucks.
Unit sales by Trucks Europe/Latin America of 142,100 vehicles
were 4% below the prior-year level. Growth in Western Europe
was offset by falling sales in other regions, especially in the Middle
East and Brazil. Unit sales by Trucks NAFTA increased by 3% to
208,300 vehicles. This increase was primarily due to the effect of
purchases being brought forward because of stricter emission
regulations (EPA07) effective as of January 1, 2007. Trucks Asia
made progress compared with the prior year, selling 186,600
vehicles (+4%) of the Mitsubishi Fuso brand. This was the result not
only of advance-purchase effects caused by the introduction of
new emission standards, but above all reflected regained customer
confidence following our quality offensive (see page 90 ff).
40
Overview of market share
In %
Mercedes Car Group (excl. smart)
2006
2005
06/05
Change in
%-points
Western Europe
thereof Germany
United States
Japan
Chrysler Group
United States
Cars USA
Light trucks USA
Truck Group
Medium and heavy trucks
Western Europe
thereof Germany
Heavy trucks NAFTA
Medium trucks NAFTA
Medium and heavy trucks
Brazil
Trucks Japan
Vans
Medium and heavy vans
Western Europe
thereof Germany
Buses
Heavy buses Western Europe
thereof Germany
4.6
9.8
1.5
1.0
12.6
6.7
17.4
22.0
40.4
33.2
21.4
31.9
25.4
16.0
25.8
25.2
52.2
4.5
10.0
1.7
0.9
13.2
7.0
18.1
22.2
42.5
36.1
23.5
31.3
23.2
16.2
26.8
26.4
58.7
+0.1
-0.2
+0.2
+0.1
–0.6
–0.3
–0.7
–0.2
–2.1
–2.9
–2.1
+0.6
+2.2
-0.2
-1.0
-1.2
-6.5
Sales by the Vans unit of 256,900 vehicles (-4%) were slightly
lower than in the prior year due to the model changeover for the
Sprinter and the related dip in production. The new Sprinter
was given a very positive reception by the market: 59,400 of the
new model had already been sold by the end of 2006. In total,
sales of the Sprinter amounted to 157,200 units (2005: 164,000).
With the Vito/Viano series, the positive business development
continued with sales of 94,100 units (2005: 90,900). Of the Vans
unit’s total sales, 180,600 units were sold in Western Europe
(2005: 188,300) and 28,500 in the NAFTA region (2005: 28,100)
(see page 96).
Worldwide units sales by DaimlerChrysler Buses reached the
previous year’s level at 36,200 buses and chassis of the
Mercedes-Benz, Setra and Orion brands. In Europe, we maintained
our leading position with sales of 8,700 units in a growing market
(+4%) and a market share of 22% (2005: 22%). In Latin America
(excluding Mexico), sales increased by 14% to 17,100 units
and market share reached 48% (2005: 49%). In the NAFTA region,
we sold 6,300 buses and chassis in a shrinking market (2005:
6,700) (see page 97).
The Financial Services division continued its positive development
in 2006 and further improved its market position. New business
increased by 10% to €53.0 billion. Contract volume of €113.3 billion
was 4% lower than in the prior year; adjusted for the effects of
currency translation, there was an increase of 5%. At the end of
2006, the portfolio comprised 6.5 million leased and financed
vehicles. All regions contributed to the positive business develop-
ment. Worldwide, the focus of our international activities was
on further enhancing efficiency as well as customer and dealer
satisfaction (see page 94 f).
Management Report | Business and Strategy | 41
Consolidated revenues
(in billions of €)
Western Europe
NAFTA
Other markets
175
150
125
100
75
50
25
0
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
Revenues. DaimlerChrysler’s total revenues increased by 1% to
€151.6 billion in 2006. Adjusted for exchange-rate effects and
changes in the consolidated Group, the increase amounted to 2%
The Mercedes Car Group’s volume of business increased by 9% to
€54.6 billion, due to both higher unit sales and a more favorable
model mix. As a result of its significant decrease in unit sales
and the fall of the US dollar against the euro, the Chrysler Group’s
revenues of €47.1 billion were 6% lower than in the prior year.
Due to the continuation of lively demand in nearly all major markets,
the Truck Group increased its revenues by 5% to €32.0 billion.
And revenues also rose at the Vans and Buses units, which are
included in the Van, Bus, Other segment, by 5% to €8.5 billion
and by 4% to €4.0 billion respectively. The Financial Services
division contributed €17.2 billion to the Group’s total revenues
(2005: €15.4 billion). Revenues of €0.3 billion of the former Off-
Highway business unit which was sold to Swedish financial
investor EQT are still included in the Group’s revenues in the first
quarter of 2006 (2005: €2.1 billion). In regional terms, Daimler-
Chrysler’s revenues in Western Europe increased by 6% to €50.1
billion, while in the NAFTA region revenues of €75.3 billion
were 3% lower than in the prior year. In the rest of the world,
we expanded our business volume by 5% to €26.1 billion.
Revenues
In millions of €
DaimlerChrysler Group
Mercedes Car Group
Chrysler Group
Truck Group
Financial Services
Van, Bus, Other
2006
2005
151,589
149,776
54,579
47,116
31,988
17,154
13,439
50,015
50,118
30,368
15,439
14,835
06/05
% change
+1
+9
-6
+5
+11
-9
Order processing. The Mercedes Car Group, the Truck Group,
and the Vans and Buses units produce vehicles to order in
accordance with the specifications of their individual customers.
We use all opportunities to flexibly adjust the production
capacities of individual models to the changing levels of demand.
The Chrysler Group produces vehicles of the Chrysler, Jeep® and
Dodge brands primarily on the basis of internal sales forecasts
and orders from dealerships, and to a lesser extent on the basis of
orders from end customers. Most end customers buy Chrysler,
Jeep® and Dodge vehicles directly from dealers’ inventories. The
dealers monitor their inventories and order the numbers of vehicles
they need from the Chrysler Group to cover local demand.
42
Profitability
Development of earnings
(in billions of €)
Operating profit
Net income
7.5
6.0
4.5
3.0
1.5
0
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
Operating Profit
Operating profit (loss) by segment
Special items affecting operating profit
Amounts in millions of €
Mercedes Car Group
Chrysler Group
Truck Group
Financial Services
Van, Bus, Other
Eliminations
DaimlerChrysler Group
2006
2005
06/05
% change
2,415
(1,118)
2,020
1,714
913
(427)
5,517
(505)
1,534
1,606
1,468
1,091
(9)
5,185
.
.
+26
+17
-16
.
+6
DaimlerChrysler recorded an operating profit of €5,517 million
in 2006, compared with €5,185 million in 2005.
The development of the Group’s operating profit was primarily
impacted by the significant decline in earnings at the Chrysler
Group. However, this was more than offset by the substantial
earnings improvement at the Mercedes Car Group and the repeat-
ed increase in earnings at the Truck Group and the Financial
Services division. The contribution to earnings from the Van, Bus,
Other segment was lower than in the prior year.
In 2006, less favorable currency hedging rates than in the prior
year again negatively affected operating profit.
In addition, price developments for certain raw materials such
as specific precious metals led to higher charges against the
Group’s operating profit. However, the resulting higher costs of
raw materials were fully offset by active material-cost manage-
ment.
Earnings in both years were impacted by special items, as shown
in the following table.
Amounts in millions of €
Mercedes Car Group
Expenses relating to the discontinuation
of the smart forfour and the realignment
of the smart business model
Expenses relating to staff reductions in
the context of CORE
Income due to adjustment of a provision for
early retirement obligations
Income due to the release of a provision
after favorable verdict in a case concerning
the infringement of EU competition law
Chrysler Group
Gain on the sale of Arizona Proving Grounds
vehicle testing facility
Expenses relating to financial support
for supplier Collins & Aikman
Lower depreciation expense
for production equipment
Contractual penalties and asset impairment
charges in connection with the reduction of
purchase volumes for the Chrysler Crossfire
Truck Group
Income from the settlement with Mitsubishi Motors
Corporation concerning the expenses
for quality actions at MFTBC
Impairment charges associated with the sale
of American LaFrance
Income due to the adjustment of a provision
for early retirement obligations
Income from disposal of the Off-Highway business
Van, Bus, Other
Expenses relating to the new management model
Income from disposal of the Off-Highway business
Income from the sale of real-estate not required
for operating purposes
Income due to the adjustment of a provision
for early retirement obligations
2006
2005
(946)
(1,111)
(286)
(570)
91
–
–
(66)
–
–
–
–
55
13
(393)
248
133
20
–
60
240
(99)
105
(107)
276
(87)
–
–
–
–
–
–
Management Report | Profitability | 43
The Mercedes Car Group achieved an operating profit of €2,415
million in 2006, compared with an operating loss of €505 million
in the prior year.
The Chrysler Group posted an operating loss of €1,118 million
in 2006, compared with an operating profit of €1,534 million in
2005.
The results of both years were significantly affected by special
items. There were expenses of €946 million in connection with
the discontinuation of production of the smart forfour in 2006,
while the realignment of the smart business model in 2005 result-
ed in charges of €1,111 million. Charges relating to staff reduc-
tions at Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars in the context of the
CORE program decreased to €286 million in 2006 (2005: €570
million). Additional special items with positive effects on the
results of both years are shown in the table on page 43.
The substantial increase in the division’s operating profit is due
in particular to the efficiency improvements achieved in the
context of the CORE program. Other positive factors were the
higher unit sales of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and the
improved model mix due to the launch of the new S-Class as well
as the M- and GL-Class models. A negative impact on operating
profit in 2006 resulted from currency effects.
The deterioration in operating results was primarily the result
of negative net pricing, unfavorable product and sales market mix
and a decline in factory unit sales in the United States. These
factors reflect the continuing difficult market environment in the
United States during 2006 marked by an overall decline in
industry sales, a shift in consumer demand towards smaller, more
fuel-efficient vehicles due to higher fuel prices as well as the
impact of higher interest rates. These negative factors were par-
tially offset by the market success of the new models, most of
which were launched in the second half of the year. Several
of these vehicles target this shift in consumer demand, resulting
in a positive earnings contribution during the fourth quarter
of the year.
In addition, the financial support provided to supplier Collins &
Aikman led to a charge of €66 million in 2006, compared to
€99 million in 2005. The Chrysler Group’s prior-year operating
profit was positively impacted by a €240 million gain on the
sale of the Arizona Proving Grounds vehicle testing facility. Further
special items that affected earnings in 2005 are shown in the
table on page 43.
44
The Truck Group achieved an operating profit of €2,020 million
in 2006, a significant increase on the previous year’s result
of €1,606 million. The operating profit of the prior year included
exceptional income of €276 million from the settlement
reached with Mitsubishi Motors Corporation relating to charges
for quality actions and recall campaigns at Mitsubishi Fuso
Truck and Bus Corporation. The impact of other special factors
on the earnings of the two years is shown in the table on
page 43.
The increase in operating profit was primarily the result of effi-
ciency improvements realized in the context of the Global
Excellence Program as well as an improved product positioning
and model mix. In addition, higher unit sales, which were mainly
the result of purchases brought forward because of stricter
emission limits in important markets, contributed to the higher
earnings. Higher expenses for new vehicle projects and for
the fulfillment of future emission regulations were the main neg-
ative impacts on operating profit.
Financial Services significantly improved its operating profit
from €1,468 million in 2005 to €1,714 million in 2006.
The increase in operating profit was the result of higher new
business and ongoing efficiency improvements. These factors
more than offset higher expenses resulting from higher inter-
est rates and increased cost of risk. In addition, the business
development at Toll Collect also contributed to the positive
development of operating profit.
The Van, Bus, Other segment recorded an operating profit of
€913 million in 2006 (2005: €1,091 million). Operating profit
in 2006 includes charges of €393 million for the implementation
of the new management model. These charges were mainly
incurred for workforce reductions in the DaimlerChrysler Group’s
administrative areas. Exceptional income was achieved in
2006 from the sale of real-estate investments not required for
operating purposes (€133 million) and the consummation of
the sale of the off-highway business (€248 million). The operating
profit in 2005 included a positive operative contribution from
the off-highway business of €144 million.
The Van and Bus operating units again achieved positive results.
At Mercedes-Benz Vans, however, operating profit was reduced
by the launch of the new Sprinter. The Bus operating unit
increased its operating profit as a result of an improved product
positioning in Latin America and efficiency improvements in
the context of ongoing efficiency programs.
EADS contributed €649 million to the segment’s operating profit,
which was below the prior-year result of €757 million. The
reduction is primarily related to delays with the delivery of the
Airbus A380, but less favorable currency-hedging conditions
also negatively affected EADS’s operating results. Additional
charges arising at EADS in the fourth quarter of 2006 in connec-
tion with the delay of the Airbus A380, the decision on the
development of the Airbus A350 XWB and the efficiency-improv-
ing program are not reflected in operating profit due to the
three-month time lag with which EADS is included in the Daimler-
Chrysler Group.
The increase in eliminations with an effect on earnings resulted
primarily from the leasing business in Germany and the increase
in floor-plan financing for European dealers. The resulting
profits and losses on deliveries of vehicles between the divisions
have not been realized from a Group perspective and have
therefore been eliminated.
Management Report | Profitability | 45
Reconciliation of operating profit (loss) to
income (loss) before financial income
Amounts in millions of €
2006
Operating profit (loss)
Pension and postretirement benefit expenses,
other than current and prior service costs and
settlement/curtailment losses
Operating (profit) loss from affiliated and
associated companies and financial (income)
loss from related operating companies
Miscellaneous items
Income (loss) before financial income
2005
Operating profit (loss)
Pension and postretirement benefit expenses,
other than current and prior service costs and
settlement/curtailment losses
Operating (profit) loss from affiliated and
associated companies and financial (income)
loss from related operating companies
Miscellaneous items
Income (loss) before financial income
Mercedes
Car Group
Chrysler
Group
Truck
Group
Financial
Services
Van, Bus,
Other
Total
Segments
Eliminations
Daimler-
Chrysler
Group
2,415
(1,118)
2,020
1,714
913
5,944
(427)
5,517
2
(1,167)
(34)
(8)
(47)
(1,254)
–
(1,254)
(124)
–
2,293
–
–
10
4
(2,285)
2,000
(54)
(4)
1,648
(719)
(115)
32
(887)
(115)
3,688
116
–
(311)
(505)
1,534
1,606
1,468
1,091
5,194
(33)
(1,030)
(38)
(14)
–
(552)
(1)
–
503
(28)
–
1,540
(6)
38
(5)
1,495
(68)
(1,175)
(725)
(144)
154
(730)
(149)
3,140
(9)
–
90
–
81
(771)
(115)
3,377
5,185
(1,175)
(640)
(149)
3,221
The reconciliation item “Pension and postretirement benefit
expenses, other than current and prior service costs and
settlement/curtailment losses” is the sum of interest cost, the
expected return on plan assets, and the amortization of unre-
cognized net actuarial gains or losses. Operating profit excludes
these components of the net periodic pension and postretire-
ment benefit expense, since they are driven by financial factors
and are outside the responsibility of the divisions.
The reconciliation item “Operating (profit) loss from affiliated and
associated companies and financial (income) loss from related
operating companies” includes the contributions to earnings from
our operating investments, which are reported as a component
of financial income (expense), net, in the consolidated statements
of income. These contributions are allocated to the operating
profit of the respective divisions. In 2006 and 2005, this resulted
in positive contributions to operating profit of €771 million and
€640 million, respectively. The increase was partially a result of
the improved proportionate share of the earnings of Toll Collect,
as well as gains on the sale by affiliated companies of real-estate
investments not required for operating purposes (€51 million).
There was an opposing effect from the proportionate share in the
earnings of EADS.
46
Financial performance measures
The financial performance measures used at the DaimlerChrysler
Group are oriented towards our investors’ interests and expecta-
tions, and provide the basis for value-based management.
Value added. For purposes of performance measurement,
DaimlerChrysler differentiates between Group and divisional level.
Value added is one element of the performance-measurement
system at both levels, and is calculated as the difference between
the operating result and the cost of capital of the average net
assets in that period.
Profit
Measure
Net
Assets
Cost of
Capital (%)
Cost of Capital
Alternatively, value added can be calculated from the return on
net assets (RONA) by multiplying the difference between RONA
and the cost-of-capital rate by the average net assets in that
period.
Return on Net
Assets (RONA)
Cost of
Capital (%)
Net
Assets
Value added shows to which extent the Group and its divisions
achieve or exceed the minimum return requirements of the
shareholders and creditors, thus creating additional value. The
methodology of value added is based on the figures provided
by external reporting in accordance with US GAAP. This secures
transparency both within the DaimlerChrysler Group and
towards shareholders and creditors.
Profit measure. The profit measure used at Group level is net
operating income (loss), which can be derived from net income
(loss) as shown in the statement of income (loss). At divisional
level, operating profit (loss) is used. As shown on page 46, operat-
ing profit (loss) is derived from income (loss) before financial
income (expense), and reflects the specific earnings responsibil-
ity of the divisions.
Net assets. Net assets are calculated at Group level from the
balance-sheet components of stockholders’ equity (including
minority interests) and the financial liabilities and accrued pension
obligations of the industrial business. At the divisional level
of the industrial business, net assets are calculated on the basis
of the allocable operating components of assets and liabilities.
Average net assets are calculated as an average of the net assets
at the beginning and at the end of the financial year. For
Financial Services, performance measurement is on an equity
basis, in line with the usual practice in the banking business.
Cost of capital. The required rate of return on net assets and
thus the cost of capital are derived from the minimum returns
that investors expect on their invested capital. Due to their long-
term financing character, unfunded pension obligations are
included in addition to equity and debt when calculating the Group’s
cost of capital. The cost of equity is calculated using the capital-
asset-pricing model (CAPM), using the interest rate for long-term,
risk-free securities (such as government bonds and other fixed-
interest securities) plus a risk premium reflecting the specific risks
of an investment in DaimlerChrysler shares. The cost of debt
is derived from the required rate of return for obligations entered
into by the Group with external lenders. The cost of capital
of the unfunded pension obligations is calculated on the basis of
discount rates used according to US GAAP. The Group’s cost of
capital is then a result of the weighted average of the individually
required rates of return; in the year under review, the cost of
capital amounted to 7% after taxes. For the industrial divisions,
the cost of capital amounted to 11% before taxes; for Financial
Services, a cost of equity of 14% before taxes was used.
Management Report | Profitability | 47
Return on net assets (RONA) DaimlerChrysler Group (after taxes)
(in %)
9
7.5
6
4.5
3
1.5
0
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
Return on net assets and value added
The DaimlerChrysler Group achieved a return on net assets of
6.9% in 2006 (2005: 6.6%), which was slightly lower than the
minimum required rate of return of 7%. Value added improved by
€0.2 billion to minus €0.1 billion. The higher net operating
income than in the prior year (2006: €3.9 billion; 2005: €3.6 bil-
lion) was partially offset by the increase in average net assets
(2006: €56.7 billion; 2005: €55.3 billion). The increase in net
assets was primarily due to higher deferred tax assets in the
industrial business, which were mainly related to the changed
accounting regulations for pensions and similar obligations.
The Mercedes Car Group division’s return on net assets of 19.6%
(2005: minus 3.8%) was significantly higher than the minimum
required rate of return. The substantial improvement was primarily
a result of increased earnings, following the efficiency enhance-
ments achieved through the CORE program, as well as higher vehi-
cle deliveries and an improved model mix. Another factor con-
tributing to the increased return on net assets was the decrease
in net assets. The development of net assets was particularly
affected by decreases in inventories and in property, plant and
equipment.
The Chrysler Group division’s return on net assets of minus 11.6%
(2005: 18.2%) was significantly lower than the minimum
required rate of return. The decline compared with the prior year
was caused by negative earnings as well as an increase in net
assets. The increase in net assets was primarily due to lower
accruals for product warranties as well as higher average levels
of inventories and property, plant and equipment in 2006.
With a return on net assets of 24.1% (2005: 21.0%), the Truck
Group once again surpassed the minimum required rate of return
by a substantial margin, despite increased net assets. In addition
to efficiency improvements, this positive result was primarily due
to higher unit sales caused by purchases brought forward
because of upcoming stricter emission regulations. To a slight
extent, there was an opposing effect from the increase in
net assets caused by lower accrued liabilities and investments
for new products.
Cost of capital
In %
Group, after taxes
Industrial divisions, before taxes
Financial Services, before taxes
2006
2005
7
11
14
7
11
14
Return on net assets. The profitability ratio return on net assets
(RONA) has special significance as a fundamental component
of value added in DaimlerChrysler’s performance-measurement
system. As a quotient of the profit measure and average net
assets, RONA allows a statement to be made on the return on
capital of the Group or the industrial divisions. To assess the
profitability of Financial Services, return on equity (ROE) is used.
48
Reconciliation to net operating income
Amounts in millions of €
Net income (loss)
Minority interests
Interest expense related to industrial
activities, after taxes
Interest cost of pensions related to
industrial activities, after taxes
Net operating income
2006
2005
06/05
% change
3,227
56
2,846
74
153
192
478
3,914
523
3,635
+13
-24
-20
-9
+8
Net assets are derived from the consolidated balance sheet –
as shown in the following table:
Net assets 1
of the DaimlerChrysler Group
Amounts in millions of €
Stockholders’ equity 2
Minority interests
Financial liabilities of the
industrial segment
Pension provisions of the
industrial segment
Net assets
2006
2005
33,266
663
35,824
653
5,056
4,146
18,467
57,452
15,413
56,036
06/05
% change
-7
+2
+22
+20
+3
1 Represents the value at year-end; the average for the year was €56.7 billion (2005: €55.3 billion).
2 Adjusted for the effects from the application of SFAS 133.
In the operational units of the Van, Bus, Other segment, return
on net assets remained nearly unchanged. Falling earnings
at Mercedes-Benz Vans and EADS were offset by a higher profit
contribution from DaimlerChrysler Buses and the gain realized
on the sale of the off-highway business. The segment’s decrease
in net assets was mainly related to the sale of the off-highway
business.
The Financial Services division increased its return on equity to
18.2% (2005: 16.2%), once again surpassing its minimum required
rate of return of 14%. The improvement compared with the prior
year was primarily a result of the distinct increase in earnings due
to the expanded volume of business in the leasing and sales-
financing business and the positive development at Toll Collect.
Value added
Amounts in millions of €
DaimlerChrysler Group
2006
2005
(58)
(236)
06/05
% change
.
Net assets and return on net assets
DaimlerChrysler Group,
(after taxes)
Industrial divisions,
(before interest and taxes)
Mercedes Car Group
Chrysler Group
Truck Group
Van, Bus, Other 1
2006
2005
(Annual average, in billions of €)
Net assets
2006
2005
%
Return on net assets
56.7
55.3
6.9
6.6
12.3
9.6
8.4
7.8
13.2
8.4
7.7
8.4
19.6
(11.6)
24.1
18.5
(3.8)
18.2
21.0
18.3
Stockholders’ equity
Return on equity 2
Financial Services
9.4
9.1
18.2
16.2
1 Van, Bus, Other includes the operating units Van, Bus, the equity investment in EADS and,
for the year 2005, the off-highway business.
2 Before taxes.
Management Report | Profitability | 49
Statements of income
Consolidated statements of income
Amounts in millions of €
Revenues
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Selling, administrative and other
expenses
Research and development
Other income
Goodwill impairment
Income before financial income
Financial income (expense), net
Income before income taxes
Income tax expense
Minority interests
Income before cumulative effects
of changes in accounting principles
Cumulative effects of changes in
accounting principles: transition
adjustments resulting from adoption
of SFAS123R and FIN 47, net of taxes
Net income
2006
2005
06/05
% change
151,589
149,776
(125,673)
(122,861)
25,916
26,915
(18,513)
(5,331)
1,305
-
3,377
616
3,993
(706)
(56)
(18,981)
(5,649)
966
(30)
3,221
217
3,438
(513)
(74)
3,231
2,851
(4)
3,227
(5)
2,846
+1
+2
-4
-2
-6
+35
.
+5
+184
+16
+38
-24
+13
-20
+13
The DaimlerChrysler Group’s revenues increased by 1% to
€151.6 billion in 2006.
In 2006, cost of sales of €125.7 billion was 2% higher than in
the prior year, and thus increased at a slightly higher rate than
revenues. Gross margin therefore decreased to 17.1% from
18.0%. This decrease is primarily due to the disproportionately
lower reduction in cost of sales at the Chrysler Group. In both
years, cost of sales includes expenses incurred in connection with
the restructuring of smart (2006: €0.7 billion; 2005: €0.8 billion)
and with the personnel reductions at the Mercedes Car Group
(2006: €0.2 billion; 2005: €0.5 billion).
Selling expenses decreased by 3% to €11.6 billion. Among
other factors, this was caused by lower advertising expenditure
at the Chrysler Group, currency effects and the deconsolida-
tion of the off-highway business. In both years, selling expenses
include expenses incurred in connection with the restructuring
of smart (2006: €0.2 billion; 2005: €0.1 billion). The personnel
reductions at the Mercedes Car Group had only a slight impact
on selling expenses in 2006, compared with a charge of €0.1 billion
in 2005. Expressed as a proportion of revenues, selling expens-
es decreased from 8.0% to 7.7%.
General administrative expenses increased by 1% to €6.2
billion. The increase was primarily caused by expenses related to
the personnel reductions in administrative areas (€0.3 billion).
As a proportion of revenues, general administrative expenses were
unchanged compared with the prior year at 4.1%.
Other operating expenses decreased to €0.7 billion
(2005: €0.9 billion). In the prior year, other operating expenses of
€0.2 billion were incurred in connection with the restructuring
of smart.
50
Research and development expenses amounted to €5.3 billion
in 2006 compared to €5.6 billion in 2005. Research and develop-
ment expenses as a proportion of revenues were 3.5% (2005:
3.8%). The decrease is partially due to the fact that the prior-year
figure includes research and development expenses for the
smart forfour and higher expenses for the smart fortwo succes-
sor model. The deconsolidation of the off-highway business and
currency effects also contributed to the reduction.
Other income of €1.3 billion exceeded the prior-year figure of
€1.0 billion. The disposal of the off-highway business, the sale of
real-estate investments not required for operating purposes as
well as higher insurance compensation resulted in other income
of €0.5 billion in 2006. In 2005, the Group recorded a gain of
€0.2 billion on the sale of a vehicle testing facility of the Chrysler
Group.
Financial income, which consists of income from investments
as well as interest income and other financial income, improved
to €0.6 billion in 2006 (2005: €0.2 billion).
Income from investments of €0.4 billion in 2006 was lower than
the €0.9 billion reported in the prior year, which included a gain
of €0.7 billion realized on the sale of DaimlerChrysler’s remaining
shares in Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC).
There were positive effects in 2006 in particular from the im-
proved profit contribution from our at-equity investment in
Toll Collect and from investment income following the sale of
real-estate investments not required for operating purposes.
The profit contribution from EADS was slightly lower than in the
prior year.
The improvement in the net interest expense from €0.6 billion
to €0.3 billion in 2006 is primarily due to reduced unrealized
losses from the mark-to-market valuation of derivative financial
instruments that did not qualify for hedge accounting treatment.
The other financial income of €0.5 billion was significantly
higher than the prior-year loss of €0.1 billion. This was mainly a
result of two financial transactions entered into to hedge the
price risks of EADS shares. They were concluded in July 2004 for
an interest of approximately 3% in EADS and in April 2006 for
a 7.5% interest in EADS. The contractual agreements to dispose
of EADS shares for certain prices starting in the year 2007
combined with the decrease in the stock market price of EADS
shares in 2006 led to a valuation gain totaling €0.5 billion.
In the year 2005 there had been a valuation loss of €0.2 billion,
but also increased income from the sale of other securities.
The income tax expense amounted to €0.7 billion in 2006
(2005: €0.5 billion). Related to income before income taxes of
€4.0 billion (2005: €3.4 billion), the effective tax rate was 17.7%
compared with 14.9% in the prior year. The effective tax rate was
reduced in both years by profit contributions from the Group’s
at-equity investment in EADS, which are mainly exempt from
income tax, and by tax-free gains included in net periodic pension
costs and net postretirement benefit costs.
Management Report | Profitability | 51
Dividend per share
(in €)
1.50
1.00
0.50
0
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
Dividend
The Board of Management and the Supervisory Board will
recommend to the shareholders for their approval at the Annual
Meeting to be held on April 4, 2007 that €1,542 million of
unappropriated profits of DaimlerChrysler AG or €1.50 per share
be distributed to the shareholders. The proposed dividend
takes account not only of the development of operating profit
and cash flow in 2006, but also of our expectations for the
coming years.
A dividend of €1,527 million or €1.50 per share was distributed
for 2005.
In addition, the comparatively low effective tax rate in 2006
reflects the composition of the Group’s pre-tax earnings, which
included largely tax-free income from two financial transactions
to hedge the price risks of EADS shares.
Furthermore, income tax benefits arose in 2006 as a result of
an agreement with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service regarding
the claim for research and development credits and reflecting
adjustments to certain deferred tax balances and income tax
reserves, largely offset by additionally necessary income tax
reserves related to the ongoing cross-border transfer pricing audits.
In total, the income tax benefits associated with these effects
amounted to €0.2 billion.
Opposite, the Group recorded additional valuation allowances on
deferred tax assets of foreign subsidiaries.
In the year 2005, the effective tax rate was additionally reduced
by partially tax-free income from the settlement agreement
associated with our investment in MFTBC, the sale of Daimler-
Chrysler’s shares in MMC and the sale of other securities.
Additional information on income taxes can be found in Note 8
of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
DaimlerChrysler’s net income increased by €0.4 billion to €3.2
billion (2005: €2.8 billion). Based on the reported net income,
earnings per share amounted to €3.16 compared with €2.80 in
2005.
The increase in net income reflects in particular the improvement
in operating profit (€0.3 billion) and in net interest income and
other financial income (€0.9 billion). There was an opposing effect
from the increase in the income tax expense (€0.2 billion). An
additional factor is that income from investments in 2005 included
a net gain realized in the context of the sale of DaimlerChrysler’s
remaining shares in MMC (€0.7 billion).
52
Employees by division
DaimlerChrysler Group
360,385
Mercedes Car Group
Chrysler Group
Truck Group
Sales Organization
Financial Services
Van, Bus, Other
99,343
80,735
83,237
46,952
10,718
39,400
Workforce
360,385 employees worldwide. As of December 31, 2006,
DaimlerChrysler employed a workforce of 360,385 people
worldwide (2005: 382,724). Of this total, 166,617 were employed
in Germany (2005: 182,060) and 94,792 in the United States
(2005: 97,480). The number of apprentices and trainees at year-
end was 9,352 (2005: 9,880). The reduction in the size of the
workforce compared to the prior year was primarily due to the
implementation of the efficiency-improvement programs in
the administrative areas and operating units and the sale of the
off-highway business with approximately 7,000 employees.
As a result of implementing the new management model, some
functions that had previously been carried out at Group level
were allocated to the divisions. For example, the approximately
2,000 employees of the former Corporate Research depart-
ment are now allocated to the Mercedes Car Group, following the
department’s merger with the Mercedes Car Group’s Product
Development department. At the end of 2006, 99,343 people were
employed at the Mercedes Car Group (2005: 104,345), 80,735
at the Chrysler Group (2005: 83,130), 83,237 at the Truck Group
(2005: 84,254) and 10,718 at the Financial Services division
(2005: 11,129).
In the year 2006, personnel expenses, including healthcare and
pension contributions, amounted to €24.8 billion (2005: €25.7
billion). Of this total, €18.6 billion was accounted for by wages and
salaries (2005: €19.8 billion). The reduction resulted from the
lower number of employees.
Headcount-reduction program at the Mercedes Car Group.
During the period of October 1, 2005 to September 30, 2006,
approximately 9,300 employees at the German sites of the
Mercedes Car Group had signed voluntary severance agreements
or had already left the company. Of this total, approximately
1,900 persons took early retirement. During the fourth quarter of
2006, an additional 400 employees accepted the severance
offer.
Start of staffing measures of new management model. As a
part of the new management model announced in January 2006,
the number of persons employed in administrative positions
worldwide is to be reduced by approximately 20%, or about 6,000
jobs, by the end of 2008. The personnel adjustments are to be
carried out by means of voluntary severance agreements on the
basis of “Safeguarding the Future 2012”. By the end of January
2007, approximately 2,000 employees worldwide had either signed
voluntary severance agreements or had already left the Group.
Staff reductions at management levels had been nearly completed
by the end of the year 2006.
Increases in employees’ average period at the company and
in the proportion of women in management functions.
Worldwide, DaimlerChrysler employees’ average period at the
company was 14.6 years in 2006 (2005: 14.4 years). Our em-
ployees in Germany had been with us for an average of 17.1 years
in 2006 (2005: 16.8 years). The average period for our employe-
es in the United States was 13.8 years (2005: 13.5 years).
In management positions of levels 1 - 4 of DaimlerChrysler AG,
the proportion of women increased significantly from last year’s
8.8% to 11.0%.
Management Report | Profitability | 53
Development of raw-material price index 2002–2006
Extended Enterprise®
260
240
220
200
180
160
140
120
100
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
LITY
A
U
Q
C
O
M
M
U
O S T
C
TECHNOLO
G
Y
NSIBILIT
Y
C
O
M
P
E
T
I
T
I
O
N
GLOBAL
PERFORMANCE
BASED
COOPERATION
O
P
S
E
R
N
I
C
A
T
I
O
N
TRANSPA R E N C
Y
COMMITM E N T
S
U
P
P
L
Y
Y
RIT
INTEG
Procurement
Further optimization of procurement activities. In 2006, global
procurement and supply activities were impacted by increases
in raw-material prices. Additional challenges arose from the diffi-
cult financial situation of some suppliers and the tough com-
petition in the automotive industry, especially in North America.
However, by leveraging the advantages of our global procurement
and supply organization, we succeeded in achieving further
material-cost savings despite the challenging environment.
Substantial increases in raw-material prices. Until mid-year
2003, raw-material prices remained relatively stable. However,
since then, raw-material prices for our major commodities have
risen significantly, especially for steel, oil, rubber and certain
precious metals. DaimlerChrysler reacted to this development by
maintaining long-term agreements, allowing us to secure our
steady supply of materials while minimizing the impact of future
price fluctuations. We also intensified the work of our expert
teams for raw-material management. These expert teams work
throughout the DaimlerChrysler Group preparing forecasts for
the development of raw-material prices and defining strategies to
limit their impact. In addition, together with the engineering
departments, the procurement organization searches for ways to
save material as well as to use alternative and innovative materials
in order to reduce weight.
Difficult financial situation for many suppliers. Many auto-
motive suppliers experienced a deteriorating financial situation
during 2006, especially in the North American market. The
number of financially distressed suppliers increased significantly.
Within the framework of our supplier risk management, we are
closely following the development of these companies’ financial
situations and have implemented appropriate risk-management
processes. We make decisions on any required support actions
either individually or jointly with other automobile manufactu-
rers. We anticipate a continuation of this critical situation for
automotive suppliers in 2007.
Extended Enterprise®. The management of relationships with
our suppliers is something DaimlerChrysler has been committed
to for many years. With our Extended Enterprise philosophy
we have a very good framework in place to foster our supplier
relationships. It is based on four objective criteria: quality,
technology, cost, and supply, as well as three subjective ones:
communication, commitment and integrity. These criteria are
the foundation for performance-based cooperation between
DaimlerChrysler and its suppliers. Using all criteria, we can
transparently define business processes and objectively compare
performance based on facts and data. We openly discuss the
results with our suppliers. To the best suppliers that demonstra-
ted outstanding performance we annually award a trophy, the
DaimlerChrysler Global Supplier Award, in various categories such
as Raw Materials, Powertrain, Exterior, Chassis, Interior, Electrical/
Electronics, Procurement Services (IPS) and Logistics.
Continuation of global integration. The procurement and supply
organization will continue to foster global integration including
the further implementation of standardized systems and processes.
The integration of worldwide procurement locations and the
procurement offices in Southeast Asia and Northeast Asia will
continuously support our efforts for competitive cost performance.
Our integration efforts have received external recognition, for
example, in May 2006, International Procurement Services (IPS),
the non-production material purchasing unit, was honored with
the prestigious R. Gene Richter Award. This award recognizes the
strategic development of a consolidated global procurement
organization and the related increase in operational and cost effi-
ciency. As one example of the recognition our organization is
receiving, this award will serve as motivation and stimulation to
further enhance our organization on a globally integrated scale.
By enhancing our strategic development, we achieve excellence
throughout all purchasing activities and strive towards our goal
of continuing to be a leading procurement organization now and
in the future.
54
Research and development
Continued high level of research and development
expenditure. In the year under review, we once again enhanced
the efficiency of our research and development activities.
Expenditure for research and development totaled €5.3 billion in
2006 (2005: €5.6 billion). The most important projects at the
Mercedes Car Group were the new generation of the E-Class, the
new version of the CL-Class, and preparations for the model
change for the C-Class in 2007. The successful conclusion of these
projects and the more efficient application of the expertise
available within the DaimlerChrysler Group led to slightly lower
research and development expenditure of €2.2 billion at the
Mercedes Car Group. Nonetheless, due to the implementation of
the module strategy and commonalization concepts, we suc-
ceeded in accelerating the ongoing development of drive-system
technologies and emission reductions. The Chrysler Group’s
total research and development expenditure of €1.6 billion was
lower than in the prior year. The focus was on the development
of the new minivan generation, which is to be launched in North
America in 2007, as well as on hybrid vehicles: the Chrysler
Group will launch a hybrid version of the Dodge Durango – its first
hybrid model – in 2008. The Truck Group spent €1.0 billion on
research and development. Its major projects included the suc-
cessor models for the Mercedes-Benz Actros and Axor, for the
Freightliner Premium Class and for the Mitsubishi Fuso Super Great.
There was also expenditure for three new engine families for
heavy, medium and light truck series. As of the year 2008, the
new heavy-duty engines will gradually become available in trucks
of the Freightliner, Sterling, Western Star, Mitsubishi Fuso and
Mercedes-Benz brands. Additional key areas of R&D activities at
DaimlerChrysler were the further development of conventional
Research and development expenditure
Amounts in millions of €
DaimlerChrysler Group
Mercedes Car Group
Chrysler Group
Truck Group
Van, Bus, Other
2006
2005
5,331
2,176
1,638
1,023
494
5,649
2,418
1,710
944
577
06/05
% change
-6
-10
-4
+8
-14
drive-system technologies to make engines even cleaner and
more fuel efficient. In order to reduce CO2 emissions even further
and to enable us to supply vehicles offering long-term sustaina-
bility, we are also working on lightweight components, alternative
propulsion systems such as hybrid drive and fuel cells, and elect-
ronic systems for the improvement of vehicle safety. Worldwide,
25,200 people worked in DaimlerChrysler’s research facilities
and the divisions’ product-development departments at the end
of 2006.
DaimlerChrysler spent a total of €1.7 billion on environmental
protection in 2006 (2005: €1.5 billion). Our prime goal in this
area is to make mobility sustainable for the future. We therefore
permanently work on improving our products’ environmental
compatibility, further reducing the fuel consumption and emissions
of our gasoline and diesel engines, and developing alternative
propulsion systems. We use environmentally friendly production
methods and promote the improvement of fossil fuels and the
development and application of regenerative fuels. In recent
years, we have made further progress regarding our manufactur-
ing processes and the emissions of our vehicles. Since 1990,
we have reduced the fleet consumption of our passenger cars in
Germany by 30%. In the past 15 years, we have reduced the
exhaust emissions of our passenger cars by more than 70%, and
have reduced emissions of particulate matter by more than
95%. We have passed an important milestone with our BLUETEC
technology: our BLUETEC trucks are already able to fulfill the
strict Euro-5 emission limits that will come into force in October
2009. Mercedes-Benz sold 24,900 BLUETEC trucks in the year
2006. And all of our buses have been equipped with BLUETEC as
standard equipment since the fall of 2006. In summer 2006,
Mitsubishi Fuso started series production of the Canter Eco Hybrid,
the world’s most environmentally friendly light-duty truck.
Cars with BLUETEC will fulfill the strictest exhaust-emission limits
worldwide. This new technology was launched in the United
States and Canada in October 2006 in the Mercedes-Benz E320
BLUETEC. This is the cleanest diesel car in the world, due to
its combination of optimized engine management and the new
technology for exhaust-gas aftertreatment. As of the year 2008,
it is planned to gradually launch passenger cars on the European
market with BLUETEC technology. A precondition for this is the
availability of low-sulfur diesel fuel all over Europe.
Management Report | Profitability | 55
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Principles and objectives of financial management
Financial management at DaimlerChrysler consists of capital
structure management, cash and liquidity management, pension
asset management, market price risk management (foreign
exchange rates, interest rates and commodities) and credit and
financial country risk management.
Worldwide financial management is performed in a standard-
ized way for all Group entities by Treasury. Financial management
is guided by a framework of guidelines, limits and benchmarks.
Financial management is separated from other financial functions
such as financial controlling, reporting, settlement and accounting.
Liquidity management secures DaimlerChrysler’s ability to
meet its payment obligations at any time. For this purpose,
liquidity planning provides information about all cash flows from
operating and financial activities for a rolling period of twelve
months. Resulting financial requirements are covered by the use
of appropriate instruments for liquidity management; liquidity
surpluses are invested in the money market to optimize return.
Besides operational liquidity, DaimlerChrysler keeps additional
liquidity reserves, which are available on a short-term basis. These
liquidity reserves include a pool of receivables from the Finan-
cial Services business which are readily available for securitization
in the capital market, as well as confirmed syndicated credit
lines with varying maturities.
Capital structure management designs the capital structure
for the Group and all of its subsidiaries. Decisions regarding
the capitalization of Financial Services companies, production,
distribution, financing or regional holding companies are
based on standardized Group guidelines. The levels of equity of
Group companies also depend on refinancing conditions in
local banking markets. In addition, it is necessary to adhere to
the provisions of applicable law including the so-called thin-
capitalization rules in the taxation legislation of certain countries,
as well as various capital transaction restrictions and other
restrictions on the transfer of capital and currencies.
Management of market price risks aims at minimizing the
impact of fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, interest rates
and commodity prices on the results of the divisions and the
Group. The Group’s overall exposure to these market price risks
is determined to provide the basis for hedging decisions. These
cover the selection of the hedging instrument and the definition
of the hedging volume and corresponding period. Decisions
regarding the management of risks resulting from fluctuations in
foreign exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices
as well as decisions on asset-liability management are regularly
made by the respective committees.
Cash management determines cash requirements and surpluses
on a worldwide basis. The number of external bank transactions
is minimized by the Group’s internal netting of cash requirements
and surpluses. Netting is done by cash-concentration or cash-
pooling procedures. DaimlerChrysler has established standardized
processes and systems in order to control its bank accounts,
internal cash clearing accounts and the execution of automated
payment transactions.
56
Financial country risk management includes various risk aspects:
the risk from investments in subsidiaries and joint ventures,
the risk from the cross-border financing of Group companies in risk
countries, and the risk from direct sales to end customers in
these countries. DaimlerChrysler has developed an internal limit
system that divides all countries with DaimlerChrysler operations
into risk categories. Credit volumes are restricted according to the
country classification or higher guarantees are considered.
Available instruments for hedging country risk such as Hermes
insurance are sometimes employed. In addition, a committee
sets and restricts the level of hardcurrency credits to Financial
Services companies in risk countries.
Management of pension funds comprises the optimal invest-
ment in terms of the risk-return profile of pension assets to cover
the corresponding pension liabilities. The major part of pension
assets is held in separate pension funds and is not available for
general business purposes. The funds are allocated to different
asset classes such as equities and bonds based on an optimi-
zation process which takes into account the expected growth of
pension liabilities. The performance of the asset management
is measured by comparing with defined benchmark indices.
Decisions on ordinary and extraordinary capital contributions
to the pension funds are centralized worldwide in the Global
Pension Committee. Further information on pension liabilities is
given in Note 24a of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial
Statements.
The risk volume which is subject to credit risk management
includes all worldwide creditor positions of DaimlerChrysler with
financial institutions, issuers of securities and end customers.
Credit risks with financial institutions and issuers of securities arise
primarily from the trading of derivative financial instruments
and the investments executed as part of our liquidity management.
The management of these credit risks is mainly based on an
internal limit system, which reflects the creditworthiness of the
respective bank or issuer. The credit risk with end customers
results from granting them a payment period for goods and services
delivered. Similarly, an internal assessment of customers’
creditworthiness provides the basis for quantifying the associated
risk. In order to hedge these risks, bank guarantees are often
demanded before delivery is initiated. The credit risk with end
customers in the Financial Services business is managed on
the basis of a standardized risk management process. This process
defines minimum requirements for the sales-financing and
leasing business and sets standards for the credit processes as
well as for the identification, measurement and management
of risks. The main elements for the management of credit risks
are appropriate creditworthiness assessments, supported by
statistical analyses and evaluation methods, as well as structured
portfolio analysis and monitoring.
Management Report | Liquidity and Capital Resources | 57
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
(maturing within 3 months or less)
(in millions of €)
14,016
7,619
Cash and
cash
equivalents
12/31/2005
Cash
provided by
operating
activities
-14,581
Cash
used for
investing
activities
496
7,083
-467
Cash
provided by
financing
activities
Effect of
foreign
exchange
rate changes
Cash and
cash
equivalents
12/31/2006
Cash flow
Cash provided by operating activities increased from €12.4
billion to €14.0 billion. This development was primarily caused
by the shift within the financial-services business from financing
contracts towards operating-lease contracts. The resulting
increase in cash provided by operating activities is due to the fact
that with operating-lease contracts the entire leasing install-
ments are recognized in the cash flow from operating activities.
With financing contracts, however, only the interest portion of
the lease payment is reflected in the cash inflow from operating
activities, while the amortization portion is considered in the
cash flow from investing activities. The expansion of the operating-
lease business also led to an increase in advance rental payments
received.
There were additional positive effects from the development of
business at the Mercedes Car Group, despite significant increases
in severance payments related to the headcount-reduction
actions and higher payments in connection with the restructuring
of smart. The development of business at the Truck Group
also contributed to the increase in cash provided by operating
activities. But the generally negative development of business
at the Chrysler Group reduced cash provided by operating activi-
ties. Cash provided by operating activities was also reduced by
higher tax payments than in the prior year, due in particular to
payments for prior years in Germany.
The development of working capital was mainly affected by
changes in inventories. Whereas in the prior year, the increase in
inventories had a negative impact on cash provided by operating
activities, in 2006 there was a decrease in inventories.
Contributions to pension funds of €1.2 billion were lower than in
2005 (€1.7 billion).
58
Cash used for investing activities increased by €3.4 billion to
€14.6 billion. The change compared with the prior year was prima-
rily caused by the renewed expansion of the financial-services
business and the related increase in additions to equipment on
operating leases. That increase was only partially offset by the
increased cash inflow from receivables in the financial-services
business which had its main reason in higher proceeds from
the sale of such receivables.
In addition, the acquisition and sale of securities increased the
cash outflow for investing activities. This development was
primarily due to the proceeds from the sale of the Group’s remain-
ing shares in MMC which were recognized in the prior year.
There were opposing effects reducing the cash outflow for invest-
ing activities due to higher proceeds from the sale of businesses;
in 2006, €0.9 billion resulted from the sale of the off-highway
business.
Lower capital expenditure for property, plant and equipment was
mainly caused by a product-cycle related decrease at Mercedes-
Benz Vans and changes in currency exchange rates.
The cash flow from financing activities resulted in a net cash
inflow of €0.5 billion in 2006. The major cash outflow was the
dividend distribution at DaimlerChrysler AG for the 2005 financial
year (€1.5 billion), which was more than offset by net borrowing.
In the prior year, the cash flow from financing activities resulted
in a net cash outflow. This was mainly due to the dividend
distribution.
In 2006, the exercise of stock options resulted in a cash inflow
from the issue of shares of €0.3 billion (2005: €0.2 billion).
Cash and cash equivalents with an original maturity of three
months or less decreased by €0.5 billion compared with
December 31, 2005 as a result of currency-translation effects.
Total liquidity, which also includes longer-term investments
and securities, increased from €12.6 billion to €13.1 billion.
The free cash flow of the industrial business, the parameter
used by DaimlerChrysler to measure the Group’s financing capa-
bility, decreased slightly by €0.2 billion to €1.9 billion.
Free cash flow industrial business
Amounts in billions of €
Cash provided by operating activities
Cash used for investing activities
Changes in cash and cash
equivalents (maturing after 3 months)
and short term securities
Free cash flow industrial
business
2006
2005
5.2
(4.8)
1.5
1.9
6.2
(4.8)
0.7
2.1
06/05
Change
(1.0)
-
0.8
(0.2)
The decrease was mainly due to higher cash outflows in connec-
tion with the restructuring of smart, the personnel reductions
at Mercedes Car Group, and the negative course of business at
the Chrysler Group. Positive effects resulted primarily from the
significant improvement in operating profit at the Mercedes Car
Group and the Truck Group, as well as from inventory reduc-
tions compared with increases in the prior year.
The free cash flow was reduced by higher tax payments caused
by payments for previous years as well as lower payments
received by the industrial business from companies in the finan-
cial-services business in connection with tax groups. To a
lesser extent, the decrease in contributions to pension funds
increased the free cash flow.
In the prior year, there had been proceeds from the sale of the
Group’s remaining shares in MMC and its interest in debis
AirFinance, while in 2006, there were proceeds from the sale of
the off-highway activities and higher proceeds from the sale
of real-estate.
The free cash flow of the industrial business again significantly
surpassed the total dividend distribution planned by Daimler-
Chrysler to its shareholders for the 2006 financial year.
The net liquidity of the industrial business (the difference
between nominal debt and liquidity on the balance-sheet date)
decreased by €0.9 billion to €6.4 billion.
Net liquidity industrial business
Amounts in billions of €
Cash and cash equivalents
Short-term securities
Liquidity
Nominal debt 1
Net liquidity
2006
2005
5.9
5.6
11.5
(5.1)
6.4
6.9
4.5
11.4
(4.1)
7.3
06/05
Change
(1.0)
1.1
0.1
(1.0)
(0.9)
1 Bookvalue of financial liabilities adjusted for market valuation
This is mainly due to the dividend distribution by DaimlerChrysler
AG for the 2005 financial year as well as currency effects. There
were opposing effects increasing the net liquidity of the industrial
business from the positive free cash flow and to a lesser extent
from the dividend payments by the financial-services business to
the industrial business.
Management Report | Liquidity and Capital Resources | 59
Capital expenditure
Refinancing
DaimlerChrysler’s refinancing measures are primarily determined
by the Group’s Financial Services activities. To cover the funding
requirement, DaimlerChrysler makes use of a broad spectrum of
financial instruments. Depending on the funding requirement
and market conditions, DaimlerChrysler issues bonds, commer-
cial paper and financial market instruments secured by receiv-
ables in various currencies. Credit lines are also used to cover
financing requirements. The book value of the main refinancing
instruments and the weighted average interest rates for the year
2006 are shown in the table below:
Bonds/notes
Commercial paper
Liabilities to banks
Average interest
rates 2006
Book value
Dec. 31, 2006
Book value
Dec. 31, 2005
In %
5.71
5.11
4.88
Amounts in millions of €
45,636
7,834
16,835
47,432
9,104
17,472
The financial instruments shown in the above table as of Decem-
ber 31, 2006 are mainly denominated in the following currencies:
56% in US dollars, 17% in euros, 8% in Canadian dollars, 4% in
British pounds and 4% in Japanese yen.
The financial liabilities shown in the consolidated balance sheets,
which in particular also include deposits from the direct bank-
ing business as well as liabilities from capital lease and residual-
value guarantees, amounted to €78,518 million on December 31,
2006 (Dec. 31, 2005: €80,932 million). Of the financial liabilities,
€73,462 million or 94% was accounted for by the Financial Ser-
vices business (Dec. 31, 2005: €76,786 million or 95%). Detailed
information on the amounts and terms of the financial liabilities
is provided in Note 25 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial
Statements.
Capital expenditure below prior year’s level. DaimlerChrysler
invested a total of €5.9 billion in property, plant and equipment
worldwide in 2006 (2005: €6.6 billion). Investments in property,
plant and equipment of €1.7 billion at the Mercedes Car Group
were slightly higher than in the prior year. The division’s main
capital expenditure was for production equipment for the new
C-Class and the new smart fortwo. The Mercedes Car Group
also invested in the expansion of the plant in Bejing, where the
E-Class has been produced for the Asian market since Sep-
tember 2006. The Chrysler Group invested €2.9 billion (2005:
€3.1 billion) in property, plant and equipment to make its pro-
duction processes more flexible and to continue its product
offensive, as well as to upgrade powertrains and existing facilities.
Also, the Chrysler Group made investments in its Mexican man-
ufacturing operations to modernize and re-tool the facilities
and to create new industrial parks for suppliers. The focus of the
Truck Group’s capital expenditure in 2006 was on new tech-
nologies and safety concepts. The division impressively demon-
strated its innovation and technology leadership with the
Mercedes-Benz Safety Truck, which includes all available safety
features. The Truck Group also invested in the new modular
platform for heavy and medium trucks for the markets of Western
Europe, NAFTA, Latin America and Japan. Capital expenditure
at the Vans unit was higher than in the prior year as a result of
production changes made in the Düsseldorf and Ludwigsfelde
plants in connection with the launch of the new Sprinter. Capital
expenditure at the Buses unit was somewhat lower than in
2005, the main areas being safety technology and alternative
drive concepts. Long-term investment projects started in previ-
ous years were continued as planned.
Investments in property, plant and equipment
Amounts in millions of €
DaimlerChrysler Group
Mercedes Car Group
Chrysler Group
Truck Group
Financial Services
Van, Bus, Other
60
2006
2005
06/05
% change
5,938
1,663
2,892
907
29
447
6,580
1,629
3,083
966
45
886
-10
+2
-6
-6
-36
-50
A part of this US $18 billion credit facility serves as collateral
for borrowings within the commercial-paper program.
To support an asset-backed commercial-paper program in North
America, a group of financial institutions has provided additional
credit facilities, which were increased to a volume of US $6.3
billion in 2006 (2005: US $6.2) billion. These liquidity facilities can
only be utilized by the trusts to which DaimlerChrysler sells
receivables under this program.
The liquid reserves, short-term and long-term credit lines and
the possibility to generate cash inflows by securitizing receiv-
ables give the Group sufficient financial flexibility of more than
€50 billion to cover its refinancing needs at any time.
In 2006, DaimlerChrysler successfully issued benchmark notes
denominated in US dollars and euros. There were also smaller
issues of medium-term note programs in the form of private place-
ments. In addition, we utilized the securitization of receivables,
mainly receivables from the Financial Services business. Receiv-
ables were primarily securitized in the United States, but also
in Canada and Germany. In 2006, DaimlerChrysler sold retail
receivables in an amount of €15,860 million (2005: €11,575
million). Within the framework of a revolving credit facility for secu-
ritizing wholesale receivables, DaimlerChrysler also sold whole-
sale receivables in an amount of €32,373 million (2005: €33,922
million) to trusts and received proceeds of €32,373 million
(2005: €33,892 million). With these transactions, the Group receiv-
ed income of €264 million in 2006 and €182 million in 2005.
See Note 33 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial State-
ments for further information on the sale of receivables.
At the end of 2006, DaimlerChrysler had short-term and long-
term credit lines totaling €34.7 billion, of which €18.2 billion
was not utilized. These credit lines include a US $18 billion credit
facility with a syndicate of international banks. This credit facil-
ity comprises three tranches: The first tranche is a 5-year credit
line maturing in May 2008, allowing DaimlerChrysler AG and
various subsidiaries to draw a total of US $7 billion under this
facility. DaimlerChrysler North America Holding can draw a
total of US $6 billion under a 364-day facility maturing in May
2007. The third tranche is a 5-year credit line of DaimlerChrysler
AG with a volume of US $5 billion. This credit line had an orig-
inal maturity until December 2009. In December 2005 and 2006,
we made use of our contractual option to extend this facility
for another year, so that the credit line now matures in December
2011. For the period from December 2009 until December 2011,
the volume of the third tranche is US $4.9 billion.
Management Report | Liquidity and Capital Resources | 61
Credit ratings
Short-term credit ratings
Standard & Poor’s
Moody’s
Fitch
Dominion Bond
Long-term credit ratings
Standard & Poor’s
Moody’s
Fitch
Dominion Bond
2006
2005
A-2
P-2
F2
A-2
P-2
F2
R-1 (low)
R-1 (low)
BBB
Baa1
BBB+
A (low)
BBB
A3
BBB+
A (low)
During the year 2006, the rating agency Standard & Poor’s
(S&P) kept its long-term rating of BBB and its short-term rating of
A-2 unchanged. On August 4, 2006, S&P changed the outlook
on the long-term rating from stable to positive. According to S&P,
the outlook revision acknowledged the structural improvements
at the Mercedes Car Group, which had successfully been tackling
its quality problems, and the improvements at the so-far unpro-
fitable smart brand. S&P considers that the Mercedes Car Group
is on track to reach its announced operating-profit target of 7%
return on sales in 2007. But S&P also mentioned that the progress
in this division was somewhat offset by the rapidly declining
results at the Chrysler Group. On September 15, 2006, S&P
revised its outlook back to stable. This outlook revision followed
a reduced operating profit guidance for the Chrysler Group for the
third quarter and full-year 2006, as well as a lowered operating
profit guidance for the DaimlerChrysler Group for the year 2006.
S&P stated that the outlook change reflected the unexpectedly
severe decline in profitability at the Chrysler Group.
On September 15, 2006, Moody’s Investor Service (Moody’s)
downgraded the long-term ratings of DaimlerChrysler AG and its
subsidiaries from A3 to Baa1, and placed all long-term ratings
under review for possible downgrade. The P-2 short-term ratings
were affirmed. The downgrade followed DaimlerChrysler’s
announcement of the reduced forecast for the Chrysler Group’s
operating profit for the year 2006 and reflected (i) Moody’s
view that one of the key conditions set for an A3 rating – main-
taining the turnaround at the Chrysler Group leading to an oper-
ating margin for this division of above 3% – will not be achieved
in the near term; (ii) the negative impact on DaimlerChrysler’s
overall profitability and cash generation with the expectation
of a negative industrial free cash flow (as defined by Moody’s) in
2006. The decision to place the ratings under review for possi-
ble downgrade was based on the expectation of further financial
pressure resulting from (i) the ongoing weak market environ-
ment for the Chrysler Group, which will probably continue to neg-
atively affect DaimlerChrysler’s financial profile; (ii) the effects
of shifting consumer trends away from more profitable large SUVs
and light trucks, with which the Chrysler Group generates most
of its revenues, to more fuel-efficient, less profitable smaller vehi-
cles; (iii) the potential need for further structural measures to
improve the Chrysler Group’s operations. On February 14, 2007,
following the presentation of the preliminary earnings figures
for the year 2006 and of the Recovery and Transformation Plan for
the Chrysler Group, Moody’s concluded its ratings review and
confirmed its Baa1 rating. The outlook on the rating remained
negative.
During the year 2006, Fitch Ratings (Fitch) kept its long-term
rating of BBB+ and its short-term rating of F2 unchanged. The
outlook on the long-term rating remained stable.
During the year 2006, Dominion Bond Rating Service (Dominion
Bond) also kept its long-term rating of A (low) and its short-term
rating of R-1 (low) unchanged. The outlook on the long-term rating
remained negative. Due to the Chrysler Group’s difficult compe-
titive situation, Dominion Bond changed its long-term rating
from A (low) to BBB (high) on February 14, 2007. It confirmed its
short-term rating of R-1 (low).
62
Financial Position
The Group’s total assets, amounting to €190.0 billion,
decreased by 6% compared with the prior year. The financial
services business accounted for €95.5 billion of the balance
sheet total (2005: €99.6 billion), or 50% of the DaimlerChrysler
Group’s total assets and liabilities (2005: 49%).
The decrease in total assets resulted primarily from the depre-
ciation of the US dollar against the euro compared with the prior
year. The assets and liabilities of our US companies were trans-
lated into euros using the exchange rate of €1 = US $1.3170
as of December 31, 2006 (prior year: €1 = US $1.1797 as of
December 31, 2005). The depreciation of the dollar led to
correspondingly lower balance sheet amounts in euros. €13.2
billion of the decrease in total assets resulted from currency
translation effects. Adjusted for these effects, total assets
increased by €1.6 billion.
In addition to currency effects, when compared with the prior year,
the balance sheet was primarily affected by the improved funding
status of pension obligations as well as the adoption of changed
accounting regulations for pensions and similar obligations
(SFAS 158). In particular, these regulations prescribe full balance
sheet consideration of obligations not covered by fund assets.
Furthermore, they restrict the recognition of assets related to
such obligations. In total, intangible assets decreased by €2.4
billion and prepaid expenses increased by €1.2 billion due to these
aforementioned factors, whereas accruals for pensions and
similar obligations increased by €3.1 billion to €18.6 billion.
On the asset side of the balance sheet, property, plant
and equipment decreased by 7% to €34.0 billion as a result of
currency translation.
Leased equipment increased by €2.7 billion to €37.0 billion due
to the growth of the operating lease business. This was partially
caused by a shift from sales-financing contracts, which are
classified as receivables from financial services, to operating
lease contracts. Offsetting effects from currency translation
amounted to €3.0 billion.
Balance sheet structure
(in billions of €)
Fixed assets
Non-fixed assets
of which: Liquidity
Other assets
190
42%
202
41%
202
18%
190
18%
Stockholders’ equity
and minority interests
23%
24%
Accrued liabilities
25%
54%
25%
54%
53%
53%
Liabilities
40%
41%
of which:
Financial liabilities
7%
4%
2006
6%
5%
6%
2005
2005
5%
2006
Other liabilities
Inventories net of advance payments received decreased to
€17.8 billion (2005: €19.1 billion). In addition to currency effects
of approximately €1.0 billion, the decrease was attributable to
the reduction of finished goods.
Receivables from financial services amounted to €52.3 billion
as of December 31, 2006 (December 31, 2005: €61.1 billion).
In addition to currency translation effects, the decrease was
caused by the shift to operating lease contracts as well as
increased sales of receivables.
€1.4 billion of the increase in other assets from €8.7 billion to
€11.4 billion resulted from higher positive market values of
derivative financial instruments. These financial transactions
were concluded in order to hedge against currency risks and
to hedge the price risks of EADS shares. In addition, retained
interests from the sale of receivables increased by €0.5 billion
as a result of the increase in the volume of receivables sold com-
pared with the prior year (see also Note 33 of the Notes to
the Consolidated Financial Statements).
Total liquidity increased to €13.1 billion. Cash and cash equivalents
decreased by €0.6 billion while marketable securities increased
by €1.0 billion.
Net deferred tax assets and liabilities increased by €2.3 billion
compared with the prior year primarily due to the changed
accounting regulations for pensions and similar obligations.
With the completion of the sale in 2006, the assets and liabilities
of the off-highway activities, which were separately summarized
and classified in the balance sheet as held for sale in 2005,
are no longer reported.
On the liability side, stockholders’ equity amounted to €34.2
billion (2005: €36.4 billion). The decrease was mainly due to
changed accounting regulations for pensions and similar obliga-
tions, distribution of the 2005 dividend and currency translation
effects. There were offsetting effects from the positive net income
and the valuation of derivative financial instruments (which had
no effect on the income statement). The equity ratio, adjusted for
Management Report | Financial Position | 63
Balance sheet structure industrial business
(in billions of €)
Property, plant and
equipment
Other fixed assets
Inventories
Receivables
Liquidity
Other assets
95
36%
102
36%
102
25%
95
26%
Stockholders’ equity
and minority interests
45%
47%
Accrued liabilities
12%
14%
17%
17%
14%
12%
9%
12%
11%
10%
2006
2005
26%
27%
Liabilities
4%
2005
0%
2006
Other liabilities
the proposed dividend distribution for the 2006 financial year
(€1.5 billion), remained almost unchanged at 17.2% (2005: 17.3%).
The equity ratio for the industrial business amounted to 25.1%
(2005: 24.8%). Revised accounting regulations for pensions and
similar obligations negatively impacted the equity ratios by 3.3
and 5.9 percentage points respectively.
The €0.4 billion decrease in accrued liabilities to €46.3 billion
was primarily due to a decrease in other accrued liabilities, which
at €23.9 billion were €3.9 billion lower than at the end of the
prior year. This was mainly caused by currency effects as well as
a decrease in accruals for product warranties and negative
market values of derivative financial instruments. Offsetting this
decrease was the aforementioned increase in accruals for
pensions and similar obligations.
The Group’s financial liabilities, which primarily serve to refinance
the leasing and sales-financing business, amounted to €78.5
billion at the balance sheet date (2005: €80.9 billion). Adjusted
for currency translation effects, this item increased by €2.2
billion.
Trade liabilities decreased from €14.6 billion to €13.7 billion
due to currency effects.
The decrease in other liabilities of €1.3 billion to €7.8 billion
resulted primarily from severance payments and decreased
liabilities for social benefits due.
As a result of higher advance rental payments, deferred income
adjusted for currency effects increased by €0.7 billion. This
increase primarily resulted from the financial services business.
At the balance sheet date, 38% of all assets (2005: 37%) and 40%
of all liabilities (2005: 43%) had a maturity of less than one year.
As of December 31, 2006, the capital stock of DaimlerChrysler
AG amounted to €2.7 billion. It is divided into 1,028,163,751
no-par-value registered shares. All shares have the same rights.
Each share has one vote and is the basis for a share in the
company’s profits. The authorization of the Board of Management
to issue new shares or to repurchase existing shares is described
in Note 22 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
64
The funded status of the Group’s pension obligations
improved compared with the prior year from being underfunded
by €7.2 billion to being underfunded by €2.3 billion.
On the balance-sheet date, the Group’s pension obligations
amounted to €37.5 billion, compared with €41.5 billion at the
end of the prior year. The decrease was primarily a result of
currency-translation effects of €2.7 billion and the increase in
discount rates for pension plans of 0.5 of a percentage point
to 4.5% for German plans and of 0.3 of a percentage point to 5.7%
for non-German plans. The plan assets available to finance the
pension obligations increased from €34.3 billion to €35.2 billion.
The decrease of €2.5 billion due to currency translation was
more than offset by the gains realized in 2006 on the German and
non-German plan assets of €1.0 billion and €3.3 billion respectively
and by contributions to the plan assets of €1.2 billion
(2005: €1.7 billion).
The funded status of the other postretirement benefit
obligations amounted to minus €14.1 billion as of December 31,
2006, compared with minus €15.8 billion at the end of the
prior year.
The obligations totaled €16.0 billion on the balance-sheet date
(2005: €17.7 billion). €1.7 billion of the decrease was mainly due to
the effects of currency translation. The other changes resulted
from the normal annual increase less payments to beneficiaries.
Other postretirement benefit obligations were covered by plan
assets of €1.9 billion (2005: €1.9 billion).
The funded status of the pension obligations and the other
postretirement benefit obligations is fully recognized in the
consolidated balance sheet following the first adoption of the
new FASB standard 158 effective December 31, 2006.
Additional information on pension plans and similar obligations
can be found in Note 24a of the Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements.
Overall Assessment of the Economic Situation
The Group’s liquidity was burdened during the reporting period
by the negative earnings trend at the Chrysler Group and the
payments related to the restructuring of smart and the head-
count reduction measures in connection with CORE and the new
management model. However, cash flow from operating activities
increased to €14.0 billion (2005: €12.4 billion). The free cash
flow from the industrial business, the parameter used at Daimler-
Chrysler to assess our financial strength, decreased by €0.2
billion to €1.9 billion, and the net liquidity of the industrial business
fell by €0.9 billion to €6.4 billion.
The DaimlerChrysler Group’s financial position was nearly
unchanged compared with the prior year. Adjusted for the proposed
dividend distribution for the year 2006 of €1.5 billion, the Group’s
equity ratio at the end of the year was 17.2% (2005: 17.3%).
The equity ratio for the industrial business rose from 24.8% to 25.1%.
On its way to sustained profitable growth, DaimlerChrysler AG
made good progress during the year under review. Nonetheless,
at the time of preparing the Group Management Report, the
Board of Management’s assessment of the Group’s economic
situation is not entirely satisfactory.
Revenues increased by 1% to €151.6 billion, which was a stronger
rise than we had forecast at the beginning of 2006. On the other
hand, total unit sales of 4.7 million vehicles were lower than
in the prior year and lower than our target for 2006. Stronger unit
sales by the Mercedes Car Group and the Truck Group were
more than offset by the declining development of unit sales at the
Chrysler Group. Our operating profit of €5.5 billion was lower
than our target of more than €6 billion, and value added for the
year under review was still slightly negative. The Group’s
operating profit was therefore insufficient to cover the cost of
capital employed. The reason for this unsatisfactory situation
was the unexpectedly difficult market and competitive situation in
the United States and the resulting losses at the Chrysler Group.
However, the other divisions surpassed their earnings targets.
The Mercedes Car Group recorded a particularly sharp increase in
profits in the year 2006. The Truck Group achieved record
earnings, and Financial Services posted a repeated increase in
operating profit. With the introduction of the new management
model in our administrative departments, we are creating lean and
stable processes to allow us to become faster, more flexible,
more cost effective and thus also more competitive and profitable
at all levels of the Group. The Chrysler Group’s “Recovery and
Transformation Plan”, which was presented in February 2007,
is a comprehensive program that should enable the Chrysler
Group to generate sustained profits in the future, even under
difficult market conditions.
Management Report | Overall Assessment of the Economic Situation | 65
Events after the End of the 2006 Financial Year
Chrysler Group Recovery and Transformation Plan.
On February 14, 2007, DaimlerChrysler announced the Chrysler
Group’s three-year “Recovery and Transformation Plan.” This plan
aims to return the Chrysler Group to profitability by 2008
and redesign the business model for the Chrysler Group. The plan
identifies a combination of measures designed to increase
revenues and reduce costs, including: continuation of the product
offensive; workforce reductions by 13,000 employees over three
years; reduction of material costs by €1.15 billion; and reduction in
production capacity by 400,000 units per year by eliminating
work shifts and idling plants. DaimlerChrysler expects these
recovery measures to result in restructuring charges of up to
€1 billion to be recognized in its financial statements in 2007,
with a cash impact for the year 2007 of about €0.8 billion.
The plan will be supported by investments of €2.3 billion in new
engines, transmissions and axles.
Further events after the end of the 2006 financial year.
Since the end of the 2006 financial year, there have been no
further occurrences that are of major significance to Daimler-
Chrysler. The course of business in the first two months of
2007 confirms the statements made in the “Outlook” section
of this Annual Report.
66
Risk Report
Risk management system
Economic risks
The world economy continued along a distinctly expansionary
path in 2006. In spite of high raw-material prices (and further price
rises for some materials), increased interest rates and a rather
tense geopolitical situation, particularly in the Middle East, growth
of 3.9% was achieved in 2006, which was once again well above
the long-term average. However, the peak of this global economic
cycle was already passed during the first quarter of 2006. Factors
that increasingly dampened growth as the year progressed were
the rise in cost of capital, the ongoing burden of high or
increased raw-material prices, the correction of excessive real-
estate prices in some parts of the world, and more restrictive
fiscal policies. The smooth return of the global economy to its
long-term growth trend that is predicted for the year 2007 by
many economists and also by DaimlerChrysler mainly depends
upon how these factors develop in the future and whether their
dampening effects might be stronger than currently expected.
DaimlerChrysler’s financial position, cash flows and profitability
are therefore still exposed to considerable economic risks. Due to
the great importance for the global economy of developments
in the United States, an isolated severe slowdown of economic
expansion there would have negative consequences for the
rest of the world.
Within the framework of their global activities and as a result of
increasingly intense competition, DaimlerChrysler’s divisions are
exposed to a large number of risks, which are inextricably linked
with their business activities. Effective management and control
instruments are combined into a uniform risk management
system, meeting the requirements of applicable law and subject
to continuous improvement, which is employed for the early
detection, evaluation and management of risks. The risk manage-
ment system is integrated into the value-based management
and planning system. It is an integral part of the overall planning,
control and reporting process in all relevant legal entities and
central functions, and aims to systematically identify, assess,
control and document risks. Taking defined risk categories into
account, risks are identified by the management of the divisions
and operating units, the key associated companies and the
central departments, and are assessed regarding their probability
of occurrence and possible extent of damage. Assessment of
the possible extent of damage usually takes place in terms of the
risks’ effect on operating profit. The communication and reporting
of relevant risks is controlled by value limits set by management.
The responsible persons also have the task of developing, and
initiating as required, measures to avoid, reduce and hedge risks.
Major risks and the countermeasures taken are monitored within
the framework of a regular controlling process. As well as the
regular reporting, there is also an internal reporting obligation
within the Group for risks arising unexpectedly. The Group’s
central Risk Management department regularly reports on the
identified risks to the Board of Management and the Supervisory
Board. The risk management system enables the Board of
Management to identify key risks at an early stage and to initiate
suitable countermeasures. By carrying out targeted audits,
the Corporate Audit department monitors compliance with the
statutory framework and with the Group’s internal guidelines
as defined in the Risk Management Manual, and, if required,
initiates appropriate action. In addition, the external auditors
test the system for the early detection of risks that is integrated
into the risk management system in terms of its fundamental
suitability for the early recognition of developments that could
jeopardize the continued existence of the company.
Management Report | Risk Report | 67
A marked reduction in growth rates in China would also be
strategically relevant for the Group, as this is currently the most
dynamic automobile market in the world and has enormous
potential for the future. In view of China’s economic power and the
sharp increase in the flows of international investment and
trade with China, such a slump would not only have serious
consequences for the whole of Asia, but could also cause
significant growth losses for the world economy, with negative
effects on DaimlerChrysler’s activities. Potential economic
crises in the other emerging markets in which the Group has
important production facilities could also be of particular
relevance. But crises in emerging markets where the Group is
solely active in a sales function would result in a more limited
risk exposure.
Risks for market access and the global networking of the Group’s
facilities could arise as a result of a failure of multilateral trade
liberalization, in particular if international free trade was weakened
in favor of regional trade blocks or a return to protectionist
tendencies. A sharp rise in bilateral free-trade agreements outside
the European Union could affect DaimlerChrysler’s position in
key foreign markets, particularly in Southeast Asia, where Japan
is increasingly gaining preferred market access.
Finally, the world economy could be negatively influenced by a
sustained deterioration in consumer and investor confidence.
This could be triggered by geopolitical and military instability,
concern about a possible sharp drop in share prices and the
battle against terrorism.
The US economy is increasingly dependent on the inflow of foreign
capital to finance its rapidly growing current-account deficit, and
this situation has become a source of considerable risk potential.
If capital inflows cease or are not available in the required
volumes, the country’s current-account deficit will have to be
corrected. This could, caused by higher interest rates and a
drastic depreciation of the US dollar, lead to significantly lower
growth in the United States and thus also in other regions of
the world. Additional risks that would weaken economic growth in
the United States are an excessive rise in capital-market interest
rates and a fall in asset values (stocks, real estate). Both of these
factors would in particular substantially reduce private
consumption.
The economy of Western Europe developed positively in 2006.
However, it cannot safely be assumed that the positive development
of domestic demand, i.e. private consumption and investment,
will continue. In Germany in particular, a growth dip seems likely
for the year 2007, with the possibility of even a slight decrease
in private consumption at worst. This would have negative conse-
quences for the demand for automobiles. Due to the importance
of Western Europe and thus also Germany as sales markets for
DaimlerChrysler, this therefore has considerable risk potential
for the Group.
To a certain extent, the situation of the Japanese economy
is similar, although its risk level has decreased somewhat.
A renewed weakening of the Japanese economy would not only
significantly reduce the Group’s exports to Japan, but would
also place a substantial burden on the earnings trend of our
subsidiary, Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation.
Additional important risk potential is to be seen in the high level of
raw-material prices. If prices were to remain high or actually
continue rising, the assumed economic development would be
jeopardized. Private households’ purchasing power would fall
and companies’ costs would increase, and these two factors
combined would have a negative impact on growth primarily
in the oil-importing countries. An abrupt and long-term rise in the
price of oil could even cause some economies to slip into
recession.
68
Industry and business risks
Weak economic developments, overcapacity in the automotive
industry and sluggish consumer demand could have an impact
on vehicle manufacturers. This would primarily affect Daimler-
Chrysler’s major markets in Western Europe and the NAFTA region.
In the United States, intense competitive pressure in recent
years has led to the ongoing proliferation of special financing offers
and price incentives. As a result of intensifying competition
in Western Europe, the practice of offering discount financing and
price incentives is spreading also in this region. Weaker economic
growth and ever tougher competition could make such discount
financing and price incentives necessary in the future, at similar
or even higher levels. This would not only reduce our earnings from
the sale of new vehicles, but would also lead to lower prices for
used vehicles and thus to falling residual values. Another factor is
that in some markets, the United States in particular, higher
fuel prices have caused many consumers to prefer smaller, more
fuel-efficient vehicles. This tendency could necessitate additional
measures to enhance the attractiveness of less fuel-efficient
vehicles, especially at the Chrysler Group, which would have
adverse effects on our profitability. A further shift in the model
mix towards smaller vehicles with lower margins would also place
an additional burden on the Group’s financial position, cash flows
and profitability.
In order to achieve the targeted level of prices, factors such as
brand image and product quality are becoming increasingly
important, as well as additional technical features resulting from
innovative research and development. Furthermore, it is essential
for the Group’s future profitability to realize efficiency improve-
ments while simultaneously fulfilling DaimlerChrysler’s own high
quality standards. This applies especially to the implementation of
the recovery and transformation plan which Chrysler Group
announced on February 14, 2007. And another important condition
for increasing the profitability of the entire DaimlerChrysler
Group is the successful implementation of the new management
model and its related activities.
Product quality has a major influence on a customer’s decision
to buy a particular brand of passenger car or commercial vehicle.
At the same time, technical complexity continues to grow as
a result of additional features, for example for the fulfillment of
various emission and fuel-economy regulations, which increases
the danger of vehicle malfunctions. Technical problems could lead
to further recall and repair campaigns, or could even necessitate
new developments. Furthermore, deteriorating product quality can
also lead to higher warranty and goodwill costs.
Legal and political frameworks also have a considerable impact
on DaimlerChrysler’s future business success. Regulations
concerning exhaust emissions and fuel consumption and the
development of energy prices play a particularly important role.
The Group monitors these factors and attempts to anticipate
foreseeable requirements during the phase of product
development.
DaimlerChrysler counteracts procurement risks through
targeted commodity and supplier risk management. But in view
of developments in international supply markets, the effects
of these measures are limited. If prices remained at their current
high level for a longer period of time, or actually continue to rise,
this would result in a negative impact on the Group’s profitability.
Increasing pressure in procurement and sales markets could
also seriously jeopardize the financial situation and continued
operations of suppliers and dealers. To an increasing extent,
individual or joint support actions have been required by automobile
manufacturers such as DaimlerChrysler in order to safeguard
production and sales (see also Note 31 to the Notes to the Con-
solidated Financial Statements). If the situation of important
suppliers should continue to deteriorate, this could require further
support actions to be taken with a negative effect on earnings.
If suppliers experience delivery difficulties, this could have a
negative impact on the DaimlerChrysler Group’s production and
sales of vehicles and thus also on our profitability.
Management Report | Risk Report | 69
Due to DaimlerChrysler’s interest in the system to record and
charge tolls for the use of highways in Germany by trucks with
more than 12 metric tons gross vehicle weight, we are exposed to
a number of risks which could have negative effects on the Group’s
financial situation, cash flows and profitability. The operation
of the electronic toll-collection system is the responsibility of the
operator company, Toll Collect GmbH, in which DaimlerChrysler
holds a 45% ownership interest and which is included in the
consolidated financial statements using the equity method of
accounting. In addition to DaimlerChrysler’s membership in
the Toll Collect consortium and its equity interest in Toll Collect
GmbH, guarantees were issued supporting obligations of Toll
Collect GmbH towards the Federal Republic of Germany concerning
the completion and operation of the toll system. The toll system
went into operation on January 1, 2005 with slightly reduced
functionality. On January 1, 2006, the toll system was installed
with full functionality as specified in the operator contract.
Risks can arise primarily due to lower tolls derived from the system
and the non-fulfillment of certain contractually defined parameters,
additional alleged offsetting claims by the Federal Republic of
Germany beyond such claims already made, or a refusal to grant
the final operating permit. Additional information on the electronic
toll-collection system and the related risks can be found in the
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, see Note 3 (Sig-
nificant Equity Method Investments), Note 30 (Legal Proceedings)
and Note 31 (Contingent Obligations and Other Commercial
Commitments).
DaimlerChrysler in principle bears a proportionate share
of the risks of its subsidiaries and its associated and affiliated
companies, including especially also the risks of EADS,
in line with its share of their equity capital.
Production and business processes could also be disturbed by
unforeseeable events such as natural disasters or terrorist
attacks. Consumer confidence would be significantly affected
and production could be interrupted by supply problems and
intensified security measures at territorial borders. In addition,
our manufacturing processes could be disturbed by failures at
the data centers. Security measures and emergency plans have
been prepared for such eventualities. Although other IT risks
in the fields of network, application and system management or
outsourcing and supplier management have a very low probability
of occurrence, the effect of such a case arising would also have a
negative impact on earnings.
The result of upcoming wage-tariff negotiations with the trade
unions could lead to increases in labor costs that exceed the gains
in productivity, while ongoing strikes would cause interruptions
in production and lower vehicle shipments. In addition, the suc-
cessful implementation of targeted restructuring measures
depends in part on reaching an agreement with the trade unions.
To date, the US automotive workers’ union UAW has declined
to support reductions in healthcare costs for the Chrysler Group
that are comparable to those granted to other US automakers.
Should we fail to reach a positive agreement in further negotiations
with the UAW, the Chrysler Group would suffer a sustained
competitive disadvantage.
DaimlerChrysler’s Financial Services division is primarily involved
in the provision of financing and leasing for Group products.
The international orientation of this business and the raising of
capital are linked with credit, exchange-rate and interest-rate
risks. DaimlerChrysler counteracts these risks by means of
appropriate market analyses and the use of derivative financial
instruments. In addition, the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has
challenged the tax treatment of certain leveraged leases by
various companies, including DaimlerChrysler, and we are currently
discussing this issue with the IRS. Although we believe that
our tax treatment is appropriate and in compliance with applicable
tax law and regulations, the resolution of this matter could
have a significant negative impact on our cash flows.
70
Finance market risks
The DaimlerChrysler Group is exposed to market risks from changes
in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and equity
prices. Furthermore, commodity price risks arise from procurement.
These market risks may adversely affect DaimlerChrysler’s
financial position, cash flow, and profitability. The Group seeks to
manage and control these risks primarily through its regular
operating and financing activities, and, if appropriate, through the
use of derivative financial instruments. Additional information
on financial instruments and derivatives can be found in Note 32 of
the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Daimler-
Chrysler evaluates these market risks by continually monitoring
changes in key economic indicators and market information.
To quantify the Group’s exchange rate risk, interest rate risk
and equity price risk on a continuous basis, DaimlerChrysler’s
risk management 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 assuming a 99% confidence
level and a holding period of five days. This method is based
on the variance-covariance approach of the RiskMetrics™ model.
Estimates of volatilities and correlations are drawn from the
RiskMetrics™ datasets and are supplemented by additional
information on exchange rates, interest rates and equity prices.
The DaimlerChrysler Group does not use derivative financial
instruments for speculative purposes.
Any market-sensitive instruments, including equity and fixed
interest bearing securities, that pension and other post-retirement
benefit plans hold are not included in this quantitative and
qualitative analysis. Please refer to Note 24a of the Notes to the
Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information
regarding the Group’s pension plans.
In accordance with the organizational standards in the international
banking industry, DaimlerChrysler maintains a financial
risk controlling system independent of Corporate Treasury.
Exchange rate risks. The global nature of DaimlerChrysler’s
business activities results in cash receipts and payments deno-
minated in various currencies. For the assessment of currency
exposures, the cash inflows and outflows of the business segments
are offset and netted out if they are denominated in the same
currency. Currency exposures are regularly assessed and gradually
hedged with suitable financial instruments, predominantly foreign
exchange forwards and currency options, according to exchange
rate expectations, which are constantly reviewed. The net assets
of the Group which are invested in subsidiaries outside
the euro zone are generally not hedged against currency risks.
Besides this, DaimlerChrysler generally does not hedge the
currency translation risks that arise from our subsidiaries that
report their revenues and results in a functional currency
other than the euro.
The following table shows value-at-risk figures for DaimlerChrysler’s
2006 and 2005 portfolios 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
Amounts in millions of €
Exchange-rate-sensitive
financial instruments 1
Dec. 31,
2006
Average
for 2006
Dec. 31,
2005
Average
for 2005
208
261
281
253
1 Forward foreign exchange contracts, foreign exchange swap contracts, currency options.
The average value at risk of our derivative financial instruments
used to hedge exchange rate risks in 2006 is comparable to that of
2005. The decrease in the period-end value at risk is primarily
a result of lower exchange-rate volatilities.
Management Report | Risk Report | 71
Due to exchange rate fluctuations, especially of the US dollar and
other major currencies against the euro, DaimlerChrysler is exposed
to exchange rate risks and resultant transaction risks. These
transaction risks primarily affect the Mercedes Car Group division,
as a significant portion of its revenues are generated in foreign
currencies while most of its costs are incurred in euros. The Truck
Group division is also exposed to such transaction risks, but only
to a minor degree because of its worldwide production network.
The Chrysler Group’s transaction risks are low, as most of its
revenues and costs are generated in US dollars.
Interest rate risks. DaimlerChrysler holds a variety of interest rate
sensitive financial instruments to manage its liquidity and the
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
Financial 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 the funding activities of the Industrial
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
(asset and liability management).
The following table shows value-at-risk figures for DaimlerChrysler’s
2006 and 2005 portfolios of interest rate sensitive financial
instruments. We have computed the average exposure based on
an end-of-quarter basis.
Value at risk
Amounts in millions of €
Interest-rate-sensitive
financial instruments
Dec. 31,
2006
Average
for 2006
Dec. 31,
2005
Average
for 2005
32
48
89
90
In 2006, the average and the period-end values at risk of our
portfolio of interest-rate-sensitive financial instruments
decreased, primarily as a result of lower interest-rate volatilities
and a reduction in risk positions.
Equity price risks. DaimlerChrysler holds investments in marke-
table equity securities and equity derivatives. In accordance
with international banking standards, DaimlerChrysler does not
include investments in marketable equity securities that the
Group classifies as long-term investments in the equity price risk
assessment. Equity derivatives used to hedge the market price
risk of investments accounted for using the equity method are also
not included in this assessment. Changes in the fair market
value of these derivatives essentially offset changes in the fair
market value of the underlying investment. The remaining
equity price risk in 2006 and 2005 was not, and is currently not,
material to the Group. For this reason, DaimlerChrysler does
not present the value-at-risk figures for the remaining equity
price risk.
72
Commodity price risks. Associated with DaimlerChrysler’s
business operations, the Group is exposed to changes in prices of
commodities. DaimlerChrysler addresses these procurement risks
by means of a concerted commodity and supplier risk management.
To a minor extent, DaimlerChrysler uses derivative commodity
instruments to reduce some of the Group’s commodity price risks,
primarily the risk associated with the purchase of precious metals.
The risk resulting from these derivative commodity instruments in
2006 and 2005 was not, and is currently not, significant to the
Group. Therefore, DaimlerChrysler does not separately present the
value-at-risk figures for its derivative commodity instruments.
Ratings
The rating agencies Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s Investors Service,
Fitch Ratings and Dominion Bond Rating Service assess the
creditworthiness of DaimlerChrysler. Downgrades of the ratings
provided by these agencies could have a negative impact on
the Group’s cost of capital.
Legal risks
Various legal proceedings are pending against DaimlerChrysler
or could develop in the future. In our view, most of these pro-
ceedings constitute ordinary, routine litigation that is incidental to
our business. We accrue for litigation risk with respect to a
matter if the resulting obligations are probable and can be rea-
sonable estimated. It is possible, however, that due to the final
resolutions of some of these pending lawsuits our accruals could
prove to be insufficient and therefore substantial additional
expenditures could arise. Although the final resolution of any such
lawsuit could have a material effect on the Group’s earnings in
any particular period, DaimlerChrysler believes that any resulting
obligations are unlikely to have a sustained effect on the Group’s
financial position and cash flow. Information about legal pro-
ceedings can be found in Note 30 of the Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements.
Overall risks
There are no discernible risks that, either alone or in combination
with other risks, could jeopardize the continued existence of
the company.
Management Report | Risk Report | 73
Outlook
The statements made in the Outlook section are based on the
operative planning of the DaimlerChrysler Group for the years
2007 through 2009. This planning is based on premises regarding
the economic situation derived from assessments made by
renowned economic institutes, and on the targets set by our
divisions. The forecasts for future business developments reflect
the opportunities and risks offered by the anticipated market
conditions and the competitive situation during the planning period.
The world economy
The world economy is unlikely to continue its above-average
growth rate of 2006 in the year 2007. The anticipated slowdown
will be primarily triggered by weaker growth in the United States,
where domestic demand will be dampened by higher interest
rates and falling real-estate prices. After three years of strong
growth, the US economy is expected to expand at a rate of
distinctly below 3%, which is significantly lower than its long-term
average. The economies of Western Europe and Japan will also fail
to match the solid growth rates that they have recently regained.
In Western Europe, the recent positive revival of domestic
demand will probably weaken slightly in 2007, since the two major
economies of Germany and Italy will expand more slowly due
to their current fiscal policies. This applies in particular to the
German economy, which is expected to grow more slowly
than in 2006 (2.7%) due to the increase in value-added tax. As a
result of the global growth slowdown, the emerging markets
will also lose a little of their dynamism, but will still record growth
rates more than twice as high as in the industrialized countries.
The economic region of Northeast Asia will grow the fastest, still
dominated by China, but the Indian subcontinent and Eastern
Europe should also show strong growth rates.
The world economy is expected to grow by just over 3%, which
is a somewhat lower rate than in 2006, but still a solid rate of
expansion. The greatest risks are to be seen in repeated increases
in oil and raw-material prices, a bigger-than-expected weakening
of economic growth in the United States, a reduction in the United
States’ high current-account deficit and the consequential
depreciation of the US dollar.
Our planning is based on the assumption that compared with
average exchange rates during 2006, the euro will appreciate
against the US dollar and the British pound, but will depreciate
slightly against the Japanese yen.
Automotive markets
Global demand for automobiles will continue to grow in 2007,
but generally at a slower pace than in the prior year. In line with
the generally weaker development of the world economy, we
expect the US market for passenger cars and commercial vehicles
to slightly decrease from 17.1 to 17.0 million vehicles. For the
car market of Western Europe, the best that can be hoped for is
sales of around 14.6 million units, similar to the level of the
year 2006. The Japanese market for passenger cars should grow
slightly, however. Once again, the major emerging markets
are likely to drive global demand for automobiles, with substantial
growth expected in 2007.
74
In the world’s markets for commercial vehicles, a cyclical
decrease in sales is expected for 2007, accentuated by purchases
brought forward to the year 2006 due to upcoming stricter
emission regulations in the United States and Japan. There are
increasing indications that the drop in demand in the North
American market – particularly for heavy Class 8 trucks – will be
particularly sharp compared with the other regions, resulting
in unit sales up to 40% lower than in 2006. We also anticipate
significantly lower sales of commercial vehicles in Japan in 2007.
On the other hand, in Western Europe, we expect only a slight
decrease in demand. In the year 2008, global demand for
commercial vehicles is expected to return to normal levels.
Growth in global demand for passenger cars and commercial
vehicles in the coming years will continue to be primarily driven by
the emerging markets of Asia and South America, and increasingly
also Central and Eastern Europe, due to these regions’ dynamic
growth in purchasing power, improved infrastructures and the
general rise in the need for mobility.
Unit sales
The Mercedes Car Group assumes that its unit sales in the
year 2007 will at least equal its record result of the prior year.
In the first half of 2007, sales will be affected somewhat by the
model changeover for the high-volume Mercedes-Benz C-Class and
the smart fortwo, which will both be launched in spring 2007.
Higher unit sales than in the prior-year period are expected for the
second half of 2007. The full availability of the new C-Class
should then contribute to further growth in unit sales in the
following years, aided by the launch of a station wagon version
at the end of 2007 and a compact SUV version in 2008.
The Mercedes Car Group continues to expect 70% of its unit
sales to be generated in its five biggest core markets: Germany,
the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy and France.
But we also see opportunities in Asia, particularly in China,
where the E-Class went into production in September 2006 and
will be followed by the C-Class during 2007. In the medium
term, we plan to produce a total of 25,000 passenger cars per
annum in China.
The Chrysler Group is working hard on the comprehensive
renewal of its product range and on meeting the market’s
demand for more economical vehicles with lower fuel consumption.
Following the introduction of 10 new models in 2006, the pro-
duct offensive will continue with more than 20 all-new and 13
refreshed vehicles from 2007 to 2009. Already at the beginning
of 2007, the Chrysler Group had a fairly new model range
compared with its competitors. So the right conditions have now
been created on the supply side in order to increase unit
sales and further improve the division’s market position world-
wide. Growth in the following years should also be based
on rising sales in markets outside the NAFTA region, especially
in Western Europe and China, where the range of available
products is continually being expanded.
Following record unit sales in the year 2006, which were partially
a result of purchases brought forward because of upcoming
new emission regulations in the major markets of the United
States and Japan, the Truck Group anticipates a significant
drop in unit sales in North America and Japan. In Western Europe,
we strive to achieve unit sales in the magnitude of the previous
year. However, as part of its Global Excellence program, the Truck
Group has taken comprehensive measures with which it intends
to become more independent of cyclical market fluctuations in the
future, allowing it to achieve sustained profits also under difficult
market conditions. Above all, we intend to make better use of our
cost advantages as the world’s biggest manufacturer of commer-
cial vehicles. We will also strengthen the division’s competitive
position with new products, which are expected to generate
higher unit sales once again starting in the year 2008.
We anticipate a steady rise in unit sales for the Vans unit
during the planning period of 2007 through 2009. This will
be primarily due to the new Sprinter series, which will be
gradually extended with additional new variants.
Management Report | Outlook | 75
Revenues and earnings
Group revenues in 2007 should be in the magnitude of the
prior year. In the following years, we expect revenues to increase
significantly, in line with rising unit sales. In regional terms,
the dynamic markets of Asia will be a key source of growth.
A crucial contribution to improving profitability will be made by
the programs designed to boost efficiency, which we have
initiated in all divisions and headquarters departments and are
steadily pushing forward. We also plan to use our production
equipment for longer periods in the future.
Overall, our goal is to deliver top performance all along the value
chain. The implementation of the new management model will
create lean and stable processes, allowing us to become faster,
more flexible, more cost-effective and thus also more com-
petitive and profitable in all areas in the future. In particular, the
increasing networking of our worldwide activities, the use
of standardized modules, excellent processes, and the intensive
knowledge transfer within the Group should have a positive
impact on the divisions’ earnings in the coming years.
The Mercedes Car Group anticipates a return on sales of at
least 7% in 2007, despite a weaker first quarter. As a result of the
CORE efficiency-improving program and excellent products
such as the new C-Class, the Mercedes Car Group’s profitability
is to be continuously further improved during the planning
period of 2007 through 2009.
DaimlerChrysler Buses expects to maintain its globally leading
position for buses above 8 tons with innovative and high-quality
new products. Its main growth opportunities will be in Asia,
whereas scope for further growth in the core markets of Western
Europe, the NAFTA region and Latin America is very limited.
Financial Services looks forward to a continuation of its stable
business development in 2007 with a slight increase in contract
volume. The division has initiated various programs and actions
worldwide in order to achieve further advances in efficiency,
improve risk management and enhance customer and dealer
satisfaction. In this way, Financial Services will meet the challenge
of intensified competition from international banks and in the
automotive markets. We will further expand our comprehensive
range of products in the fields of financing, leasing, insurance
and fleet management. One of the division’s key sources of growth
will be the dynamic regions of Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin
America.
In the years of 2007 through 2008, EADS expects the global
market for civil aircraft to continue its generally stable develop-
ment with a high level of demand. In the fields of defense and
space, EADS looks forward to ongoing positive developments
despite tight public-sector budgets. EADS’ revenues are likely
to continue rising in the coming years as a result of increased
deliveries, particularly by Airbus and Eurocopter.
On the basis of the divisions’ planning, we expect the Daimler-
Chrysler Group’s total unit sales to increase slightly in the
year 2007. We anticipate further growth in unit sales in the years
2008 and 2009.
Excellent new products will drive this generally positive develop-
ment during the planning period. Our product offensive in the
period of 2007 through 2009 will be continued with more
than 35 new vehicles. We intend to distinguish ourselves from
the competition through pioneering innovations, and we aim
to lead the market in those technologies that are important for
our customers.
76
The profitability of the Vans unit should continue improving
during the planning period. We anticipate further productivity
improvements at DaimlerChrysler Buses, and therefore expect
the unit’s earnings to be at a level similar to its best competitors.
Based on the divisions’ projections, DaimlerChrysler should
achieve a significant increase in profitability in the planning
period of 2007 through 2009.
In the medium term, we aim to achieve a return on net assets
of at least 10%.
A fundamental condition for the targeted increase in earnings
is a generally stable economic and political situation, as well as
the moderate rise in the worldwide demand for passenger cars
and commercial vehicles expected for the years 2007 through
2009. Opportunities and risks may arise from the development
of currency exchange rates and raw-material prices.
In the year 2007, DaimlerChrysler will change over its accounting
and financial reporting to the International Financial Reporting
Standards (IFRS) (see page 211 f). Our present main performance
measure, operating profit according to US GAAP, will then
be replaced with EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes).
The earnings outlook will be put into more detail with the
publication of the interim report on the first quarter of 2007.
At the Chrysler Group, the product offensive will be supported by
far-reaching measures designed to improve efficiency, productivity
and quality. The “Recovery and Transformation Plan” presented
in February 2007 combines and intensifies these measures within
the framework of an overall concept for sustained profitability
improvements (see pages 66 and 89). The program comprises a
combination of measures designed to increase revenues and
reduce costs. In the long term, the redesigned business model will
focus on achieving enhanced global presence and a shift in
the product mix towards smaller and more fuel-efficient vehicles.
Better use is to be made of alliances and partnerships around
the world in order to utilize cost advantages and additional growth
potential. The implementation of the “Recovery and Trans-
formation Plan” will give rise to restructuring charges totaling up to
€1 billion in 2007. In the year 2007, the Chrysler Group’s loss
from operating activities should be less than in 2006. After breaking
even in 2008, the Chrysler Group strives to achieve a return
on sales of 2.5% in 2009. In order to optimize and accelerate the
presented “Recovery and Transformation Plan” we are looking
into further strategic options with partners beyond the existing
business cooperation partners. In this regard, we do not exclude
any option in order to find the best solution for both the Chrysler
Group and DaimlerChrysler.
As a result of the expected decrease in unit sales due to the
state of the market, the Truck Group’s operating profit in 2007
is unlikely to equal the high level of the prior year. But despite
this temporary drop in earnings, the return on net assets should
continue to exceed the cost of capital, with significant support
from the Global Excellence efficiency-improving program that is
being implemented worldwide. As of the year 2008, the Truck
Group intends to achieve a return on sales averaging more than
7% over its entire business cycle.
The Financial Services division continues to pursue its goal
of supporting the Group’s automotive sales by providing tailored
financial services, while achieving a return on equity of at least
14%. Additional efficiency-improving potential is to be utilized
through various programs adapted to regional market requirements
– such as Roadmap Europe for example.
Management Report | Outlook | 77
Investments in property, plant and equipment 2007- 2009
Research and development expenditure 2007- 2009
(in billions of €)
DaimlerChrysler Group
Mercedes Car Group
Chrysler Group
Truck Group
Financial Services
Van, Bus, Other
17.5
7.2
6.8
2.7
0.04
0.8
(in billions of €)
DaimlerChrysler Group
16.2
Mercedes Car Group
Chrysler Group
Truck Group
Van, Bus, Other
7.7
4.2
3.2
1.1
Capital expenditure
Research and development
During the planning period of 2007 through 2009, DaimlerChrysler
expects to invest a total of €17.5 billion in property, plant and
equipment. Rising capital expenditure at the Mercedes Car Group
will be offset by decreasing investment budgets at the Chrysler
Group, the Truck Group and the Vans unit. At the Mercedes Car
Group, the focus of investment will be on advance expenditure
for new vehicles such as the E-Class successor model and the new
sport-utility vehicle based on the C-Class. The key area of
investment at the Chrysler Group will be for the ongoing modern-
ization of its plants and the continuation of the product offensive.
The flexibilization of production and standardization of vehicle
architectures on model changeovers, that has meanwhile been
achieved has already led to substantial savings. Therefore it
will be possible to reduce the Chrysler Group’s investment budget
during the planning period. At the Truck Group, the focus is on
capital expenditure in connection with the new modular platform
for heavy and medium trucks and a new family of engines for
trucks. Since the launch of the new Sprinter has largely completed
the Vans unit’s phase of model renewal, capital expenditure
at Vans will be significantly reduced during the planning period,
while at Buses there will be increased investment in plant
modernization and the European sales organization.
Investments in property, plant and equipment
In billions of € 1
DaimlerChrysler Group
Mercedes Car Group
Chrysler Group
Truck Group
Financial Services
Van, Bus, Other
1 Figures for 2006 according to US GAAP, as of 2007 according to IFRS
2006
2007–2009
5.9
1.7
2.9
0.9
0.03
0.4
17.5
7.2
6.8
2.7
0.04
0.8
In the context of implementing the new management model, we
merged the Corporate Research department and the Mercedes
Car Group’s product development departments to form the new
Board of Management department “Group Research and Devel-
opment Mercedes Car Group”. With this change, we have more
closely integrated our research, predevelopment and develop-
ment activities, and effectively focused them on the development
of the final products. The new department continues to function
as a research competence center for the entire Group, but is
assuming more responsibility for the predevelopment activities
of all our automotive divisions. In this way, we will safeguard our
innovative expertise for the future and will be able to convert
it into marketable products more quickly.
This new organization will enable us to apply our research and
development expenditure more efficiently in the coming years.
We are optimizing work processes and focusing on those pro-
jects that create the most added value for our customers. We will
increasingly utilize the possibilities of modularization and stan-
dardization wherever this is compatible with the identity of our
brands. We intend to reduce the number of vehicle architectures
in the coming years, but will significantly increase the number of
model versions based on a shared architecture. This strategy
will allow us to continue to offer a wide range of attractive new
models, while further enhancing the quality of our products
and achieving substantial savings with regard to material and
development costs.
By further developing drive technologies and making increased
use of lightweight components, we will make automobiles
even more efficient, cleaner and more economical, thus reducing
emissions, including carbon dioxide.
78
During the period of 2007 through 2009, DaimlerChrysler will
invest a total of €16.2 billion in research and development
activities. R&D spending will thus continue at the high level of
more than 3% of total revenues despite the targeted efficiency
improvements. Research and development expenditure at the
Mercedes Car Group will be significantly higher than in recent
years. There are two main reasons for this: on the one hand, the
integration of Corporate Research into the Mercedes Car Group;
on the other hand, the high expenditure for the E-Class successor
model. The focus of R&D expenditure at the Chrysler Group
will be on the continuation of the product offensive. The Chrysler
Group intends to launch more than 20 new models by 2009.
Key projects at the Truck Group are the new truck platform and
new engines that fulfill the emission regulations for the years
2009/2010.
Significant expenditure is also planned for new technologies,
with which we intend to improve the safety, environmental
compatibility and fuel economy of road vehicles.
Research and development expenditure
In billions of € 1
DaimlerChrysler Group
Mercedes Car Group
Chrysler Group
Truck Group
Van, Bus, Other
2006
2007–2009 2
5.3
2.2
1.6
1.0
0.6
16.2
7.7
4.2
3.2
1.1
1 Figures for 2006 according to US GAAP, as of 2007 according to IFRS
2 Includes both capitalized and expensed R&D spending
Workforce
As a result of the anticipated production volumes and productivity
advances, DaimlerChrysler assumes that compared with the
end of 2006, the size of its workforce will continue to decrease
during the planning period of 2007 through 2009.
Forward-looking statements in this Annual Report:
This annual report contains forward-looking statements that reflect our current views
about future events. The words “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,”
“intend,” “may,” “plan,” “project,” “should” and similar expressions are used to identify
forward looking statements. These statements are subject to many risks and uncertain-
ties, including an economic downturn or slow economic growth, especially in Europe or
North America; changes in currency exchange rates and interest rates; introduction of
competing products and possible lack of acceptance of our products or services; com-
petitive pressures which may limit our ability to reduce sales incentives and raise prices;
price increases in fuel, raw materials, and precious metals; disruption of production or
delivery of new vehicles due to shortages of materials, labor strikes, or supplier insol-
vencies; a decline in resale prices of used vehicles; the ability of the Chrysler Group to
implement successfully its Recovery and Transformation Plan; the business outlook for
our Truck Group, which may experience a significant decline in demand as a result of
accelerated purchases in 2006 made in advance of the effectiveness of new emission
regulations; effective implementation of cost reduction and efficiency optimization
programs, including our new management model; the business outlook of our equity
investee EADS, including the financial effects of delays in and potentially lower volume of
future aircraft deliveries; changes in laws, regulations and government policies, particu-
larly those relating to vehicle emissions, fuel economy and safety, the resolution of pend-
ing governmental investigations and the outcome of pending or threatened future legal
proceedings; and other risks and uncertainties, some of which we describe under the
heading “Risk Report” in this Annual Report and under the headings “Risk Factors” and
“Legal Proceedings” in the Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Ex-
change Commission. If any of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or if the assump-
tions 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.
Management Report | Outlook | 79
DaimlerChrysler sold a total of 4.7 million vehicles in 2006 (2005: 4.8
million). Due to the market success of its new models, the Mercedes
Car Group increased its unit sales by 3%, while the Chrysler Group’s
factory shipments fell significantly as a result of the intense compe-
tition and difficult market situation in the United States. The Truck
Group continued its positive development of the prior year, setting a
new record for unit sales in 2006. Unit sales of vans were lower than in
2005 because of the model changeover for the Sprinter, while with
buses, we defended our position as the market leader in the class above
8 tons. The Financial Services division continued expanding its
new business and strengthened its market position in the year 2006.
80
80 - 97
Divisions
82 Mercedes Car Group
Substantial efficiency gains achieved through
CORE program
Strong demand for new products
More focused business model at smart
Significant increase in profitability
86 Chrysler Group
Difficult market and competitive situation
in North America
Shipments and production adjusted to reflect
market situation
Ten new products launched in 2006
Operating loss of €1.1 billion
Recovery and Transformation Plan presented
90 Truck Group
Positive developments in global
commercial-vehicle markets
Slight increase in unit sales
Continued successful implementation
of Global Excellence program
Further strengthening of worldwide development
and production network
Operating profit at new record level
94 Financial Services
Positive business development in 2006
Focus on improving market position and
customer satisfaction
Efficiency-improving programs implemented
worldwide
Significant increase in operating profit
96 Van, Bus, Other
Sales of vans down slightly due to Sprinter
model changeover
DaimlerChrysler Buses confirms market leadership
EADS: record aircraft deliveries and delays
with the A380
Operating profit of €913 million
(2005: €1,091 million)
Divisions | 81
Mercedes Car Group
Substantial efficiency gains achieved through CORE program | Strong demand for new products |
More focused business model at smart | Significant increase in profitability
Amounts in millions of €
Operating profit (loss)
Revenues
Investments in property,
plant and equipment
Research and development
expenditure
Production
Unit sales
Employees (Dec. 31)
2006
2005
06/05
% change
2,415
54,579
(505)
50,015
1,663
1,629
2,176
2,418
1,230,951
1,214,855
1,251,797
1,216,838
99,343
104,345
.
+9
+2
-10
+1
+3
-5
Significant increase in earnings. The Mercedes Car Group, com-
prising the brands Mercedes-Benz, Maybach, smart, Mercedes-
Benz AMG and Mercedes-Benz McLaren, sold 1,251,800 vehicles
in 2006 (2005: 1,216,800). Revenues of €54.6 billion were 9%
higher than the prior year’s level.
As a result of the measures implemented to boost efficiency as
part of the CORE program, the Mercedes Car Group substantially
improved its profitability as the year progressed. Combined with
higher sales volumes and a favorable model mix, these measures
played a key role in increasing operating profit to €2.4 billion
(2005: operating loss of €0.5 billion; see page 44).
CORE efficiency-improving program proceeding according to
plan. The CORE efficiency-improving program, launched in
February 2005, is designed to enable the Mercedes Car Group to
achieve a return on sales of 7% in 2007. We continued with the
implementation of the program during the year under review. The
measures we have introduced are having the desired effect and
also played a major role in helping us increase efficiency and prof-
itability in 2006. During the year under review, we implemented
more than 14,000 additional measures along the entire value chain.
These measures will lead to further sustained improvements in
the operating units. At present, we are developing a set of approxi-
mately 100 predefined modules that will be available for all
model series. These modules will help us to further boost quality,
reduce costs and shorten development times. Due to the inte-
gration of the Mercedes Car Group’s development activities and
the Corporate Research department, innovations will be designed
so that they can be applied in several model series.
We have also reorganized production and have standardized our
structures and processes, thereby laying the groundwork for a
substantial increase in productivity. Our goal is to reduce produc-
tion times for our vehicles in the next few years by 30%; an ini-
tial 12% decrease was achieved in 2006. In the year under review,
we also succeeded in significantly reducing materials costs,
despite the difficult situation in the raw-material markets.
In view of the ongoing difficult market situation and intensely com-
petitive conditions, staff reductions became unavoidable at the
Mercedes Car Group in order to increase productivity. For this
reason, the Board of Management approved a package of mea-
sures at the end of September 2005 calling for a reduction of 8,500
employees at the Mercedes Car Group locations in Germany.
During the period of October 1, 2005 to September 30, 2006,
approximately 9,300 employees signed voluntary severance
agreements or had already left the company. During the fourth
quarter of 2006, an additional 400 employees accepted the
severance offer.
82
The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class is an im-
pressive synthesis of driving comfort and
agility. It sets new standards in its segment
with the use of the latest safety systems.
Market success of new models. The Mercedes-Benz brand
increased unit sales in the year under review by 5% to 1,149,100
vehicles. As a result, the brand was able to boost its market share
in key regions, despite more intense competition. This positive
result was primarily due to the very successful new model
launches in 2005, particularly that of the new S-Class, which went
on sale in the United States in February 2006. Like the new
CL- and GL-Class models, the updated E- and SL-Class vehicles
launched in 2006 were also very well received by the market
and contributed to the Mercedes-Benz brand’s success in the year
under review.
Unit sales of Mercedes-Benz brand vehicles in the United States
rose by 7% to 248,600 vehicles in 2006 – the eleventh consecu-
tive year that sales increased in that market. Total unit sales in
Western Europe were 4% higher than the figure for the prior
year; we also slightly surpassed the number sold in 2005 in the
German market. We sold 122,100 vehicles in the Asia/Pacific
region, an increase of 4%. Of this total, 47,000 units were sold in
Japan (+4%) and 16,400 were sold in China (+43%).
New and attractive models led to an increase in sales in the luxury
segment (S-, CL-, SL-Class and SLR) by more than 50% to
107,700 units, thereby putting Mercedes-Benz clearly ahead of its
main competitors in this segment. Although unit sales in the
full-size premium segment (E- and CLS-Class) failed to reach the
prior year’s level due to model-lifecycle factors, we were never-
theless able to maintain our market leadership in this very competi-
tive segment. Sales in the C-Class segment (C-, SLK-, CLK-Class)
fell, mainly due to the upcoming C-Class model changeover. The
A- and B-Class continued to play an important role for the
Mercedes-Benz brand as volume models in the year under review,
and unit sales of 292,500 vehicles (2005: 262,300) show that
demand was still very high for these models. Thanks to an expanded
range of off-road variants and rapid growth in M-Class sales, we
sold 176,600 M-, R-, GL- and G-Class vehicles in the all-terrain/SUV
segment in the year under review (2005: 95,700). Mercedes-
Benz is thus the best-selling premium brand in the SUV segment
in Germany and the rest of Western Europe.
Unit sales of the smart brand totaled 102,700 vehicles in the
year under review (2005: 124,300). Unit sales of the smart fortwo
developed especially well throughout the year and the model’s
production volume exceeded the planned target in the vehicle’s
ninth year of production. More than 750,000 smart fortwos
have been sold since the vehicle’s market launch. Despite an in-
crease in production at the beginning of the year, nearly all
smart fortwo models built had been sold by the end of 2006.
Sales of the last smart roadsters and smart forfour models pro-
ceeded according to plan; nearly all remaining stocks of these
vehicles had been sold by the end of the year under review.
The most important sales markets for the smart brand were once
again Germany (29,300 units, -16%) and Italy (28,700 units, -7%).
GL-Class – outstanding both on and off-road. The new GL-
Class celebrated its world premiere at the North American Inter-
national Auto Show in Detroit in January 2006. In addition to
offering excellent handling on both normal roads and rough terrain,
the seven-seat premium SUV pampers vehicle occupants with
generous spaciousness and the comfort of a sedan. The model’s
four gasoline and diesel variants are all equipped as standard
with 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission featuring
DIRECT SELECT and the 4MATIC permanent four-wheel drive
system from Mercedes-Benz. The new GL-Class has been available
in the United States since May 2006 and in Western Europe
since September.
CL-Class — the outstanding luxury coupe. The new CL-Class
was unveiled to the public for the first time in June 2006 at the new
Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart. The two-door model com-
bines peerless exclusivity and ambitious design with trailblazing
technology and perfect driving pleasure. Its package of innova-
tions includes the PRE-SAFE® braking system, which automatically
brakes the vehicle if a collision with a car driving ahead of it is
imminent, and the Intelligent Light System (ILS), which enables
drivers to select from five different lighting modes that corre-
spond with common driving and weather conditions. The new CL-
Class, which has been available in Western Europe since Sep-
tember 2006 and in the United States since December, has met
with a very positive response from our customers and the media.
Divisions | Mercedes Car Group | 83
The seven-seat GL-Class impresses
with excellent driving dynamics
both on and off-road. Occupants are
pampered with extremely generous
space and the comfort of a sedan.
E- and SL-Class significantly upgraded. The new-generation
E-Class was presented to the public for the first time at the New
York International Automobile Show in April 2006. Deliveries to
customers worldwide began in the summer. The vehicle’s inno-
vative technologies set standards in its market segment. For exam-
ple, the sedan and station-wagon models are now both equipped
for the first time with the anticipatory PRE-SAFE® system, which
automatically activates safety measures to protect the driver
and the front passenger should an accident appear imminent. Also
unique are the standard-fitted NECK-PRO headrests, which pro-
vide sensor-controlled head support for the driver and the front pas-
senger during rear-end collisions. In addition, we are also of-
fering a totally new safety system in the E-Class. Known as the In-
telligent Light System, it features headlights that optimally adjust
to different driving and weather conditions. Agility is meanwhile
significantly enhanced not only by six new or improved engines,
but also by the DIRECT CONTROL package featuring more respon-
sive steering and firmer suspension. On October 15, 2006, we
launched the E320 BLUETEC – the world’s cleanest diesel passen-
ger car – in the United States and Canada. With its tremendous
range (up to1,200 kilometers on a tank of fuel) and fuel consump-
tion figures that are up to 30 percent better than those of
comparable models equipped with a gasoline engine, the E320
BLUETEC is the perfect long-distance vehicle. Its suitability for
this type of driving was impressively demonstrated by the Paris-
Beijing tour organized by Mercedes-Benz. The tour, which began
on October 28, 2006, featured 33 E320 CDI series-produced cars
and three E320 BLUETEC vehicles. The vehicles clocked up a
combined total of some 490,000 kilometers in just 28 days, thereby
clearly underscoring the reliability of the new-generation E-Class.
The new-generation SL-Class celebrated its world premiere in
Geneva at the end of February 2006. The vehicle has been signif-
icantly upgraded in terms of engineering, design and equipment.
Thanks to these improvements, we have further consolidated our
global market leadership in this segment and have written a
new chapter in a legendary story stretching back more than half
a century.
84
Growth offensive continues at Mercedes-Benz. The main
focus for Mercedes-Benz in 2007 will be on the new C-Class, which
will be launched in the spring. Mercedes-Benz clearly set the
tone for the new year in January with its 4MATIC permanent four-
wheel drive system at the North American International Auto
Show in Detroit. Given that the 4MATIC is now offered in 48 model
versions, we have created an impressive range of four-wheel
drive vehicles. And this is a market that continues to grow strongly
year after year. Following the launch of the E320 BLUETEC in
the United States and Canada, we now plan to launch BLUETEC
versions of the R-, M- and GL-Class on both markets in 2008.
We also plan to make BLUETEC technology available to our Euro-
pean customers by 2008 at the latest.
Mercedes-Benz brand undergoing further development. The
growth offensive at Mercedes-Benz is being accompanied by a
comprehensive brand campaign that focuses on the brand pledge
of »Appreciation,« as expressed in three ways: First, there is the
appreciation that Mercedes-Benz shows its customers through its
excellent customer care and service. Secondly, there is the
appreciation that a Mercedes vehicle gives to its owner by provid-
ing him or her with a great measure of social standing. Finally,
there is the appreciation our customers feel for our products and
our great tradition. An extensive service offensive forms an
integral part of the brand campaign.
The complete fascination and authenticity of the Mercedes-
Benz brand is communicated by the new Mercedes-Benz World
in Stuttgart, which consists of the new Mercedes-Benz Museum
and the Mercedes-Benz Center. The museum, which opened in May
2006, is the largest automobile brand museum in the world.
The new smart fortwo can do everything
that its predecessor could - but better. It is
even more agile, more comfortable, safer
and more environmentally friendly than the
first model.
Consistent quality improvements have a positive impact. The
extensive measures that we are implementing to further improve
the quality of our vehicles are having a very positive effect. This
claim is supported by internal analyses and many external stud-
ies, such as the German ADAC AutoMarxX brand ratings. In addi-
tion, the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study 2006 concluded that
the Mercedes-Benz brand has a positive trend in the category of
initial quality. Improvements were achieved in nearly all of the
areas that were addressed in last year’s study (IQS 2005). This
positive development was also confirmed by the 2005 ADAC
break-down statistics, in which the Mercedes-Benz C-Class finished
first among medium-sized vehicles, while another five Mercedes-
Benz passenger cars ranked among the top three in their vehicle
segments. The quality offensive at Mercedes-Benz will continue
as we move toward achieving our goal of becoming the number one
manufacturer in terms of product and service quality.
Mercedes-Benz motorsport success with another DTM title.
Mercedes-Benz captured its fifth German Touring Car Masters
(DTM) title in the Drivers’ Championship since the series was
restarted in 2000. The brand also won the Team Championship in
2006. The C-Class emerged as the most successful DTM vehicle
last year, winning six of the ten races staged. After finishing second
in the Formula One Constructors’ Championship in 2005,
McLaren-Mercedes captured third place in the year under review,
as well as fifth place in the Drivers’ Championship.
Maybach expands its product range. The Maybach high-end
luxury brand expanded its model range in 2006, thereby further
boosting brand appeal. In addition to the Type 62 limousine and
the shorter wheelbase Type 57 and 57 S models, the more powerful
Maybach 62 S is now also available. Thanks to its high-powered
12-cylinder engine, the new 62 S model is the world’s most power-
ful series-produced chauffeur-driven limousine. Since the brand
was revived in 2002, Maybach has delivered more than 1,700 auto-
mobiles to customers around the world despite the difficult
market conditions facing manufacturers in the luxury car sector.
360 of these vehicles were delivered in 2006.
Unit sales in 2006 1
Mercedes-Benz
thereof: A/B-Class
C/CLK/SLK-Class
E/CLS-Class
S/CL/SL-Class/SLR/Maybach
M/R/GL/G-Class
smart
Mercedes Car Group
thereof: Western Europe
Germany
NAFTA
United States (retail sales)
Asia/Pacific
Japan
1 Group sales (including leased vehicles)
1,000
units
1,149
292
329
243
108
177
103
1,252
785
353
272
248
125
48
06/05
% change
+5
+12
-17
-8
+51
+85
-17
+3
+1
-0
+7
+11
+2
+0
Setting the course for a bright future at smart. In March 2006,
we announced that the smart brand would focus on its fortwo
model in the future. Production of the forfour model was discon-
tinued. In addition, all smart brand functions have been integrated
into the Mercedes-Benz organization. smart will retain its identity
as a strong brand of the Mercedes Car Group, with its own clear
image and market presence. By developing a new business model
for smart, DaimlerChrysler has created the right conditions to
achieve a much more favorable cost structure, thus ensuring that
the brand can enjoy a profitable future in the long term.
In November 2006, we unveiled the new smart fortwo, which will
be launched in Europe in April 2007. Although the vehicle boasts
substantial improvements in terms of comfort, handling, safety and
environmental friendliness, it remains true to its unique concept
and character. Starting in 2008, the new smart fortwo will also be
available in the United States. Due to increasing traffic volumes
and rising fuel prices, this market has become a promising market
for smart. The second-largest automobile retail organization in
the United States – the UnitedAuto Group – will act as the exclu-
sive importer of smart brand vehicles.
Divisions | Mercedes Car Group | 85
Chrysler Group
Difficult market and competitive situation in North America | Shipments and production
adjusted to reflect market situation | Ten new products launched in 2006 | Operating loss of €1.1 billion |
Recovery and Transformation Plan presented
Worldwide retail and fleet sales decreased by 5% in 2006 to
2.7 million units (2005: 2.8 million), with decreases in the NAFTA
region offsetting an increase in markets outside of NAFTA.
Fleet sales accounted for 30% of total sales in the United States
(2005: 26%).
As a result of lower volumes and a weaker US dollar on average
for the year, the Chrysler Group’s revenues for the year of
€47.1 billion were significantly lower than in 2005 (€50.1 billion).
Lower sales in the US market. US sales were most affected
by the changes in consumer demand during 2006. Chrysler Group
retail and fleet sales in the US decreased by 7% to 2.1 million
units, resulting in a reduced market share of 12.6% (2005: 13.2%).
Lower sales of larger-size carryover products, such as the
Dodge Ram pickup (-9%), Dodge Durango (-39%), Jeep® Grand
Cherokee (-35%) and Chrysler and Dodge minivans (-9%) offset
the many positive sales results for the all-new vehicles launched
during the year, including the Dodge Caliber (92,200 units),
the Jeep® Compass (18,600 units), Jeep® Wrangler and Wrangler
Unlimited (19,400 units), Dodge Nitro (17,000 units), Chrysler
Aspen (7,700 units) and Chrysler Sebring sedan (21,500 units).
With the exception of the Dodge Caliber, all of these new
models were launched in the second half of the year.
Significantly higher sales in markets outside North America.
The Chrysler Group sells vehicles in more than 125 countries
around the world, with sales outside North America currently
accounting for approximately 8% of total global sales. In recent
years, the Chrysler Group has expanded its operations outside
North America, and it will continue to increase the number of
products offerings in these regions. In 2006, the Dodge brand,
led by the Dodge Caliber, was added to Chrysler Group’s existing
distribution, dealer and service networks outside North America.
More than 90% of the Chrysler Group’s Western European dealers
are adding the brand to their product offerings.
Amounts in millions of €
Operating profit (loss)
Revenues
Investments in property,
plant and equipment
Research and development
expenditure
Production
Unit sales
Employees (Dec. 31)
2006
2005
06/05
% change
(1,118)
47,116
1,534
50,118
2,892
3,083
1,638
1,710
2,548,731
2,760,467
2,654,710
2,812,993
80,735
83,130
.
-6
-6
-4
-8
-6
-3
Business development impacted by difficult market and
competitive situation in the United States. The Chrysler
Group’s launch of 10 aspirational new vehicles during 2006 and
rapid expansion around the globe was overshadowed by weaker
consumer demand combined with intense competition and a shift
toward more fuel-efficient passenger cars and crossover vehicles
in North America. The shift, resulting from higher fuel prices and
increased interest rates, were a disadvantage to the Chrysler
Group’s product range. Accordingly, the Chrysler Group signifi-
cantly reduced production and shipments to dealers in order
to rebalance dealer vehicle inventories and create space for the
new products coming in the pipeline. As a result, year-end US
dealer inventories were adjusted and reduced to 539,100 units
(2005: 598,200 units), equivalent to 74 days’ supply (2005: 85
days’ supply). Reduced shipments, a shift in mix and negative net
pricing resulted in the Chrysler Group posting an operating loss
of €1.2 billion in the third quarter; the operating loss for full-year
2006 amounted to €1.1 billion (2005: €1.5 billion operating
profit) (see page 44).
Worldwide, the Chrysler Group shipped 2.7 million Chrysler,
Jeep® and Dodge branded passenger cars, sports tourers, minivans,
SUVs and light trucks to its dealerships in 2006 (2005: 2.8
million). The most important markets were the United States with
2.1 million vehicles (-9%), followed by Canada with 222,500
vehicles (+6%) and Mexico with 130,900 vehicles (+7%). Shipments
to markets outside the NAFTA region totaled 214,400 units,
an increase of 22% compared to the prior year.
86
The four-door Jeep® Wrangler Unlimited is
the first Wrangler to offer seats for five
adults and a large loading space in combination
with best-in-class off-road ability and great
everyday utility.
During 2006, shipments outside North America increased by
22% to 214,400 vehicles, with growth of 17% to 117,800 vehicles
in Western and Central Europe, the Chrysler Group’s biggest
overseas market. All Chrysler Group brands contributed to this
growth outside North America, including the Dodge brand
with sales of 39,300 units, up 57% from 2005. By the year 2010,
the Chrysler Group plans to nearly double its unit sales outside
North America.
To achieve this goal, the Chrysler Group is also pushing ahead
with activities in China. In 2006, DaimlerChrysler and Beijing
Automotive Industry Holding Company (BAIC) opened a new
joint assembly plant, in which the Chrysler 300C as well as the
Mercedes-Benz C-Class and E-Class are built for the Chinese
market. And in April 2006, the Chrysler Group’s joint venture with
China Motors Company (CMC) began assembling minivans in
Taiwan. It plans to export a cargo van built by CMC in Taiwan to
Mexico as a Dodge vehicle. The Chrysler Group has also licensed
South East Motors to manufacture minivans in Fouzhou, China.
Product offensive in 2006. The Chrysler Group launched
a record 10 new models in 2006 - the most launches in a single
year in its history. Dodge launched its compact five-door car
– the Dodge Caliber, as well as its first mid-size SUV – the Dodge
Nitro, and the new Dodge Ram 3500 Chassis Cab.
The expansion of the Jeep® brand portfolio continued with the
launch of the compact Jeep® Compass. This model aims to attract
additional groups of customers with its modern urban styling.
Other new models launched were the Grand Cherokee SRT8, the
new Wrangler, the four-door Wrangler Unlimited and the Patriot,
which combines the legendary off-road capabilities of a Jeep®
with the handling and low fuel consumption of a compact vehicle.
The Chrysler brand launched the Aspen, its first full-size SUV,
while the new Chrysler Sebring is intended to strengthen
the Chrysler Group’s competitive position in the mid-size sedan
category. It combines attractive design, new customer-oriented
technology and safety equipment with performance and economy
at an attractive price.
Based on 2007 US Environmental Protection Agency fuel economy
ratings, four Chrysler Group models available with the new
four-cylinder World Engine feature estimated highway fuel
consumption of better than 30 miles per US gallon (8 liters per
100 kilometers): the Dodge Caliber, the Jeep® Compass, the
Jeep® Patriot and the Chrysler Sebring. Collectively, the Chrysler
Group’s 10 all-new vehicles, which open new segments and
address increasing concerns for fuel efficiency, will keep the aver-
age showroom age of Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge vehicles
among the industry’s youngest, a metric which partly drives
market share and profitability.
Further quality improvements. Another key priority for
the Chrysler Group is to continuously improve vehicle quality, and
further progress was achieved in this respect during 2006.
Internal measurements show that the quality of our vehicles is
better than ever before, a fact which is confirmed by external
quality studies: The Chrysler brand ranked in the top ten in the
2006 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study. The Chrysler Town &
Country led the minivan segment and the Dodge Caravan placed
third. The quality of the Chrysler 300, Dodge Ram and Dodge
Dakota was also ranked above average.
All three Chrysler Group brands also made gains in the 2006
J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study, showing that customer
perception of quality continues to improve as new vehicles
replace older models in the consumer fleet.
Divisions | Chrysler Group | 87
The Dodge Nitro is the first mid-size SUV
under the Dodge brand. Its impressive
dynamics are under-scored by powerful,
aggressive styling.
Manufacturing flexibility improves efficiency. Enhanced
manufacturing flexibility allows the Chrysler Group to respond
more rapidly to customer demand and market changes by
making it possible to build more vehicles at one plant with little
incremental investment. The Belvidere (Illinois) Assembly Plant
was the first Chrysler Group manufacturing facility to use a body
shop comprised entirely of robotics and free of vehicle-specific
heavy tooling when it began production of the Dodge Caliber in
January 2006. Belvidere’s 780 new robots can make the necessary
tool changes automatically, giving the plant the flexibility to build
the Dodge Caliber, the Dodge Caliber SRT4, the Jeep® Compass
or the Jeep® Patriot with no negative impact on production. This
new process also makes the changeover to new-generation
models faster and more cost-efficient.
The Chrysler Group also installed more flexible manufacturing
equipment and processes in the Sterling Heights (Michigan)
Assembly Plant, where the new Chrysler Sebring sedan went into
production in September 2006. The plant will also produce
the Sebring convertible and the Dodge Avenger, and has the
capability to build all of the vehicles produced in Belvidere,
if required. Flexible manufacturing will also be installed at the
Chrysler Group’s St. Louis South (Missouri) Assembly Plant
during 2007.
Harbour Report confirms further productivity gains. The new
manufacturing flexibility strategies have helped to improve the
Chrysler Group’s efficiency, allowing the division to better utilize
its assets. Over the four years of 2002 through 2005, the
Chrysler Group posted a cumulative 24% productivity improvement
with a 6% improvement in 2005, as confirmed by the 2006
Harbour Report, a recognized industry study that measures the
productivity of North American automotive manufacturers.
Also, the Chrysler Group’s St. Louis South (Missouri) Assembly
Plant was the most productive minivan plant for all manufacturers
in the report at 20.84 hours per vehicle. Furthermore, the
Chrysler Group’s assembly operations improved by 5.7%, topping
all other manufacturers in year-over-year improvement, and its
transmission plants were the industry benchmark for the second
year in a row at 3.55 hours per transmission.
88
New form of cooperation with the supply industry.
Production of the all-new Jeep® Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited
began in August 2006 at the Chrysler Group’s Toledo (Ohio)
Supplier Park. This new plant represents an innovative partnership
model between manufacturer and suppliers: supplier colocation.
With this system, for the first time in a major US operation,
significant portions of the manufacturing process are completed
on-site by supplier companies delivering completed chassis
and bodies to the Chrysler Group’s assembly operations. Suppliers
Magna Steyr, Kuka Group and Ohio Module Manufacturing Co.
own their facilities on Chrysler Group property at the Toledo site.
Finished parts are moved from the suppliers’ facilities to the
vehicle assembly lines on conveyors.
Second World Engine factory opened. One year after the
start of production by the Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance
(GEMA), the second World Engine plant opened in Dundee
(Michigan) in October 2006. The two plants in Dundee are part
of a five-factory global venture producing a family of 1.8-liter,
2.0-liter and 2.4-liter engines jointly developed by DaimlerChrysler,
Hyundai Motor Company and Mitsubishi Motors. In Dundee,
more than 800,000 fuel-efficient and low-emission engines can
now be produced each year. When the five plants are running
at full capacity, they will have a total output of 1.8 million engines
per annum, allowing the project to realize substantial economies
of scale.
Continuation of product offensive. The Chrysler Group will
push forward its product offensive in 2007, launching eight new
vehicles as well as five refreshenings, many of which were
on display at the 2007 North American International Auto Show
(NAIAS) held in Detroit in January.
With its distinctive design and SUV-like
shape, the Dodge Caliber was the first
car on the European market under the
Dodge brand.
Minivans were the starring attraction for the Chrysler Group. The
newly redesigned Chrysler Town & County and Dodge Grand
Caravan featuring the Swivel ’n Go™ seating system have evolved
to become “family rooms on wheels”. Swivel ’n Go offers sec-
ond-row seats that swivel 180 degrees to face the third row with
a removable table that installs between the two rows, cov-
ered storage bins in the floor of the second row, third-row uncov-
ered storage and fold-in-the-floor third-row seating – features
demanded by today’s customer.
Also shown at NAIAS were the Chrysler Sebring convertible
with three convertible top offerings, the all-new Dodge Avenger –
a mid-size sedan that combines bold, aggressive Dodge styling
with innovative interior features and better than 30 highway miles
per gallon (8 liters per 100 kilometers), as well as the high-
performance Dodge Magnum SRT-8 and the new Dodge Viper.
The Chrysler Group will launch all of these vehicles, as well
as the new Dodge Ram 4500/5500 and the Dodge Sprinter, in
2007.
The Chrysler Nassau and the Jeep® Trailhawk concept vehicles
provided a dramatic glimpse of the future design direction of the
Chrysler Group.
Presentation of Recovery and Transformation Plan. In parallel
to its product offensive, the Chrysler Group is working intensively
on further boosting productivity and efficiency along the entire
value chain. In order to combine and intensify these measures, the
“Recovery and Transformation Plan” was developed and
presented in February 2007. This plan aims to return the Chrysler
Group to profitability by 2008 through a combination of measures
designed to increase revenues and reduce costs, while also taking
steps to change its business model for the longterm. The focus
of the Chrysler Group’s product portfolio is to shift to smaller, more
fuel-efficient vehicles in the long term. In parallel, the Chrysler
Group will pursue the goal of expanding sales in international mar-
kets. Furthermore, better use is to be made of alliances and part-
nerships around the world in order to utilize cost advantages and
additional growth potential.
Unit sales 2006 1
Total
thereof: Passenger cars
Light trucks
Sports tourers
Minivans
SUVs
United States
Canada
Mexico
Other markets
1.000
units
2,655
681
534
259
467
714
2,087
223
131
214
06/05
in %
-6
+6
-9
-13
-15
-2
-9
+6
+7
+22
1 Factory shipments (including leased vehicles)
The plan calls for a workforce reduction of 13,000 employees
by the year 2009, production capacity to be reduced by 400,000
vehicles per year, and a reduction in material costs of up to
€1.15 billion. Over the next three years, total financial improve-
ments of €3.5 billion are to be implemented. At the same time,
the program will be supported by investment of €2.3 billion in new
engines, transmissions and axles, which will set the table for a
product offensive of more than 20 all-new and 13 refreshed vehi-
cles from 2007 to 2009. The implementation of the “Recovery
and Transformation Plan” will give rise to restructuring charges
totaling up to €1 billion in 2007.
Divisions | Chrysler Group | 89
Truck Group
Positive developments in global commercial-vehicle markets | Slight increase in unit sales |
Continued successful implementation of Global Excellence program | Further strengthening of world-
wide development and production network | Operating profit at new record level
Amounts in millions of €
Operating profit
Revenues
Investments in property, plant
and equipment
Research and development
expenditure
Production
Unit sales
Employees (Dec. 31)
2006
2005
2,020
31,988
907
1,023
530,198
536,956
83,237
1,606
30,368
966
944
539,304
529,499
84,254
06/05
% change
+26
+5
-6
+8
-2
+1
-1
Increases in unit sales, revenues and operating profit. In
2006, the Truck Group built on the very successful developments
of the prior year, increasing unit sales by 1% to a new record of
537,000 vehicles. The higher sales volume and an improved model
mix caused revenues to rise by 5% to €32.0 billion. We continued
to consistently implement the worldwide Global Excellence opti-
mization program in the year under review. The measures under-
taken in this regard had a positive impact on earnings. Operating
profit of €2.0 billion surpassed the high prior-year result by
26% (see page 44).
Ongoing high unit sales by Trucks Europe/Latin America.
The Trucks Europe/Latin America business unit offers medium-
duty and heavy-duty trucks under the Mercedes-Benz brand
name for long-distance haulage, delivery and construction appli-
cations. While the Actros is designed exclusively for heavy-duty
applications, the Axor and Atego models cover the segment for
both heavy-duty and medium-duty trucks. The product range is
rounded off by the Econic and Unimog special-purpose vehicles.
Trucks Europe/Latin America increased its unit sales in the core
market of Western Europe by 3% to 76,000 vehicles in 2006.
Sales developed particularly well in Germany, totaling 37,400 units,
an increase of 4%. Despite the market downturn in Brazil and
lower sales in the Middle East, total unit sales of 142,100 vehicles
were only slightly below the prior year’s high level. With market
shares of 40% in Germany (2005:42%) and 22% in Western Europe
(2005: 22%), the Mercedes-Benz brand was the leader in the
segment for medium-duty and heavy-duty trucks in those markets.
In Latin America, the unit sales of Trucks Europe/Latin America
decreased by 5% to 29,900. In Brazil, the Mercedes-Benz brand was
the market leader, achieving a market share of 32% (2005: 31%).
The outstanding business development at Trucks Europe/Latin
America in 2006 was largely due to the market success enjoyed by
our innovative products. In the year under review, we sold 24,900
trucks equipped with the environmentally friendly BLUETEC tech-
nology, which is now available in all model series.
In the summer of 2006, as part of a roadshow through 12 major
European cities, we presented the Mercedes-Benz Safety Truck,
which combines all of the currently available assistance and safety
systems, including Active Brake Assist (emergency braking
support), Lane Assistant, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Stability
Program. The utility and effectiveness of these systems were
demonstrated in a major series of tests with 1,000 trucks that
clocked up more than 100 million test kilometers. The Mercedes-
Benz “Safety Package” reduced the frequency of accidents by 50%,
and in those cases where an accident was unavoidable, the
resulting monetary damage was 90% lower on average than the
damage figure associated with a similar accident involving a
truck without the safety systems. Insurance companies are reward-
ing the utilization of safety technologies by granting lower
premiums for liability and collision policies.
90
Representing the Truck Group’s high-
quality and comprehensive product
portfolio: the Mercedes-Benz Actros,
the Freightliner Coronado and the
Mitsubishi Fuso Canter Eco Hybrid
(from left to right).
At the 2006 IAA Commercial Vehicles Show in Hanover in Sep-
tember, we presented another new product – the new Mercedes-
Benz Unimog U20. The U20, which has a shortened wheelbase
and a gross vehicle weight of 7.5 to 8.5 metric tons, completes our
range of special-purpose vehicles.
In 2006, to ensure that it is ideally prepared to face future
challenges, the Truck Group began to build a Development and
Testing Center in the vicinity of the Wörth truck assembly plant.
The new 500,000-square-meter facility, which is scheduled for com-
pletion in 2007, will include a test track for truck development
and quality assurance activities. Due to the short distances be-
tween the various working environments, cooperation between
development and production units will improve and powerful syn-
ergy effects will be generated. In addition, the new Development
and Testing Center will help safeguard competitiveness.
Renewed increase in unit sales in the NAFTA region. With
its Freightliner brand, the Truck Group is the leading manufacturer
of trucks for long-haulage in North America. Freightliner also
produces delivery trucks and commercial vehicles for the services
sector. Sterling, on the other hand, focuses on delivery trucks
and vehicles for construction industry applications, while the
Western Star brand covers the segment for premium heavy-duty
trucks in North America. School bus business activities are
conducted by our Thomas Built Buses brand, which accounts for
more than one out of every three school buses registered in the
United States and Canada.
Operating in a very positive market environment, the Trucks
NAFTA unit increased unit sales by 3% in 2006 to the record level
of 208,300 vehicles. A particularly large increase was recorded
in the segment for Class 8 heavy-duty trucks, with this positive de-
velopment resulting primarily from vehicle purchases brought
forward due to the more stringent EPA07 emission limits that
came into effect on January 1, 2007. Sales also rose in the seg-
ment for Classes 5-7 medium-duty trucks.
Market share in the NAFTA region declined in both the Class 8
segment (33%; 2005: 36%) and in the Classes 5-7 segment (21%;
2005:23%). This development was largely due to capacity bottle-
necks. In fact, at some plants the orders already matched the maxi-
mum production capacity as early as the summer of 2006.
Despite this decrease in market share, our brands maintained their
market leadership in the NAFTA Region’s Class 8 segment in
the year under review.
The Sterling 360, a light-duty truck based on the Mitsubishi Fuso
Canter, has been available in the NAFTA region since the begin-
ning of 2006. This vehicle, which is equipped with a 4.9-liter diesel
engine and a six-speed automatic transmission, is perfect for
the wholesale sector, construction and light delivery applications.
The rapid development and market launch of the Sterling 360
was made possible in particular by close cooperation within the
Truck Group, and this effective partnership offers an example
of the synergy potential available in the global development and
production network. A total of 440 Sterling 360 models were
sold in North America in 2006.
At the Great American Truck Show in Dallas (Texas) in August 2006,
we presented a hybrid-drive prototype truck under the Freight-
liner brand name for the first time. The Business Class M2 106 is
a full-parallel hybrid that can run either on a 44 kW electric
motor or a 170 kW diesel engine. The two drive systems can also
be operated in combination to achieve maximum output. In
addition, the vehicle recovers braking energy, which it converts into
electricity that can be used to power the electric motor.
Tests show that the vehicle consumes much less fuel than a truck
equipped with a conventional diesel drive. The Truck Group will
continue to promote the spread of hybrid vehicles in the North
American market.
Divisions | Truck Group | 91
The new Mercedes-Benz Unimog U20:
enormous mobility with permanent all-wheel
drive and power take-off for all kinds of
equipment guarantee maximum flexibility and
performance.
Mitsubishi Fuso regains customers’ trust. Trucks Asia – with
its Mitsubishi Fuso brand – is the second-largest manufacturer of
light, medium and heavy-duty trucks in Japan. Mitsubishi Fuso
also produces all types of buses, ranging from urban transport
buses to luxury travel coaches.
Trucks Asia sold 186,600 vehicles in 2006, a significant increase
(+4%) on the prior year. The unit performed particularly well
in our core market of Japan, where sales rose by 20% to 71,100
vehicles, primarily due to regained trust among customers and
advance purchasing in connection with the introduction of new
emission standards in the country. Market share in Japan in-
creased from 23% to 25% in the year under review. Sales outside
Japan decreased by 4% to 115,500 units in 2006, largely due to
the market slump in Indonesia, which is Trucks Asia’s biggest
export market.
In the summer of 2006, Trucks Asia presented the Mitsubishi Fuso
Canter Eco Hybrid, the world’s cleanest light-duty truck. The
vehicle has been available in Japan since July 2006, and its launch
in other markets is being considered. The Eco Hybrid’s pay-load
of up to 3.0 metric tons makes it ideal for various local delivery
applications. Its biggest advantage lies in the fact that it con-
sumes around 20 percent less fuel than a conventionally powered
truck of its size, with the biggest fuel savings achieved in stop-
and-go traffic and delivery operations. Mitsubishi Fuso is respon-
sible for the Truck Group’s Hybrid Technology Competence
Center, and thus makes a major contribution to safeguarding the
division’s technological leadership.
Many Global Excellence program measures implemented.
The Global Excellence program was launched in 2005 in order to
ensure the Truck Group’s long-term profitability and strengthen
the division’s competitiveness. The program is based on four strate-
gic initiatives. The “Optimizing the Business Model” initiative is
geared toward reducing the division’s susceptibility to cyclical fluc-
tuations and ensuring that it remains profitable even in years
when commercial vehicle markets are sluggish. A further goal here
is to achieve the highest possible level of flexibility in produc-
tion. To this end, we reached an agreement with the Works Coun-
cil to expand operations at the Wörth plant; this is the division’s
largest plant and was operating at extremely high output levels in
2006. The agreement calls for extending existing shifts and intro-
ducing shifts on Saturdays. Flexibility will also be significantly
enhanced through working-time accounts that enable the
division to scale back or increase production in line with cyclical
fluctuations.
“Operational Excellence” is the second initiative and focuses on
implementing measures to increase efficiency at all Truck Group
units. Such measures include reducing material costs and fixed
costs and harmonizing processes throughout the Group in order
to create and utilize economies of scale across all truck brands.
For example, we will use only three rather than the current eight
engine families in our trucks in the future. We will also increase
the level of shared components in the areas of axles and trans-
missions.
The primary focus of the third initiative, “Growth in Global Com-
mercial Vehicle Markets”, is on intensifying activities in markets
with very high growth potential. Accordingly, the Truck Group is
currently examining possibilities for entering certain emerging mar-
kets, with a particular focus on China and India.
92
The Mercedes-Benz Actros Space-Max
shown at Germany’s International Truck
Show in 2006 features generous space
and a luxurious interior.
The fourth initiative, “Future Product Generations”, concerns the
development of future products and innovative technologies. The
goal of this initiative is to consolidate and expand the division’s
innovation leadership through the introduction of new technologies
and products. Among the most important measures to be under-
taken as part of this initiative are the further development of the
global modular strategy, exhaust-gas and safety technologies,
and alternative drive systems. DaimlerChrysler is the first manu-
facturer to equip its entire range of trucks in Europe with engines
that meet the Euro 4 emission standards. In some cases, these
vehicles already fulfill the even more stringent Euro 5 emission
standards, which will not go into effect until 2009.
Strengthening the global development and production net-
work. Coinciding with Group-wide implementation of the new man-
agement model, the Truck Group launched a modified orga-
nizational structure on August 1, 2006. The division now consists
of three operating units: Trucks Europe/Latin America, Trucks
NAFTA, and Trucks Asia, each of which is responsible for produc-
tion and sales operations in its respective region. In order to
more extensively exploit synergies as early as the product creation
phase – and to allow the enhanced harmonization of parts and
components – the former Truck Product Creation unit was split into
two powerful units: Truck Product Engineering, which is respon-
sible for the three vehicle development centers in Stuttgart, Port-
land and Kawasaki as well as the integrated development of
large components, and Truck Powertrain Operations & Manufac-
turing Engineering, which oversees component production and
production planning for vehicle and component plants.
“Truck Dedication” initiative places the focus on the customer.
One of our aims at the Truck Group is to maintain close relations
with our customers throughout the entire vehicle lifecycle. To this
end, we launched the “Truck Dedication” initiative in the late
summer of 2006 with the objective of aligning our sales and service
activities more closely with the needs of customers. Key ele-
ments of the initiative include establishing a stronger presence
close to our customers – for example, by opening additional
service centers near highways and logistics centers and guaran-
teeing that our service teams are available round the clock.
Truck Group unit sales in 20061
Total
Western Europe
thereof: Germany
United Kingdom
France
Italy
NAFTA
thereof: United States
Latin America (excluding Mexico)
thereof: Brazil
Asia
thereof: Japan
1 Group sales (including leased vehicles)
1,000
units
537
106
60
8
11
5
188
164
40
22
144
71
06/05
%
+1
+4
+4
-19
+8
+10
+3
+3
+1
-5
-8
+20
Divisions | Truck Group | 93
Financial Services
Positive business development in 2006 | Focus on improving market position and customer
satisfaction | Efficiency-improving programs implemented worldwide | Significant increase in
operating profit
Amounts in millions of €
Operating profit
Revenues
New business
Contract volume
Investments in property, plant
and equipment
Employees (Dec. 31)
2006
2005
06/05
% change
1,714
17,154
52,981
113,297
29
10,718
1,468
15,439
48,152
117,724
45
11,129
+17
+11
+10
-4
-36
-4
Positive business development at DaimlerChrysler Financial
Services. The Financial Services division once again developed
positively and further improved its market position in 2006. New
business increased by 10% to €53.0 billion, while contract vol-
ume of €113.3 billion was 4% lower than in the prior year. Adjusted
for exchange-rate effects, contract volume rose by 5%. At the
end of 2006, the Financial Services portfolio comprised 6.5 million
leased and financed vehicles. Operating profit for the year rose
by 17% to €1.7 billion (see page 45).
The Financial Services division developed positively in all regions.
Our worldwide activities in the year under review focused on
further boosting our efficiency and enhancing customer and dealer
satisfaction. We also improved our market position by coop-
erating with the vehicle divisions and dealers to develop financial
services products that meet our customers’ individual mobility
needs. These products incorporate features such as servicing and
vehicle insurance as part of the monthly financing installment or
leasing rate.
Expanded range of products and improved customer satisfac-
tion in North and South America. The Americas region (North
and South America) managed a total contract volume of €80.4
billion at the end of 2006 (end of 2005: €85.9 billion). This was
once again the highest volume recorded by any Financial Services
region, accounting for 71% of the total portfolio. Adjusted for
exchange-rate effects, the portfolio in the region expanded by 4%.
New business rose by 12% to €35.7 billion. This was due in
part to the high level of acceptance of our financial services prod-
ucts and our expansion into new market segments.
Both Mercedes-Benz Financial and Chrysler Financial once again
significantly improved their ratings in the annual dealer satisfac-
tion survey conducted in the United States by J.D. Power. In addi-
tion, DaimlerChrysler Financial Services Americas introduced
new products in 2006 that generated a very positive market re-
sponse. With “Business Vehicle Finance”, we expanded the range
of financing for commercial vehicles and passenger cars in busi-
ness fleets. We also launched the CompleteLease full-service
leasing product for Dodge and Sterling commercial vehicles in the
United States.
Continual improvement of loan-approval and contract-processing
procedures has played a major role in accelerating and simplify-
ing the financing and leasing process. In line with this approach,
we introduced “eContracting” in the United States in 2006 –
the first electronic system for the completely paperless process-
ing of leasing and financing applications.
Positive development in the Europe, Africa & Asia/Pacific
region. The Europe, Africa & Asia/Pacific region also developed
positively in 2006. Contract volume of €32.9 billion was 3% higher
than the prior year’s level. The strongest portfolio increases in Asia
were recorded in China, Japan and South Korea.
94
94
DaimlerChrysler Financial Services
provides the right financial services for each
vehicle in the Group - already for more
than three million customers worldwide.
Successful development of insurance services. The
establishment of our center of competence “Automotive Insur-
ance” enabled us to conclude important master agreements
with insurance companies around the globe during the year under
review. These agreements have already led to the significant
expansion of business volumes in key markets such as France and
Mexico and have also helped our smaller subsidiaries to gain
access to favorable conditions and to improve their market posi-
tion. Examples here include Sweden, Switzerland and Hungary.
Our aim is to offer all of our leasing and financing customers around
the world a competitive payment protection insurance policy.
Fleet management solutions gain importance for commercial
customers. The Fleet Management unit increased the number
of vehicles in its total fleet by 10% to 462,100 units in 2006. We
began intensifying the links between passenger-car and commer-
cial-vehicle fleet management in the areas of contract processing
and customer care. The focus is on achieving even more inte-
gration with the sales activities of all the Group’s automotive brands.
We now offer fleet management services to our customers in
13 countries around the world.
Toll Collect system running smoothly. The toll collection system
in Germany for trucks over 12 metric tons gross vehicle weight
continued to operate reliably and smoothly after the conversion
from on-board unit 1 (OBU 1) to OBU 2 was completed as planned
at the beginning of 2006. The Toll Collect system registered a total
of 25.8 billion kilometers traveled in Germany in 2006, with
546,000 on-board units in use at the end of the year. Daimler-
Chrysler Financial Services owns a 45% share in the Toll Collect
consortium.
Within the framework of our strategy for Europe, we intensified
cooperation in the 20 European markets in which we operate. In
2006, we worked on further aligning the processes and systems
for loan approval, risk management and refinancing. We also devel-
oped a more standardized range of products and a more uniform
customer-relations policy. We expanded our product range through-
out Europe for leasing, financing, insurance and fleet manage-
ment. At the end of 2006, we managed a portfolio of €11.2 billion
in Western Europe excluding Germany (2005: €10.9 billion).
In Germany, DaimlerChrysler Bank further improved its market
position. Contract volume at our biggest European company rose
by 5% to €16.0 billion. DaimlerChrysler Bank welcomed its one-
millionth customer in May 2006. Since entering the direct banking
market four years ago, the bank more than doubled its number
of customers. In the year under review, DaimlerChrysler Bank laid
the groundwork to utilize the Basel II internal ratings-based
approach in its leasing and financing business in 2007. This ad-
vanced credit-risk assessment method will further strengthen
our competitive position.
By establishing the new Fuso Financial business unit in October
2005, DaimlerChrysler Financial Services expanded its financing
activities for commercial vehicles in Japan. In September 2006,
Fuso Financial completed the rollout of its financial products for
Mitsubishi Fuso’s entire dealership network in Japan. The focus
is now on providing financial services to customers throughout
the country. With this goal in mind, Mitsubishi Fuso and Fuso
Financial are jointly developing attractive products tailored to cus-
tomers’ needs.
Since the establishment of DaimlerChrysler Automotive Finance
(China) Ltd. one year ago, we have succeeded in expanding our
business operations with customers from three to a total of 15
major metropolitan areas in China. Our activities focus on pro-
viding support to the dealership network throughout the country.
In this way, Financial Services is making an important contri-
bution to DaimlerChrysler’s penetration of the Chinese market.
Contract volume in China totaled €105 million at the end of 2006.
Divisions | Financial Services | 95
Van, Bus, Other
Sales of vans down slightly due to Sprinter model changeover | DaimlerChrysler Buses confirms
market leadership | EADS: record aircraft deliveries and delays with the A380 | Operating profit of
€913 million (2005: €1,091 million)
Amounts in millions of €
Operating profit
Revenues
thereof: Vans
Buses
Investments in property,
plant and equipment
Research and development
expenditure
Production1
Unit sales1
thereof: Vans
Buses
Employees (Dec. 31)
2006
2005
06/05
% change
913
13,439
8,542
4,039
447
494
279,228
305,001
256,895
36,192
39,400
1,091
14,835
8,135
3,884
886
577
295,353
315,567
267,245
36,221
51,093
-16
-9
+5
+4
-50
-14
-5
-3
-4
-0
-23
1 Including the Mitsubishi Pickup L200 and the Mitsubishi Pajero produced in South Africa
The Van, Bus, Other segment comprises the Vans and Buses units,
our holding in the European Aeronautic Defence and Space
Company (EADS), the Corporate Research department, our real-
estate activities and the holding and finance companies. Within
the framework of our new management model, we decided that
our vans and buses activities, which until 2005 were part of the
Commercial Vehicles division, would be directly managed as sep-
arate units. In the context of the new management model, we
merged the Corporate Research department and the development
departments of the Mercedes Car Group; as a result, they are
directly allocated to the Mercedes Car Group as of 2007.
Revenues for the Van, Bus, Other segment decreased by 9% to
€13.4 billion, reflecting the disposal of our off-highway business.
The segment’s operating profit declined from €1,091 million in
2005 to €913 million in the year under review (see page 45). The
earnings figure includes the expenditure of €393 million related
to implementation of the new management model. The earnings
for EADS, as determined by the proportion of our interest in that
company, are entered into DaimlerChrysler’s operating profit with
a delay of one quarter.
96
96
Vans
Market share remains stable despite Sprinter model
changeover. Unit sales at the Vans unit totaled 256,900 vehicles
worldwide in the year under review (2005: 267,200). This slight
decrease in sales was due to the Sprinter model changeover and
associated production bottlenecks at the Düsseldorf plant. The
new Sprinter is now also being produced at the Ludwigsfelde plant.
A total of 157,200 Sprinter vans were sold worldwide in 2006.
With sales of 59,400 units by the end of the year, the new Sprinter
is clearly continuing the success story of its predecessor. Despite
the Sprinter model changeover, the Vans unit was able to maintain
its 16% market share in the segment for medium and large vans
in Western Europe, where it remained the market leader. Unit sales
of Vito and Viano vans developed positively in 2006, totaling
94,100 vehicles (2005: 90,900). The introduction of economical
and clean diesel engines throughout the year, as well as an
expanded range of optional equipment, contributed to this posi-
tive result.
New Sprinter boasts a wide range of variants and high safety
standards. The new Sprinter features an even broader range of
variants than its very successful predecessor. Customers can
choose from six engines, three wheelbase lengths, three roof
heights and up to four overall vehicle lengths. The range of standard
safety equipment has also been expanded. Along with airbags,
wide-angle mirrors and improved crash protection, the new Sprinter
now includes the Electronic Stability Program (ESP).
These innovative product features were the main reasons why
the newspaper “Deutsche Handwerkszeitung” and the magazine
“KEP aktuell/trans aktuell” respectively granted the Sprinter
the “German Commercial Vehicle Prize 2006/2007” and the title
“KEP Van of the Year”.
Expanded market presence in the United States. The
Sprinter has been available in the United States under the Dodge
and Freightliner brands since 2003. In order to accommodate
the increasing demand for the Sprinter in the United States, we
decided to produce the successor model at our assembly plant
in Charleston, South Carolina, starting in March 2007.
The Mercedes-Benz Safety
Coach - the safest travel coach
in the world - combines all of
the existing safety systems. The
Sprinter also has the best safety
package in its class.
Buses
EADS
Market position maintained. DaimlerChrysler Buses comprises
the bus operations of our Mercedes-Benz, Setra and Orion brands.
The unit sold 36,200 buses and chassis worldwide in 2006 (2005:
36,200). The Buses unit thus repeated the high level of unit
sales it achieved in the prior year and maintained its position as
the global market leader. In Europe, we sold 8,700 vehicles in a
growing market (+4%), once again achieving a market share of 22%.
Unit sales in Latin America rose by 14% to 17,100 vehicles; with
a market share of 48% in this region we are the market leader
(2005: 49%). In the NAFTA region, we sold 6,300 buses and
chassis in the year under review, fewer than in the prior year in line
with the overall market development (2005: 6,700).
Safety and assistance systems enhance customer utility.
Along with leadership in technology, the high comfort and safety
standards of our products have played a decisive role in helping
us maintain our competitiveness in the bus sector. At the IAA Com-
mercial Vehicles Show 2006 in Hanover, we unveiled the “short”
Mercedes-Benz Citaro K (length: 10.5 meters), the Mercedes-Benz
Tourismo high-deck travel coach and the new MultiClass 400
low-floor intercity bus. All of these buses are equipped with pio-
neering safety systems as standard, including the Electronic Brake
System (EBS) and the Electronic Stability Program (ESP). Also avail-
able are additional driver-assistance systems such as Proximity
Cruise Control and the Lane Assistant. The Mercedes-Benz Citaro
Low Entry intercity bus was named “Bus of the Year 2007” in the
category of public transport buses. In the markets of Latin America,
the DaimlerChrysler Buses unit presented the 18-meter O 500
chassis – a trend-setting articulated chassis with high passenger
capacity.
Leader in alternative drives. DaimlerChrysler Buses’ leadership
in technology is also underscored by the unit’s pioneering role
in developing alternative drive systems. Examples include the drive
systems used in the fuel-cell powered Mercedes-Benz Citaro city
buses and in the hybrid buses built by Orion for the North American
market. Here, with some 1,500 units sold, we are the market
leader worldwide.
Record deliveries and challenges in the year under review.
While the helicopter, defense and space businesses continued
to develop positively in 2006 and Airbus delivered more aircraft
than ever before, the year was also impacted by delays in the
A380 program. The company will publish its results for the 2006
financial year on March 9, 2007.
During the first nine months of 2006, revenues at EADS as defined
by the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) rose
to €27.5 billion from the €23.4 billion recorded during the same
period of 2005. Operating profit amounted to €1.4 billion (first
nine months of 2005: €2.1 billion). This decline was due to delays
in the A380 program and the weakness of the US dollar against
the euro.
Market success overshadowed by delays in the A380 program.
Airbus delivered a record 434 aircraft in 2006 (2005: 378).
Following record order intake in 2005, Airbus posted the second-
highest level of incoming orders in its history in the year under
review, receiving new firm orders for 790 aircraft (2005: 1,055).
This is evidence of the ongoing strong demand for civil aircraft.
As of December 31, 2006, Airbus had an order backlog of 2,533
civil aircraft (2005: 2,177).
The timetable for the delivery of A380 aircraft was altered in Oc-
tober 2006. This development will place a substantial financial
burden on EADS in the period through 2010. According to the new
schedule, deliveries to first customers of the A380, which re-
ceived its Type Certification on December 12, 2006, will begin in
October 2007. To regain its competitive strength, Airbus launched
the “Power 8” efficiency-improving program with the goal of reduc-
ing costs by at least €2.0 billion each year beginning in 2010.
Green light for the A350 XWB. In December 2006, the EADS
Board of Directors approved the start of the program for the new
A350 XWB long-range airliner. The program targets a market
whose volume is expected to total approximately 5,700 new aircraft
over the next two decades.
Divisions | Van, Bus, Other | 97
We regard the economic, social and ecological dimensions of our
thoughts and actions as inseparable, because we take a holistic view
of the issue of sustainability. Economic success is a precondition
for being able to make a lasting positive contribution to social and
ecological developments. Although we had to make some difficult
decisions in the year 2006 in order to secure our long-term competi-
tiveness, we fulfilled our responsibilities to our employees, the
environment and society. Economic, ecological and social goals are
very important to us, and they are therefore firmly anchored in our
corporate strategy.
98
98 - 109
Sustainability
100 Sustainability at DaimlerChrysler
A holistic approach to sustainability
Publication of first integrated sustainability
report: “360 DEGREES”
Further sustainability goals defined
102 Human Resources
Global Human Resources Strategy safeguards
competitiveness
New compensation model (ERA) introduced
in Germany on January 1, 2007
New management model implemented
at the human resources level
Approximately 9,400 traineeships worldwide
104 Research and Development
€5.3 billion invested in research and
development
Reorganization improves cooperation, efficiency,
quality and speed of development
Enhanced vehicle safety leads to fewer traffic
accidents
Presentation of the world’s first gasoline engine
with piezo injectors and jet-guided fuel injection
Clear concepts for achieving the goal
of zeroemission drive systems
106 Environment
€1.7 billion spent on environmental protection
BLUETEC — a sustainable concept for the world’s
cleanest diesel engines
Market-ready hybrid drive systems for commercial
vehicles increase customer utility in city traffic
Further emission reductions with
environmentally friendly fuels
1.5 million flex-fuel vehicles delivered worldwide
108 Social Responsibility
Worldwide social commitment supported by
Board of Management and workforce
Utilizing core competencies for society
Ongoing dialogue with policymakers, the business
community and society
Focus on improved transatlantic relations and
enhanced traffic safety for children
Sustainability | 99
Sustainability at DaimlerChrysler
A holistic approach to sustainability | Publication of first integrated sustainability report:
“360 DEGREES” | Further sustainability goals defined
Integrative sustainability management. In order to successfully
implement the various aspects of sustainable operations within
the Group, every part of the company is being integrated into
a target system. The sustainability initiatives that were launched
in 2005 were continued in the year under review. An integrative,
cross-divisional committee is responsible for centralized sustain-
ability management. The committee meets regularly in
order to further enhance DaimlerChrysler’s sustainability profile.
Its activities include continuing the multi-stakeholder dialogue,
managing the measures being taken to improve the Group’s
external sustainability ratings, and further refining our
sustainability reporting.
Above and beyond the requirements of the law, DaimlerChrysler
has implemented a broad range of regulations that support
our commitment to sustainability. Examples include the Daimler-
Chrysler Integrity Code, the Environmental Guidelines and the
Health and Safety Guidelines.
The various divisions and functional departments monitor and
control our sustainability initiatives. Examples include the Global
Diversity Council, the Business Practices Office and the Corporate
Compliance Operations department. With regard to ecological
issues, this monitoring and controlling function is carried out by a
steering committee whose members are selected in line with
product-related or production-related criteria. The committee is
headed by the Group’s chief environmental officer.
A holistic approach to sustainability. Only a financially
sound company can make a positive contribution to social and
environmental development over the long term. At the same
time, business success obliges a company to take on specific
responsibilities with regard to its employees, society as a whole
and the natural environment. That’s why our business operations
must always be viewed against the background of social and
ecological responsibility.
This is also the reason why our quest to deliver sustainable mobility
plays a key role at DaimlerChrysler. The mobility of people and
the transport of goods is an essential precondition for economic
development. In view of limited resources and increasing
transport volumes, the companies in the automotive industry have
a duty to make future mobility, with all its technical and economic
challenges, as environmentally friendly and sustainable as possible
(see “Research and Development,” pages 104 f; “Environment,”
pages 106 f).
At DaimlerChrysler, sustainability is ensured by the commitment
of the company’s employees. Our products and services are the
result of the efforts of all the men and women at DaimlerChrysler
who devote their talent, expertise, dedication and creativity
to ensuring the Group’s sustainable success. That’s why it is so
important for us to create the right working conditions for our
employees, open up long-term perspectives for them, promote
their professional development and offer them an attractive
working environment. In this context, it is no contradiction that
we sometimes have to reduce the number of employees in order
to strengthen our competitiveness and thus make the remaining
jobs more secure. In fact, such an approach is clearly in line with
our long-term orientation (see “Human Resources”, pages 102 f).
But our sense of social responsibility does not stop at the factory
gates; on the contrary, that’s only the beginning (see “Social
Responsibility”, pages 108 f).
100
100
Sustainability is based on long-term economic success;
it gives due consideration to social aspects at the company and
in the community, as well as to environmental concerns.
Furthermore, DaimlerChrysler has defined targets and measures
in order to further strengthen its commitment to the model of
sustainable business operations. These include targets regarding
climate protection and air purity, the assessment of environmental
management systems, the improvement of service quality
and continued education and training programs for the employees.
This will ensure long-term competitiveness in this era of
demographic change and will help us in our fight against HIV/AIDS.
More information on sustainability can be found in the
following chapters of the annual report as well as in the reports
“360 DEGREES – MAGAZINE on Sustainability 2006” and
“360 DEGREES – FACTS on Sustainability 2006” and on our
website at www.daimlerchrysler.com/sustainability.
Publication of first integrated report. Annual reporting forms a
key component of sustainability management. In 2006, Daimler-
Chrysler published an integrated sustainability report for the first
time ever. Entitled “360 DEGREES”, it was the successor
to the Environmental Report and the Social Responsibility Report.
Our sustainability reporting thus rests on three pillars:
– The report “360 DEGREES – MAGAZINE on Sustainability 2006”
offers readers a journalistic treatment of selected topics.
– The report “360 DEGREES – FACTS on Sustainability 2006”
uses data and statistics to provide an overview of the
company’s sustainability activities in the past financial year.
– In addition, the company’s website offers further information
that completes those reports’ coverage of this topic.
The report “360 DEGREES – FACTS on Sustainability 2006” and
DaimlerChrysler’s presentation of sustainability on the Internet
take their lead from the guidelines of the Global Reporting Initiative
(GRI). These guidelines provide interested parties with a portrait
of our companies’ achievements in the area of sustainability that is
not only transparent, but also provides a sound framework for
comparison.
Other activities and goals related to sustainability. In the 2006
financial year, DaimlerChrysler increased its involvement in
non-financial reporting through its membership of the Global
Reporting Initiative as an “organizational stakeholder”.
Our efforts to organize our business operations in accordance with
various aspects of sustainability were also honored by external
assessments of our performance in 2006. DaimlerChrysler shares
continue to be included in the globally renowned Dow Jones
Sustainability Index (DJSI) – one of the world’s most important
sustainability indices. DaimlerChrysler shares are also included
in the Dow Jones STOXX Sustainability Index, which reflects the
share-price performance of European companies with a particular
commitment to sustainability. In addition, DaimlerChrysler
is also listed in other ratings and indices such as Oekom, Vigeo
and AccountAbility. We continue to pursue the goal of further
improving our performance with regard to sustainability. We are
convinced that our efforts will be reflected in the relevant
sustainability ratings and rankings.
Sustainability | Sustainability at DaimlerChrysler | 101
Human Resources
Global Human Resources Strategy safeguards competitiveness | New compensation model (ERA)
introduced in Germany on January 1, 2007 | New management model implemented at the human
resources level | Approximately 9,400 traineeships worldwide
Employees (December 31)
DaimlerChrysler Group
Mercedes Car Group
Chrysler Group
Truck Group
Sales Organization
Automotive Businesses
Financial Services
Van, Bus, Other
2006
2005
06/05
% change
360,385
99,343
80,735
83,237
46,952
10,718
39,400
382,724
104,345
83,130
84,254
48,773
11,129
51,093
- 6
- 5
- 3
- 1
- 4
- 4
- 23
Improved productivity and headcount reductions. The Daimler-
Chrysler Group had 360,385 employees worldwide on December
31, 2006 (2005: 382,724), and achieved significant productivity
improvements in all divisions during the year 2006. 166,617
persons were employed in Germany (2005: 182,060) and 94,792
in the United States (2005: 97,480). The number of employees
decreased compared to the figure for 2005, primarily due to the
implementation of the CORE program at the Mercedes Car Group
and the new management model in the administrative areas of the
headquarters and operational units, as well as the sale of the
off-highway business. Within the context of implementing the new
management model, some functions that had previously been
performed at the Group level were assigned to the divisions.
Therefore, the approximately 2,000 employees of the former
Corporate Research department are now shown at the Mercedes
Car Group, since Corporate Research was merged with the
development departments of the Mercedes Car Group. These
changes have led to opposing employment effects in the
divisions, making it difficult to directly compare their figures
with the prior year.
Global Human Resources Strategy safeguards competitive-
ness. The targets for our human resources operations are clearly
defined in the DaimlerChrysler target system (see page 36):
We aim to hire, retain and promote highly motivated and high-
performing employees. In order to attain this goal and contribute to
the Group’s long-term success, we pursue a Global Human Re-
sources Strategy that is based on five pillars: profitability, a compet-
itive workforce, future-oriented leadership, high attractiveness
102
102
as an employer and professional organization. In 2006, our human
relations work focused on three key challenges: improving our
competitiveness, especially in the areas of labor costs and em-
ployee performance; implementing the new management model;
and systematically integrating the organization of decentralized
human resources departments, systems and processes.
Putting shared corporate values into practice. Passion, Respect,
Integrity and Discipline provide orientation and form the basis
for every employee’s actions in line with the culture of excellence
at DaimlerChrysler. It is therefore vitally important that these
basic values are put into practice without any reservations and
are firmly established in our human resources procedures.
Due to their position as role models, managers bear a special
responsibility in this regard.
Transformation of the compensation system. The uniform
collective framework agreement for hourly and salaried employees
in Germany (ERA) is being introduced with effect as of January 1,
2007. To this end, the work activities of approximately 125,000
employees have been reevaluated in cooperation with human
resources units, managers and works councils. Further details of
the agreement, such as a new system for measuring perfor-
mance, will be worked out in the course of 2007. In the “Safe-
guarding the Future 2012” agreement concluded in 2004, it was
agreed that after the introduction of ERA at DaimlerChrysler, the
wage increase of 2.79% stipulated in the collective bargaining
agreement would not be implemented in full. It was also agreed that
the existing workforce at the Group’s German locations would
receive wage and salary guarantees and company compensation
components if necessary. For new employees, ERA applies
in full as specified in the collective wage bargaining agreement
and in the terms of application for the various plants. Another
consequence of the “Safeguarding the Future 2012” agreement
is that the wages of DaimlerChrysler employees covered by the
collective wage bargaining agreement were reduced by 2.79% in
2006. For senior managers in Germany, variable compensation
for 2006 was reduced by 10% in addition to the reduction of their
regular monthly salaries.
Our employees are the key to DaimlerChrysler’s successful
future. Because the motivation, expertise and efficiency of our
workforce make a crucial contribution to the DaimlerChrysler
Group’s long-term success.
Headcount reductions at the Mercedes Car Group. The CORE
program approved by the Board of Management at the end of
September 2005 called for a reduction of 8,500 jobs within 12
months at the German locations of the Mercedes Car Group.
The goal was to reach this figure through voluntary severance
agreements. The basic terms and conditions of severance were
defined in a social program and the affected employees were
actively supported in their search for new jobs both inside and
outside the Group. By September 30, 2006, approximately 9,300
employees had signed voluntary severance agreements or had
already left the Mercedes Car Group. During the fourth quarter of
2006, an additional 400 employees accepted the voluntary
severance offer.
Start of implementation of new management model’s human
resources provisions. In January 2006, the Group announced
that it would be using a new management model to improve
competitiveness and promote its profitable growth by eliminating
duplication, consolidating administrative functions and streamlining
processes (see page 35). As a result of these measures, the
number of administrative employees worldwide will be reduced
by approximately 6,000 (about 20%) by the end of 2008. The
target in Germany will be reached through voluntary severance
agreements and by means of the specific terms of the “Safe-
guarding the Future 2012” agreement. By the end of January 2007,
approximately 2,000 employees worldwide had either signed
voluntary severance agreements or had already left the Group.
New healthcare regulations at the Chrysler Group. In 2006,
we changed the healthcare regulations covering the non-union
salaried employees and retired employees of the Chrysler Group.
Since January 1, 2007, these employees have been paying
contributions to their healthcare insurance in relation to their
rank and salary level. In the future, retirees not covered by
Medicare will have to pay a portion of the cost increases, which will
be calculated according to their income at the start of retirement.
On the other hand, retirees who are covered by Medicare will in the
future receive supplementary payments into a healthcare
retirement account instead of receiving additional benefits. In the
coming year, we will continue our talks with the union United
Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of
America (UAW) on the issue of how to reduce the costs of
health care.
Workforce diversity contributes to corporate success.
Professional diversity management promotes the purposeful
and complementary utilization of our employees’ different areas
of expertise, experience, perspectives and cultures. Through this
process, we can react more effectively to the broad spectrum of
our customers’ needs and can thus improve our competitiveness.
In Germany, the diversity of our workforce is strengthened
by numerous activities, including diversity workshops for all
management staff, target ranges for the percentage of women
in management positions, and the expansion of nurseries and
daycare centers for the children of our employees. In addition,
the Chrysler Group contributes its many years of experience to our
Group-wide diversity management by providing special support
to minority-group dealers and suppliers.
Training programs ensure long-term competitiveness.
In an effort to open up new perspectives for young people and
to safeguard our long-term competitiveness, we employed 7,896
trainees in Germany and 9,352 worldwide (2005: 9,880).
In addition, following consultation with the Corporate Works
Council, in 2006 we further increased by 5% the number of
traineeships in our production plants and at the DaimlerChrysler
headquarters in Germany and concluded approximately
2,600 new trainee contracts.
“CAReer – the Talent Program”: launch of a new Group-wide
program for young employees. The CAReer program consolidates
more than 30 previous entry-level programs aimed at strategically
recruiting young high-potential employees all over the world. This
allows us to foster university graduates with above-average
grades, initial practical experience and impressive personal skills,
with less administrative complexity than before. We can also
standardize our selection processes and application management
procedures as well as providing trainees with detailed individual
preparation for the positions they will occupy.
A “thank you” to our workforce. The Board of Management
thanks all of the employees at DaimlerChrysler for their initiative,
commitment and achievements in the year 2006. We are convinced
that our employees’ ability, enthusiasm and energy will secure a
successful future for the Group. We also extend our thanks to
the employee representatives for their constructive cooperation
in 2006.
Sustainability | Human Resources | 103
Research and Development
€5.3 billion invested in research and development | Reorganization improves cooperation,
efficiency, quality and speed of development | Enhanced vehicle safety leads to fewer traffic
accidents | Presentation of the world’s first gasoline engine with piezo injectors and
jet-guided fuel injection | Clear concepts for achieving the goal of zero-emission drive systems
Research and development are key factors for market
success. A pioneering spirit and technological progress are two
of the essential pillars supporting the global success of our
products. The goals of DaimlerChrysler’s worldwide research and
development departments are to ensure that our customers
enjoy individual mobility on a sustainable basis and to put
customer-focused innovations on the road, while conserving
resources and helping to protect the environment.
25,200 people were working towards achieving exactly these goals
at Corporate Research and in the development departments
of the Mercedes Car Group, the Chrysler Group, the Truck Group
and the Vans and Buses units at the end of 2006. Daimler-
Chrysler invested €5.3 billion in research and development in
2006 (2005: €5.6 billion) (see page 55).
Reorganization of research and development activities
improves efficiency and quality. Competition among all vehicle
manufacturers has become much more intense in the past few
years. Correspondingly, the pressure to innovate has increased
substantially, particularly in the premium segment. To ensure
that we can react more rapidly to changed market conditions, on
the one hand we have strengthened the organizational links
between our research and development departments, on the other
hand we have combined our resources and focused them more
closely on the customer-oriented development of our products.
The new department Group Research and Mercedes Car Group
Development is therefore now responsible not only for Mercedes
Car Group products but also – in its role as a competence center
for the entire Group – for preliminary development activities at all
vehicle divisions. This will allow us to safeguard our innovation
expertise and transfer it more rapidly into marketable products,
thereby ensuring even greater market success.
Closer cooperation is leading to the standardization and opti-
mization of Group-wide processes, as well as bringing products
to a more advanced level at an earlier stage. For example, our
researchers are working with IT-based simulation tools that allow
new components and systems to be tested even before the first
prototypes have been built. This simulation tool, which was devel-
oped by Corporate Research, enables our development engineers
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to extensively test the functions of a new component that exists
only in the form of a data set, often more intensively than when
using a test vehicle. In this way, weaknesses can be identified
and eliminated at an early stage, thereby ensuring that a high level
of quality is achieved when series production is started.
The vision of accident-free driving – enhanced safety. Safety
has been the top priority at DaimlerChrysler for a very long time.
This is why our efforts to enhance both active and passive safety
are based not only on legal requirements, but also on the actual
events that take place during an accident.
One example is the Brake Assist System (BAS), which was pre-
sented for the first time in 1996 and has been standard equipment
in all new Mercedes-Benz passenger cars since 1997. BAS signifi-
cantly reduces vehicle braking distance in critical situations.
Some ten years after the launch of BAS, the official German acci-
dent statistics for 2006 clearly show that Brake Assist helps
prevent accidents. Rear-end collisions caused by Mercedes-Benz
passenger cars have been reduced by a further 8% due to BAS.
Moreover, the number of severe accidents involving pedestrians
fell by 13%.
BAS therefore makes road traffic safer, as does the Electronic
Stability Program (ESP), which was introduced by Mercedes-Benz
in 1995 and has been standard equipment in all Mercedes-Benz
passenger cars since 1999. Accident statistics from Europe, Japan
and the United States show that ESP has caused the proportion
of accidents due to driver error to fall from 21% to 12%; in other
words, it has decreased by nearly a half.
The PRE-SAFE® braking system introduced in the CL and S-Class
in 2006 takes us another step closer to the vision of accident-free
driving. If an accident is imminent and the driver has failed to
react to visual and acoustic warnings, the new system automatically
initiates a partial braking maneuver, in which it generates up
to 40% of maximum braking force. If the driver then depresses the
brake pedal, the system immediately makes the maximum braking
force available. Depending on the situation, these actions will either
prevent an accident from occurring at the last second or reduce
the severity of impact by up to 40%. We also offer a similar system
for commercial vehicles. Known as Active Brake Assist, it is
currently in use in the Actros heavy-duty truck. If a collision is
Assistance system for more safety:
The PRE-SAFE® brakes in the
S-Class and CL-Class brake the car
automatically if an accident is imminent.
imminent, the system automatically initiates an emergency braking
maneuver if the driver fails to respond to visual and acoustic
alarms. Experts believe that widespread use of all safety systems
presently available would halve the number of accidents involving
commercial vehicles.
For this reason, Active Brake Assist is a key component of the
Mercedes-Benz Safety Technology for Commercial Vehicles initia-
tive. This initiative includes the “Safety Truck”, “Safety Coach”
and “Safety Van”, which are equipped with every assistance and
safety system currently available.
All the aforementioned vehicles are already on the market
and are thus making a major contribution to the realization of
our vision of accident-free driving.
Energy for the future – ensuring sustainable mobility. Daimler-
Chrysler is pursuing a multi-stage approach in order to be able
to offer its customers reliable and economical drive concepts over
the long term. Combustion engines will maintain their dominant
role in the coming years. We will therefore make them more effi-
cient, cleaner and more economical, in order to achieve further
reductions in emissions, including carbon dioxide. Our objective
is to make gasoline engines as efficient as diesel engines, and
diesel engines as clean as gasoline engines. A logical step in this
direction was taken at the beginning of 2006 with the presentation
in the CLS-Class of the world’s first gasoline engine equipped with
piezo injectors and a jet-guided direct fuel injection. The new
engine uses 10% less fuel than one equipped with a conventional
injection system. With regard to diesel engines, our BLUETEC
system (see page 106) is the first technology package for passenger
cars on the market that reduces emissions of all relevant diesel
exhaust components to previously unknown levels.
Our research and development engineers are also working
hard on alternative and environmentally friendly fuels such as
SunDiesel, which is made from biomass (see page 107).
Hybrid drive systems will become more important in the medium
term, which is why we are developing various hybrid concepts,
for example in a joint venture involving General Motors and BMW
(see page 106).
The most effective and environmentally friendly drive concept
for the long term is the fuel cell, which we have been developing
intensively for many years now.
Fuel cells for a zero-emission future. Many challenges must
be overcome before fuel-cell technology is ready for the
mass market, probably some time between 2012 and 2015.
At present, 100 Mercedes-Benz fuel-cell vehicles – passenger
cars, Sprinter vans and buses – are being used by customers
in normal everyday operations. By the end of 2006, this fleet had
accumulated a combined 2.8 million kilometers and 146,800
operating hours.
Evaluation of the collated test data has produced valuable results
that will flow into the development of the next generation of fuel-cell
vehicles, which will be based on the Mercedes-Benz B-Class
and the Citaro fuel-cell bus. Fleet tests in the future will focus on
reducing costs further and achieving additional technical
improvements in the areas of cold-start capability, vehicle range
and power-to-weight ratio.
The Clean Urban Transport for Europe (CUTE) and the Ecological
City Transport System (ECTOS) hydrogen projects, both of
which are funded by the European Union, have shown that our
fuel-cell buses work reliably even under the extreme conditions
of everyday use. Due to this success, the European Union decided
in favor of a follow-up project called HyFLEET:CUTE, which was
launched in January 2006.
In addition to these projects, we cooperate on fuel-cell and
hydrogen projects with partners around the world in the energy
industry and at government agencies. Such projects include
the Clean Energy Partnership (CEP) in Berlin, the California Fuel
Cell Partnership (CaFCP) in Sacramento and the Japanese
Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Project (JHFC) in Tokyo. These initiatives
not only demonstrate the capabilities of fuel-cell vehicles, but
also present technologies suitable for producing and distributing
hydrogen. The establishment of an infrastructure of hydrogen
filling stations is just as important in terms of market readiness as
the further development of the hydrogen fuel-cell drive itself.
Sustainability | Research and Development | 105
Environment
€1.7 billion spent on environmental protection | BLUETEC – a sustainable concept for the world’s
cleanest diesel engines | Market-ready hybrid drive systems for commercial vehicles increase customer
utility in city traffic | Further emission reductions with environmentally friendly fuels | 1.5 million
flex-fuel vehicles delivered worldwide
Responsibility for the environment. Environmental protection is
an essential component of DaimlerChrysler’s corporate strategy.
Making mobility sustainable is our most important goal in the
area of environmental protection. We are improving our products’
environmental compatibility, continually reducing the fuel con-
sumption and emissions of our gasoline and diesel engines, and
developing alternative drive systems. We apply environmentally
friendly production processes, help to improve fossil fuels and
promote the development and use of renewable fuels. In the
year under review, we spent €1.7 billion (2005: €1.5 billion) on
environmental protection.
BLUETEC has convincingly demonstrated its advantages since
early 2005 in Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles from all model
series, and is now standard equipment in European markets;
in 2006 we sold 24,900 BLUETEC trucks. These vehicles already
achieve emissions below the Euro 5 emissions norm, which will
go into effect in 2009. As a result, vehicle owners receive varying
reductions on vehicle taxes or toll charges, depending on the
country involved. In other words, freight companies that have
invested in BLUETEC technology are reaping the benefits of
their commitment to environmental protection in financial terms
as well.
BLUETEC – a milestone on the path to sustainable mobility.
The market launch of the Mercedes-Benz E 320 BLUETEC in the
United States and Canada in October 2006 opened up a new
era in the history of diesel drive systems for passenger cars.
Optimized engines and innovative technology for exhaust aftertreat-
ment make it the world’s cleanest diesel vehicle. Our goal is
to produce extremely fuel-efficient, robust and high-torque diesel
drive systems whose emissions approach those of gasoline en-
gines. This DaimlerChrysler technology will also enable diesel-
powered passenger cars to fulfill the world’s most stringent
emissions limits. What’s more, BLUETEC is a concept that can be
used by commercial vehicles and passenger cars alike. In 2008,
we plan to launch three additional BLUETEC models that have
received type approval in all 50 US states.
The combined fuel consumption of the E 320 BLUETEC is 6.7 liters
per 100 km. In other words, the vehicle can travel around
1,200 km on one tank of diesel. In view of increasing fuel prices
and the challenges of climate protection, this model’s record-
breaking low fuel consumption is a strong argument for the use
of ultramodern, clean diesel technology. That’s why we plan
to gradually introduce BLUETEC passenger cars in other markets.
We aim to offer European customers BLUETEC in a passenger
car starting in 2008, provided that a sufficient supply of low-sul-
fur diesel fuel is available throughout Europe by that time.
On track for success with environmentally friendly hybrid
drive systems. The successful use of hybrid drive systems in
commercial vehicles is demonstrated by our Orion buses and the
Canter truck of our brand Mitsubishi Fuso. They are fuel-effi-
cient, comfortable and low in emissions.
The advantages of hybrid drive are particularly apparent in urban
transport applications. These benefits have convinced the public
transport authorities of New York, Toronto and San Francisco,
who ordered a total of 420 of the Orion VII Hybrid city bus in 2006.
Our hybrid buses thus continued their success story in North
America. With 1,500 orders since the start of deliveries in 2003,
DaimlerChrysler was the world’s biggest supplier of hybrid
buses once again in 2006.
In July 2006, our Trucks Asia unit started production of the Canter
Eco Hybrid, the world’s most environmentally friendly series-
produced lightweight truck. As well as cutting fuel consumption
by 20%, this 2.8-ton vehicle reduces nitrogen oxides by 41%
and particulate emissions by 46%. In other words, it already fulfills
the emission limits that go into effect in Japan in August 2007.
Furthermore, we have teamed up with General Motors and
BMW at an engineering center in Troy, Michigan to develop the
next generation of hybrid drives for passenger cars. The goal
of this alliance is to pool knowledge and resources in order to
develop hybrid systems and components that each of the
participating automakers can integrate into its own vehicles in
a way most appropriate to its brands.
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With BLUETEC:
The cleanest diesel in the world
in all vehicle categories.
Natural fibers in vehicle construction combine ecology and
economy. DaimlerChrysler’s innovative use of abaca fibers in the
spare-tire well cover in the underbody of the three-door version of
the Mercedes-Benz A-Class since September 2004 makes it the
first and so far only automaker to use natural fibers in a series-
produced component for passenger car exteriors. Since January
2006, we have been using this component in all versions of the
Mercedes-Benz A-Class and B-Class. The natural-fiber component
fulfills the same high standards of quality that are applied to
conventional exterior components with regard to resistance to
stone chipping, weather conditions and moisture. Abaca fibers
are much better for the environment than glass fibers due to their
very good ecological balance in terms of production, use and
recycling.
Environmentally friendly fuels support efficient engines.
Clean, modern engines require clean, modern fuels. In fact,
fuel consumption and emissions can be further reduced only in
combination with enhanced fuels. This explains the importance
of second-generation biofuels such as SunDiesel, which can play
a major role in further reducing traffic-related emissions,
especially of carbon dioxide.
In March 2006, we established the Alliance for Synthetic
Fuels in Europe (ASFE) together with Renault, Royal Dutch Shell,
Volkswagen and the joint venture Sasol Chevron. The Alliance’s
objective is to promote the use of synthetic fuels and to support
the efforts being made to achieve sustainable mobility.
In the United States, we are already delivering every new
Jeep® Liberty CRD with B5 fuel, 5% of which consists of biodiesel.
So-called flex-fuel vehicles, which can be operated with a
bioethanol-gasoline mix (E85), are playing an increasingly important
role in the US. DaimlerChrysler has already produced 1.5 million
flex-fuel vehicles, although in most countries only small amounts of
bioethanol are currently available. However, mixing renewable
fuels with conventional fossil fuels is ecologically and economically
efficient, because for the same degree of environmental friendliness
it is then unnecessary to create a separate infrastructure.
To promote the sustainable use of biofuels, we signed the
Magdeburg Declaration, an agreement with the United Nations
Environment Program (UNEP) that signifies our readiness to
cooperate in this area. DaimlerChrysler will provide the technical
prerequisites to make it possible for passenger cars to fill up with
fuel containing 10% of biodiesel or bioethanol. In a memorandum
of understanding signed in February 2006, we specified further
details of our cooperation with the UNEP. As part of our ongoing
cooperation, we plan to develop standards for the sustainable
production of biomass for biofuels.
Managing environmental protection and avoiding environ-
mental risks. Because we are firmly committed to integrated
environmental protection, we require our production plants
throughout the world to be certified according to the ISO 14001
standard. In addition, our production plants in Germany are also
regularly inspected in line with the more comprehensive
European EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme) regulations,
which came into effect in 1995. As early as 1996, we had
validated 12 German production plants and the DaimlerChrysler
sales organization in Germany according to EMAS. Today, more
than 96% of our employees worldwide work within the framework
of environmental management systems that have been certified
in line with ISO 14001 and/or EMAS.
In order to clearly identify and eliminate environmental risks,
we introduced a method we developed ourselves for assessing
risks to the environment (environmental due diligence) in 2000.
Since then, environmental risks occurring in our worldwide pro-
duction plants have been centrally recorded and assessed,
and the measures needed to eliminate them are determined.
The results of the second phase of this program, which was
largely concluded in 2006, revealed that this systematic assess-
ment plays a major role in reducing risks and improving the
environmental performance of the individual plants.
Sustainability | Environment | 107
Social Responsibility
Worldwide social commitment supported by Board of Management and workforce | Utilizing core
competencies for society | Ongoing dialogue with policymakers, the business community and society |
Focus on improved transatlantic relations and enhanced traffic safety for children
DaimlerChrysler as a global citizen. DaimlerChrysler is not only
a leading global vehicle manufacturer, but also an important
participant in society in general. We therefore have a social com-
mitment to all the communities in which we operate. Our eco-
nomic success allows us to promote the arts and culture, as well
as to provide financial support to society not only in times of
crisis. This involvement is based on our commitment to interna-
tional initiatives such as the United Nations’ “Global Compact”,
from which we have derived internal guidelines for our daily
activities.
Intensified transatlantic dialogue. With roots in Baden-
Württemberg and Michigan, we are the world’s largest transatlantic
corporation, and are therefore proud of the contribution we make
towards promoting transatlantic communication. One platform
for the improvement of this dialogue is the “Brussels Forum”, an
event organized annually by the German Marshall Fund.
DaimlerChrysler was the first corporate sponsor of this important
annual event.
Help your neighbor. The DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund and
the Group’s US employees make a positive contribution to social
stability in the United States through our “Good Neighbors,
Good Citizens®” program. The Fund was started in 1953. Daimler-
Chrysler employees play an active role on a day-to-day basis in
the communities where they live and work. In 2006 for example, in
Detroit, more than 150 volunteers from DaimlerChrysler facilities
and the metro Detroit community built a new place to play for
the children who visit the People Community Service’s Delray
Neighborhood House in Southwest Detroit. Volunteers worked to
construct a 150 ft. x 150 ft. playscape on the grounds of the
community center, which serves more than 8,000 children each
year. We also supported projects in South Africa, Northern
Ireland and the Middle East with the initiative “Playing for Peace”.
Through this program, the sport of basketball is used as a
vehicle for overcoming social tension.
DaimlerChrysler Financial Services builds on its core business
competencies as an automotive finance company to make
a positive difference in its communities. For example, Chrysler
Financial helps urban youth to help themselves with its “Get
Your Money Right” program. It also provides financial support for
educational and cultural activities and non-profit organizations.
In cooperation with the “Entrepreneurs’ Organization”, Mercedes-
Benz Financial supports young people starting their own companies
by sponsoring seminars on business administration and
management practices. Personal employee community involvement
is also widespread in Germany, where our employees volunteer
their time and skills to benefit charitable causes. In addition, since
2003 DaimlerChrysler Bank has been a sponsor of the “People for
People” development-aid organization, which focuses on education
and training.
Our partnership with the International Olympic Committee (IOC),
now in its fifteenth year, is active worldwide. This partnership is
working on improving opportunities in life for the younger genera-
tion. Within the framework of the “Olympic Solidarity” aid fund,
sports fields and training centers have been built in Africa and Asia.
And for the mobility of next-generation athletes, so far approxi-
mately 100 national Olympic committees have been provided with
minibuses, mainly Mercedes-Benz Sprinters.
Training gives young people a vital opportunity. Daimler-
Chrysler is actively involved in providing young people with
encouragement, education and training courses to enable them
to acquire professional skills and qualifications. We aim to
offer young people good prospects for the future, thus promoting
the stability of society in general. DaimlerChrysler makes a
valuable contribution to achieving these goals in many countries
of the world through its global network of training centers, the
“DaimlerChrysler Automotive Academy”. We took the first step
towards realizing this concept in Ulan Bator (Mongolia) in 1999.
Since then, we have opened additional training centers in Kabul
(Afghanistan), Perm (Russia), Kuwait and Beit Sahour (Palestine).
At present, the “DaimlerChrysler Financial Services Automotive
Academy” is starting operations in South Africa.
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DaimlerChrysler employees are responsible citizens – as good
neighbors in their communities, as committed participants
in society in general, and as credible and reliable partners in the
political arena.
Since 1998, DaimlerChrysler has been supporting gifted school
students in Germany through the “Perspective Forum” in cooper-
ation with the “Young Researchers” foundation. Within this
forum, today’s experts discuss important future issues with the
research scientists and engineers of tomorrow. In the year 2006,
the discussion in Berlin focused on the significance of values and
ethics in business, science and society.
“Mondialogo”: intercultural learning and sustainable devel-
opment. Together with UNESCO, DaimlerChrysler founded the
“Mondialogo” initiative in 2003 in order to foster understanding,
respect and acceptance among young people from different
cultures. In 2006, the Chairman of DaimlerChrysler’s Board of
Management, Dr. Dieter Zetsche, and the Director General
of UNESCO, Mr. Koïchiro Matsuura, agreed to continue the
Mondialogo project. In November 2006, prizes were awarded
in Rome to the winners of the second “Mondialogo School
Contest”, in which 35,000 students from 138 countries partici-
pated. The first prize was awarded to a partner team from
Indonesia and Italy that used donations to set up an evening
school in Jakarta for 100 children who earn a living during
the day by collecting garbage. In addition to the School Contest,
there is also a worldwide Mondialogo “Engineering Award”,
which will be presented for the second time at the end of 2007
to engineering students who have developed concepts for
promoting knowledge transfer between industrial and developing
countries.
Enhanced traffic safety for children in road traffic. Improving
the safety of children in road traffic was once again a key focus of
DaimlerChrysler’s social commitment in 2006. “MobileKids”,
DaimlerChrysler’s traffic-safety initiative for children between the
ages of eight and twelve, is based on the principle of learning
through play. The concept includes a TV cartoon series (“The
Nimbols”) and a multi-lingual interactive Internet game platform
(“Mokitown”) with more than 900,000 registered users worldwide.
The highlight of the year in Germany was the MobileKids
“S-Cool-Tour”, which visited 40 primary schools in Bavaria. We also
promote traffic safety for children with other worldwide initiatives
such as the “Global Road Safety Partnership” and “Seat-Check”
in the United States.
Focus on supplier diversity. In connection with our purchasing
activities, it is important for us to open up opportunities for
minority suppliers and disadvantaged social groups. The purchasing
activities of the Chrysler Group alone sourced goods and services
worth over US $3.9 billion from minority-owned suppliers
in the United States in 2006. This represents an increase of
US $0.2 billion compared to the previous year. Within the
last seven years, Chrysler has nearly doubled its purchases from
minority suppliers. Our objectives are anchored in internal
goal agreements. We also expect our suppliers to increase their
purchasing volume from minorities in the second-tier supply
chain. To help them do so, the Chrysler Group conducts a wide
range of activities.
Responsible partnerships create mutual trust. Sustainability
and social responsibility are key elements of DaimlerChrysler’s
corporate vision. They combine economic, ecological and social
aspects with corporate success. We are aware of the numerous
social challenges worldwide, and are also prepared to play
an active part in finding solutions – in the local community as a
good neighbor, in the wider society as a committed corporate
citizen, and in the political arena as a reliable and credible partner.
Sustainability | Social Responsibility | 109
The Board of Management and the Supervisory Board of
DaimlerChrysler are committed to the principles of good corporate
governance. All of our activities are based on the principles of
responsible, transparent and sustainable management and super-
vision. In this way, we aim to fulfill the legitimate demands of our
shareholders. On the following pages, the Board of Management and
the Supervisory Board explain DaimlerChrysler’s internationally
oriented system of corporate governance. Further information can
be found on our website at www.daimlerchrysler.com/corpgov_e.
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110 - 135
Corporate Governance
112 Corporate Governance Report
General conditions
DaimlerChrysler’s corporate bodies
Principles guiding our actions
Directors’ dealings
118 Compliance at DaimlerChrysler
Compliance regulations developed
Worldwide compliance organization set up
Consistent advice and training programs
established
120 Compensation Report
Compensation of the Board of Management
Compensation of the Supervisory Board
126 Declaration of Compliance with the
German Corporate Governance Code
Deviations from the Recommendations
of the Code
Deviations from the Suggestions of the Code
128 Report of the Supervisory Board
133 Members of the Supervisory Board
134 Report of the Audit Committee
Corporate Governance | 111
Corporate Governance Report
General conditions
DaimlerChrysler’s corporate bodies
DaimlerChrysler is a stock corporation with its domicile in Germany.
The legal framework for corporate governance therefore derives
from German law, particularly the Stock Corporation Act, the
Codetermination Act and legislation concerning capital markets,
as well as from the Memorandum and Articles of Incorporation
of DaimlerChrysler AG.
Shareholders and the Annual Meeting. The company’s
shareholders exercise their rights and cast their votes at the
Annual Meeting. Each share in DaimlerChrysler AG entitles
its owner to one vote. There are no shares with multiple voting
rights, no preferred or privileged stock, and no maximum
voting rights.
As our shares are also listed on the New York Stock Exchange
(NYSE), we are obliged to adhere to the capital-market legislation
and the listing requirements applicable in the United States.
We are therefore in favor of the harmonization of international
stock-exchange regulations wherever this is practical.
A description of the differences between DaimlerChrysler’s
corporate governance principles and those applicable to
US companies under NYSE corporate-governance listing standards
can be seen on our website at
www.daimlerchrysler.com/corpgov_e.
Various important decisions can only be made by the Annual
Meeting. These include the decision on the appropriation of
distributable profits, the ratification of the actions of the members
of the Board of Management and the Supervisory Board, the
election of the independent auditors and the election of members
of the Supervisory Board. The Annual Meeting also makes
decisions on amendments to the Memorandum and Articles of
Incorporation, capital measures, and the approval of certain
intercompany agreements. The influence of the Annual Meeting
on the management of the company is limited by law, however.
The Annual Meeting can only make management decisions if it
is requested to do so by the Board of Management.
Separation of corporate management and supervision.
DaimlerChrysler AG is obliged by the German Stock Corporation
Act to apply a dual management system featuring the strict
separation of the two boards responsible for managing and
for supervising the company (two-tier board). With this system,
the company’s Board of Management is responsible for the
executive functions, while the Supervisory Board monitors the
Board of Management. No person may be a member of
these two boards at the same time.
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112
Supervisory Board. In accordance with the German Codetermi-
nation Act, the Supervisory Board of DaimlerChrysler AG com-
prises 20 members. Half of them are elected by the shareholders
at the Annual Meeting. The other half comprises members who
are elected by the company’s employees who work in Germany.
The members representing the shareholders and the members
representing the employees are equally obliged by law to act in
the company’s best interests. According to a decision by the
Supervisory Board, more than half of the members of the Super-
visory Board representing the shareholders are to be indepen-
dent in order to ensure that the Board of Management is advised
and monitored independently. The Supervisory Board of Daimler-
Chrysler AG fulfills this criterion in its present composition.
The Supervisory Board monitors and advises the Board of
Management in its management of the company. Its duties also
include appointing and recalling members of the Board of Man-
agement, as well as deciding on their compensation, whereby the
details of the compensation of the Board of Management’s
members are delegated to the Presidential Committee. However,
the Supervisory Board reviews and advises on the structure
of the system of compensation whenever this is necessary. It also
reviews the individual and consolidated annual financial
statements and reports to the Annual Meeting on the results of
its review.
The work of the Supervisory Board is coordinated by its chairman.
The Supervisory Board has formed three committees:
the Presidential Committee, the Audit Committee and the
Mediation Committee.
The Presidential Committee has particular responsibility for the
contractual affairs of the members of the Board of Management
and for determining their compensation. It advises and decides on
questions of corporate governance, on which it also makes
recommendations to the Supervisory Board. In addition, the
Presidential Committee supports and advises the Chairman of
the Supervisory Board and his deputy, and prepares the meetings
of the Supervisory Board.
The Audit Committee deals with questions of accounting, risk
management and the annual audit. It discusses the effectiveness
of the internal control systems and the risk-management system,
and regularly receives reports on the work of the Corporate Audit
department. In addition, the Audit Committee has established
procedures for dealing with complaints about accounting and the
internal control systems, and receives regular reports about
such complaints and how they are dealt with. It also discusses the
interim financial statements and reviews the annual financial
statements, individual and consolidated, of DaimlerChrysler AG.
The Audit Committee is informed by the Board of Management
about the Group’s financial disclosure and discusses this matter.
It makes recommendations concerning the selection of inde-
pendent auditors, assess such auditors’ suitability and indepen-
dence, and, after the independent auditors are elected by the
Annual Meeting, commissions them to conduct the annual audit
of the individual and consolidated financial statements, negoti-
ates an audit fee and determines the focuses of that audit. The
Audit Committee receives reports from the independent audi-
tors on any accounting matters that might be regarded as critical
and on any differences of opinion with the Board of Manage-
ment. In addition, it makes recommendations to the Supervisory
Board, concerning for example the appropriation of distrib-
utable profits and capital measures. Finally, the Audit Commit-
tee approves services provided to DaimlerChrysler AG or com-
panies of the DaimlerChrysler Group by the company of indepen-
dent auditors or its affiliates that are not directly related to the
annual audit.
The Supervisory Board is convinced of the independence of
the members of Audit Committee representing the shareholders.
The Chairman of the Audit Committee, Mr. Bernhard Walter, has
special expertise and experience in the application of accounting
principles and internal monitoring systems. Therefore, the
Supervisory Board has appointed Mr. Walter as Financial Expert.
Corporate Governance | Corporate Governance Report | 113
The Mediation Committee is formed solely to perform the
functions laid down in Section 31, Subsection 3 of the German
Codetermination Act. Accordingly, it has the task of making
proposals for the appointment of members of the Board of
Management if a previous proposal did not obtain the legally
required majority of votes.
Board of Management. As of December 31, 2006, the Board
of Management of DaimlerChrysler AG comprised nine members.
The duties of the Board of Management include setting the
Group’s strategic focus and managing its business. It is also
responsible for preparing the individual and consolidated
annual financial statements and the quarterly financial statements,
and for installing and monitoring a risk-management system.
The Rules of Procedure define the areas of responsibility of the
Board of Management and its members; these are described
on pages 10 and 11 of this Annual Report.
Principles guiding our actions
Integrity Code. The Integrity Code is a set of guidelines for
behavior, which has been in effect since 1999 and was revised in
2003, defining a binding framework for the actions of all our
employees worldwide. Among other things, the guidelines define
correct behavior in international business and in any cases of
conflicts of interest, questions of equal treatment, proscription of
corruption, the role of internal monitoring systems and the
duty to conform with applicable law and other internal and external
regulations. DaimlerChrysler expects all of its employees to
adhere strictly to the Integrity Code.
Code of Ethics. We introduced our Code of Ethics in July 2003.
This code addresses the members of the Board of Management
and persons with special responsibility for the contents of financial
disclosure. The provisions of the code aim to prevent mistakes
by the persons addressed and to promote ethical behavior as well
as the complete, appropriate, accurate, timely and clear
disclosure of information on the Group. The wording of the Code
of Ethics can be seen on our website at
www.daimlerchrysler.com/corpgov_e.
Risk management. DaimlerChrysler has a risk-management
system commensurate with its position as a company with global
operations (see pages 67 ff). 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 appro-
priate countermeasures in a timely manner. The Chairman
of the Supervisory Board has regular contacts with the Board of
Management to discuss not only the Group’s strategy and
business development but also the issue of risk management.
The Corporate Audit department monitors adherence to the
legal framework and Group standards by means of targeted
audits, and, if required, initiates appropriate actions.
Accounting principles. The consolidated financial statements
of the DaimlerChrysler Group are prepared in accordance with
the United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
(US GAAP). Details of US GAAP can be found in the Notes to the
Consolidated Financial Statements (see Note 1). The annual
financial statements of DaimlerChrysler AG, which is the parent
company, are prepared in accordance with the accounting
guidelines of the German Commercial Code (HGB). Both sets of
financial statements are audited by independent auditors.
Transparency. DaimlerChrysler regularly informs its shareholders,
financial analysts, shareholders’ associations, the media and
the interested public on the situation of the Group and on any
significant changes in its business. We have posted an overview
of all the significant information disclosed in the year 2006 on our
website at www.daimlerchrysler.com/ir/annualdoc06.
114
Shares held by the Board of Management and the Supervisory
Board. As of December 31, 2006, the members of the Board
of Management held a total of 4.1 million shares, options or stock
appreciation rights of DaimlerChrysler AG (0.4% of the shares
issued). As of the same date, the members of the Supervisory
Board held a total of 0.1 million shares, options or stock
appreciation rights of DaimlerChrysler AG (0.011% of the shares
issued).
Directors’ dealings. In 2006, the following securities transactions
took place involving members of the Board of Management and
the Supervisory Board and certain senior officers who regularly
have access to inside information and who are authorized to
make significant business decisions (and, in accordance with
the provisions of the German Securities Trading Act, involving
persons in a close relationship with the aforementioned persons).
DaimlerChrysler discloses these transactions without delay
after receiving notification of them. This information is also
available on our website at www.daimlerchrysler.com/corpgov_e.
Fair disclosure. In principle, all new facts that are communicated
to financial analysts and institutional investors are simultaneously
also made available to all shareholders and the interested public.
If any information is made public outside Germany as a result
of the regulations governing capital markets in the respective
countries, we also make 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, DaimlerChrysler
makes use of the Internet and other methods of communication.
Financial calendar. All the dates of important disclosures
(e.g. the Annual Report, interim reports, the Annual Meeting) are
announced in advance in a Financial Calendar. The Financial
Calendar can be seen inside the rear cover of this Annual Report
and on our website at www.daimlerchrysler.com/ir/calendar.
Ad-hoc disclosure. In addition to its regular scheduled report-
ing, DaimlerChrysler discloses, in accordance with applicable law
without delay, any so-called inside information which directly
affects the Group.
Major shareholdings. DaimlerChrysler also reports without delay
after receiving notification that by means of acquisition, disposal
or any other method, the shareholding in DaimlerChrysler AG of
any person or institution has reached, exceeded or fallen
below 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 50 or 75 percent of the company’s
voting rights.
Corporate Governance | Corporate Governance Report | 115
Directors’ dealings
Directors’ dealings in the year 2006
Date
Name
Function
Type and place of transaction
Number of shares1
Price
Total volume
Jan 3, 2006
Volker Michael Stauch
Senior Officer
Apr 5, 2006
Robert G. Liberatore
Apr 27, 2006
Stephan Engels
Senior Officer
Senior Officer
Apr 28, 2006
Thomas W. LaSorda
Board of Management
Sale of shares, Frankfurt
Sale of shares, New York
Acquisition of shares, Frankfurt
Acquisition of shares by exercise
of options, off-market
Apr 28, 2006
Thomas W. LaSorda
Board of Management
Sale of new shares, Frankfurt
May 2, 2006
Thomas W. LaSorda
Board of Management
Acquisition of shares by exercise
of options, off-market
May 2, 2006
Bodo Uebber
Board of Management
Acquisition of shares, Frankfurt
May 2, 2006
Dr. Dieter Zetsche
Board of Management
Acquisition of shares, Frankfurt
May 3, 2006
Dr. Michael Mühlbayer
May 5, 2006
Volker Michael Stauch
Senior Officer
Senior Officer
Acquisition of shares, Frankfurt
Acquisition of shares by exercise
of options, off-market
May 8, 2006
Andreas Renschler
Board of Management
Acquisition of shares, Frankfurt
May 10, 2006
George Murphy
Senior Officer
May 10, 2006
George Murphy
May 12, 2006
Dr. Albert Kirchmann
May 17, 2006
Dr. Michael Mühlbayer
June 1, 2006
Christine K. Cortez
June 1, 2006
Christine K. Cortez
June 7, 2006
Hubertus Troska
Senior Officer
Senior Officer
Senior Officer
Senior Officer
Senior Officer
Senior Officer
June 12, 2006 Gary E. Dilts
Senior Officer
June 12, 2006 Gary E. Dilts
June 12, 2006 Dr. Michael Mühlbayer
July 11, 2006
Paul S. Halata
Senior Officer
Senior Officer
Senior Officer
Acquisition of shares by exercise
of options, off-market
Sale of new shares, Frankfurt
Acquisition of shares, Frankfurt
Acquisition of shares, Frankfurt
Acquisition of shares by exercise
of options, off-market
Sale of new shares, Frankfurt
Acquisition of shares by exercise
of options, off-market
Acquisition of shares by exercise
of options, off-market
Sale of new shares, Frankfurt
Acquisition of shares, Frankfurt
Acquisition of shares by exercise
of options, off-market
July 11, 2006
Paul S. Halata
Senior Officer
Sale of new shares, Frankfurt
Aug 3, 2006
Eric R. Ridenour
Board of Management
Acquisition of shares by exercise
of options, off-market
Aug 3, 2006
Eric R. Ridenour
Board of Management
Sale of new shares, Frankfurt
Aug 7, 2006
Eric R. Ridenour
Board of Management
Acquisition of shares by exercise
of options, off-market
1 The information pertains to no-par-value registered shares of DaimlerChrysler AG with a pro-rata amount of €2.60 of the capital stock.
400
9,000
200
73,000
73,000
5,000
8,000
22,900
1,500
2,000
1,000
22,500
22,500
1,000
800
22,500
22,500
1,000
€44.15
$59.94
€44.80
€34.40
€44.52
€34.40
€43.25
€43.58
€43.14
€34.40
€43.55
€34.40
€44.77
€42.99
€41.58
€34.40
€40.30
€34.40
(rounded)
€17,660
$539,460
€8,960
€2,511,200
€3,249,960
€172,000
€346,000
€997,982
€64,710
€68,800
€43,550
€774,000
€1,007,325
€42,990
€33,264
€774,000
€906,750
€34,400
22,500
€34.40
€774,000
22,500
700
20,000
20,000
66,000
66,000
4,000
€37.84
€37.96
€34.40
€38.26
€34.40
€39.19
€34.40
€851,400
€26,572
€688,000
€765,200
€2,270,400
€2,586,540
€137,600
116
Directors’ dealings in the year 2006
Date
Name
Function
Type and place of transaction
Number of shares1
Price
Total volume
Aug 16, 2006
Susan J. Unger
Senior Officer
Aug 16, 2006
Susan J. Unger
Oct 26, 2006
Günter Egle
Oct 26, 2006
Günter Egle
Nov 2, 2006
Christine K. Cortez
Nov 2, 2006
Christine K. Cortez
Nov 2, 2006
Trevor M. Creed
Nov 2, 2006
Trevor M. Creed
Nov 3, 2006
Hubertus Troska
Nov 3, 2006
Hubertus Troska
Nov 10, 2006
Hubertus Troska
Senior Officer
Senior Officer
Senior Officer
Senior Officer
Senior Officer
Senior Officer
Senior Officer
Senior Officer
Senior Officer
Senior Officer
Nov 14, 2006
Prof. Peter Pfeiffer
Senior Officer
Nov 14, 2006
Prof. Peter Pfeiffer
Nov 16, 2006
Susan J. Unger
Nov 16, 2006
Susan J. Unger
Nov 17, 2006
Günter Egle
Nov 17, 2006
Günter Egle
Nov 30, 2006
Robert G. Liberatore
Nov 30, 2006
Robert G. Liberatore
Dec 5, 2006
W. Frank Fountain Jr.
Dec 5, 2006
W. Frank Fountain Jr.
Dec 6, 2006
W. Frank Fountain Jr.
Senior Officer
Senior Officer
Senior Officer
Senior Officer
Senior Officer
Senior Officer
Senior Officer
Senior Officer
Senior Officer
Senior Officer
Acquisition of shares by exercise
of options, off-market
Sale of new shares, Frankfurt
Acquisition of shares by exercise
of options, off-market
Sale of new shares, Frankfurt
Acquisition of shares by exercise
of options, off-market
Sale of new shares, Frankfurt
Acquisition of shares by exercise
of options, off-market
Sale of new shares, Frankfurt
Acquisition of shares by exercise
of options, off-market
Sale of new shares, Frankfurt
Acquisition of shares by exercise
of options, off-market
Acquisition of shares by exercise
of options, off-market
Sale of new shares, Frankfurt
Acquisition of shares by exercise
of options, off-market
Sale of new shares, Frankfurt
Acquisition of shares by exercise
of options, off-market
Sale of new shares, Frankfurt
Acquisition of shares by exercise
of options, off-market
Sale of new shares, Frankfurt
Acquisition of shares by exercise
of options, off-market
Sale of new shares, Frankfurt
Acquisition of shares by exercise
of options, off-market
25,000
€34.40
25,000
15,000
15,000
22,500
22,500
50,000
50,000
5,000
5,000
1,000
€40.78
€34.40
€43.42
€43.57
€45.65
€34.40
€45.24
€43.57
€45.50
€43.57
(rounded)
€860,000
€1,019,500
€516,000
€651,300
€980,325
€1,027,125
€1,720,000
€2,262,000
€217,850
€227,500
€43,570
25,000
€34.40
€860,000
25,000
25,000
25,000
15,000
15,000
50,000
50,000
22,500
22,500
35,000
€46.38
€43.57
€48.27
€43.57
€48.25
€34.40
€44.97
€43.57
€44.37
€34.40
€1,159,500
€1,089,250
€1,206,750
€653,550
€723,750
€1,720,000
€2,248,500
€980,325
€998,325
€1,204,000
Dec 6, 2006
W. Frank Fountain Jr.
Senior Officer
Sale of new shares, Frankfurt
35,000
€44.37
€1,552,950
1 The information pertains to no-par-value registered shares of DaimlerChrysler AG with a pro-rata amount of €2.60 of the capital stock.
Corporate Governance | Corporate Governance Report | 117
Compliance at DaimlerChrysler
Compliance is firmly anchored at DaimlerChrysler. By the term
compliance, we understand the conformity of DaimlerChrysler’s
activities with applicable laws and regulations, as well as with the
ethical and moral principles that the DaimlerChrysler Group
is guided by or to which we have voluntarily committed ourselves.
We already formulated the DaimlerChrysler Integrity Code in 1999.
This comprehensive Integrity Code was expanded in 2003 with
the Principles of Social Responsibility, and was supplemented with
the Code of Ethics. The Code of Ethics is oriented towards the
Board of Management as well as persons with special responsibility
for the contents of financial disclosure, and can be seen at
www.daimlerchrysler.com/corpgov_e.
Our goal is to institutionalize all activities that aim to safeguard
this compliance. In addition, the issue of compliance is to be
firmly anchored at DaimlerChrysler as an important pillar of our
entrepreneurial actions.
Integrity Code put into more concrete form. In the year 2006,
the Integrity Code was supplemented by specific Corporate
Policies & Guidelines, which transfer the principles of the Integrity
Code with ethical or compliance relevance into concrete
guidelines for behavior. The new Corporate Policies & Guidelines
are intended to prevent corruption, to protect Group property,
to more clearly regulate our approach to donations, to ensure the
selection of responsible business partners, and to avoid
conflicts of interest.
An “Anti-Bribery Handbook” has been prepared to support
the implementation of the new Corporate Policies & Guidelines.
It supplements the Policies and Guidelines and puts them
into a concrete form with background information, examples
and illustrative questions and answers. These documents
and additional information on the issue of compliance and its
organization are available on the Group’s intranet.
Starting out from our corporate values – Passion, Respect,
Integrity and Discipline – the Integrity Code gives details of the
key compliance elements that apply to all of our employees.
This hierarchical approach is intended to ensure the
consistency of all behavioral standards. An overview of the
system of regulations is shown in the chart on page 119.
The organization of compliance at DaimlerChrysler. In order to
ensure compliance with all applicable laws as well as with the
relevant principles that we have voluntarily accepted, we already
started to set up a worldwide compliance organization at the
end of 2005. We established the Compliance Committee as
a direct representative of the Board of Management on all
compliance issues. It is composed of high-ranking and experienced
executives from the departments Legal, Corporate Audit,
Finance & Controlling, Sales, Procurement and Supply, and Human
Resources, and generally meets every six weeks.
The Compliance Committee approves and controls the imple-
mentation and execution of our Ethics & Compliance Program.
It monitors and secures the integration of compliance aspects
in the Group’s business and personnel processes. In addition, the
Compliance Committee approves all of the Group’s guidelines.
Also at the beginning of 2006, we created the new department
Corporate Compliance Operations (CCO). This department has
the tasks of developing the Group-wide compliance organization,
coordinating the implementation of the measures decided upon
by the Compliance Committee, and ensuring that the relevant
guidelines are adhered to. In this function, the head of CCO, who
reports to the Chairman of the Board of Management, regularly
informs the Compliance Committee and the Supervisory Board’s
Audit Committee about all of the department’s activities.
118
118
DaimlerChrysler standards of business conduct
Corporate
Values
Integrity Code
Code of Ethics
Corporate Policies
Corporate Guidelines
Local Guidance
Anti-Bribery Handbook
Another element of our compliance structure is an external advisor
who, since September 2006, supports our Supervisory Board,
Audit Committee and Board of Management in connection with all
compliance issues. The advisor’s focus is on the sustained
implementation of our Compliance Program.
In addition, in various sales companies and in other operating units
of the DaimlerChrysler AG, we installed specific internal con-
trols in order to prevent corruption. These units were provided
with intensive support to implement these controls. The mecha-
nisms installed serve to fulfill the provisions of German law,
the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and all relevant local
regulations.
Expansion of compliance advice. A Sales Practices Hotline
was already established in November 2005, in order to support
correct business-transaction processes at the Group. All of the
Group’s employees can turn to the Hotline with questions on the
application of external and internal regulations, and can obtain
advice and guidance on concrete issues. The Sales Practices
Hotline processed approximately 4,000 inquiries in 2006.
In addition, the Business Practices Offices are available in
Stuttgart and Auburn Hills to receive, document and process
complaints and information on suspected infringements.
This facility allows our employees to report any questionable
accounting and auditing issues, likewise anonymously.
The selection of the units was based on an internal risk analysis
as well as Transparency International’s annual ranking
of countries that are particularly susceptible to corruption.
We also appointed local compliance managers in the afore-
mentioned sales companies and business units. Their main task
is to support management in the respective locations with
the fulfillment and achievement of all the Group’s compliance
standards. In addition, they are to submit regular status and
progress reports to Corporate Compliance Operations. Their
independence of the local management is secured due
to their close organizational links to the CCO department.
Execution of detailed training program. In the year 2006,
more than 5,600 employees worldwide were trained in a one-day
course on compliance-relevant topics. In addition, compliance
conferences were held in Singapore, Tokyo, Stuttgart, Mexico and
Beijing, attended by more than 600 executives.
We will continue these conferences in 2007. The one-day
compliance courses will be supplemented by e-learning modules,
enabling us to expand the scope of the training courses.
Furthermore, the compliance contents will become an integral
part of the management training and specialist training
carried out at the DaimlerChrysler Group.
In 2007, the experience gained is to be used to
support additional subsidiaries with the implementation
of DaimlerChrysler’s compliance approach.
Corporate Governance | Compliance at DaimlerChrysler | 119
Compensation Report
The Compensation Report summarizes the principles that are
applied to determine the compensation of the Board of Manage-
ment of DaimlerChrysler AG and explains the level and structure
of its members’ compensation. It also describes the principles and
level of compensation of the Supervisory Board.
Compensation of the Board of Management
Responsibility. The Supervisory Board has transferred respon-
sibility for determining the structure and level of compensation
for the Board of Management of DaimlerChrysler AG to the
Presidential Committee, which regularly informs the Supervisory
Board about its decisions and obtains the approval of the entire
Supervisory Board if needed (see page 113). The principles to be
applied have been laid down by the Supervisory Board in the
Rules of Procedure for the Presidential Committee. The Super-
visory Board also holds discussions on the structure of the
compensation system for the Board of Management and regularly
reviews this structure.
Goals. The compensation system for the Board of Management
aims to compensate its members commensurately with their
areas of activity and responsibility when compared internation-
ally. The system should also clearly and directly reflect in the
variability of compensation the joint and individual performance
of the Board of Management members and the success of the
Group.
For this purpose, the compensation system comprises an element
of fixed basic compensation, an annual bonus and an element of
variable compensation with medium-term and long-term incentive
effects and a risk component.
In order to ensure the competitiveness and appropriateness of
Board of Management compensation, its structure, individual
components and the total compensation are reviewed each year
in relation to a benchmark group of companies in the United
States, Germany and other European countries. For this purpose,
the Presidential Committee is regularly assisted by external
consultants.
120
Structure of Board of Management compensation. Board of
Management compensation for 2006 comprised three compo-
nents, as set out below:
The element of fixed base salary, paid in twelve monthly install-
ments, is related to the area of responsibility of each Board of
Management member.
The annual bonus is variable cash compensation, the level of
which is related to the fixed basic compensation and depends to
an equal extent on the degree to which DaimlerChrysler Group’s
planned operating profit is actually achieved and a comparison of
the operating profit in the current year and the prior year. Additional
targets may also be taken into consideration, such as the
development of total shareholder return in relation to comparable
automotive companies. When setting the annual bonus, the
Presidential Committee of the Supervisory Board also has the
possibility to reward the Board of Management members’
individual performance, which is not directly reflected in the
performance of the Group, with a supplementary payment or
deduction of up to 25%. The operating-profit target is determined
annually in advance on the basis of the planning approved by
the Supervisory Board.
Guidelines for share ownership. As a supplement to these
three components of Board of Management compensation, the
Presidential Committee of the Supervisory Board of Daimler-
Chrysler has approved Stock Ownership Guidelines for the Board
of Management, under which the members of the Board of Man-
agement are required to invest a portion of their private assets in
DaimlerChrysler shares over a period of several years and to
hold these shares until the end of their Board of Management
membership. The real shares acquired in the context of the new
stock-based compensation are generally to be used to fulfill the
provisions of these guidelines, but the required shares can also
be acquired in different ways.
Total Board of Management compensation in 2006. The total
compensation paid by Group companies to the members of the
Board of Management of DaimlerChrysler AG is calculated from
the amount of compensation paid in cash and from the non-cash
benefits in kind. The latter primarily comprise the provision of
company cars and the reimbursement of expenses for security
precautions.
Variable compensation, in the form of a Performance Phantom
Share Plan, is linked to the long-term development of enterprise
value and is based on the principles of performance orientation,
benchmark comparison and share ownership. This component
of compensation takes into consideration all of the key criteria
recommended in connection with good corporate governance.
With a term of four years, the plan is oriented towards medium-
term performance targets, while also having a long-term effect
through the obligation to acquire shares and hold them perma-
nently. With this model, target achievement is measured in
terms of the return on net assets that is actually achieved by the
Group, i.e. value creation, and its return on sales; the latter
compared with the relevant competitors, which are BMW, Ford,
General Motors, Honda, Toyota, AB Volvo and Volkswagen. Due
to the allocation of phantom shares at the beginning of the
4-year period, the development of DaimlerChrysler’s share price
is taken into consideration; these phantom shares are also
entitled to a dividend during the 4-year period. After three years,
the final number of phantom shares is calculated depending on
the degree of target achievement. These phantom shares must
then be held for one more year. After four years, the amount to
be paid out is calculated by multiplying the number of phantom
shares by the share price relevant at that time. The members
of the Board of Management have to use a quarter of this gross
amount paid out to purchase “real” DaimlerChrysler shares, so
that the stipulations arising from the guidelines for share owner-
ship are fulfilled.
No retroactive change in the defined performance targets or the
competitive parameters is possible in connection with allocating
the stock-based compensation.
Corporate Governance | Compensation Report | 121
€7.5 million was paid as fixed, i.e. non-performance-related com-
pensation, €9.2 million as short-term variable, i.e. short-term
performance-related compensation, and €3.8 million as variable
performance-related compensation with medium-term and long-
term incentive effects that was granted in previous years and be-
came due for payment in 2006. This totaled an amount of €20.5
million for the year 2006 (2005: €34.9 million, of which €9.3
million was fixed and €25.6 million was variable compensation).
Board of Management compensation for 2006
Fixed compensation
Variable compensation
In thousands of €
Dr. Dieter Zetsche
Günther Fleig
Dr. Rüdiger Grube
Thomas W. LaSorda
Andreas Renschler
Eric R. Ridenour
Thomas W. Sidlik
Bodo Uebber
Dr. Thomas Weber
Subtotal
Total
Base salary
Benefits
in kind
1,500
525
550
717
525
502
502
575
525
339
145
156
75
127
45
68
154
430
5,921
1,539
7,460
Annual
bonus
2,564
844
837
861
921
582
687
1,018
921
9,235
Mid- and
long-term1,2
compensation
688
405
410
752
136
595
387
131
334
3,838
Total
5,091
1,919
1,953
2,405
1,709
1,724
1,644
1,878
2,210
13,073
20,533
1 The figures shown here comprise the pay-out of the 2003 Medium Term Incentive and the divi-
dend equivalent of the phantom shares from the 2004 Medium Term Incentive as well as from
the 2005 and 2006 Performance Phantom Share Plans. The so-called Medium Term Incentive is
a share based compensation component that was replaced by the Performance Phantom Share
Plan in 2005.
2 In addition, options were exercisable from the stock option plans granted in prior years: two Board
of Management members exercised a total of 148,000 options from 2003 Stock Option Plan.
The figures in this column also include the variable compensation with long-term incentive effect
paid in this context (Mr. LaSorda €447 thousand, Mr. Ridenour €401 thousand). Further details
of directors’ dealings are given in the Corporate Governance Report. Further information on stock-
based compensation can be found in Note 23 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial
Statements.
122
In 2006, the members of the Board of Management were granted
a total of 276,160 phantom shares within the framework of the
stock-based component of compensation, the so-called Perfor-
mance Phantom Share Plan (2005: 454,914 phantom shares).
Phantom shares granted in 2006
Number
Dr. Dieter Zetsche
Günther Fleig
Dr. Rüdiger Grube
Thomas W. LaSorda
Andreas Renschler
Eric R. Ridenour
Thomas W. Sidlik
Bodo Uebber
Dr. Thomas Weber
Total
59,563
25,721
24,367
33,031
27,887
25,721
25,721
28,428
25,721
276,160
The reference share price for the allocation of phantom shares
is the average price of DaimlerChrysler shares between January 1,
2006 and the day before the first meeting of the Presidential
Committee in which the allocation is decided upon. This value
was €46.17 per phantom share in 2006. Before being paid out
in the year 2010, the numbers of phantom shares may change,
depending on internal and external performance targets and
continuous activity in the Board of Management. Since payment
continues to depend on the share price at the time of payment,
this element of compensation will not be shown in the total com-
pensation of the Board of Management until it is actually paid
out in 2010.
Retirement provisions. Until the year 2005, the pension agree-
ments of the German Board of Management members included
a commitment to an annual retirement pension, calculated contin-
gent on the years of service as a proportion of the base salary
(70% for Dr. Dieter Zetsche, 69% for Günther Fleig, 60% for Dr.
Rüdiger Grube and Dr. Thomas Weber as well as 50% for Andreas
Renschler and Bodo Uebber). Those pension rights remain, but
have been frozen at that level. The pension payments begin in
the form of a retirement pension when a member’s contract of
service ends on or after his 60th birthday, or in the form of an
invalidity pension when a member’s contract of service ends before
his 60th birthday due to disability. An annual increase of 3.5%
is effected. Similar to the retirement pension of the German work-
force, arrangements for widows and orphans are included.
Effective January 1, 2006, those pension agreements were
converted into a defined-contribution pension system, in line with
the existing pension systems for senior management at the
Group. Each Board of Management member is credited with a
capital component each year. This capital component comprises
an amount equal to 15% of the sum of the Board of Management
member’s fixed base salary and the annual bonus that was
actually achieved, multiplied by an age factor equivalent to a certain
rate of return, at present 6%. This pension plan is payable at the
age of 60 at the earliest.
US Board of Management members are entitled to annual pension
benefits under two plans applicable to senior management of
DaimlerChrysler Corporation. For the first plan, the benefit is based
on the individual’s prior contributions (a percentage of base
salary deductions) and years of service and final average salary.
In principle, with this plan, 2.25% of the base salary is earned
as a pension payment for each year of credited service. For the
second plan, benefits are based on a percentage of annual
bonuses (currently 4%).
The company fulfilled its obligations for benefits earned last year
relating to bonuses by providing investment contracts that will
make payments at retirement equivalent on an after-tax basis to
payments the company would have otherwise had to make.
Corporate Governance | Compensation Report | 123
Service costs in connection with pension plans 20061
In thousands of €
Dr. Dieter Zetsche
Günther Fleig
Dr. Rüdiger Grube
Thomas W. LaSorda2
Andreas Renschler
Eric R. Ridenour2
Thomas W. Sidlik2
Bodo Uebber
Dr. Thomas Weber
Total
666
389
431
34
250
26
30
408
277
2,511
1 For Messrs. LaSorda, Ridenour and Sidlik, this only includes the service costs for the first
pension plan.
2 The service costs of the investments for the second pension plan of the US members of the
Board of Management for 2006 amount to €566 thousand for Mr. LaSorda, €300 thousand for
Mr. Ridenour and €605 thousand for Mr. Sidlik.
Significant commitments to Board of Management members
upon termination of their services. No severance payments
are foreseen for Board of Management members in the case of
early termination of their service contracts. Solely in the case
of early termination of a service contract by mutual consent, the
Board of Management service contracts include a commitment
to payment of the base salary and to provision of a company car
until the end of the original service period. Such persons are
only entitled to payment of the performance-related component
of compensation, pro rata, for the period until the day when the
Board of Management member leaves the company. Entitlement
to payment of the performance-related component with a long-
term incentive effect is defined by the exercise conditions specified
in the respective plans.
The German Board of Management members with pension
agreements concluded with DaimlerChrysler AG before the
year 2006 can also receive pension payments and the use
of a company car for the period beginning after the end of the
original service period.
124
Irrespective of the above provisions, if DaimlerChrysler AG
terminates Mr. Sidlik’s contract without cause, or if he termi-
nates it for good reason, then he would be entitled to receive
an amount equal to twice the sum of his annual base salary and
average annual bonus over the prior three years. He would also
be entitled to receive a payment equal to the incremental value
of the retirement benefits that he would have otherwise been
entitled to receive at the end of the contract and certain other
pension benefits at termination.
If Mr. LaSorda’s contract is similarly terminated, then he would
be entitled to receive compensation equal to twice the sum
of his annual base salary and annual bonus. He would also be
entitled to receive pension credit for two additional years
of service and certain other pension benefits at termination.
Sideline activities of the members of the Board of
Management. The members of the Board of Management should
accept management board or supervisory board positions and/
or any other administrative or honorary functions outside the
Group only to a limited extent. Furthermore, the members of
the Board of Management require the consent of the Supervisory
Board before commencing any sideline activities. This ensures
that neither the time required nor the compensation paid for such
activities leads to any conflict with the members’ duties to the
Group.
Insofar as such sideline activities are memberships of other
supervisory boards or comparable boards, these are disclosed
in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of Daimler-
Chrysler AG and on the Internet.
No compensation is paid to Board of Management members for
other positions held at companies of the Group.
Payments made to former members of the Board of Manage-
ment of DaimlerChrysler AG and their survivors. The pay-
ments made in 2006 to former members of the Board of Manage-
ment of DaimlerChrysler AG and their survivors amounted to
€25.1 million (2005: €16.9 million). Pension obligations towards
former members of the Board of Management and their
survivors amounted to €255.4 million as of December 31, 2006
(December 31, 2005: €292.9 million).
Compensation of the Supervisory Board
Supervisory Board compensation in 2006
Name
Function(s) compensated
Supervisory Board compensation in 2006. The compensation
of the Supervisory Board is determined by the Annual Meeting of
DaimlerChrysler AG and is governed by the company’s Articles of
Incorporation. The current regulations specify that the members
of the Supervisory Board receive, in addition to the refund of their
expenses and the costs of any value-added tax incurred by
them in the performance of their office, fixed compensation of
€75,000, three times this amount for the Chairman of the Super-
visory Board, twice this amount for the Deputy Chairman of the
Supervisory Board and the Chairman of the Audit Committee,
1.5 times this amount for the chairmen of other Supervisory Board
committees, and 1.3 times this amount for members of Super-
visory Board committees. If a member of the Supervisory Board
exercises several of the aforementioned functions, he shall be
remunerated solely for the function with the highest compensation.
The individual compensation of the members of the Supervisory
Board is shown in the table on the right.
The members of the Supervisory Board and its committees
receive a meeting fee of €1,100 for each Supervisory Board
meeting and committee meeting they attend.
Except for the compensation paid to the members of the Super-
visory Board representing the employees in accordance with
their contracts of employment, no compensation was paid for
services provided personally in 2005 and 2006 beyond the
aforementioned board and committee activities, in particular for
advisory or agency services.
The compensation paid in 2006 to the members of the Super-
visory Board of DaimlerChrysler AG for their services to the
Group therefore totaled €2.1 million (2005: €2.0 million).
Loans to members of the Board of Management or the
Supervisory Board. In 2006, no advances or loans existed
to members of the Board of Management or to members of the
Supervisory Board of DaimlerChrysler AG.
Total in 2006
€
Hilmar Kopper
Erich Klemm 1
Chairman of the Supervisory Board,
of the Presidential Committee and
Member of the Audit Committee
Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board, of the
Presidential Committee and the Audit Committee
Dr. Manfred Bischoff 5 Member of the Supervisory Board
(since April 12, 2006) and of the Presidential
Committee (since April 27, 2006)
Heinrich Flegel
Member of the Supervisory Board
Ron Gettelfinger 2
Nate Gooden 2
Member of the Supervisory Board
(since August 28, 2006)
Member of the Supervisory Board
(until July 20, 2006)
Earl G. Graves
Member of the Supervisory Board
Thomas Klebe 1, 3
Member of the Supervisory Board and
the Presidential Committee
Arnaud Lagardère 5
Member of the Supervisory Board
Jürgen Langer 1
Member of the Supervisory Board
Robert J. Lanigan
Member of the Supervisory Board
(until April 12, 2006)
Helmut Lense 1
Member of the Supervisory Board
Peter A. Magowan
Member of the Supervisory Board
William A. Owens
Member of the Supervisory Board
Gerd Rheude 1
Udo Richter 1
Member of the Supervisory Board
Member of the Supervisory Board
Wolf Jürgen Röder 1
Member of the Supervisory Board
Manfred Schneider
Member of the Supervisory Board and the
Presidential Committee (until April 27, 2006)
Stefan Schwaab 1
Bernhard Walter
Member of the Supervisory Board
and the Audit Committee
Member of the Supervisory Board and
Chairman of the Audit Committee
Lynton R. Wilson 4
Member of the Supervisory Board
Mark Wössner
Member of the Supervisory Board
243,700
172,000
77,296
82,700
26,990
41,301
81,600
110,700
80,500
82,700
24,259
82,700
82,700
82,700
82,700
82,700
81,600
91,012
114,000
165,400
82,700
82,700
1 The members representing the employees have stated that their board compensation will be
transferred to the Hans-Böckler Foundation, in accordance with the guidelines of the German
Trade Union Federation.
2 Mr. Gooden and Mr. Gettelfinger abstained from receiving their compensation and meeting fees.
At their request, these amounts were paid to the Hans-Böckler Foundation.
3 Mr. Klebe also received compensation and meeting fees for his Board services at DaimlerChrysler
Luft- und Raumfahrt Holding AG and DaimlerChrysler Aerospace AG amounting to €9,122.
Footnote 1 applies respectively.
4 Mr. Wilson also received €7,024 for his Board services at Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.,
DaimlerChrysler Canada Inc. and DaimlerChrysler Financial Services Canada Inc.
5 Mr. Bischoff and Mr. Lagardère also received compensation and meeting fees in their capacity as
chairmen of the board of directors of EADS N.V amounting to €344,250 each. Since EADS is
consolidated at equity, these compensations are not considered in the calculation of the compen-
sation of the Supervisory Board.
Corporate Governance | Compensation Report | 125
Declaration of Compliance with the
German Corporate Governance Code
I. Deviations from the Recommendations of the
German Corporate Governance Code
1. Deductible with the D&O insurance
(Code Clause 3.8, Paragraph 2) The Directors’ and Officers’
Liability (D&O) insurance obtained by DaimlerChrysler AG excludes
coverage for intentional acts and omissions or for breaches of
duty knowingly committed by members of the Board of Manage-
ment and the Supervisory Board. As a result, the question of
whether or not a deductible is advisable arises only in the context
of negligent breaches of duty.
We do not believe that it is advisable to have a deductible for cases
of negligence by members of the Supervisory Board because it
would impede the company’s ability to staff its Supervisory Board
with prominent members of the community from Germany and
abroad who have extensive business experience. Qualified candi-
dates would be deterred by having to accept far-reaching liability
risks for potential negligence. The fact that a deductible is fairly
unusual in other countries makes this even more of a problem.
The D&O insurance of DaimlerChrysler AG does provide for a
deductible for cases of ordinary or gross negligence by members
of the Board of Management. Moreover, in cases of gross negli-
gence, the Presidential Committee of the Supervisory Board which
is responsible for the Board of Management members’ service
contracts may agree to make a percentage deduction from the
variable portion of the compensation of the member of the
Board of Management concerned. In terms of its overall financial
result, this would be the same as an additional deductible.
In the view of DaimlerChrysler AG this rule enables individual cases
to be judged more fairly on their merits than the blanket
approach of the Code.
Section 161 of the German Stock Corporation Act (AktG) requires
the Board of Management and the Supervisory Board of a listed
stock corporation to declare 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 electronic Federal Gazette have been and
are being met or, if not, which recommendations have not been or
are not being applied. Shareholders must be given permanent
access to such declaration.
The German Corporate Governance Code (“Code”) contains
rules with varying binding effects. Apart from outlining aspects
of the current German Stock Corporation Act, it contains recom-
mendations from which companies are permitted to deviate.
However, if they do so, they must disclose this each year. The Code
also contains suggestions which can be ignored without giving
rise to any disclosure requirement. The Board of Management and
the Supervisory Board of DaimlerChrysler AG have decided
to disclose not only deviations from the Code’s recommendations
(see I.) but also – without being legally obliged to do so –
deviations from its suggestions (see II.).
For the period from December 2005 until July 24, 2006, the fol-
lowing declaration refers to the Code in effect as of June 2, 2005.
For the corporate governance practice of DaimlerChrysler AG
since July 25, 2006, this declaration refers to the requirements of
the Code in effect as of June 12, 2006, published in the electronic
Federal Gazette on July 24, 2006.
The Board of Management and the Supervisory Board of
DaimlerChrysler AG declare that both the recommendations and
the suggestions of the “German Corporate Governance Code
Government Commission” have been and are being met. The Board
of Management and the Supervisory Board also intend to follow
the recommendations and suggestions of the German Corporate
Governance Code in the future. The following recommendations
and suggestions are the only ones that have not been or are not
being applied:
126
126
2.Individualized reporting of Board of Management Compen-
sation (Code Clause 4.2.4 in effect as of June 2, 2005)
The compensation for the Board of Management for the 2005
fiscal year has been reported in the aggregate on the basis of fixed
and variable elements and components with a long-term
incentive effect. For the 2006 fiscal year, the compensation
will be published on an individual basis.
3. Compensation of the Supervisory Board (Code Clause 5.4.7,
Paragraph 2, Sentence 1) The Supervisory Board receives
adequate compensation that contains fixed and function-related
elements, where applicable, as well as attendance fees.
The Articles of Incorporation provide for a base annual fee for
each Member of the Supervisory Board. This base annual fee
increases with the exercise of further tasks within the Supervisory
Board, as taking the Chair or the Deputy Chair of the Supervisory
Board or the Chair of Supervisory Board Committees according to
the respective field of duty. We believe that a function-related
compensation system is also more appropriate for the oversight
role of Supervisory Board members than a performance-related
pay system because it eliminates any potential conflicting interests
that might arise from decisions of the Supervisory Board with
possible influence on performance criteria. Thus the Supervisory
Board does not receive performance-related compensation.
II. Deviations from the Suggestions of the
German Corporate Governance Code
1. Broadcast of the Annual Meeting (Code Clause 2.3.4)
The Annual Meeting of DaimlerChrysler AG is broadcast on the
internet through the end of the Board of Management’s report.
Continuing the broadcast after this point, particularly broadcasting
comments made by individual shareholders, could be construed
as interfering with privacy rights. For this reason the company will
not broadcast the entire Annual Meeting.
2. Variable compensation of the Supervisory Board relating
to the company’s long-term success (Code Clause 5.4.7
Paragraph 2, Sentence 2) We refer to the comments on I. 3. with
regard to the introduction of performance-related compensation.
Stuttgart, in December 2006
The Board of Management
The Supervisory Board
Corporate Governance | Declaration of Compliance | 127
Report of the Supervisory Board
In seven meetings during the 2006 financial year, the Supervisory
Board dealt in detail with the business situation of DaimlerChrysler
and the strategic development of the Group and its divisions.
In addition to several personnel decisions, numerous special topics
and issues requiring the consent of the Supervisory Board
had to be examined and decided upon, which were also discussed
and dealt with together with the Board of Management.
In the meeting held in February 2006, the Supervisory Board dealt
with the audited 2005 financial statements of DaimlerChrysler AG,
the 2005 consolidated financial statements, the 2005 manage-
ment report of DaimlerChrysler AG, the 2005 Group management
report and the proposal made by the Board of Management
on the appropriation of earnings; personnel issues were also dealt
with.
Cooperation between the Supervisory Board and the Board
of Management. In its meetings, the Supervisory Board was
regularly and fully informed by the Board of Management about
the situation of the Group, particularly its business and financial
developments, personnel situation, investment plans and questions
of fundamental business policy and strategy. Outside the
meetings, the Board of Management presented the Group’s key
performance figures to the Supervisory Board in the form of
monthly reports, and submitted in good time those issues requiring
the specific approval of the Supervisory Board.
The Supervisory Board approved these issues after reviewing
various documents, making inquiries with the Board of Management
and holding intensive discussions with the members of the
Board of Management. The Supervisory Board was also kept fully
informed of specific matters between its meetings, and in urgent
cases it was requested to pass its resolutions in writing. In addition,
the Chairman of the Board of Management informed the
Chairman of the Supervisory Board in regular individual discussions
about all important developments and upcoming decisions.
Issues discussed at the meetings in 2006. In the meeting held
in January 2006, the Supervisory Board dealt with the Board of
Management’s plans for a new management model within Daimler-
Chrysler AG, as well as the related adjustments to various areas
of responsibility of the members of the Board of Management.
The effects and consequences of these changes were discussed
intensively.
An extraordinary Supervisory Board meeting was convened in
March 2006 to discuss the development and current business
situation of the smart unit. The Supervisory Board was provided
with documentation describing the project, including possible
opportunities and risks and the background considerations. The
Supervisory Board dealt in particular with the fundamental
options for further procedure against the backdrop of the relevant
conditions and the required negotiations with employee
representatives in Germany and the Netherlands. As a result,
the Supervisory Board approved the funds required for the
discontinuation of the smart forfour, as well as the unit’s focus
on the production of the smart fortwo and its full integration
into the Mercedes-Benz organization.
In April 2006, the Supervisory Board decided on financial
transactions connected with the Group’s equity interest in EADS.
In connection with the new management model, it also dealt
with the current status of integration of the functional areas, the
reduction of administrative costs by creating more streamlined
management structures, and the release of funds for the imple-
mentation of the new management model. Another issue discussed
at this meeting was the initiative for marketing diesel vehicles
in all the federal states of the USA (Clean Diesel), as well as the
importance of biofuels and BLUETEC technology. In line with
the principle of dealing with strategic issues in each meeting, the
Board of Management presented its strategy for the Truck Group
to the Supervisory Board. In addition to the regular reporting of the
Audit Committee, in this meeting the Supervisory Board also
received a report on the main provisions of the US Foreign Corrupt
Practices Act (FCPA) and on the progress of the investigation
by the SEC and the Department of Justice (DoJ). It also discussed
personnel and communication activities, the development
of a compliance organization and the work of the sales practices
hotline, and related training activities.
128
128
Hilmar Kopper
Chairman of the
Supervisory Board
The meeting held in July focused on personnel issues, the interim
report on the first half of the year, and an intensive discussion of
the Mercedes Car Group’s strategy. The Supervisory Board also
received a status report on the progress of business in China and
dealt with ongoing legal proceedings.
The main item on the agenda of the Supervisory Board meeting in
October was the situation at the Chrysler Group. On the basis
of specific market and product analyses, there was a detailed
discussion of the course of business, inventory developments,
and the opportunities and risks facing the Chrysler Group compared
with its national and international competitors. The discussion
focused on the current development of raw-material and fuel prices
and the resulting impact on the structure of demand in the
United States. In addition, the Supervisory Board dealt with
personnel issues and approved the sale of the former head-
quarters buildings in Stuttgart-Möhringen. The Supervisory Board
also received reports on procurement strategy as well as strategic
and operational topics of human-resources work in 2006.
In December, the operative planning for the period of 2007 through
2009 and the financing limit for the 2007 financial year were
dealth with in depth and decided upon, with the proviso of a plan-
ning adjustment relating to the Chrysler Group. The planning
data was backed up by extensive documentation. In this context,
the Board of Management also reported to the Supervisory
Board in detail on the company’s risk-monitoring system and the
results thereof. Furthermore, the Supervisory Board received
a detailed report on business development at the Financial Services
division and granted its approval to the acquisition of an interest
in Foton, a Chinese manufacturer of commercial vehicles.
Corporate governance. In several meetings, the Supervisory
Board dealt with various corporate governance issues. At one
of the meetings in the second half of 2006, the Rules of Procedure
for the Supervisory Board were amended so that members of
the Board of Management will only be reappointed for a period of
three years in the future. This period had previously only applied
to the original appointment. In the December meeting, pursuant
to Section 161 of the German Stock Corporation Act, the 2006
declaration of compliance with the German Corporate Governance
Code as amended on June 12, 2006 was approved.
Potential conflicts of interest were avoided by the affected
members of the Supervisory Board disclosing them to the
entire Supervisory Board and not participating in the relevant
discussions or voting on the topics concerned.
Mr. Nate Gooden attended fewer than half of the meetings held
in the first half of 2006 due to ill health. It is a matter of great
sorrow to the Supervisory Board that Mr. Gooden passed away in
November 2006.
Report on the work of the committees. The Presidential
Committee convened five times in 2006, and dealt with various
Board of Management matters as well as compensation issues.
At the beginning of 2006, the Committee was involved in the plans
for the new management model and the related plans to alter
the distribution of responsibilities among the members of the Board
of Management. In addition, the Committee dealt with several
personnel issues of the Board of Management, prepared the
plenary meetings of the Supervisory Board, and dealt with
questions of corporate governance.
The Audit Committee met eight times in 2006. Details of
these meetings are given in a separate report of this committee
(see page 134).
The Mediation Committee, a body required by the provisions
of the German Codetermination Act, had no occasion to take any
action in 2006.
The Supervisory Board was continually informed about the
committees’ work, and especially their decisions.
Corporate Governance | Report of the Supervisory Board | 129
Audit of the 2006 financial statements. The DaimlerChrysler AG
financial statements and the management report for 2006
were audited by KPMG Deutsche Treuhand-Gesellschaft Aktien-
gesellschaft, Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft, Berlin and
Frankfurt am Main, and were given an unqualified audit opinion.
The same applies to the consolidated financial statements
prepared according to US GAAP, which were supplemented with
a group management report and additional notes. Pursuant
to Sections 57 and 58 of the Introductory Law of the German
Commercial Code (EGHGB), the US GAAP consolidated financial
statements presented in this report grant exemption from
the obligation to prepare consolidated financial statements in
accordance with German law.
The financial statements and the appropriation of earnings
proposed by the Board of Management, as well as the auditors’
reports, were submitted to the Supervisory Board. They were
thoroughly inspected by the Audit Committee and the Supervisory
Board and discussed in the presence of the auditors, who
reported on the results of their audit. The Supervisory Board has
declared itself to be in agreement with the results of the audit
and has established that there are no objections to be made. The
Supervisory Board has approved the financial statements pre-
sented by the Board of Management. The financial statements are
thereby adopted. Finally, the Supervisory Board has examined
the appropriation of earnings proposed by the Board of Manage-
ment and is in agreement with this proposal.
Comments on the management report. The Supervisory Board
provides the following information in connection with the
management report, with regard to the composition of subscribed
capital, regulations on the appointment and dismissal of the
members of the Board of Management, amendments to the Articles
of Incorporation, authorization for the Board of Management
to issue shares or purchase treasury shares, and important
agreements entered into by the company that are subject
to change-of-control conditions.
Personnel changes in the Supervisory Board. Following the
expiry of Mr. Robert Lanigan’s period of membership of the
Supervisory Board on the day of the Annual Meeting in April 2006,
the Annual Meeting voted in favor of the proposal to elect
Dr. Manfred Bischoff as a member of the Supervisory Board rep-
resenting the shareholders for a period of five years. In July 2006,
Mr. Nate Gooden, Vice President of the US trade union United
Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers
(UAW), resigned from his position. He was succeeded by Mr. Ron
Gettelfinger, President of the UAW, by way of a court successor
appointment.
Personnel changes in the Board of Management. During
the year 2006, the Supervisory Board made decisions on various
Board of Management matters.
In February 2006, the Supervisory Board resolved to reappoint
Mr. Bodo Uebber for a period of five years as of December 16,
2006 with unchanged responsibility for the area of “Finance &
Controlling / Financial Services”.
Effective March 1, 2006, the Board of Management area of
Mr. Rüdiger Grube was renamed as “Corporate Development”.
Also with effect as of March 1, 2006, the areas of responsibility
of Mr. Andreas Renschler and Mr. Thomas Weber were redefined.
Since that date, Mr. Renschler has been responsible for the
“Truck Group” and Mr. Weber has been responsible for “Group
Research & Mercedes Car Group Development”.
In July 2006, Mr. Thomas W. LaSorda was reappointed for another
five years as of May 1, 2007 with unchanged responsibility for
the “Chrysler Group”.
In October 2006, the Supervisory Board decided on two reappoint-
ments. Firstly, Mr. Rüdiger Grube was reappointed for the period of
September 20, 2007 until 30. September 2010 with unchanged
responsibility for the area of “Corporate Development”. Secondly,
Mr. Andreas Renschler was reappointed for another three
years as of October 1, 2007 with unchanged responsibility for
the “Truck Group”.
130
The company’s capital stock as of December 31, 2006 amounted to
€2,673,225,752.60. It is divided into 1,028,163,751 registered
shares of no par value. All shares confer equal rights. Each share
has one vote and an equal share of the distributable profit.
By resolution of the Annual Meeting on April 12, 2006, the company
was authorized, until October 12, 2007, to acquire treasury
shares for certain purposes, whereby these shares’ proportion
of the capital stock may not exceed €264 million.
By resolution of the Annual Meeting on April 9, 2003, the Board of
Management was authorized, until April 8, 2008, with the consent
of the Supervisory Board to increase the capital stock by up
to €500 million by issuing new registered shares of no par value
against cash contributions and by up to €500 million by issuing
new registered shares of no par value against non-cash contribu-
tions. In addition, the Board of Management is authorized to
increase the capital stock by up to €26 million for the purpose
of issuing employee shares.
Furthermore, the Board of Management was authorized, until
April 5, 2010, with the consent of the Supervisory Board to issue
convertible bonds and/or warrant bonds in a total nominal
amount of up to €15 billion with a maximum term of 20 years, and
to grant to the owners of those bonds conversion rights or
option rights to new shares in DaimlerChrysler with a proportionate
amount of the capital stock of up to €300 million, in accordance
with the defined conditions.
The Board of Management manages the company and represents
it vis-a-vis third parties. The Board of Management must have
at least two members, who, pursuant to Section 84 of the German
Stock Corporation Act, are appointed by the Supervisory Board
for a period of office of a maximum of five years. Reappointment
or the extension of a period of office is permissible, in each
case for a maximum of five years. However, during the second half
of 2006, the Supervisory Board of DaimlerChrysler AG decided
to limit such first appointments and reappointments of members
of the Board of Management to three years as a rule in the
future. These appointments and reappointments can only be made
by a resolution of the Supervisory Board; reappointments may
not be decided upon more than one year before the end of the
current period of office.
The Supervisory Board appoints one of the members of the Board
of Management as the Chairman of the Board of Management.
The Supervisory Board can revoke the appointment of a member
of the Board of Management and of the Chairman of the Board
of Management if there is an important reason to do so. Such
a reason could be, for example, gross neglect of duty, lack of
ability to conduct the management in a proper manner, or a vote
of no confidence by the Annual Meeting.
The general purpose for which the company is organized is
defined in Article 2 of the Articles of Incorporation. Pursuant
to Section 133 of the German Stock Corporation Act, the Articles
of Incorporation can only be changed by a resolution of the
Annual Meeting. In accordance with Article 19, Paragraph 1 of the
Articles of Incorporation, resolutions of the Annual Meeting are
passed with a simple majority of the votes cast unless otherwise
stipulated by the provisions of applicable law, and with a simple
majority of the capital stock represented at the Annual Meeting if
this be required. Pursuant to Section 179, Subsection 2, Sentence
2 of the German Stock Corporation Act, any amendment to the
purpose of the company requires a 75% majority of the capital
stock represented at the Annual Meeting.
Corporate Governance | Report of the Supervisory Board | 131
the third party. A change of control can also lead to the dissolution
of the voting consortium. According to the EADS agreement,
a change of control has taken place if a competitor of EADS N.V.
or of the French contracting party either appoints so many
members of the Supervisory Board of DaimlerChrysler AG that
it can appoint the majority of the members of the Board of
Management or holds an investment that enables it to control
the day-to-day business of DaimlerChrysler AG.
Appreciation. The Supervisory Board expresses its gratitude to
the Management and the departing members of the Supervisory
Board.
The Supervisory Board also thanks the employees of the Daimler-
Chrysler Group for their outstanding personal commitment and
their achievements during the year 2006.
Stuttgart, February 2007
The Supervisory Board
Hilmar Kopper
Chairman
DaimlerChrysler AG has concluded various material agreements
that include clauses regulating the possible occurrence of
a change of control given below. One of the issues involved is a
number of non-utilized syndicated credit lines in a total amount
of US $12 billion, which the lenders are entitled to terminate if
DaimlerChrysler AG becomes a subsidiary of another company
or is controlled by one person or several persons acting jointly.
Furthermore, DaimlerChrysler AG is a party in a joint venture
for the development of fuel cell systems. This joint venture can be
terminated by either of the contracting parties if the other party is
subject to a change of control. A change of control is defined here
as the right to give instructions to the Board of Management
and to determine the company’s guiding principles, the possibility
to elect the majority of the members of the Supervisory Board
or possession of at least 40% of the voting rights. In addition,
DaimlerChrysler AG is a party to an agreement concerning
the intellectual property rights in connection with a joint venture
for the development of a hybrid drive system, which in the case
of a change of control of one of the partners involved, allows the
other partners to terminate the agreement. A change of control
as defined by this agreement refers to the beneficial ownership of
the majority of the voting rights in the company, and with a
stock-exchange listed company the beneficial ownership of at
least 20% of the voting rights in the company if within 18 months
after this limit is exceeded the majority of the members of the
Supervisory Board representing the shareholders consists
of persons who were proposed by the owner of the 20% of the
voting rights; a change of control is also understood as a
merger or amalgamation with another company, unless in the case
of a stock-exchange listed company after the merger the majority
of the votes are held by the previous owners and no-one has ben-
eficial ownership of more than 20% of the voting rights; a change
of ownership is also understood as the transfer of all or nearly
all of the assets. Finally, DaimlerChrysler AG is a party to an
agreement regulating the exercise of voting rights in EADS N.V.
In the case of a change of control, this agreement stipulates that
DaimlerChrysler AG is obliged, if so requested by the French party
to the agreement, to make all efforts to dispose of its shares
in EADS under appropriate conditions to a third party that is not
a competitor of EADS or of the French contracting party of
DaimlerChrysler AG. In this case, the French party has the right
of preemption under the same conditions as were offered by
132
Members of the Supervisory Board
Hilmar Kopper
Frankfurt/Main
Chairman of the Supervisory Board
of DaimlerChrysler AG
Chairman
Arnaud Lagardère
Paris
General Partner and CEO
of Lagardère SCA
Wolf Jürgen Röder 1
Frankfurt/Main
Member of the Executive Board
of the German Metalworkers’ Union
(IG Metall)
Erich Klemm 1
Sindelfingen
Chairman of the General Works Council
of the DaimlerChrysler Group and
DaimlerChrysler AG
Deputy Chairman
Dr. Manfred Bischoff
Munich
Chairman of the Board EADS N.V.
(since April 12, 2006)
Prof. Dr. Heinrich Flegel 1
Stuttgart
Director Research Materials and
Manufacturing, DaimlerChrysler AG,
Chairman of the Management
Representative Committee,
DaimlerChrysler Group
Ron Gettelfinger 1
Detroit
President of the International Union,
United Automobile, Aerospace
and Agricultural Implement Workers
of America (UAW)
(since August 28, 2006)
Jürgen Langer 1
Frankfurt/Main
Chairman of the Works Council
at the Frankfurt/Offenbach Dealership,
DaimlerChrysler AG
Dr. rer. pol. Manfred Schneider
Leverkusen
Chairman of the Supervisory Board
of Bayer AG
Helmut Lense 1
Stuttgart
Chairman of the Works Council
at the Untertürkheim Plant,
DaimlerChrysler AG
Peter A. Magowan
San Francisco
President of San Francisco Giants
William A. Owens
Kirkland
Retired President and CEO of Nortel
Networks Corporation,
CEO and Chairman of AEA Holdings
Asia
Gerd Rheude 1
Wörth
Chairman of the Works Council at the
Wörth Plant, DaimlerChrysler AG
Stefan Schwaab 1
Gaggenau
Deputy Chairman of the General Works
Council of the DaimlerChrysler Group
and DaimlerChrysler AG,
Deputy Chairman of the Works Council
at the Gaggenau Plant,
DaimlerChrysler AG
Bernhard Walter
Frankfurt/Main
Former Spokesman of the Board
of Management of Dresdner Bank AG
Lynton R. Wilson
Toronto
Chairman of the Board of CAE Inc.
Chairman Emeritus of Nortel Networks
Corporation
Dr.- Ing. Mark Wössner
Munich
Former CEO and Chairman of the
Supervisory Board of Bertelsmann AG
Earl G. Graves
New York
Publisher, Black Enterprise Magazine
Udo Richter 1
Bremen
Chairman of the Works Council at the
Bremen Plant, DaimlerChrysler AG
Dr. Thomas Klebe 1
Frankfurt/Main
Director Department for General
Shop Floor Policy and Codetermination,
German Metalworkers’ Union
(IG Metall)
Committees of the Supervisory
Board:
Committee pursuant to Section 27,
Subsection 3 of the German
Industrial Codetermination Act
Hilmar Kopper (Chairman)
Erich Klemm 1
Dr. rer. pol. Manfred Schneider
Dr. Thomas Klebe 1
Presidential Committee
Hilmar Kopper (Chairman)
Erich Klemm 1
Dr. Manfred Bischoff
Dr. Thomas Klebe 1
Audit Committee
Bernhard Walter (Chairman)
Hilmar Kopper
Erich Klemm 1
Stefan Schwaab 1
Retired from the Supervisory Board:
Nate Gooden 1 †
Detroit
Vice President of the International
Union, United Automobile, Aerospace
and Agricultural Implement Workers
of America (UAW)
(retired on July 20, 2006)
Robert J. Lanigan
Toledo
Chairman Emeritus of Owens-Illinois,
Inc.; Founding Partner, Palladium Equity
Partners
(retired on April 12, 2006)
1 Employee representative
Corporate Governance | Members of the Supervisory Board | 133
Report of the Audit Committee
The Audit Committee convened eight times in 2006. In February
2006, in the presence of the external auditors, it reviewed the
accounting documentation for the year 2005 and recommended
that the Supervisory Board agree to the Board of Management’s
proposal on the appropriation of distributable profits and approve
the financial statements.
In further meetings during the course of the year, the Audit
Committee held detailed discussions with the Board of Manage-
ment attended by the external auditors concerning the 2006
half-year financial statements and the interim reports on the first
and third quarters of 2006.
The Audit Committee regularly examined the qualifications
and independence of the external auditors, and, in a separate
procedure, its efficiency. The Audit Committee continually
monitored the implementation of the principles decided upon
for the approval of services provided by the external auditors.
After receiving the approval of the Annual Meeting, the Audit
Committee engaged KPMG Deutsche Treuhand-Gesellschaft
Aktiengesellschaft, Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft, Berlin and
Frankfurt am Main, to conduct the annual audit, negotiated the
audit fee of the external auditors, and determined the important
audit issues for the year 2006.
The Audit Committee was also occupied with new accounting
standards and their interpretation in 2006, especially with
questions relating to the implementation and introduction of the
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Another key
point of discussion was the implementation of internal monitoring
mechanisms in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-
Oxley Act. The Audit Committee was also occupied with the risk-
monitoring system, the company’s risk reports and the risks
from legal proceedings, the reports and programs of the Corporate
Audit department, and new statutory developments of relevance
for the Audit Committee.
As in the prior year, the Audit Committee’s work in 2006 focused
in particular on the investigations taking place in the company
that were initiated by the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC). In each regular meeting, the Audit Committee
received information about the progress of the investigations
from the company’s management and the lawyers and external
auditors involved. This included receiving reports on the existence,
application and monitoring of internal guidelines and rules of
conduct, the further development of compliance management,
and the elimination of deficits identified at the Group.
In order to institutionalize compliance activities at DaimlerChrysler
and to anchor such procedures as a key element of entrepreneurial
action, the Board of Management established the department
of Corporate Compliance Operations at the beginning of 2006 in
consultation with the Audit Committee. Not only the Group’s
management, but also the Audit Committee of the Supervisory
Board is regularly informed about all of this new department’s
goals and activities.
134134
Bernhard Walter
Chairman of the Audit
Committee
In addition, the Audit Committee dealt regularly with complaints and
criticism with regard to accounting and the system of internal
controls that were received confidentially, and likewise anony-
mously, from DaimlerChrysler employees, and received information
separately concerning violations of Section 302, Subsection
5 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The Audit Committee also received
regular reports, giving due consideration to any criticism, about
the introduction and effectiveness of the internal control over
financial reporting relating to the correct implementation of
the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
In February 2007, in the presence of the external auditors,
the Audit Committee reviewed the financial statements and the
consolidated financial statements for 2006 with the respective
management reports, including the annual report on Form 20-F,
and the proposal on the appropriation of earnings made by the
Board of Management. The audit reports and important accounting
matters were discussed in detail with the external auditors.
Following intensive review and discussion of the documents, the
Audit Committee then recommended that the Supervisory Board
agree to the Board of Management’s proposal on the appropriation
of distributable profits and approve the financial statements.
Once again in the year 2006, the Audit Committee conducted
a specific self-evaluation of its activities.
Stuttgart, February 2007
The Audit Committee
Bernhard Walter
Chairman
Corporate Governance | Report of the Audit Committee | 135
The accompanying consolidated financial statements (consolidated balance
sheets as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, consolidated statements of income,
cash flows and changes in stockholders’ equity for each of the financial
years 2006, 2005 and 2004 as well as the notes to the consolidated financial
statements) were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP). In order to be exempt from
the obligation to prepare consolidated financial statements in accordance
with German law, the consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance
with U.S. GAAP were supplemented with the Group management report
and additional explanations as required by Section 57 and 58 of the EGHGB
(Introductory Law to German Commercial Code). Therefore, the consolidated
financial statements, which have to be filed with the operator of the electronic
version of the Federal Gazette and published in the electronic version of the
Federal Gazette, comply with the Fourth and Seventh Directive of the European
Community. For the interpretation of these directives we relied on Article 2 of
the German Amendment Accounting Standard No. 2 issued by the German
Accounting Standards Committee. The consolidated financial statements and
the Group management report as of December 31, 2006, prepared according
Section 57 and 58 of the EGHGB will be provided to shareholders on request.
136
136 - 210
Contents
136 Overview
138 Statement by the Board
of Management
139 Report of Independent Registered
Public Accounting Firm
140 Consolidated Statements
of Income (Loss)
142 Consolidated Balance Sheets
143 Consolidated Statements
of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
144 Consolidated Statements of
Cash Flows
146 Consolidated Fixed Assets Schedule
Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements
148 Basis of Presentation
162 Notes to the Consolidated Statements
of Income
170 Notes to the Consolidated Balance
Sheets
194 Notes to the Consolidated Statements
of Cash Flows
194 Other Notes
Consolidated Financial Statements | 137
Statement by the Board
of Management
The Board of Management of DaimlerChrysler AG is responsible
for preparing the accompanying financial statements.
We have implemented effective controlling and monitoring
systems to guarantee compliance with accounting principles
and the adequacy of reporting. These systems include the
application 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. In addition,
we comply with the requirements for establishing an internal
control system over financial reporting as set forth in Section 404
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
In accordance with German legal requirements we have inte-
grated 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 Aktienge-
sellschaft Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft audited the consoli-
dated financial statements, which were prepared in accordance
with US generally accepted accounting principles, and issued an
unqualified audit report.
Together with the independent auditors, the Supervisory Board’s
Audit Committee examined and discussed the consolidated
financial statements including the business review report and
the auditors’ report in depth. Subsequently, the entire Super-
visory Board reviewed the documentation related to the conso-
lidated financial statements. The result of this examination is
included in the Report of the Supervisory Board.
Dieter Zetsche
Bodo Uebber
138
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Supervisory Board
DaimlerChrysler AG:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets
of DaimlerChrysler AG and subsidiaries (“DaimlerChrysler”)
as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the related consolidated
statements of income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and
cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended
December 31, 2006. 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 conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of
the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit
to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial state-
ments 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 evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred
to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
position of DaimlerChrysler as of December 31, 2006 and 2005,
and the results of their operations and their cash flows for
each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31,
2006, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles in the United States of America.
As described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements,
DaimlerChrysler adopted FASB Statement No. 158, “Employers’
Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement
Plans“ as of December 31, 2006. As described in Note 1 and 10
to the consolidated financial statements, DaimlerChrysler adopted
FASB Statement No. 123 (revised), “Share-Based Payment” in
2006 and FASB Interpretation No. 47, “Accounting for Conditional
Asset Retirement Obligations – an interpretation of FASB
Statement No. 143” in 2005.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of
the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States),
the effectiveness of DaimlerChrysler’s internal control over
financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, based on criteria
established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued
by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission (COSO), and our report dated February 26, 2007
expressed an unqualified opinion on management’s assessment of,
and the effective operation of, internal control over financial
reporting.
Stuttgart,
February 26, 2007
KPMG Deutsche Treuhand-Gesellschaft
Aktiengesellschaft
Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft
Nonnenmacher
Wirtschaftsprüfer
Krauß
Wirtschaftsprüfer
Consolidated Financial Statements | Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | 139
Consolidated Statements of Income
(in millions of €, except per share amounts)
Revenues
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Selling, general administrative and other expenses
Research and development
Other income
Goodwill impairment
Income before financial income
Financial income (expense), net (therein loss on issuance of
associated company stock of €135 million in 2004)
Income before income taxes
Income tax (expense) benefit
Minority interests
Income before cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles
Cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles: transition
adjustments resulting from adoption of SFAS 123R and FIN 47, net of taxes
Net income
Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share
Income before cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles
Cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles
Net income
Diluted earnings per share
Income before cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles
Cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles
Net income
Note
2006
Consolidated
Year ended December 31,
2004
2005
34.
5.
151,589
149,776
142,059
(125,673)
(122,861)
(114,706)
25,916
26,915
27,353
5.
(18,513)
(18,981)
(17,978)
6.
11.
7.
8.
10.
35.
(5,331)
1,305
–
3,377
616
3,993
(706)
(56)
3,231
(4)
3,227
3.16
–
3.16
3.14
–
3.14
(5,649)
(5,658)
966
(30)
3,221
217
3,438
(513)
(74)
2,851
(5)
2,846
2.80
–
2.80
2.80
–
2.80
895
–
4,612
(1,077)
3,535
(1,177)
108
2,466
–
2,466
2.43
–
2.43
2.43
–
2.43
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidatd Financial Statements.
140
Industrial Business 1
Year ended December 31,
2004
2005
2006
Financial Services 1, 2
Year ended December 31,
2004
2005
2006
134,430
134,340
128,133
17,159
15,436
13,926
(111,409)
(110,293)
(103,910)
(14,264)
(12,568)
(10,796)
23,021
24,047
24,223
(17,300)
(17,722)
(16,747)
2,895
(1,213)
2,868
(1,259)
3,130
(1,231)
(in millions of €, except per share amounts)
Revenues
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Selling, general administrative and other expenses
(5,331)
1,276
–
1,666
599
2,265
(33)
(45)
2,187
(4)
2,183
(5,649)
(5,658)
921
(30)
1,567
192
1,759
133
(63)
1,829
(5)
1,824
833
–
2,651
(1,043)
1,608
(442)
113
1,279
–
1,279
–
29
–
–
45
–
–
62
–
Research and development
Other income
Goodwill impairment
1,711
1,654
1,961
Income before financial income
17
1,728
(673)
(11)
1,044
–
1,044
25
1,679
(646)
(11)
1,022
–
1,022
(34)
1,927
(735)
(5)
1,187
–
1,187
Financial income (expense), net (therein loss on issuance of
associated company stock of €135 million in 2004)
Income before income taxes
Income tax (expense) benefit
Minority interests
Income before cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles
Cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles: transition
adjustments resulting from adoption of SFAS 123R and FIN 47, net of taxes
Net income
1 Additional information about the Industrial Business and Financial Services is not required under U.S. GAAP and is unaudited.
2 Contains the financing and leasing business of the Financial Services segment without Mobility Management and activities of DaimlerChrysler Financial Services AG.
Consolidated Financial Statements | Consolidated Statements of Income | 141
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Note
2006
Consolidated
At December 31,
2005
Industrial Business 1
At December 31,
2005
2006
Financial Services 1, 2
At December 31,
2005
2006
(in millions of €)
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 assets
Securities
Cash and cash equivalents
Non-fixed assets
Deferred taxes
Prepaid expenses
Disposal group Off-Highway, assets held for sale
Total assets
(thereof short-term 2006: €72,546; 2005: €74,909)
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Capital stock
Additional paid-in capital
Retained earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Treasury stock
Stockholders’ equity
Minority interests
Accrued liabilities
Financial liabilities
Trade liabilities
Other liabilities
Liabilities
Deferred taxes
Deferred income
Disposal group Off-Highway, liabilities held for sale
Total liabilities
(thereof short-term 2006: €76,045; 2005: €86,399)
11.
12.
13.
19.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
8.
21.
9.
22.
24.
25.
26.
27.
8.
28.
9.
1,683
765
34,021
6,001
36,958
79,428
17,750
7,359
52,334
11,370
5,985
7,136
1,881
3,191
36,739
6,356
34,238
82,405
19,139
7,595
61,101
8,731
4,936
7,711
101,934
109,213
6,093
2,567
–
7,249
1,391
1,374
1,615
709
33,880
5,716
2,907
44,827
16,170
7,120
–
6,566
5,614
5,908
41,378
5,873
2,463
–
1,822
3,133
36,565
6,084
3,629
51,233
17,674
7,348
68
56
141
285
34,051
34,601
1,580
239
–
52,334
4,804
371
1,228
4,654
4,502
6,894
41,072
7,060
1,299
1,374
59
58
174
272
30,609
31,172
1,465
247
61,101
4,077
434
817
60,556
68,141
220
104
–
189
92
–
190,022
201,632
94,541
102,038
95,481
99,594
2,673
8,588
33,388
(10,494)
–
34,155
663
46,261
78,518
13,716
7,793
2,647
8,221
31,688
(6,107)
–
36,449
653
46,682
80,932
14,591
9,053
100,027
104,576
717
8,199
–
4,203
8,298
771
25,248
26,859
621
44,810
5,056
13,487
5,414
23,957
(5,124)
5,029
–
614
45,389
4,146
14,381
6,561
25,088
(2,309)
5,626
771
8,907
42
1,451
73,462
229
2,379
76,070
5,841
3,170
–
9,590
39
1,293
76,786
210
2,492
79,488
6,512
2,672
–
155,867
165,183
69,293
75,179
86,574
90,004
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
190,022
201,632
94,541
102,038
95,481
99,594
1 Additional information about the Industrial Business and Financial Services is not required under U.S. GAAP and is unaudited.
2 Contains the financing and leasing business of the Financial Services segment without Mobility Management and activities of DaimlerChrysler Financial Services AG.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
142
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Cumulative
translation
adjustment
Available-
for-sale
securities
Derivative
financial
instruments
Unrecognized
pension and
healthcare
obligations
Treasury
stock
(in millions of €)
Balance at January 1, 2004
Net income
Other comprehensive loss
Total comprehensive income
Stock based compensation
Purchase of capital stock
Re-issuance of treasury stock
Dividends
Capital
stock
Additional
paid- in
capital
2,633
7,915
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
127
–
–
–
Balance at December 31, 2004
2,633
8,042
Net income
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Total comprehensive income
Stock based compensation
Issuance of new shares
Purchase of capital stock
Re-issuance of treasury stock
Dividends
Other
–
–
–
14
–
–
–
–
Balance at December 31, 2005
2,647
Net income
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Initial application of SFAS 158
Total other comprehensive loss
Total comprehensive loss
Stock based compensation
Issuance of new shares
Purchase of capital stock
Re-issuance of treasury stock
Dividends
Other
–
–
–
–
26
–
–
–
–
Balance at December 31, 2006
2,673
–
–
87
141
–
–
–
(49)
8,221
–
–
–
39
284
–
–
–
44
8,588
Retained
earnings
29,414
2,466
–
–
–
–
(1,519)
30,361
2,846
–
–
–
–
–
(1,519)
–
31,688
3,227
–
–
–
–
–
–
(1,527)
–
(1,163)
–
(715)
–
–
–
–
(1,878)
–
2,727
–
–
–
–
–
–
333
–
(206)
–
–
–
–
127
–
(18)
–
–
–
–
–
–
2,227
–
(369)
(6,873)
–
(748)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
1,858
(7,621)
–
(1,223)
–
(79)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
849
109
635
(7,700)
–
(1,817)
–
(1,817)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
33
–
33
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
263
–
263
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
4,549
(7,415)
(2,866)
–
–
–
–
–
–
33,388
(968)
142
898
(10,566)
Total
34,486
2,466
(2,038)
428
127
(30)
30
(1,519)
33,522
2,846
1,407
4,253
87
155
(21)
21
(1,519)
(49)
36,449
3,227
3,028
(7,415)
(4,387)
(1,160)
39
310
(29)
29
(1,527)
44
34,155
–
–
–
–
(30)
30
–
–
–
–
–
–
(21)
21
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(29)
29
–
–
–
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
Consolidated Financial Statements | Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity | 143
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows *
Consolidated
Year ended December 31,
2004
2005
2006
3,227
2,846
56
4
(320)
7,563
6,111
(525)
(318)
(497)
(975)
(44)
56
155
451
(224)
241
(945)
74
5
(732)
6,341
6,309
(809)
(103)
298
(1,370)
(4)
45
(207)
(1,519)
(443)
802
820
2,466
(108)
–
(281)
5,445
5,860
(593)
933
(275)
(520)
(26)
1,227
(2,455)
(1,393)
242
1,186
(648)
14,016
12,353
11,060
(24,493)
(20,236)
(17,678)
(5,938)
(330)
12,718
935
(473)
1,158
(5,913)
5,814
(6,580)
(272)
11,643
1,098
(552)
516
(5,195)
5,288
(6,386)
(514)
10,468
741
(264)
1,218
(5,978)
6,331
(27,550)
(27,073)
(30,488)
18,322
12,682
21,262
8,612
(14,827)
(10,773)
13,467
(153)
11,025
15
17,148
9,531
(4,211)
3,481
(81)
(14,581)
(11,222)
(16,682)
1,165
20,315
1,407
14,322
2,453
15,013
(19,741)
(15,867)
(13,370)
(1,553)
(1,575)
(1,547)
339
(29)
496
(467)
(536)
7,619
7,083
227
(27)
(1,513)
620
238
7,381
7,619
30
(30)
2,549
(313)
(3,386)
10,767
7,381
(in millions of €)
Net income
Income (loss) applicable to minority interests
Cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles
Gains on disposals of shares in companies
Depreciation and amortization of equipment on operating leases
Depreciation and amortization of fixed assets
Change in deferred taxes
Equity (income) loss from equity method investments
Change in financial instruments
(Gains) losses on disposals of fixed assets/securities
Change in trading securities
Change in accrued liabilities
Net changes in inventory-related receivables from financial services
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
Investments in/collections from wholesale receivables
Proceeds from sale of wholesale receivables
Investments in retail receivables
Collections on retail receivables
Proceeds from sale of retail receivables
Acquisitions of securities (other than trading)
Proceeds from sales of securities (other than trading)
Change in other cash
Cash used for investing activities
Change in commercial paper borrowings and short-term financial liabilities
Additions to long-term financial liabilities
Repayment of long-term financial liabilities
Dividends paid (including profit transferred from subsidiaries)
Proceeds from issuance of capital stock (including minority interests)
Purchase of treasury stock
Cash provided by (used for) financing activities
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
* For other information regarding Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, see Note 29.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
144
Industrial Business 1
Year ended December 31,
2004
2005
2006
Financial Services 1, 2
Year ended December 31,
2004
2005
2006
1,044
1,022
1,187
(in millions of €)
Net income
11
–
–
5,674
61
(453)
(11)
1
(50)
(1)
77
–
(1)
(24)
(4)
5
–
–
Income (loss) applicable to minority interests
Cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles
Gains on disposals of shares in companies
4,901
Depreciation and amortization of equipment on operating leases
124
618
(18)
13
4
3
146
–
142
32
(7)
Depreciation and amortization of fixed assets
Change in deferred taxes
Equity (income) loss from equity method investments
Change in financial instruments
(Gains) losses on disposals of fixed assets/securities
Change in trading securities
Change in accrued liabilities
Net changes in inventory-related receivables from financial services
Changes in other operating assets and liabilities:
– Inventories, net
– Trade receivables
– Trade liabilities
(169)
6,133
157
7,307
– Other assets and liabilities
Cash provided by operating activities
Purchases of fixed assets:
(1,535)
(182)
2,183
1,824
44
4
(323)
617
6,067
(522)
(299)
(485)
(991)
(48)
(251)
155
633
(224)
211
(1,595)
5,176
(3,722)
(5,909)
(310)
5,018
908
(447)
1,169
63
5
(732)
667
6,248
(356)
(92)
297
(1,320)
(3)
(32)
(207)
(1,518)
(419)
806
989
6,220
(4,181)
(6,537)
(253)
4,996
1,066
(566)
186
1,279
(113)
–
(281)
544
5,736
(1,211)
951
(288)
(524)
(29)
1,081
(2,455)
210
1,193
(805)
3,753
(3,828)
(6,298)
(496)
4,514
705
(244)
1,176
3,643
(3,189)
(1,059)
3,818
(2,824)
(504)
(14,862)
(10,773)
13,467
11,017
28
75
4,457
(3,848)
(115)
(4,210)
3,445
(189)
(4,746)
(4,763)
(2,869)
12
–
3
6,946
44
(3)
(19)
(12)
16
4
307
–
–
30
650
8,840
21,511
13,741
35
–
(181)
(9,835)
(2,569)
15,793
36
–
(20,771)
(16,055)
(13,850)
– Increase in equipment on operating leases
(29)
(20)
7,700
27
(26)
(11)
(43)
(19)
6,647
32
14
330
(88)
(18)
5,954
36
(20)
42
– 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
26,656
26,963
29,911
(32,569)
(32,158)
(35,889)
Investments in/collections from wholesale receivables
(26,137)
(27,246)
(27,849)
31,951
32,534
34,180
Proceeds from sale of wholesale receivables
(31,193)
(30,891)
(34,945)
Investments in retail receivables
24,086
9,116
–
8
(60)
20,996
9,646
(1)
36
108
Collections on retail receivables
Proceeds from sale of retail receivables
Acquisitions of securities (other than trading)
Proceeds from sales of securities (other than trading)
Change in other cash
(6,459)
(13,813)
Cash used for investing activities
(6,953)
(11,070)
(11,258)
(950)
(1,288)
3,734
4,522
(8,671)
(603)
303
(29)
(744)
(428)
(742)
6,803
6,061
848
2,297
(4,609)
(287)
195
(27)
1,481
2,661
(585)
(255)
(30)
(1,583)
(3,681)
1,240
548
422
6,381
6,803
(291)
(3,088)
9,469
6,381
(39)
206
816
1,022
559
12,025
32
–
70
72
(184)
1,000
816
972
12,352
(6,417)
(962)
285
–
6,230
(22)
(298)
1,298
1,000
Change in commercial paper borrowings and short-term financial liabilities
Additions to long-term financial liabilities
Repayment of long-term financial liabilities
Dividends paid (including profit transferred from subsidiaries)
Proceeds from issuance of capital stock (including minority interests)
Purchase of treasury stock
Cash provided by (used for) financing activities
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 Additional information about the Industrial Business and Financial Services is not required under U.S. GAAP and is unaudited.
2 Contains the financing and leasing business of the Financial Services segment without Mobility Management and activities of DaimlerChrysler Financial Services AG.
Consolidated Financial Statements | Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows | 145
Consolidated Fixed Assets Schedule
Balance at
January 1,
2006
Currency
change
Change in
consolidated
group
Additions
Reclassifica-
tions
Disposals
Balance at
December 31,
2006
Acquisition or Manufacturing Costs
(in millions of €)
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
3,082
4,132
7,214
22,379
35,104
27,378
4,680
89,541
930
138
3,983
768
73
607
226
(262)
(341)
(603)
(1,126)
(2,203)
(1,698)
(370)
(5,397)
(11)
–
(7)
(4)
(6)
(91)
(1)
Investments and long-term financial assets
Equipment on operating leases
6,725
44,896
(120)
(3,896)
1 Currency translation changes with period end rates.
–
(1)
(1)
(74)
(470)
(65)
(1)
(610)
(92)
–
(14)
(6)
–
–
(113)
(223)
8
258
266
228
882
1,023
4,090
6,223
106
92
68
90
–
50
6
412
–
10
10
497
1,798
2,219
(4,554)
(40)
(15)
–
3
12
–
–
–
–
48
2,226
2,274
657
1,772
1,651
47
4,127
151
112
46
42
38
–
85
474
–
24,522
30
17,223
2,780
1,832
4,612
21,247
33,339
27,206
3,798
85,590
767
118
3,987
818
29
566
33
6,320
48,329
The consolidated fixed assets schedule is part of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
146
Balance at
January 1,
2006
1,201
941
2,142
10,501
23,654
18,546
(102)
(67)
(169)
(418)
(1,307)
(1,110)
101
(4)
52,802
(2,839)
164
6
10
180
1
1
7
369
10,658
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(914)
Change in
Currency
change
consolidated
group
Additions
Reclassifica-
tions
Disposals
Balance at
December 31,
2006
Balance at
December 31,
2006
Balance at
December 31,
2005
Depreciation/Amortization
Book Value 1
–
(1)
(1)
(60)
(436)
(61)
–
(557)
(1)
–
(10)
(3)
–
–
–
(12)
–
–
255
255
568
2,465
2,763
–
5,796
50
–
–
10
–
–
–
60
7,563
2
62
64
419
1,712
1,495
1,097
1,067
2,164
10,100
22,639
18,733
–
97
3,626
51,569
59
1
–
35
–
–
3
154
5
–
152
1
1
4
1,683
765
2,448
11,147
10,700
8,473
3,701
34,021
613
113
1,881
3,191
5,072
11,878
11,450
8,832
4,579
36,739
766
132
(in millions of €)
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
3,987
3,973
Investments in associated companies
666
28
565
29
588
72
606
219
Investments in related companies
Loans to associated and related companies
Long-term securities
Other loans
98
5,942
319
11,371
6,001
36,958
6,356
34,238
Investments and long-term financial assets
Equipment on operating leases
–
1
1
(72)
(25)
90
–
(7)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
6
Consolidated Financial Statements | Consolidated Fixed Assets Schedule | 147
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Basis of Presentation
Use of estimates. Preparation of the financial statements in
conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates
and assumptions related to the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at
the date of the consolidated financial statements as well as
the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for the period.
Significant items related to such estimates and assumptions
include recoverability of investments in equipment on operating
leases, collectibility of sales financing and finance lease receiv-
ables, sales incentive obligations, warranty obligations, assets and
obligations related to employee benefits and useful lives of fixed
assets. Actual amounts could differ from those estimates.
Risks and uncertainties. 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, adverse
changes in global economic conditions; overcapacity and
intense competition in the automotive industry; dependence on
suppliers of parts and services, primarily single source suppliers;
the concentrations of DaimlerChrysler’s revenues derived from the
United States and Western Europe; the significant portion of
DaimlerChrysler’s workforce subject to collective bargaining
agreements; fluctuations in currency exchange rates, interest
rates and commodity prices; significant legal proceedings and
environmental and other government regulations.
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
General. The consolidated financial statements of Daimler-
Chrysler AG and its subsidiaries (“DaimlerChrysler” or the “Group”)
have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles in the United States of America (“US GAAP”).
All amounts are presented in euros (“€”).
Certain amounts reported in previous years have been
reclassified to conform to the 2006 presentation.
Commercial practices with respect to certain products manufac-
tured 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 the activities of its
financial services business. To enhance readers’ understanding
of the Group’s consolidated financial statements, the accom-
panying financial statements present, in addition to the audited
consolidated financial statements, unaudited information with
respect to the results of operations and financial position of the
Group’s industrial and financial services business activities.
Such information, however, is not required by US GAAP and is not
intended to, and does not represent the separate US GAAP
results of operations and financial position of the Group’s industrial
or financial services business activities. Information concerning
the financial services business activities of the Group refers to the
financing and leasing business of the Financial Services segment
excluding Mobility Management and the activities of Daimler-
Chrysler Financial Services AG. Transactions between the Group’s
industrial and financial services business activities principally
represent intercompany sales of products, intercompany borrow-
ings 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.
148
Principles of consolidation. The accompanying consolidated
financial statements include the financial statements of Daimler-
Chrysler AG and all of its material, majority-owned subsidiaries
and certain variable interest entities for which DaimlerChrysler is
determined to be the primary beneficiary (see Note 2).
All significant intercompany accounts and transactions
relating to consolidated subsidiaries and consolidated variable
interest entities have been eliminated.
Investments in associated companies. Significant equity
investments in which DaimlerChrysler does not have a controlling
financial interest, but has the ability to exercise significant
influence over the operating and financial policies of the investee
(“associated companies”) are accounted for using the equity
method.
Foreign currencies. The assets and liabilities of foreign operations
where the functional currency is not the euro are generally
translated into euros using period-end exchange rates. The result-
ing translation adjustments are recorded as a component of
accumulated other comprehensive loss. The statements of income
and the statements of cash flows are translated using average
exchange rates during the respective periods.
The exchange rates for the US dollar, which is the significant
foreign currency used in the preparation of the consolidated
financial statements were as follows:
The excess of DaimlerChrysler’s initial investment in equity method
companies over the Group’s ownership percentage in the
underlying net assets of those companies is attributed to certain
fair value adjustments with the remaining portion recognized
as goodwill (“investor level goodwill”) which is not amortized.
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Exchange rate at December 31
Average exchange rates
2006
1 € =
1.3170
1.2023
1.2582
1.2743
1.2887
2005
1 € =
1.1797
1.3113
1.2594
1.2199
1.1897
2004
1 € =
1.3621
1.2497
1.2046
1.2218
1.2977
A decline in fair value of an investment in any associated company
below its carrying amount that is deemed to be other than
temporary results in a reduction in the carrying amount of
the investment to fair value. The impairment is charged to
earnings and a new cost basis for the investment is established.
The European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company EADS
N.V. (“EADS”) constitutes a significant associated company.
Because the financial statements of EADS are not made available
to DaimlerChrysler in time to apply the equity method of
accounting, the Group’s proportionate share of the results of
operations of this associated company are included in
DaimlerChrysler’s consolidated financial statements with a
three month lag.
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 reasonably 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. Revenues are disclosed net of taxes
collected from customers and remitted to governmental
authorities. Shipping and handling costs are recorded as cost
of sales in the period incurred.
DaimlerChrysler uses price discounts to adjust market pricing
in response to a number of market and product factors, including:
pricing actions and incentives offered by competitors, economic
conditions, 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 incentive programs
at any 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.
Consolidated Financial Statements | Basis of Presentation | 149
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 receivable becomes
contractually delinquent for periods ranging from 60 to 120 days.
Sales of receivables. The Group transfers significant amounts of
automotive finance receivables in the ordinary course of business
to trusts in “asset-backed securitizations” and “whole loan sales”
and usually remains as servicer for a servicing fee. The accounting
for securitized sold receivables is based upon the financial
component approach that focuses on control according to the
provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
(“SFAS”) 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial
Assets and Extinguishment of Liabilities.”
Servicing fees are recognized on a consistent yield basis over
the remaining term of the related receivables sold.
Gains and losses from the sale of finance receivables are recog-
nized as revenues in the period in which the sale occurs. In
determining the gain or loss for each qualifying sale of finance
receivables, the investment in the receivable pool sold is allo-
cated between the portion sold and the portion retained based
upon their relative fair values.
Further information on the Group’s securitized sold receivables
is included in Note 33.
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 repre-
sents 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 Group offers extended, separately priced warranty contracts
for certain products. Revenues from these contracts are deferred
and recognized into income over the contract period in pro-
portion to the costs expected to be incurred based on historical
information. In circumstances in which there is insufficient
historical information, income from extended warranty contracts
is recognized on a straight-line basis. A loss on these contracts
is recognized in the current period if the sum of expected costs for
services under the contract exceeds unearned revenue.
For transactions with multiple deliverables, such as when
vehicles are sold with free service programs, the Group allocates
revenue to the various elements based on their relative fair
values when criteria for separation are met.
When below market rate loans under special financing programs
are used to promote sales of vehicles and the Financial Services
segment finances the vehicle, the effect of the rate differential at
the contract origination date is deducted from revenues and
recorded as unearned income in the consolidated balance sheet.
The Financial Services segment amortizes the unearned income
balance into earnings using the interest 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, such as in sales to certain rental car company
customers, are accounted for similarly to an operating lease
in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) 95-1,
“Revenue Recognition on Sales with a Guaranteed Minimum
Resale Value.” The guarantee of the resale value may take the form
of an obligation by DaimlerChrysler to pay any deficiency between
the proceeds the customer receives upon resale in an auction and
the guaranteed amount or an obligation to reacquire the vehicle
after a certain period of time at a set price. Gains or losses from
the resale of these vehicles are included in gross profit.
Revenue from operating leases is recognized on a straight-line
basis over the lease term.
150
Estimated credit losses. DaimlerChrysler determines its
allowance for credit losses based on an ongoing systematic review
and evaluation performed as part of the credit-risk evaluation
process. The evaluation performed considers historical loss expe-
rience, the size and composition of the portfolios, current eco-
nomic events and conditions, the estimated fair value and adequa-
cy of collateral and other pertinent factors. Certain homogeneous
loan portfolios are evaluated collectively, taking into considera-
tion primarily historical loss experience adjusted for the estimated
impact of current economic events and conditions, including
fluctuations in the fair value and adequacy of collateral. Certain
receivables, such as wholesale receivables and loans to large
commercial borrowers, are evaluated for impairment individually
based on the fair value of the underlying collateral. Credit
exposures deemed to be uncollectible are charged against the
allowance for doubtful accounts. DaimlerChrysler generally
does not originate or purchase receivables for resale. Loans that
are classified as held for sale are carried at the lower of cost
or market value when it is determined that the market price for the
loan represents the estimated future cash flows on the loan.
Research and development and advertising. Research and
development and advertising costs are expensed as incurred.
Sales of newly issued subsidiary stock. Gains and losses
resulting from the issuance of stock by a Group subsidiary to
third parties that reduce DaimlerChrysler’s percentage
ownership (“dilution gains and losses”) and DaimlerChrysler’s
share of any dilution gains and losses reported by its investees
accounted for under the equity method are recognized in
the Group’s consolidated statement of income in the line item
“other financial income (expense), net.”
Income taxes. Current income taxes are determined based on
respective local taxable income and tax rules. In addition, current
income taxes include adjustments for uncertain tax payments
or tax refunds for periods not yet assessed and interest on taxes
as well as ancillary tax payments. Deferred tax reflects the
changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities except for changes
recognized in other comprehensive loss. Deferred tax assets or
liabilities are determined based on temporary differences
between financial reporting and the tax basis of assets and liabili-
ties including differences from consolidation, loss carry for-
wards and tax credits. Amortization of these differences or real-
ization of loss carry forwards and tax credits are based on
enacted local tax rules and tax rates. DaimlerChrysler recognizes
a valuation allowance on deferred tax assets if it is more likely
than not that the benefit from the deferred tax asset will not be
realized.
Pension and other postretirement plans. The measurement
of pension and other 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 Other Than
Pensions,” respectively.
The expected return on plan assets is determined based on the
expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and the fair
value of plan assets. Amortization of a cumulative actuarial 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 cumulative actuarial net gain or loss exceeds 10 per-
cent of the greater of (1) the projected benefit obligation for pen-
sion plans or the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation
for other postretirement plans or (2) the fair value of that plan’s
assets. In such cases, 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 24a).
Consolidated Financial Statements | Basis of Presentation | 151
The recognition of the funded status in accordance with SFAS 158,
“Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other
Postretirement Plans - an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87,
88, 106, and 132(R),” was adopted as of December 31, 2006.
Prior to adoption, actuarial gains and losses were recognized on a
delayed basis in the income statement and the funded status was
not recognized on the balance sheet. Actuarial gains and losses
comprise changes in the amount of either the projected benefit
obligation (for pension plans), the accumulated benefit obligation
(for other postretirement plans) or differences between actual and
expected return on plan assets and from changes in assumptions.
With the adoption of the recognition provisions in SFAS 158 as
of December 31, 2006, the funded status of defined benefit plans
is recognized entirely on the balance sheet. Under SFAS 158,
the amount recognized as asset or liability for pension and other
postretirement benefit plans is measured as the difference
between the benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets.
Overfunded plans are aggregated and recognized as an asset
while underfunded plans are aggregated and recognized as a
liability. The offsetting entry for previously unrecognized actuarial
gains and losses, and prior service cost or credits is made in
accumulated other comprehensive loss. The amounts in accumu-
lated other comprehensive loss are recognized net of income
tax effects with respective adjustments in deferred tax assets and
liabilities. The adoption of SFAS 158 does not impact the
recognition policies for pension costs in the consolidated income
statement.
Earnings per share. Basic earnings per share are calculated
by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares
outstanding. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential
dilution that would occur if all securities and other contracts to
issue ordinary shares were exercised or converted. See Note 35
for further information.
Goodwill and other intangible assets. The Group accounts for
all business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001, in
accordance with SFAS 141, “Business Combinations” using the
purchase method of accounting. Goodwill represents the excess
of the cost of an acquired entity over the fair values assigned to
the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed after taking
into consideration the types of acquired intangible assets that
are required to be recognized and reported separately from
goodwill.
Goodwill acquired and intangible assets determined to have an
indefinite useful life are not amortized, but instead are tested for
impairment. DaimlerChrysler evaluates the recoverability of
its goodwill at least annually or when significant events occur or
when 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 of their future cash
flows. In addition, any recognized intangible asset determined to
have an indefinite useful life is tested at least annually for impair-
ment until its life is determined to be no longer indefinite.
Intangible assets with estimable useful lives are valued at acqui-
sition cost, are amortized on a straight-line basis over their
respective estimated useful lives (2 to 10 years) to their estimated
residual values, and are reviewed for impairment whenever
events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying
amount of the asset or asset group may not be recoverable.
152
Property, plant and equipment. Property, plant and equipment
is valued at acquisition or manufacturing costs plus the fair
value of related asset retirement costs, if any and if reasonably
estimable, less accumulated depreciation. Plant and equipment
under capital leases are stated at the lower of present value of
minimum lease payments or fair value less accumulated amorti-
zation. Depreciation expense is recognized using the straight-line
method. The costs of internally produced equipment and facili-
ties include all direct costs and allocable manufacturing overhead
including depreciation charges as well as the fair value of related
asset retirement cost, if any. Costs of the construction of certain
long-term assets include capitalized interest, which is amortized
over the estimated useful life of the related asset. Property, plant
and equipment are depreciated over the following useful lives:
Impairment of long-lived assets. Long-lived assets held and
used, such as property, plant and equipment and purchased
intangible assets subject to amortization, are reviewed for impair-
ment 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
measured by comparing the carrying amount of an asset or asset
group to the estimated future undiscounted cash flows expected
to be generated by the asset or group of assets. If the carrying
amount of an asset or group of assets exceeds its estimated
future undiscounted cash flows, an impairment charge is recog-
nized in the Group’s financial statements by the amount by
which the carrying amount of the asset or group of assets exceeds
fair value of the asset or group of assets.
Assets and liabilities held for sale. Long-lived assets and dis-
posal groups classified as held for sale are disclosed separately.
Long-lived assets held for sale are reported at the lower of the
carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell, and are no longer
depreciated. See Note 9 for further information.
Non-fixed assets. Non-fixed assets comprise the Group’s
inventories, receivables, securities and cash, including amounts
to be realized in excess of one year. In these notes, the portion
of assets to be realized in excess of one year has been disclosed.
Inventories. Inventories are valued at the lower of acquisition
or manufacturing cost or market value, cost being generally
determined on the basis of an average or first-in, first-out method
(“FIFO”). Certain of the Group’s US inventories are valued using the
last-in, first-out method (“LIFO”). Manufacturing costs comprise
direct material and labor and applicable manufacturing overheads,
including depreciation charges.
Buildings and site improvements
Technical equipment and machinery
Other equipment, factory and office equipment
5 to 50 years
3 to 30 years
2 to 33 years
Leasing. Leasing includes all arrangements that transfer the
right to use specified property, plant or equipment for a stated
period of time, even if the right to use such property, plant
or equipment is not explicitly described in an arrangement. The
Group is a lessee of property, plant and equipment and lessor
of equipment, principally passenger cars and commercial vehicles.
All leases that meet certain specified criteria intended to
represent situations where the substantive risks and rewards of
ownership have been transferred to the lessee are accounted
for as capital leases. All other leases are accounted for as operating
leases. Rent expense on operating lease where the Group is
lessee is recognized over the respective lease terms using the
straight-line method. Equipment on operating leases where
the Group is lessor is carried initially at its acquisition or production
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 projections based
on historical experience about expected resale values for the
types of equipment leased.
Consolidated Financial Statements | Basis of Presentation | 153
Marketable securities and investments. Securities and certain
investments are accounted for at fair value, if fair value is readily
determinable. Unrealized gains and losses on trading securities,
representing securities bought and held 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 com-
ponent of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of
applicable income taxes, until realized. All other securities and
investments are recorded at cost. A decline in value of any
available-for-sale security or cost-method investment below cost
that is deemed to be other than temporary results in an impair-
ment charge to earnings that reduces the carrying amount
of the security or the cost-method investment to fair value
establishing a new cost basis.
An impairment adjustment to the carrying value of the retained
interests is recognized in the period a decline in the estimated
cash flows below the cash flows inherent in the cost basis of an
individual retained interest (the pool-by-pool method) is considered
to be other than temporary. Other than temporary impairment
adjustments are generally recorded as a reduction of revenue.
Cash equivalents. The Group’s liquid assets are recorded
under various balance sheet captions as more fully described in
Note 20. For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash
flows, the Group considers cash on hand, checks, demand deposits
at financial institutions and cash equivalents. Those cash
equivalents represent securities with original maturities of three
months or less.
Valuation of retained interests in securitized sold receiv-
ables. DaimlerChrysler retains residual beneficial interests in
certain pools of sold and securitized retail and wholesale finance
receivables. The retained interest balance represents Daimler-
Chrysler’s right to receive collections on the transferred receiv-
ables in excess of amounts required by the securitization trust
to pay the interest and principal to investors, servicing fees, and
other required payments. The Group determines 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 securitized sold receivables, expected
future credit losses arising from the collection of the securitized
sold receivables, and estimated repayment of principal and inter-
est 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 securities, net
of related income taxes, as a component of accumulated other
comprehensive 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 estimated 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.
Derivative instruments and hedging activities. 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 derivative
instruments is based upon the provisions of SFAS 133, “Accounting
for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” as amended.
On the date a derivative contract is entered into, DaimlerChrysler
designates the derivative as either a hedge of the fair value of a
recognized asset or liability or of an unrecognized firm commitment
(fair value hedge), a hedge of a forecasted transaction or the
variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recog-
nized asset or liability (cash flow hedge), or a hedge of a net
investment in a foreign operation. DaimlerChrysler recognizes all
derivative instruments as assets or accrued liabilities on the
balance sheet and measures them 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 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 the
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
loss on the balance sheet, net of applicable taxes, until the hedged
item is recognized in earnings. The ineffective portions of the fair
value changes are recognized in earnings immediately. Derivatives
not meeting the criteria for hedge accounting are mark-to-
market and affect 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.
154
Commitments and contingencies. Liabilities for loss contin-
gencies are recorded when it is probable that a liability to third
parties has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably
estimated. Liabilities for loss contingencies are regularly adjusted
as further information develops or circumstances change.
The accrued liability for expected warranty-related costs is estab-
lished 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 probable
recoveries from suppliers.
The accrued liability for sales incentives is based on the estimated
cost of the sales incentive programs and the number of vehicles
held in dealers’ inventories. The majority of vehicles held in dealers’
inventories are sold to consumers within the next quarter
and the accrued liability for sales incentives is adjusted to reflect
recent actual experience.
DaimlerChrysler recognizes, at inception of a guarantee, a liability
for the fair value of the non-contingent portion of the obligation
due to the issuance of the guarantee. DaimlerChrysler applies these
provisions for guarantees issued or modified after December 31,
2002. If performance under the guarantee is probable and the
amount can be reasonably estimated, a liability for the contingent
obligation is recognized for any guarantee regardless of its
date of issuance. Further information on the Group’s obligations
under guarantees is included in Note 24b and 31.
Stock-based compensation. DaimlerChrysler adopted the fair
value recognition provisions of SFAS 123, “Accounting for Stock-
Based Compensation,” prospectively to all employee awards
granted, modified, or settled after January 1, 2003. Compensation
expense for all stock options granted after December 31, 2002,
has been measured principally at the grant date based on the fair
value of the equity award using a modified Black-Scholes
option-pricing model. Compensation expense is recognized over
the employee service period with an offsetting credit to equity
(paid-in capital). DaimlerChrysler options granted prior to January
1, 2003 continue to be accounted for using the intrinsic value
based approach under Accounting Principles Board Opinion (“APB”)
No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related
Interpretations. Compensation expense under APB 25 was mea-
sured at the grant date based on the difference between the
strike price of the equity award and the fair value of the underlying
stock as of the date of grant.
The following table illustrates the effect on net income and
earnings per share if the fair value based method had been applied
to all outstanding and unvested awards in periods affected.
(in millions of €)
Net income
Add: Stock-based employee compensation
expense included in reported net income,
net of related tax effects
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation
expense determined under fair value based
method for all awards, net of related tax effects
Year ended December 31,
2004
2005
2,846
2,466
57
81
(59)
2,844
(113)
2,434
2.80
2.80
2.80
2.79
2.43
2.40
2.43
2.40
DaimlerChrysler records the fair value of an asset retirement
obligation, including obligations whose timing or method of
settlement is conditional upon a future event, in the period in
which it incurs a legal obligation associated with the retirement
of tangible long-lived assets, and subsequently adjusts the carrying
amount for changes in expected cash flows and the passage
of time.
Pro forma net income
Earnings per share (in €):
Basic
Basic – pro forma
Diluted
Diluted – pro forma
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.
Consolidated Financial Statements | Basis of Presentation | 155
DaimlerChrysler adopted the fair value recognition provisions of
SFAS 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS 123R”)
on January 1, 2006, using a modified version of prospective
application. Accordingly, equity-classified awards are measured
at grant date fair value and are not subsequently remeasured.
Liability-classified awards are remeasured to fair value at each
balance sheet date until the award is settled.
DaimlerChrysler applies SFAS 123R to all awards granted, modi-
fied, repurchased or cancelled after January 1, 2006. Additionally,
DaimlerChrysler applies SFAS 123R to awards granted before
January 1, 2006, for which the requisite service has not been
rendered as of this date and for all liability classified awards
outstanding as of January 1, 2006. Further information on the
adoption of SFAS 123R and stock-based compensation is
included in Notes 10 and 23.
New accounting standards not yet adopted. In July 2006, the
Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB
Interpretation (“FIN”) 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income
Taxes.” FIN 48 determines how a company should recognize,
measure, present, and disclose in its financial statements uncertain
tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return.
Under FIN 48, the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position may
be recognized only if it is more likely than not that the tax
position will be sustained, based solely on its technical merits,
with the taxing authority having full knowledge of all relevant
information. The measurement of a tax benefit for an uncertain
tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not threshold is
based on a cumulative probability model under which the largest
amount of tax benefit recognized is the amount with a greater
than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settle-
ment with a taxing authority having full knowledge of all relevant
information. FIN 48 also requires significant new annual disclo-
sures. FIN 48 will be applied beginning January 1, 2007. The
cumulative effect will be reported as an adjustment to the opening
balance of retained earnings as of the date of adoption, except
for items that would not be recognized in earnings, such as the
effects of the positions related to business combinations.
DaimlerChrysler is currently determining the effect of FIN 48 on
the Group’s consolidated financial statements.
Also in July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”)
Financial Accounting Standard (“FAS”) 13-2, “Accounting for a
Change or Projected Change in the Timing of Cash Flows Relating
to Income Taxes Generated by a Leveraged Lease Transaction.”
FSP FAS 13-2 requires an entity to recalculate the allocation of
income for a leveraged lease transaction from the inception of
the lease if, during the lease term, the projected timing or amount
of income tax cash flows generated by the transaction is revised,
even if the amount of the income tax cash flows is not affected.
The lessor has to apply FIN 48 in making the assessment of
its tax position. FSP FAS 13-2 should be applied to all leveraged
leases beginning January 1, 2007. The cumulative effect shall
be reported as an adjustment to the beginning balance of retained
earnings as of the date of adoption without an effect on
profit or loss. While DaimlerChrysler cannot currently predict with
certainty the extent of changes to the projected income tax
cash flows relating to the leveraged lease transactions, Daimler-
Chrysler is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of
FSP FAS 13-2 on the Group’s consolidated financial statements
and estimates that the potential reduction of retained earnings
(without an effect on profit or loss) could range from approximately
€0.2 billion to €0.4 billion. Any adjustment to retained earnings
would then be recognized as a component of net income over the
remaining lives of the respective lease.
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 159, “The Fair Value
Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.” SFAS 159
permits measurement of recognized financial assets and lia-
bilities at fair value with some certain exceptions such as invest-
ments in subsidiaries, obligations for pension or other postre-
tirement benefits, and financial assets and financial liabilities
recognized under leases. Changes in the fair value of items for
which the fair value option is elected should be recognized
in income or loss. The election to measure eligible items at fair
value is irrevocable and can only be made at defined election
dates or events, generally on an instrument by instrument basis.
Items for which the fair value option is elected should be sepa-
rately presented or parenthetically be disclosed in the statement
of financial position. SFAS 159 also requires significant new
disclosures that apply for interim and annual financial statements.
SFAS 159 shall be effective for fiscal years beginning after
November 15, 2007 with earlier adoption permitted, if certain
conditions are met. The effect of the first remeasurement to
fair value of eligible items existing will be reported as an adjust-
ment to the opening balance of retained earnings as of the
date of adoption. DaimlerChrysler is currently determining the
policy of adoption as well as the resulting effect of SFAS 159
on the Group’s consolidated financial statements.
156
2. Scope of Consolidation and Certain Variable Interest
Entities
3. Significant Equity Method Investments
Scope of consolidation. DaimlerChrysler comprises, besides
DaimlerChrysler AG, 433 (2005: 494) German and non-German
subsidiaries as well as 3 (2005: 4) companies (variable interest
entities) that have been consolidated in accordance with the
requirements of FASB Interpretation No. 46 (revised December
2003) “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (“FIN 46R”).
A total of 103 (2005: 96) companies are accounted for in the
consolidated financial statements using the equity method
of accounting. In addition, 1 (2005: 3 companies) company
administering pension funds whose assets are subject to
restrictions has not been included in the consolidated financial
statements.
Variable interest entities. DaimlerChrysler determined that it is
the primary beneficiary of several leasing arrangements that
are consolidated in accordance with the provisions of FIN 46R.
Under the leasing arrangements, variable interest entities were
established which raised funds by issuing either debt or equity
securities to third-party investors. The variable interest entities
used the debt and equity proceeds to purchase property and
equipment, which is partially leased by the Group and used in
the normal course of business. Another part of the property and
equipment is leased by suppliers and is used for the production
of goods delivered to DaimlerChrysler. Total assets of those con-
solidated entities amount to €0.1 billion and €0.5 billion and total
liabilities amount to €0.2 billion and €0.7 billion as of December 31,
2006 and 2005, respectively.
In addition, DaimlerChrysler has equity or other variable interests
in a number of other variable interest entities where it is not
the primary beneficiary. Among these entities are Toll Collect,
multi-seller bank conduits, and other variable interest entities.
Note 3 provides disclosure about the Group's involvement in Toll
Collect, while multi-seller bank conduits are discussed in Note
33. DaimlerChrysler’s aggregate maximum exposure to loss arising
from its investments in the other variable interest entities was
€0.4 billion as of December 31, 2006.
EADS. At December 31, 2006, the European Aeronautic
Defence and Space Company EADS N.V. (“EADS”) was the most
significant investment accounted for under the equity method.
On July 7, 2004, DaimlerChrysler entered into a securities lending
agreement with Deutsche Bank AG concerning an approximate
3% interest in EADS shares. The securities lending has several
tranches with terms ranging between three and four years. As
collateral, DaimlerChrysler received a lien on a securities account
of equivalent value to the shares loaned by DaimlerChrysler.
Simultaneously the Group also entered into options based on EADS
shares which provide it with the rights to sell these EADS shares
between October 2007 and October 2008 at a fixed strike price but
give the counterparty the right to participate in increases of the
share price above a higher threshold while obtaining protection
against a decrease of the share price below a minimum amount
per share.
In addition, on April 4, 2006, DaimlerChrysler entered into a
forward transaction with several financial institutions pertaining
to a 7.5% interest in EADS. Simultaneously, DaimlerChrysler
entered into a securities lending agreement with those financial
institutions for the same number of shares of EADS. As collateral,
DaimlerChrysler received a lien on a securities account of equiva-
lent value to the shares loaned by DaimlerChrysler.
The transactions contracted on July 7, 2004, and April 4, 2006,
reduced the Group’s legal ownership percentage in EADS, which
was 22.5% as of December 31, 2006. As these transactions,
however, do not meet the criteria of a sale, the EADS shares
underlying these transactions continue to be carried as an
investment on the balance sheet and, accordingly, DaimlerChrysler
still accounted in 2006 for its 33% equity interest in EADS using
the equity method of accounting. All derivatives relating to EADS
shares are accounted for as derivatives with changes in fair value
subsequent to initial measurement recognized in income. The
mark-to-market valuations of these derivatives resulted in unre-
alized gains of €519 million in 2006, unrealized losses of
€197 million in 2005 and unrealized gains of €3 million in 2004.
In the Group’s consolidated statements of income, these unreal-
ized gains/losses are included in “financial income (expense), net.”
Consolidated Financial Statements | Basis of Presentation | 157
MMC. Through June 29, 2004, the Group accounted for its invest-
ment in Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (“MMC”) using the
equity method of accounting. After that date through November 17,
2005, when the Group disposed of its remaining investment in
MMC, the Group accounted for MMC shares as an available-for-sale
marketable security at fair value.
The Group’s proportionate share in the results of MMC
through June 29, 2004 was €(655) million and is reflected in
DaimlerChrysler’s consolidated statement of income in the
line item “financial income (expense), net”. This amount includes
the effects from a dilution of the Group’s interest in MMC of
€(135) million and related realized gains from currency hedging
of the net investment of €195 million (after tax €120 million).
In November 2005, DaimlerChrysler sold all of its remaining MMC
shares for €970 million in cash. Due to the gain on that sale,
DaimlerChrysler’s financial income and net income for 2005
increased by €681 million and €502 million, respectively.
Toll Collect. In 2002, our subsidiary DaimlerChrysler Financial
Services AG, Deutsche Telekom AG and Compagnie Financiere
et Industrielle des Autoroutes S.A. (Cofiroute) entered into a
consortium agreement in order to jointly develop, install, and
operate under a contract with the Federal Republic of Germany
(operating agreement) a system for the electronic collection of
tolls for all commercial vehicles over 12t GVW using German
highways. DaimlerChrysler Financial Services AG and Deutsche
Telekom AG each hold a 45% equity interest and Cofiroute
holds the remaining 10% equity interest in both the consortium
(Toll Collect GbR) and the joint venture company (Toll Collect
GmbH) (together “Toll Collect”). DaimlerChrysler accounts for its
45% ownership interest in Toll Collect using the equity method
of accounting. The Group has a significant variable interest in Toll
Collect, a variable interest entity, but determined that it is not
the primary beneficiary and therefore not required to consolidate
Toll Collect.
In January 2007, DaimlerChrysler settled the forward
transaction contracted in April 2006 by transferring its 7.5%
interest in EADS for cash proceeds of €1,994 million.
On February 9, 2007, a subsidiary of DaimlerChrysler agreed to
issue equity interests to investors in exchange for €1.5 billion
of cash. The newly issued equity interest can be converted by
DaimlerChrysler on or after July 1, 2010 into a 7.5% interest in
EADS or into cash equal to the then fair value of that interest in
EADS. The transaction will not result in the derecognition of
the EADS shares upon issuance of the equity interests or gain
recognition upon closing.
DaimlerChrysler’s equity in the income of EADS was €275 million,
€324 million and €249 million in 2006, 2005 and 2004, respec-
tively, including investor-level adjustments. DaimlerChrysler’s
equity in the income of EADS is shown in the Group’s consolidated
statements of income within “financial income (expense), net.”
The carrying amount of DaimlerChrysler’s investment in EADS
at December 31, 2006 and 2005 was €3,561 million and €3,564
million, respectively. DaimlerChrysler’s share of the underlying
reported net assets of EADS exceeded the carrying value of
DaimlerChrysler’s investment at December 31, 2006 by €1,899
million, primarily as a result of an other-than-temporary impairment
charge recognized in 2003. At December 31, 2006, the market
value of DaimlerChrysler's investment in EADS on a 33%-basis
based on quoted market prices was €6,960 million.
The following table presents summarized US GAAP financial
information for EADS, which was the basis for applying the equity
method in the Group’s consolidated financial statements:
EADS
(in millions of €)
Income statement information 1
Revenues
Net income
Balance sheet information 2
Fixed assets
Non-fixed assets
Total assets
Stockholders’ equity
Minority interests
Accrued liabilities
Other liabilities
2006
2005
2004
36,962
833
32,542
980
30,977
753
33,140
38,563
71,703
16,546
1,814
10,809
42,534
32,462
36,935
69,397
16,557
1,811
10,825
40,204
Total liabilities and stockholders’
equity
1 For the period October 1 to September 30.
2 Balance sheet information as of September 30.
71,703
69,397
158
The following table presents summarized US GAAP financial
information for Toll Collect, which was the basis for applying the
equity method in the Group's consolidated financial statements:
Toll Collect
(in millions of €)
Income statement information for the year
Revenues
Net income (loss)
Balance sheet information as of December 31
Noncurrent assets
Current assets
Total assets
Equity
Noncurrent liabilities
Current liabilities
Total liabilities and equity
2006
2005
2004
517
21
392
502
894
17
461
416
894
522
(143)
457
467
924
(789)
38
1,675
924
–
(1,071)
458
77
535
(934)
1,173
296
535
During the construction period of the toll collection system, the
most significant assumptions used in accounting for the investment
in Toll Collect related to the launch date of the toll collection
system, the estimated cost to design and construct the system,
and the operation of the system.
According to the operating agreement, the toll collection system
was to be operational no later than August 31, 2003. After a
delay of the launch date of the toll collection system, which resulted
in a loss of revenue for Toll Collect and in payments of contractual
penalties for delays, the toll collection system was introduced on
January 1, 2005, with on-board units that allowed for slightly less
than full technical performance in accordance with the technical
specification (phase 1). On January 1, 2006, the toll collection sys-
tem was installed and started to operate with full effectiveness as
specified in the operating agreement (phase 2). On December 20,
2005, Toll Collect GmbH received a preliminary operating permit
as specified in the operating agreement. The failure to obtain
the final operating permit by December 20, 2006, may lead to
termination of the operating agreement by the Federal Republic
of Germany. Toll Collect GmbH expects to receive the final
operating permit, and continues to operate the toll collection
system under the preliminary operating permit in the interim.
Failure to perform various obligations under the operating agree-
ment may result in penalties, additional revenue reductions and
damage claims that could become significant over time. However,
penalties and revenue reductions are capped at €75 million per
year until September 30, 2006, at €150 million per year thereafter
until the final operating permit has been issued, and at €100
million per year following issuance of the final operating permit.
These cap amounts are subject to a 3% increase for every year
of operation.
Beginning in June 2006, the Federal Republic of Germany began
reducing monthly payments to Toll Collect GmbH by €8 million
in partial set-off against amounts claimed in the arbitration pro-
ceeding referred to below. This offsetting, which Toll Collect
GmbH is contesting, may require the consortium members to
provide additional operating funds to Toll Collect GmbH.
The operating agreement calls for submission of all disputes related
to the toll collection system to arbitration. The Federal Republic
of Germany has initiated arbitration proceedings against Daimler-
Chrysler Financial Services AG, Deutsche Telekom AG and
the consortium. According to the statement of claims received
in August 2005, the Federal Republic of Germany is seeking
damages, including contractual penalties and reimbursement
of lost revenues that allegedly arose from delays in the
operability of the toll collection system. See Note 30 for additional
information.
Each of the consortium members (including DaimlerChrysler
Financial Services AG) have provided guarantees supporting the
obligations of Toll Collect GmbH towards the Federal Republic
of Germany relating to the completion and operation of the toll
collection system, which are subject to specific triggering
events. In addition, DaimlerChrysler AG has guaranteed bank
loans obtained by Toll Collect GmbH. The guarantees are
described in detail below:
– Guarantee of bank loans. DaimlerChrysler AG issued a guarantee
to third parties up to a maximum amount of €230 million
for bank loans which could be obtained by Toll Collect GmbH.
This amount represents the Group’s 50% share of Toll Collect
GmbH’s external financing guaranteed by its shareholders. In
2006, bank loans previously obtained by the consortium and
guaranteed by DaimlerChrysler AG up to a maximum amount of
€600 million were replaced by bank loans guaranteed by
DaimlerChrysler AG up to a maximum amount of €230 million.
Associated with this loan repayment, the Group participated
with 50% (€393 million) in a capital increase at Toll Collect GbR
in 2006.
– Guarantee of obligations. Towards the Federal Republic of
Germany the consortium members have jointly and severally
guaranteed the obligations of Toll Collect GmbH resulting
from the operating agreement concerning the delivery and
operation of the toll collection system. This guarantee
expired on December 31, 2006.
Consolidated Financial Statements | Basis of Presentation | 159
– Equity maintenance undertaking. The consortium members
have the obligation to contribute, on a joint and several basis,
additional funds to Toll Collect GmbH as may be necessary
for Toll Collect GmbH to maintain a minimum equity (based on
German Commercial Code accounting principles) of 15% of
total assets (a so called “equity maintenance undertaking”).
This obligation will terminate on August 31, 2015, when the
operating agreement expires, or earlier if the agreement is
terminated. Such obligation may arise if Toll Collect GmbH
is subject to revenue reductions caused by underperformance,
if the Federal Republic of Germany is successful in claiming
lost revenues against Toll Collect GmbH for any period the system
was not fully operational, or if Toll Collect GmbH incurs
penalties that may become payable under the above mentioned
agreements. If such penalties, revenue reductions and other
events reduce Toll Collect GmbH’s equity to a level below the
minimum equity percentage agreed upon, the consortium
members are obligated to fund Toll Collect GmbH’s operations to
the extent necessary to reach the required minimum equity.
Cofiroute’s risks and obligations are limited to €70 million.
DaimlerChrysler Financial Services AG and Deutsche Telekom AG
are jointly obliged to indemnify Cofiroute for amounts exceeding
this limitation.
While DaimlerChrysler’s maximum future obligation resulting from
the guarantee of the bank loan can be determined (€230 million),
the Group is unable to reasonably estimate the amount or range of
amounts of possible loss resulting from the guarantee in form of
the equity maintenance undertaking due to the various uncertain-
ties described above, although it could be material.
debis AirFinance. In November 1995, DaimlerChrysler assumed a
45% equity ownership interest in debis AirFinance B.V. (“dAF”),
an Amsterdam registered Private Limited Liability Company that
was established for purposes of leasing aircraft and related
technical equipment to airlines and financial intermediaries. Several
banks held the remaining ownership interests in dAF. Daimler-
Chrysler held significant variable interests in dAF, a variable interest
entity, but determined that it was not the primary beneficiary
and therefore not required to consolidate dAF. DaimlerChrysler’s
involvement with dAF consisted primarily of its equity interest and
also subordinated loans receivable and unsecured loans provided
to dAF. In the fourth quarter of 2004, DaimlerChrysler recorded
impairment charges of €222 million relating to its investment which
were based on estimates of the fair value of DaimlerChrysler’s
proportionate share of dAF’s underlying equity and of the loans
provided to dAF.
In June 2005, as part of the Group’s ongoing strategy to focus on
its core automotive business, DaimlerChrysler sold its 45% equity
interest in dAF and its outstanding subordinated loans receivable
and unsecured loans to dAF for €325 million in cash to Cerberus
Capital Management, L.P. The sale did not have a material impact
on the Group's net income. Prior to the sale, DaimlerChrysler
accounted for its investment in dAF using the equity method of
accounting.
4. Acquisitions and Dispositions
Acquisitions
MFTBC. In 2003 and 2004, DaimlerChrysler acquired from
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (“MMC”) in two transactions a
65% controlling interest in Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus
Corporation (“MFTBC”) for aggregate cost of €1,251 million.
MFTBC is involved in the development, design, manufacture,
assembly and sale of light-, medium- and heavy-duty trucks and
buses, primarily in Japan and other Asian countries. Beginning
with the consummation of the transaction providing Daimler-
Chrysler with control over MFTBC on March 18, 2004, the Group’s
consolidated financial statements include the operations of
MFTBC in the Truck Group segment. Before that, the Group’s pro-
portionate share of MFTBC’s results was included in the Truck
Group using the equity method of accounting (see also Note 34).
Subsequent to DaimlerChrysler’s acquisition of a controlling
interest in MFTBC, a number of quality problems were identified.
DaimlerChrysler was able to comprehensively assess those
quality issues, define necessary technical solutions, a course of
action to implement them and estimate the cost to be incurred
to address and remedy the identified quality issues.
Of the €1.1 billion quality costs recorded in 2004 by MFTBC, (i)
€0.1 billion was recognized in “financial income (expense), net”
in the statement of income representing DaimlerChrysler’s
proportionate share of the results of MFTBC, which was included
on a one month lag relating to amounts attributed to refinements
to estimates that were made before MFTBC was fully consolidated,
(ii) €0.7 billion was allocated to cost of sales representing the
sum of the 43% attributed to the March 2003 investment
(for which the purchase price allocation period was closed) and
the 35% of the costs attributed to minority shareholders of
MFTBC; (iii) €0.2 billion to goodwill attributed to the 22% interest
acquired in 2004; and (iv) €0.1 billion to deferred tax assets.
160
During the first quarter of 2005, MFTBC finished investigating
this product quality reports and its conclusions about the issues
that required action. The level of information reached during
this process enabled DaimlerChrysler to refine its estimate of
the probable cost and an additional amount of €5 million was
recorded in the first quarter of 2005.
Under the two share purchase agreements under which Daimler-
Chrysler acquired interests in MFTBC, DaimlerChrysler had
the right to a price adjustment if the warranty reserve recorded
on the books of MFTBC proved to be inadequate. Negotiations
with MMC resulted in a settlement agreement on March 4, 2005,
in which the parties agreed on such a price adjustment. Under
the terms of the settlement agreement, DaimlerChrysler received
(i) MMC’s remaining 20% stake in MFTBC, (ii) a cash payment of
€72 million, (iii) promissory notes having an aggregate face value
of €143 million, payable in four equal installments over the
next four years and (iv) certain other assets and rights pertaining
to the distribution of MFTBC products in one Asian market.
The parties also clarified the terms of their cooperation under
other, ongoing agreements. The fair value assigned to the
consideration received from MMC was €0.5 billion and has been
allocated to income and goodwill consistent with Daimler-
Chrysler’s accounting for the quality issues in 2004. Accordingly,
€0.3 billion was recognized as a reduction of cost of sales
and €0.2 billion was recognized as reduction of goodwill.
As a result of the settlement with MMC, DaimlerChrysler’s
controlling interest in MFTBC increased from 65% to 85% and
the aggregate purchase price after giving effect to the price
reduction was €1,014 million. As of June 30, 2005, goodwill of
€53 million related to the purchase price allocation of MFTBC
was allocated to the Truck Group segment. The goodwill is not
expected to be deductible for tax purposes.
Dispositions
Off-Highway business. In September 2005, DaimlerChrysler
acquired the 11.65% interest in MTU Friedrichshafen GmbH
(“MTU-F”) held by minority shareholders for €171 million in
cash, including direct transaction costs. DaimlerChrysler has
subsequently owned 100% of the MTU-F shares. As a result of
this transaction, DaimlerChrysler recorded goodwill of €134 million
that was allocated to goodwill of Van, Bus, Other.
On December 27, 2005, as part of the Group’s ongoing strategy
to focus on its core automotive business, DaimlerChrysler
entered into a share sale and purchase agreement with the Swedish
investor group EQT regarding the sale of a major portion of
its Off-Highway business unit, including the MTU-Friedrichshafen
GmbH Group and the Off-Highway activities of Detroit Diesel
Corporation. The sale was consummated in the first quarter of
2006. The consideration received from the buyer consisted
of €822 million in cash and a note receivable with a fair value of
€58 million due in 2018, subject to customary adjustments. On
October 31, 2006, the parties determined the final consideration,
which resulted in an increase of the sales price by €5 million,
and the note receivable was redeemed by the acquirer for cash
of €78 million. In 2006, the Off-Highway business positively
impacted Group operating profit by €261 million (including a
gain on the sale of €226 million), of which €248 million and
€13 million have been allocated to Van, Bus, Other and the Truck
Group segment, respectively (see Note 34). In addition, net
income was positively impacted by €204 million by the disposed
of Off-Highway business in 2006.
AmericanLaFrance. In the third quarter of 2005, as part of the
Group’s ongoing strategy to focus on its core automotive
business, Freightliner, a wholly-owned US subsidiary of Daimler-
Chrysler, entered into an agreement to sell major parts of its
subsidiary AmericanLaFrance (“ALF”), a fire-truck manufacturer,
to a US investment company. The sale was closed in the fourth
quarter of 2005. Prior to the sale and based upon the agreed pur-
chase price, Freightliner recorded asset impairment charges
in 2005 of €87 million, related to the write-down of inventories
and certain long-lived assets, which are reflected in cost of
sales and other operating expenses of the Truck Group segment.
Hyundai. In May 2004, as part of the realignment of its strategic
alliance with Hyundai Motor Company (“HMC”), DaimlerChrysler
terminated discussions with HMC regarding the formation of
a commercial vehicles joint venture. Also in May 2004, Daimler-
Chrysler sold its non-controlling 50% interest in DaimlerHyundai
Truck Corporation to HMC resulting in a total pretax gain of €60
million (€27 million was recognized in other income and €33
million was recognized in financial income (expense), net), which
is attributed to the Truck Group segment. In August 2004, as
part of the realignment of its strategic alliance with HMC, Daimler-
Chrysler sold its 10.5% stake in HMC for €737 million in
cash, resulting in a pretax gain of €252 million that is included
in financial income (expense), net.
Consolidated Financial Statements | Basis of Presentation | 161
Notes to the Consolidated Statements of Income
5. Functional Costs and Other Expenses
Selling, administrative and other expenses are comprised of the
following:
(in millions of €)
Selling expenses
Administration expenses
Other expenses
2006
11,601
6,171
741
18,513
Year ended December 31,
2004
2005
11,960
6,089
932
18,981
11,403
6,014
561
17,978
In 2006, selling expenses include advertising costs of €2,563
million (2005: €2,512 million, 2004: €2,748 million).
New management model. In January 2006, DaimlerChrysler
announced the new management model, the primary objective of
which is to install integrated processes and eliminate redundancies
through the global integration of certain administrative functions.
Under the new management model, DaimlerChrysler expects to
reduce its worldwide administrative headcount by approximately
6,000 employees compared to the 2004 headcount primarily
through voluntary termination, early retirement contracts and
normal attrition. Individual benefits will be based on age, salary
levels and past service. The total costs for headcount reductions,
which are expected to be finalized by the end of 2008, are
expected to approximate €1.3 billion.
All charges expected to be incurred under the new management
model are corporate-level costs that will not be allocated to
the operating segments and will remain included in corporate
which forms a part of “Van, Bus, Other” (see Note 34).
Charges for employee severance of €361 million were recorded
in the Group’s condensed consolidated statements of income
for 2006, primarily within “administrative expenses”. €220 million
and €41 million were included in “other liabilities” and “other
accrued liabilities,” respectively, of which €2 million and €6 million,
respectively, are not expected to be paid within one year.
€45 million are included in pension liabilities.
The changes in liabilities and accruals for the new management
model for 2006 were as follows:
(in millions of €)
Balance at January 1, 2006
Charges
Payments
Amount recognized and transferred to emloyee benefit plans
Currency translation
Balance at December 31, 2006
–
361
(54)
(45)
(1)
261
Headcount reduction initiative at Mercedes Car Group.
In September 2005, DaimlerChrysler initiated a program to
enhance the competitiveness of the Mercedes Car Group.
The program encompassed a headcount reduction in Germany
which was completed as scheduled in 2006. The headcount
reduction was primarily realized through voluntary termination
contracts for which the individual benefits were based on age,
salary levels and past service.
162
As a result of the deterioration of operations in the first quarter
of 2005, DaimlerChrysler decided to cease production of the
smart roadster by the end of 2005 and to provide incentives to
dealers related to those vehicles. Thus, charges of €140 million
were also included as a reduction of revenue or in “cost of sales”
during 2005, in order to recognize the effects of inventory write-
downs, higher incentives and lower residual values of vehicles.
Further costs related to the realignment of the smart business
during 2005 amounted to €301 million and arose primarily from
supplier claims which resulted from the discontinuation of the
smart roadster and the reduction of the production volume for the
smart forfour. Estimated payments to the dealer network are
also included in this amount. These charges were recognized in
“cost of sales” and in “selling expenses”.
DaimlerChrysler also decided in 2005 not to proceed with the
development of the smart SUV that was scheduled to be
launched in the markets in 2006. As a result of the decision to
abandon the smart SUV, tooling and equipment located in
the designated assembly plant in Brazil and equipment still under
construction with suppliers, for which firm purchase orders
were in place, were written off in 2005 to the extent those assets
could not be redeployed for other purposes. The charge
amounted to €61 million and is included in “other expenses”.
Further charges of €104 million were recognized during 2005
related to the liabilities arising from the cancellation of supply
contracts and were also recognized as “other expenses”.
In addition, plans to reduce workforce at the locations in Böblingen
(Germany) and Hambach (France) were approved in 2005.
According to those plans, by December 31, 2005, 185 employees
had been transferred to other Group operations and continued
to work there while 236 German employees had accepted termi-
nation benefits in accordance with the terms of a collective
bargaining agreement consisting of cash severance, continued pay
for a period after the end of service and job placement assis-
tance; the employee services ended with the acceptance of the
termination agreements. Therefore, charges for employee
termination benefits of €24 million are included in 2005. In addition,
charges for consulting services have been recorded totaling
€7 million in 2005.
Further expenses of €30 million resulted in 2005 from a goodwill
impairment charge (see Note 11).
For the contracts signed in 2006 and 2005, expenditures of
€1,023 million are expected to be incurred in total; charges
of €286 million and €570 million were recorded in income for
2006 and 2005, respectively, primarily within cost of sales.
Amounts of €67 million and €100 million concerning 2006 and
2005, respectively, were available under the terms of a deferred
compensation fund set up under the Compensation Framework
Agreement (ERA), a collective bargaining agreement in Germany.
Under this agreement, DaimlerChrysler had to recognize a
liability in prior years for ERA as a portion of the compensation
increase in these years was to be unconditionally paid to
employees at a later date. In an agreement with the Employee
Council of DaimlerChrysler, it was determined that the fund
should be used for purposes such as severance and early retire-
ment benefits with any unused balance distributed to employees
in other ways.
The changes in the liabilities for severance benefits for
2005 and 2006 were as follows:
(in millions of €)
Balance at January 1, 2005
Initial charges
Reclassifications from ERA
Payments
Balance at December 31, 2005
Additional charges
Reclassifications from ERA
Payments
Balance at December 31, 2006
–
570
100
(70)
600
286
67
(783)
170
smart realignment. Based on the unit sales development of
the smart roadster and the smart forfour and the downward
revisions to forecasted sales targets, DaimlerChrysler reduced its
production and notified suppliers about declining production at
the beginning of 2005. These developments resulted in increased
operating and cash flow losses and an expectation that losses
would continue in future periods. Therefore, DaimlerChrysler
evaluated the recoverability of the carrying amount of the
long-lived assets that generate cash flows largely independent of
other assets and liabilities of the Group. The smart roadster had
been assembled in a plant in France until the decision to cease
production, whereas the asset group related to the smart
forfour consisted of owned real estate and equipment for the
production of the smart forfour. As a result of the impairment
tests, DaimlerChrysler recognized charges of €444 million in 2005
in “cost of sales” representing the excess of the carrying
amount of these long-lived assets over their fair value. After the
impairment charge, the remaining carrying amounts of land
and buildings and other assets represented their estimated fair
values.
Consolidated Financial Statements | Notes to the Consolidated Statements of Income | 163
Due to refinements of estimates for workforce reduction measures
and for the stop of the smart roadster, DaimlerChrysler recorded
income of €8 million during 2006, which is recognized in “cost of
sales” and in “selling, administrative and other expenses.”
As a consequence of the ongoing negative sales development
of the smart forfour, DaimlerChrysler decided in the first quarter
of 2006 to cease the production of the smart forfour in 2006,
to focus its smart brand solely on the smart fortwo and to integrate
the activities of smart into the Mercedes-Benz organization.
The smart forfour was assembled by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation
(MMC) under the terms of a contract manufacturing agreement.
In March 2006, DaimlerChrysler and MMC signed a letter of intent
which sets forth the general conditions of a termination of that
agreement. In June 2006, the exit agreement was signed and pro-
duction ceased. Based on these conditions, DaimlerChrysler
recorded charges of €592 million for 2006, primarily relating to
termination payments to MMC and suppliers. These charges
are recognized in “cost of sales.”
Additional charges totaling €334 million were recorded in 2006 for
inventory write-downs, higher incentives, the recognition of
lower estimated residual values of smart vehicles, and estimated
payments for the reorganization of the distribution network.
The charges were recognized in “cost of sales” (€97 million),
“selling, administrative and other expenses” (€210 million) and
as a reduction of “revenues” (€27 million).
Also in the first quarter of 2006, DaimlerChrysler approved
plans to reduce the workforce located in Böblingen (Germany).
According to the terms of the workforce reduction initiative,
severance benefits consist of continued pay for a period after the
end of service, job placement assistance and cash severance
payments. Therefore, charges of €28 million were recognized in
“selling, administrative and other expenses” in 2006.
Associated with the discontinuation of the smart forfour production,
DaimlerChrysler terminated its involvement with a variable
interest entity (“VIE”) and prematurely repaid the Group’s portion
of that VIE’s external debt. The early extinguishment of debt
of the VIE resulted in a financial expense of €9 million which is
included in “financial income (expense), net” for 2006.
All charges related to the realignment of smart and to the cancel-
lation of the production of the smart forfour, with the exception
of the expenses relating to the early extinguishment of debt, were
allocated to the Mercedes Car Group segment. The development
of balances that lead to payments in subsequent periods is sum-
marized as follows:
(in millions of €)
Balance at January 1, 2005
Charges
Payments
Balance at December 31, 2005
Additional charges
Adjustments
Payments
Balance at December 31, 2006
Workforce
reduction
Other costs
Total
–
24
(16)
8
21
(2)
(18)
9
–
552
(443)
109
815
(6)
(808)
110
–
576
(459)
117
836
(8)
(826)
119
The Mercedes Car Group expects the remaining balance of €119
million to be paid in 2007.
Personnel expenses and number of employees. Personnel
expenses included in the statement of income are comprised of:
(in millions of €)
Wages and salaries
Social security and payroll costs
Net pension cost (see Note 24a)
Net postretirement benefit cost
(see Note 24a)
Other expenses for pensions and
retirements
2006
18,625
3,395
1,329
Year ended December 31,
2004
2005
19,750
3,371
1,131
18,750
3,294
948
1,342
1,331
1,173
109
24,800
148
25,731
51
24,216
On January 1, 2006, upon the adoption of FASB Emerging Issues
Task Force (“EITF”) 05-5, “Accounting for Early Retirement or
Postemployment Programs with Specific Features (Such As Terms
Specified in Altersteilzeit Early Retirement Arrangements)”,
DaimlerChrysler changed its estimates of the effects of employee
bonuses and other benefits provided under the German Alters-
teilzeit early retirement program and other benefit arrangements
with the same or similar terms. DaimlerChrysler also adjusted
its accounting for related reimbursement subsidies received from
the German government when certain conditions are met.
The adoption of EITF 05-5 resulted in a gain from the reduction
of the related provision of €166 million (€102 million, net of
taxes, or €0.10 per share) which was primarily recognized in
“cost of sales” for 2006.
164
In 2006, the Group employed a workforce of 365,753
(2005: 386,465; 2004: 379,019) people. Therein included are
13,104 (2005: 14,409; 2004: 14,307) trainees/apprentices.
Information on the compensation of the current and former
members of the Board of Management and the current members
of the Supervisory Board is included in Note 37.
6. Other Income
Other income consists of the following:
(in millions of €)
Gains on sales of property, plant and
equipment
Rental income, other than relating to
financial services
Gains on sales of companies
Reimbursements under insurance
policies
Government subsidies
Other miscellaneous items
2006
Year ended December 31,
2004
2005
215
107
249
200
30
504
1,305
351
101
64
17
33
400
966
94
100
128
34
30
509
895
“Gains on sales of property, plant and equipment” in 2005
include a €240 million gain on the sale of the Chrysler Group’s
Arizona Proving Grounds vehicle testing facility.
The sale of the major portion of the Group’s Off-Highway business
resulted in a gain of €226 million in 2006 (see also Note 4),
of which €219 million is included in the line item “gains on sales
of companies.” Due to the repurchase of a note by its issuer,
a gain of €53 million was realized in 2005 and is also included
in this line item. The note was issued by MTU Aero Engines
Holding AG to DaimlerChrysler in the context of the sale of MTU
Aero Engines GmbH in 2003.
As result of the settlement agreement in connection with
the sale of Adtranz in 2004, a gain of €120 million which had
been deferred since 2001 was realized as other income.
7. Financial Income (Expense), Net
(in millions of €)
Income from investments
of which from affiliated companies
€ (5) (2005: € 28; 2004: € 36)
Gains, net from disposals of
investments and shares in affiliated
and associated companies
Gain (loss) from the dilution
of shares in affiliated companies and
investments accounted for under
the equity method
Write-down of investments and
shares in affiliated companies
Gain (loss) from companies included
at equity
Income (loss) from investments,
net
Other interest and similar income
of which from affiliated companies
€39 (2005: € 33; 2004: € 5)
Interest and similar expenses
of which from affiliated companies
€ 37 (2005: € 26; 2004: € 32)
Interest expense, net
Income (loss) from securities
of which from affiliated companies
€ – (2005: € 2; 2004: €2)
Write-down of securities
Other, net
Other financial income (loss), net
2006
Year ended December 31,
2004
2005
69
73
–
(60)
318
400
55
86
732
291
–
(31)
103
859
(135)
(50)
(798)
(606)
663
539
490
(913)
(250)
(1,112)
(573)
(7)
–
473
466
616
200
(5)
(264)
(69)
217
(790)
(300)
18
(122)
(67)
(171)
(1,077)
In 2005, DaimlerChrysler sold all of its MMC shares. The gain
on that sale amounted to €681 million and is included in
“gains, net from disposals of investments and shares in affiliated
and associated companies”.
In 2004, the dilution of DaimlerChrysler’s interest in MMC resulted
in a loss of €135 million which is reflected in “gain (loss) from
the dilution of shares in affiliated companies and investments
accounted for under the equity method”. Realized gains from
DaimlerChrysler’s currency hedging of the net investment in MMC
of €195 million are included in “gain (loss) from companies
included at equity”.
The Group capitalized interest expenses related to qualifying
construction projects of €73 million (2005: €73 million; 2004:
€70 million).
Consolidated Financial Statements | Notes to the Consolidated Statements of Income | 165
8. Income Taxes
Income before income taxes consists of the following:
A reconciliation of expected income tax expense to actual
income tax expense determined using the applicable German
combined statutory rate of 38.5% is included in the following
table:
(in millions of €)
Germany
Non-German countries
2006
2,444
1,549
3,993
Year ended December 31,
2004
2005
(103)
3,541
3,438
448
3,087
3,535
The income (loss) in Germany includes the income (loss) from
companies included at equity if the shares of those companies are
held by German companies.
Income tax expense is comprised of the following components:
(in millions of €)
Expected expense for income taxes
Foreign tax rate differential
Trade tax rate differential
Tax effect of equity method
investments
Tax-free income and non-deductible
expenses
Other
Actual expense for income taxes
2006
1,537
(481)
(11)
(113)
(239)
13
706
Year ended December 31,
2004
2005
1,324
(544)
(50)
(15)
(194)
(8)
513
1,361
(357)
(43)
291
(88)
13
1,177
(in millions of €)
Current taxes
Germany
Non-German countries
Deferred taxes
Germany
Non-German countries
2006
668
563
(77)
(448)
706
Year ended December 31,
2004
2005
3
1,319
(309)
(500)
513
847
923
(502)
(91)
1,177
For German companies, the deferred taxes for all periods present-
ed were calculated using a federal corporate tax rate of 25%,
a solidarity surcharge of 5.5% for each year on federal corporate
taxes plus the after federal tax benefit rate for trade tax of
12.125% for each year. Therefore, the tax rate applied to German
deferred taxes amounted to 38.5%. For non-German companies,
the deferred taxes at period-end were calculated using the enacted
tax rates.
In 2006, DaimlerChrysler Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary
of DaimlerChrysler, reached an agreement with the US Internal
Revenue Service regarding its claim for research and development
credits for the tax years 2000 through 2002. The result of the
agreement was an additional income tax benefit of €111 million
in 2006. In addition, DaimlerChrysler Corporation reduced
its income tax expense by €292 million reflecting adjustments to
certain deferred tax balances and income tax reserves, primarily
related to prior years. Those income tax benefits were largely offset
by additional estimated income tax expenses of €252 million
related to ongoing cross-border transfer pricing audits. The tax
benefits and expenses are included in the line “foreign tax rate
differential”.
In 2006, the Group recorded additional valuation allowances
on deferred tax assets on tax loss carryforwards of foreign
subsidiaries. The resulting tax expense is included in the line
“foreign tax rate differential”.
In 2004, the US government enacted the American Jobs Creation
Act of 2004 (“Act”), that provides for a special one-time tax
deduction of 85% of certain earnings of non-US subsidiaries that
are repatriated to the United States, provided certain criteria
are met. DaimlerChrysler North America Holding Corporation, a
wholly-owned US subsidiary of DaimlerChrysler, completed in
2005 its evaluation of the Act. In 2005, DaimlerChrysler repatri-
ated US $2.7 billion of dividends to the US, leading to an income
tax expense of €66 million in 2005. In the reconciliation of expected
income tax expense to actual income tax expense, the expense
is included in the line “foreign tax rate differential”.
166
In 2005, tax-free income at foreign companies arose relating to
the compensation for MFTBC and the sale of other securities.
The reduction of the calculated expected tax expenses on those
issues is included in the line “foreign tax rate differential”.
In 2005, DaimlerChrysler sold all of its MMC shares. The realized
gain – with the exception of the net gains from hedging the Group’s
net investment in MMC – was tax-free. The expected tax expense
on the tax-free gain was reversed in the line “tax-free income and
non-deductible expenses” with an amount of €82 million.
In 2004, the non tax-deductible loss of MMC resulting from
accounting under the equity method and from the dilution of
DaimlerChrysler’s interest in MMC affected the line “tax effect
of equity method investments” negatively by €298 million due
to the missing tax benefit.
In 2004, DaimlerChrysler sold its investment in HMC and
realized a tax-free gain of €252 million. This led to a positive
reconciling item of €97 million in the line “tax-free income
and non-deductible expenses”.
The line “tax-free income and non-deductible expenses” includes
furthermore mainly tax-free gains included in net periodic
pension costs at the German companies and from financial
transactions to hedge price risks of EADS shares. Moreover,
the line “tax-free income and non-deductible expenses” includes
all other effects at German companies due to tax-free income
and non-deductible expenses.
Tax-free income at US companies arose in connection with the
net periodic postretirement benefit costs in the years 2006 and
2005. The reduction of the calculated expected tax expenses
on this issue is included in the line “foreign tax rate differential”.
Moreover, the line “foreign tax rate differential” includes all
other reconciling items between expected and actual expense
for income taxes at foreign companies.
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are summarized
as follows:
(in millions of €)
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Investments and long-term financial assets
Equipment on operating leases
Inventories
Receivables and other assets
Net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards
Pension plans and similar obligations
Other accrued liabilities
Liabilities
Deferred income
Other
Valuation allowances
Deferred tax assets
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Equipment on operating leases
Receivables and other assets
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, net
At December 31,
2005
2006
347
387
3,481
822
762
1,030
2,254
6,478
5,432
2,096
1,521
93
24,703
(867)
23,836
(171)
(3,556)
(6,853)
(2,662)
(295)
(2,925)
(326)
(234)
(994)
(444)
(18,460)
5,376
401
520
3,135
727
752
749
1,854
5,125
6,477
2,516
1,670
111
24,037
(640)
23,397
(932)
(3,987)
(7,125)
(3,482)
(360)
(2,479)
(311)
(261)
(1,010)
(404)
(20,351)
3,046
Consolidated Financial Statements | Notes to the Consolidated Statements of Income | 167
The Group did not provide income taxes or non-German withholding
taxes on €10,479 million (2005: €13,831 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 stockholders’ equity and the benefit from changes
in accounting principles, the expense (benefit) for income taxes
consists of the following:
(in millions of €)
Expense for income taxes
of continuing operations
Income tax benefit from changes
in accounting principles
Stockholders’ equity for items in
accumulated other comprehensive
loss
Stockholders’ equity for US
employee stock option expense in
excess of amounts recognized for
financial purposes
2006
706
(3)
Year ended December 31,
2004
2005
513
(3)
1,177
–
(1,797)
(1,065)
(754)
–
(1,094)
–
(555)
(9)
414
In 2006, tax benefits of €25 million from the reversal of deferred
tax asset valuation allowances at subsidiaries were recorded as
a reduction of investor level goodwill.
In 2004, tax benefits of €2 million from the reversal of deferred
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.
At December 31, 2006, the Group had corporate tax net operating
losses (“NOLs”) amounting to €1,909 million (2005: €1,528 million),
trade tax NOLs amounting to €26 million (2005: €129 million)
and tax credit carryforwards amounting to €1,036 million (2005:
€868 million). The corporate tax NOLs mainly relate to losses
of foreign companies and are partly limited in their use to the
Group. Of the total amount of corporate tax NOLs at December 31,
2006, €25 million expires at various dates from 2007 through
2010, €310 million in 2011, €373 million in 2012, €276 million in
2013, €110 million expires at various dates from 2014 through
2025, €509 million in 2026 and €306 million can be carried for-
ward indefinitely. The tax credit carryforwards mainly relate
to US companies and are partly limited in their use to the Group.
Of the total amount of tax credit carryforwards at December 31,
2006, €64 million expires from 2007 through 2020, €416 million
expire from 2021 through 2026 and €556 million can be carried
forward indefinitely. The trade tax NOLs are not limited in their use.
The companies of the Off-Highway business unit, which were
shown in 2005 as held for sale, were included at December 31,
2005 in the corporate and trade tax NOLs with €21 million each.
The valuation allowances, which relate to deferred tax assets of
foreign companies that DaimlerChrysler believes will more
likely than not expire without benefit increased by €227 million
from December 31, 2005 to December 31, 2006. In future
periods, DaimlerChrysler’s estimate of the amount of the deferred
tax assets considered realizable may change, and hence the
valuation allowances may increase or decrease.
Net deferred income tax assets and liabilities in the consolidated
balance sheets are as follows:
(in millions of €)
Deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities
Deferred tax assets
(liabilities), net
At December 31, 2006
thereof
non-current
Total
At December 31, 2005
thereof
non-current
Total
6,093
(717)
2,816
(587)
7,249
(4,203)
2,880
(4,099)
5,376
2,229
3,046
(1,219)
DaimlerChrysler recorded deferred tax liabilities for non-German
withholding taxes of €169 million (2005: €188 million) on
€3,371 million (2005: €3,764 million) in cumulative undistributed
earnings of non-German subsidiaries and additional German tax
of €65 million (2005: €73 million) on the future payout of these
foreign dividends to Germany because the earnings are currently
not intended to be permanently reinvested in those operations.
168
10. Cumulative Effects of Changes in Accounting Principles
Share-based compensation. On January 1, 2006, DaimlerChrysler
adopted Statement of Financial Reporting Standards (“SFAS”)
123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS 123R”) using
a modified version of prospective application (see Note 23).
The cumulative effect of adopting SFAS 123R was a reduction of
net income of €4 million, net of taxes of €3 million (€0.00 per
share), recognized in 2006.
Conditional asset retirement obligation. As of December 31,
2005, DaimlerChrysler adopted the provisions of FIN 47,
“Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations - an
interpretation of FASB Statement No. 143” pertaining to the
accounting for legal asset retirement obligations whose timing
or method of settlement is conditional on a future event.
For existing conditional asset retirement obligations whose fair
value could be reasonably determined, DaimlerChrysler
recognized the liability and related additional long-lived asset and
adjusted the liability and the asset, respectively, for cumulative
accretion and accumulated depreciation to the date of adoption.
The cumulative effect of adopting FIN 47 was a reduction of net
income of €5 million, net of taxes of €3 million (€0.00 per share),
recognized separately in the consolidated statement of income
in 2005.
9. Disposal Group Off-Highway, Assets and Liabilities
Held for Sale
On December 27, 2005, DaimlerChrysler entered into a share sale
and purchase agreement regarding the sale of a major portion
of its Off-Highway business unit. The sale was consummated in
2006 (see Note 4). As a result of DaimlerChrysler’s significant
anticipated continuing sales of products to the Off-Highway busi-
ness which are expected to continue beyond one year after
disposal, the operations of the Off-Highway business have not been
presented as discontinued operations in DaimlerChrysler’s
consolidated income statements.
However, the assets and the liabilities of the Off-Highway business
that are part of the transaction have each been aggregated
and presented in separate lines on the consolidated balance sheet
as of December 31, 2005.
The assets held for sale and liabilities held for sale are shown on
a consolidated basis and are comprised of the following:
(in millions of €)
Assets held for sale
Intangible assets
Goodwill
Property, plant and equipment
Investments and long-term financial assets
Inventories
Receivables and other assets
Other
Liabilities held for sale
Minority interests
Accrued liabilities
Liabilities
Other
At December 31,
2005
20
309
212
80
395
316
42
1,374
4
603
157
7
771
Consolidated Financial Statements | Notes to the Consolidated Statements of Income | 169
Notes to the Consolidated Balance Sheets
11. Goodwill
Other intangible assets comprise:
Information with respect to changes in the Group’s goodwill
is presented in the Consolidated Fixed Asset Schedule included
herein.
The carrying amount of goodwill as of December 31, 2006
decreased by €198 million compared to the previous year.
This decrease relates to a large degree to currency translation
effects.
At December 31, 2006 and 2005, the carrying values of goodwill
allocated to the Group’s reporting segments are (excluding
investor level goodwill of €55 million):
Mercedes
Car Group
Chrysler
Group
Truck
Group
Financial
Services
Van, Bus,
Other
(in millions of €)
2006
2005
192
199
927
1,035
386
469
71
63
107
115
Total
1,683
1,881
The company conducts a goodwill impairment test at least
annually to identify potential goodwill impairment. In this regard,
the company compares the fair value of a reporting unit with
its carrying amount, including goodwill allocated to the respective
reporting unit. The fair values of the reporting units are calcu-
lated using discounted future cash flows. If the carrying amount
of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, a second step of the
goodwill impairment test is performed to measure the amount of
goodwill impairment loss. As a result of the 2005 goodwill
impairment test, a goodwill impairment charge of €30 million
was recognized at smart.
12. 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.
170
(in millions of €)
Other intangible assets subject to amortization
Gross carrying amount
Accumulated amortization
Net carrying amount
Intangible pension asset
Other intangible assets not subject to amortization
At December 31,
2005
2006
1,722
(1,067)
655
–
110
765
1,628
(941)
687
2,375
129
3,191
DaimlerChrysler’s other intangible assets subject to amortization
comprise concessions, industrial property rights and similar
rights (€297 million) as well as software developed or obtained
for internal use (€276 million). The additions in 2006 of €257
million (2005: €244 million) with a weighted average useful life
of 5 years primarily include concessions, industrial property
rights and similar rights. The aggregate amortization expense for
the years ended December 2006, 2005 and 2004, was €255
million, €201 million and €169 million, respectively.
Estimated aggregate amortization expense for other intangible
assets for the next 5 years is:
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
(in millions of €)
Amortization expense
190
137
97
54
35
Other intangible assets not subject to amortization primarily
comprise trademarks, which the Group can utilize without
restriction.
13. Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
14. Equipment on Operating Leases, 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 €479 million (2005: €341 million). Depreciation
expense and impairment charges on assets under capital lease
arrangements were €80 million (2005: €55 million; 2004: €34
million).
Future minimum lease payments due for property, plant and
equipment under capital leases at December 31, 2006 amounted
to €740 million and are due as follows:
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
thereafter
(in millions of €)
Future mini-
mum lease
payments
90
71
61
59
55
404
The reconciliation of future minimum lease payments from
capital lease agreements to the corresponding liabilities is as
follows:
(in millions of €)
Amount of future minimum lease payments
Less: Interests included
Liabilities from capital lease agreements
(thereof short-term: 62)
December 31,
2006
740
(249)
491
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 oper-
ating leases, €36,433 million represents automobiles and
commercial vehicles (2005: €33,644 million).
Noncancellable future lease payments to DaimlerChrysler for
equipment on operating leases at December 31, 2006 amounted
to €12,956 million and are due as follows:
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
thereafter
(in millions of €)
Future lease
payments
6,288
4,191
1,838
439
136
64
In 2006, the Group completed a securitization of future lease
payments on operating leases and related vehicles. The securiti-
zation was accounted for as secured borrowing. At December 31,
2006, the carrying amount of the leased vehicles, the interests in
which were legally transferred to a bank conduit, was €886
million. The debt associated with the on-balance sheet lease secu-
ritization was €651 million, recognized under “other financial
liabilities”.
15. Inventories
(in millions of €)
Raw materials and manufacturing supplies
Work-in-process
Finished goods, parts and products held for resale
Advance payments to suppliers
Less: Advance payments received
At December 31,
2005
2006
2,079
2,956
12,876
43
17,954
(204)
17,750
1,906
2,924
14,414
47
19,291
(152)
19,139
Certain of the Group’s US 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 €477 million
(2005: €495 million).
At December 31, 2006, inventories include €364 million of
company cars of DaimlerChrysler AG pledged as collateral to
the DaimlerChrysler Pension Trust e.V. due to the requirement
to provide collateral for certain vested employee benefits in
Germany.
Consolidated Financial Statements | Notes to the Consolidated Balance Sheets | 171
16. Trade Receivables
(in millions of €)
Receivables from sales of goods and services
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Types of receivables. Retail receivables include loans and finance
leases to end users of the Group’s products who purchased their
vehicles either from a dealer or directly from DaimlerChrysler.
At December 31,
2005
2006
7,835
(476)
7,359
8,135
(540)
7,595
Wholesale receivables represent loans for floor-plan financing
programs for vehicles sold to dealers by the Group’s automotive
businesses or loans for assets purchased by dealers from third
parties, primarily used vehicles traded in by dealers’ customers
or real estate such as dealer showrooms.
Other receivables mainly represent non-automotive assets from
contracts of the financial services business with third parties
(leveraged leases).
Presentation in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Wholesale receivables from the sale of vehicles from the Group’s
inventory to independent dealers as well as retail receivables
from the sale of DaimlerChrysler’s vehicles directly to retail cus-
tomers relate to the sale of the Group’s inventory. The cash
flow effects of such receivables are presented as “net changes in
inventory-related receivables from financial services” within
the consolidated cash flows from operating activities. All cash flow
effects attributable to receivables from financial services that
are not related to the sale of inventory to DaimlerChrysler’s inde-
pendent dealers or direct customers are classified as investing
activities within the consolidated statements of cash flows.
Allowances. Changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts for
receivables from financial services were as follows:
(in millions of €)
Balance at beginning of year
Charged to costs and expenses
Amounts written off
Reversals
Currency translation and
other changes
Balance at end of year
2006
1,174
392
(527)
(107)
(146)
786
Year ended December 31,
2004
2005
1,107
559
(420)
(137)
65
1,174
1,265
467
(413)
(84)
(128)
1,107
As of December 31, 2006, €81 million of the trade receivables
mature after more than one year (2005: €115 million).
Changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts for trade
receivables were as follows:
(in millions of €)
Balance at beginning of year
Charged to costs and expenses
Amounts written off
Currency translation and
other changes
Balance at end of year
2006
540
25
(67)
(22)
476
Year ended December 31,
2004
2005
591
41
(75)
(17)
540
587
49
(160)
115
591
17. Receivables from Financial Services
Receivables from financial services are comprised of the
following:
(in millions of €)
Receivables from:
Retail
Wholesale
Other
Allowance for doubtful accounts
At December 31,
2005
2006
38,681
11,620
2,819
53,120
(786)
52,334
46,947
11,961
3,367
62,275
(1,174)
61,101
As of December 31, 2006, receivables from financial services
with a carrying amount of €29,585 million mature after more than
one year (2005: €37,896 million). Receivables from financial
services are generally secured by vehicles or other assets.
172
18. Other Assets
(in millions of €)
Receivables from affiliated companies
Receivables from related companies 1
Retained interests in sold receivables
Tax refunds receivables
Other receivables and other assets
Allowance for doubtful accounts
At December 31,
2005
2006
611
305
2,706
2,192
5,682
11,496
(126)
11,370
696
324
2,215
1,474
4,190
8,899
(168)
8,731
1 Related companies include entities which have a significant ownership in DaimlerChrysler
companies or entities in which Group companies hold a significant investment.
As of December 31, 2006, €3,362 million of other assets mature
after more than one year (2005: €2,618 million).
Changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts related to receiv-
ables included in other assets were as follows:
(in millions of €)
Balance at beginning of year
Charges (releases) to costs
and expenses
Amounts written off
Currency translation and
other changes
Balance at end of year
2006
168
(20)
(16)
(6)
126
Year ended December 31,
2004
2005
261
(18)
(90)
15
168
888
61
(702)
14
261
Finance leases. Finance leases consist of sales-type leases of
vehicles to the Group’s direct retail customers and direct-financ-
ing leases of vehicles to customers of the Group’s independent
dealers including leveraged leases of non-automotive assets to
third parties.
As of December 31, 2006, the carrying amount of finance lease
receivables was €12,465 million (2005: €11,827 million).
Retail and other receivables include investments in finance leas-
es involving minimum lease payments of €14,567 million and
€14,120 million, unearned income of €2,724 million and €2,831
million, initial direct costs of €55 million and €43 million and
estimated unguaranteed residual values of €806 million and €955
million at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
Contractual payments from finance lease receivables at Decem-
ber 31, 2006 are as follows:
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
thereafter
(in millions of €)
Maturities
3,932
2,681
2,054
1,280
698
3,922
Actual cash flows will differ from contractual maturities due to
prepayments and write-offs.
Leveraged leases. Investments in leveraged leases are included
in the line “other.” Leveraged leases are comprised of the follow-
ing:
(in millions of €)
Rentals receivable (net of principal and interest
on nonrecourse debt)
Unguaranteed residual values
Unearned income
At December 31,
2005
2006
3,929
426
(1,536)
2,819
4,586
588
(1,821)
3,353
As of December 31, 2006, an amount of €2,395 million (2005:
€2,775 million) of deferred income tax liabilities was related to
leveraged leases.
Sale of receivables. Based on market conditions and liquidity
needs, DaimlerChrysler may sell portfolios of retail and wholesale
receivables to third parties, which typically results in the dere-
cognition of the transferred receivables from the balance sheet.
Retained interests in securitized sold receivables are classified as
other assets in the Group’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. For
additional information on retained interests in sold receivables
and the sale of finance receivables, see Note 33.
Consolidated Financial Statements | Notes to the Consolidated Balance Sheets | 173
19. Securities, Investments and Long-term Financial Assets
Information with respect to the Group’s total investments and
long-term financial assets is presented in the Consolidated Fixed
Assets Schedule included herein. The carrying amounts of
participations (investments that are not accounted for under the
equity method) and long-term (marketable) securities which
are shown among “investments and long-term financial assets”
in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are comprised of the
following:
Investments without a quoted market price were tested for
impairment when an impairment indicator occurred. In 2006 and
2005, investments without a quoted market price with carrying
amounts of €76 million and €20 million, respectively, were tested
for impairment. In these periods, no unrealized losses were
recognized.
Short-term securities are disclosed in the Consolidated Balance
Sheets among “securities” and are recorded separately as
available-for-sale and trading:
(in millions of €)
Participations with a quoted market price
Participations without a quoted market price
Total participations
Long-term securities
At December 31,
2005
2006
399
267
666
565
332
256
588
606
(in millions of €)
Available-for-sale
Trading
Short-term securities
At December 31,
2005
2006
5,778
207
5,985
4,773
163
4,936
As of December 31, 2006, the table below shows the (amortized)
costs, fair values, gross unrealized holding gains and losses
per security class of investments with a quoted market price,
long-term and short-term available-for-sale securities. The
aggregate amounts of unrealized losses on investments which are
in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months
and the aggregate amounts of unrealized losses on investments
which are in a continuous unrealized loss position for 12 months
or longer are shown separately together with their appropriate fair
values.
(in millions of €)
Equity securities
Debt-based funds
Debt securities issued by
the German government and
other political subdivisions
Debt securities issued by
non-German governments
Corporate debt securities
Mortgage-backed securities
Securities backed by other
assets
Other debt securities
Cost
Fair value
Unrealized
gain
Fair value
Unrealized
loss
Unrealized loss less 1 year
Unrealized loss 1 year
or more
Unrealized
loss
Fair value
Unrealized loss total
Fair value
Unrealized
loss
116
136
631
27
3,244
628
219
1,258
6,259
574
136
631
27
3,266
626
219
1,263
6,742
458
1
1
–
24
1
–
6
491
–
78
105
–
240
242
–
50
715
–
1
1
–
1
2
–
1
6
–
–
–
–
96
54
–
–
150
–
–
–
–
1
1
–
–
2
–
78
105
–
336
296
–
50
865
–
1
1
–
2
3
–
1
8
174
As of December 31, 2005, these values were as follows:
(in millions of €)
Equity securities
Debt-based funds
Debt securities issued by
the German government and
other political subdivisions
Debt securities issued by
non-German governments
Corporate debt securities
Mortgage-backed securities
Securities backed by other
assets
Other debt securities
Cost
Fair value
Unrealized
gain
Fair value
Unrealized
loss
Unrealized loss less 1 year
Unrealized loss 1 year
or more
Unrealized
loss
Fair value
Unrealized loss total
Fair value
Unrealized
loss
279
228
664
229
205
205
778
3,068
318
190
260
5,326
777
3,069
317
190
260
5,711
388
1
–
–
10
1
–
–
400
12
–
–
34
547
68
–
–
661
3
–
–
1
6
1
–
–
11
–
–
–
–
26
35
–
–
61
–
–
–
–
3
1
–
–
4
12
–
–
34
573
103
–
–
722
3
–
–
1
9
2
–
–
15
The estimated fair values of investments in debt securities
(excluding debt-based funds), by contractual maturity, are shown
below. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturi-
ties because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay oblig-
ations with or without penalty.
The unrealized gains included in the 2006 statement of
income related to trading securities were €2 million
(2005: -; 2004: 2 million). The unrealized losses in these
securities were €1 million (2005: €6 million; 2004: -).
DaimlerChrysler uses the weighted average cost method
as a basis for determining cost and calculating realized gains
and losses.
(in millions of €)
Due within one year
Due after one year through five years
Due after five years through ten years
Due after more than ten years
At December 31,
2005
2006
2,885
1,904
282
961
6,032
1,164
1,976
508
1,170
4,818
Proceeds from disposals of long-term and short-term available-
for-sale securities were €9,205 million (2005: €10,336 million;
2004: €3,702 million). Gross realized gains from sales of these
securities were €17 million (2005: €847 million; 2004: €254
million), while gross realized losses were €9 million (2005: €8
million; 2004: €3 million). The proceeds and realized gains
from the sale of the stake in MMC in 2005 (see Note 3) are includ-
ed in these figures. In the Consolidated Statements of Cash
Flows, the proceeds are shown among the line item “proceeds
from sales of securities (other than trading)”.
Consolidated Financial Statements | Notes to the Consolidated Balance Sheets | 175
20. Liquid Assets
22. Stockholders’ Equity
Liquid assets recorded under various balance sheet captions
are as follows:
(in millions of €)
Cash and cash equivalents
originally maturing within 3 months
originally maturing after 3 months
Total cash and cash equivalents
Securities
At December 31,
2005
2006
7,083
53
7,136
5,985
13,121
7,619
92
7,711
4,936
12,647
21. Prepaid Expenses
Prepaid expenses are comprised of the following:
(in millions of €)
Prepaid pension asset
Other prepaid expenses
At December 31,
2005
2006
1,789
778
2,567
595
796
1,391
As of December 31, 2006, €2,063 million of the total prepaid
expenses mature after more than one year (2005: €809 million).
Number of shares issued and outstanding as well as
treasury stock. DaimlerChrysler had issued and outstanding
1,028,163,751 registered ordinary shares of no par value at
December 31, 2006 (2005: 1,018,172,696). This increase relates
to the issuance of new ordinary shares upon exercises in
connection with the Stock Option Plan 2000 (tranches 2003
and 2004). Each share represents a nominal value of €2.60
of capital stock.
In 2006, DaimlerChrysler purchased approximately 0.7 million
(2005: 0.7 million; 2004: 0.8 million) ordinary shares in
connection with an employee share purchase plan, of which 0.7
million (2005: 0.7 million; 2004: 0.8 million) were re-issued
to employees.
Authorized and conditional capital. On April 12, 2006, the
Annual Meeting authorized DaimlerChrysler to acquire treasury
stock through October 12, 2007 for certain defined purposes
up to a maximum nominal amount of €264 million of capital stock,
representing approximately 10% of the issued and outstanding
capital stock.
On April 9, 2003, the Annual Meeting authorized the Board of
Management through April 8, 2008, upon approval of the Super-
visory Board, to increase capital stock by issuing new, no par
value registered shares in exchange for cash contributions total-
ing €500 million as well as by issuing new, no par value regis-
tered shares in exchange for non-cash contributions totaling €500
million and to increase capital stock by issuing ordinary shares
to employees totaling €26 million.
Furthermore, the Board of Management, with the consent of the
Supervisory Board, was authorized to issue convertible bonds
and/or notes with warrants with a total face value up to €15 billion
and with a maturity of no more than twenty years until April 5,
2010, and to grant conversion or option rights for new shares in
DaimlerChrysler with an allocable portion of the capital stock
of up to €300 million as more closely defined in the fixed terms
and conditions.
176
Comprehensive income/(loss). The changes in the components
of accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows:
Pretax
Year ended December 31, 2006
Net
Tax effect
Pretax
Year ended December 31, 2005
Net
Tax effect
Pretax
Year ended December 31, 2004
Net
Tax effect
(in millions of €)
Unrealized gains (losses) on
securities (incl. retained interests):
Unrealized holding gains (losses)
151
(30)
121
511
(136)
375
277
(10)
267
Reclassification adjustments
for (gains) losses included in
net income
Unrealized gains (losses)
on securities
Unrealized gains (losses) on
derivatives hedging variability
of cash flows:
(123)
28
35
5
(88)
33
(512)
(1)
119
(17)
(393)
(592)
(18)
(315)
119
109
(473)
(206)
Unrealized derivative gains (losses)
1,924
(764)
1,160
(3,552)
1,270
(2,282)
2,339
(900)
1,439
Reclassification adjustments for
(gains) losses included in net income
Unrealized derivative gains (losses)
Unrecognized pension and healthcare
obligations
Minimum pension liability
adjustments
Adjustment to initial application of
SFAS 158
Unrecognized pension and healthcare
obligations
Foreign currency translation
adjustments
Changes in other comprehensive
income/(loss)
(1,444)
480
547
(217)
(897)
263
1,517
(2,035)
(458)
812
1,059
(1,223)
(2,957)
(618)
1,149
249
(1,808)
(369)
7,160
(2,611)
4,549
(170)
(12,035)
4,620
(7,415)
–
(4,875)
2,009
(2,866)
(170)
91
–
91
(79)
(1,224)
–
–
(79)
(1,224)
(1,817)
–
(1,817)
2,548
179
2,727
(635)
476
–
476
(80)
(748)
–
(748)
(715)
(6,184)
1,797
(4,387)
342
1,065
1,407
(2,792)
754
(2,038)
Consolidated Financial Statements | Notes to the Consolidated Balance Sheets | 177
Exchange rate effects on the components of other comprehen-
sive loss are shown principally within changes of the cumulative
translation adjustment.
Adjusted for currency translation effects, the first-time adoption
of SFAS 158 lead to a decrease of other comprehensive
income/loss in 2006 of €7,415 million. As of December 31, 2006,
unrecognized pension and healthcare obligations amounted
up to €(10,566) million, of which €(7,802) million applied to pen-
sion obligations (unrecognized net actuarial losses: €(6,204)
million, unrecognized prior service cost €(1,598) million) and
€(2,764) million to healthcare obligations (unrecognized net
actuarial losses: €(2,980) million, unrecognized prior service cost
€216 million).
Effective October 1, 2004, the Chrysler Group prospectively
changed the functional currency of DaimlerChrysler Canada Inc.
(“DCCI”), its Canadian subsidiary, from the US dollar to the
Canadian dollar. This change resulted from several significant
economic and operational changes within DCCI, including a
reduction of US sourced components. The initial implementation
of this change in functional currency had the effect of increas-
ing the value of the net assets of the Group and the accumulated
other comprehensive income/(loss) by €179 million in 2004.
Miscellaneous. Under the German Stock Corporation Act
(Aktiengesetz), the amount of dividends available for distribution
to shareholders is based upon the unappropriated accumulated
earnings of DaimlerChrysler AG (parent company only) as report-
ed in its statutory financial statements prepared in accordance
with the German Commercial Code (Handelsgesetzbuch). For the
year ended December 31, 2006, the DaimlerChrysler manage-
ment will propose to the Annual Meeting that €1,542 million
(€1.50 per share) of the unappropriated accumulated earnings of
DaimlerChrysler AG is distributed as a dividend to the stock-
holders.
23. Stock-Based Compensation
As of December 31, 2006, the Group has awards outstanding
that were issued under a variety of plans including (1) the 2006
and 2005 Performance Phantom Share Plans (“PSP”), (2) the
2000 Stock Option Plan (“SOP”), (3) various stock appreciation
rights (“SARs”) plans and (4) the medium-term incentive awards
(“MTI”).
As discussed in Note 1, as of January 1, 2006, DaimlerChrysler
adopted SFAS 123R, which replaces SFAS 123 and supersedes
APB Option 25 and related interpretations. SFAS 123R requires
companies to recognize stock-based compensation expense with
certain exceptions based on fair value. Due to the adoption of
the fair value measurement provisions of SFAS 123 on January 1,
2003 for all awards granted after December 31, 2002, the adop-
tion of SFAS 123R, including the remeasurement to fair value
of liability classified awards, did not have a material impact on
DaimlerChrysler’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
Performance Phantom Share Plans. In 2006, the Group adopt-
ed similar to 2005 the “Performance Phantom Share Plan”,
under which virtual shares (phantom shares) are granted to eligi-
ble employees entitling them to receive cash paid out after
four years. The amount of cash paid to eligible employees is based
on the number of phantom shares that vest (determined over a
three-year performance period) multiplied by the quoted price of
DaimlerChrysler’s ordinary shares (determined as an average
price over a specified period at the end of the four-year service).
The number of phantom shares that vest will depend on
the achievement of Group performance goals as compared with
competitive and internal benchmarks (return on net assets
and return on sales). The Group will not issue any common shares
in connection with the Performance Phantom Share Plan.
178
DaimlerChrysler established, based on shareholder approvals, the
1998 and 1997 Stock Option Plans (former Daimler-Benz
plans), which provided for the granting of options for the purchase
of DaimlerChrysler ordinary shares to certain members of
management. The options granted under the 1997 and 1998 plans
were evidenced by non-transferable convertible bonds with a
principal amount of €511 per bond due ten years after issuance.
During certain specified periods each year, each convertible
bond could have been converted into 201 DaimlerChrysler ordi-
nary shares, if the market price per share on the day of conver-
sion was at least 15% higher than the predetermined conversion
price and the options had been held for a 24 months waiting
period.
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 identi-
cal to the stock options which were replaced, except that the
holder of a SAR has the right to receive cash equal to the differ-
ence 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 phantom shares issued, all of which are
non-vested, is as follows:
(in millions of phantom shares)
Outstanding at the beginning of the year
Granted phantom shares
Forfeitures/Disposals
Outstanding at year end
2006
2005
3.6
2.6
(0.4)
5.8
–
3.6
.
3.6
In 2006 and 2005, the group recognized €59 million and €30
million, respectively, of compensation expenses related to the
Performance Phantom Share Plan. The corresponding tax benefit
amounts to €23 million (2005: €11 million). The Group records
the performance phantom share plan awards as accrued liabili-
ties. Because the payment per phantom share depends on the
quoted price of one DaimlerChrysler ordinary share, the quoted
price represents the fair value of each phantom share. The pro-
portionate compensation expense for 2006 and 2005 is deter-
mined based on the year-end quoted price of DaimlerChrysler
ordinary shares as well as the estimated target achievement as
of December 31, 2006 and 2005.
Stock option plans. In April 2000, the Group’s shareholders
approved the DaimlerChrysler Stock Option Plan 2000 which pro-
vides 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 exercis-
able 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 DaimlerChrysler
ordinary share on the date of exercise is at least 20% higher than
the reference price, the holder is entitled to receive a cash pay-
ment equal to the original exercise premium of 20%.
The table below shows the basic terms of options issued
(in millions):
Reference
price
Exercise
price
Options
granted
Options
outstanding
Options
exercisable
At December 31, 2006
€62.30
€55.80
€42.93
€28.67
€36.31
€74.76
€66.96
€51.52
€34.40
€43.57
15.2
18.7
20.0
20.5
18.0
11.9
16.2
18.3
6.7
14.0
11.9
16.2
18.3
6.7
5.7
Year of grant
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
The fair value for fully vested but not yet exercised stock options
amounted to €261 million at December 31, 2006.
There were no options granted under the Stock Option Plan 2000
in 2006 or 2005.
Consolidated Financial Statements | Notes to the Consolidated Balance Sheets | 179
The basic terms of the bonds and the related stock options/SARs
issued (in millions) under these plans are as follows:
Stated
interest rate
Conversion
price
Bonds granted in
1997
1998
5.3%
4.4%
€65.90
€92.30
Related
stock
options
granted
7.4
8.2
Stock options/SARs
At December 31, 2006
exercisable
outstanding
3.0
3.5
3.0
3.5
The Group will not issue any common shares in connection with
the plans 1997 and 1998.
Analysis of the stock options issued is as follows:
(options in millions; per share amounts in €)
Balance at beginning of year
Options granted
Exercised
Forfeited
Disposals
Outstanding at year-end
Exercisable at year-end
Number of
stock options
2006
Average exercise
price per share
Number of
stock options
2005
Average exercise
price per share
Number of
stock options
2004
Average exercise
price per share
79.6
–
(10.0)
(0.2)
(2.3)
67.1
58.8
53.92
–
37.06
43.81
67.61
56.00
57.75
86.5
–
(5.3)
(0.3)
(1.3)
79.6
52.8
52.78
–
34.40
41.42
60.13
53.92
60.82
71.6
18.0
–
(1.4)
(1.7)
86.5
40.2
55.18
43.57
–
40.79
65.92
52.78
65.92
The development of stock options not vested at the beginning
of the year 2006 is as follows:
Non-vested at beginning of year
Options granted
Vested
Forfeited
Disposals
Non-vested at year-end
Number of
stock options
(in millions)
Average
fair value
per share
(in €)
26.8
–
(18.2)
.
(0.3)
8.3
7.32
–
6.97
7.85
7.73
8.05
180
For the year ended December 31, 2006, the Group recognized
compensation expense on stock options (before taxes) of €38
million (2005: €87 million; 2004: €119 million). The correspond-
ing tax benefit amounts to €15 million (2005: €33 million;
2004: €45 million).
The total intrinsic value for options exercised in 2006 (as a
difference between share price at exercise date and reference
price) amounts to €141 million (2005: €61 million; 2004: -).
The total fair value recognized in the 2006 consolidated balance
sheet for options vested in 2006 is €127 million (2005: €128
million; 2004: €72 million).
The fair value of the DaimlerChrysler stock options issued in
2004 was measured at the grant date (beginning of April) based
on a modified Black-Scholes option-pricing model, which con-
siders the specific terms of issuance. The options granted to the
Board of Management in 2004 and for which – according to the
recommendations of the German Corporate Governance Code –
the Presidential Committee can impose a limit or reserve the
right to impose such a limit in the case of exceptional and unpre-
dictable developments, are calculated with the intrinsic value
at December 31. The table below presents the underlying assump-
tions as well as the resulting fair values and total values
(in millions of €):
Expected dividend yield
Expected volatility
Risk-free interest rate
Expected lives (in years)
Fair value per option
Total fair value (in millions of €)
(SARs in millions; per share amounts in €)
Outstanding at beginning of year
Granted
Exercised
Forfeited
Outstanding at year-end
SARs exercisable at year-end
2004
4.4%
33%
2.6%
3
€7.85
131.9
Number
of SARs
28.0
–
–
(10.4)
17.6
17.6
Unearned compensation expense (before taxes) of all outstand-
ing and non-vested stock options as of December 31, 2006,
that are not subject to a possible limitation according the recom-
mendation of the German Corporate Governance Code, totals
€4 million (2005: €35 million; 2004: €125 million). This €4 million
expense is expected to be recorded in the first quarter of 2007.
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 ordi-
nary shares subsequent to the date of grant. The stock appre-
ciation 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 an 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 €89.70 each (US $98.76 for Chrysler employ-
ees), of which 6.2 million SARs are outstanding and exercisable
at December 31, 2006.
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.
In conjunction with the consummation of the merger between
Daimler-Benz and Chrysler in 1998, the Group implemented an
SAR plan through which 22.3 million SARs were issued at an
exercise price of US $75.56 each, of which 4.9 million SARs are
outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2006. The initial
grant of SARs replaced Chrysler fixed stock options that were
converted to DaimlerChrysler ordinary shares upon the
consummation 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 install-
ments; 50% on the six-month and 50% on the one-year anniver-
saries of the consummation date.
A summary of the activity related to the Group’s SAR plans as
of and for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004,
is presented below:
2006
Weighted
average
exercise price
2005
Weighted
average
exercise price
Number
of SARs
2004
Weighted
average
exercise price
Number
of SARs
76.65
–
–
71.66
75.53
75.53
32.5
–
–
(4.5)
28.0
28.0
71.37
–
–
67.16
76.65
76.65
36.3
–
–
(3.8)
32.5
32.5
74.24
–
–
72.54
71.37
71.37
Consolidated Financial Statements | Notes to the Consolidated Balance Sheets | 181
Prior to the adoption of SFAS 123R, the accrued liability for SARs
was based on the intrinsic value. Upon adoption of SFAS 123R
the basis for the accrual was changed to fair value. In 2005 and
2004, the Group did not recognize compensation expense for
SARs, because the options underlying exercise prices were greater
than the market price for shares of DaimlerChrysler ordinary
shares at the balance sheet dates.
Medium-term incentive awards. The Group granted medium-
term incentives to certain eligible employees with three-year per-
formance periods. The amount ultimately earned in cash at the
end of a performance period is primarily 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 are return on net assets and return on sales.
In 2006 and 2005 no medium-term incentive awards (2004: 0.7
million awards) were issued.
The Group considers the medium-term incentive awards with
their fair value in the accrued liabilities. In 2006, no impact was
recognized on the Group’s profit and loss statement and
therefore no tax effect (2005: €25 million gains, tax expense €10
million; 2004: €12 million expenses, tax benefit €5 million).
Cash flows from stock-based compensation. The following
cash effect resulted from the plans for stock-based compen-
sation:
(in millions of €)
Cash inflow due to exercises
Cash outflow due to exercises/
pay-out dividend equivalent
Realized tax benefit
SOP
370
60
23
PSP
–
12
5
2006
MTI
–
9
3
24. Accrued Liabilities
Accrued liabilities are comprised of the following:
(in millions of €)
Pension plans and
similar obligations
(see Note 24a)
Income and other
taxes
Other accrued
liabilities
(see Note 24b)
At December 31, 2006
Due after
one year
Total
At December 31, 2005
Due after
one year
Total
18,556
18,439
15,482
12,845
3,824
2,733
3,396
1,166
23,881
46,261
9,715
30,887
27,804
46,682
11,839
25,850
a) Pension plans and similar obligations
Pension plans and similar obligations are comprised of the
following components:
(in millions of €)
Pension liabilities (pension plans)
Other postretirement benefits
Other benefit liabilities
At December 31,
2005
2006
4,079
14,102
375
18,556
5,275
9,825
382
15,482
As of December 31, 2006, DaimlerChrysler adopted the recog-
nition provisions of SFAS 158, “Employers’ Accounting for
Defined
Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans – an amendment
of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R).” SFAS 158
requires recognition of the funded status of defined benefit pension
and other postretirement benefit obligations on the balance
sheet.
Pension plans
The Group provides pension benefits to almost 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).
182
Funded status. The following information with respect to the
Group’s pension plans is presented by German plans and
non-German plans (principally comprised of plans in the United
States). The funded status of the projected benefit obligations
is as follows:
(in millions of €)
Projected benefit obligations
Less fair value of plan assets
Funded status
Total
37,466
(35,176)
2,290
At December 31, 2006
Non-German
plans
German
plans
14,728
(11,542)
3,186
22,738
(23,634)
(896)
Total
41,514
(34,348)
7,166
At December 31, 2005
Non-German
plans
German
plans
15,163
(10,590)
4,573
26,351
(23,758)
2,593
A reconciliation of the funded status to net amounts recognized
is as follows:
(in millions of €)
Funded status
Unrecognized actuarial net losses
Unrecognized prior service cost
Net amounts recognized
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets
consist of:
Prepaid pension cost
Accrued pension liability
Disposal group Off-Highway, liabilities held for sale
Intangible assets
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Net amounts recognized
Total
2,290
(8,330)
(1,997)
(8,037)
(1,789)
4,079
–
–
(10,327)
(8,037)
At December 31, 2006
Non-German
plans
German
plans
3,186
(4,177)
(3)
(994)
–
3,186
–
–
(4,180)
(994)
(896)
(4,153)
(1,994)
(7,043)
(1,789)
893
–
–
(6,147)
(7,043)
Total
7,166
(13,270)
(2,470)
(8,574)
(595)
5,275
321
(2,375)
(11,200)
(8,574)
At December 31, 2005
Non-German
plans
German
plans
4,573
(5,299)
(2)
(728)
–
3,141
321
–
(4,190)
(728)
2,593
(7,971)
(2,468)
(7,846)
(595)
2,134
–
(2,375)
(7,010)
(7,846)
An amount of €4,005 million included in the accrued pension
liability is not expected to be paid within one year.
The effects from the adoption of SFAS 158 at December 31,
2006, on balance sheet items are as follows:
Amount before
adoption of
SFAS 158
At December 31, 2006
Amount after
adoption of
SFAS 158
Effects from
adaption
(in millions of €)
Prepaid pension cost
Accrued pension liability
Intangible assets
Accumulated other comprehensive
cost
Net amounts recognized
(7,548)
2,762
(64)
(3,187)
(8,037)
5,759
1,317
64
(7,140)
–
(1,789)
4,079
–
(10,327)
(8,037)
Consolidated Financial Statements | Notes to the Consolidated Balance Sheets | 183
The development of the projected benefit obligation and the plan
assets is as follows:
(in millions of €)
Change in projected benefit obligations:
Projected benefit obligations at beginning of year
Foreign currency exchange rate changes
Service cost
Interest cost
Plan amendments
Actuarial (gains) losses
Change in consolidated group and other changes
Settlement/curtailment loss
Compensation of benefit obligations
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 on plan assets
Employer contributions
Plan participant contributions
Compensation of benefit obligations
Change in consolidated group and other changes
Benefits paid
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
Total
41,514
(2,683)
829
1,872
50
(1,704)
(245)
136
(56)
(2,247)
37,466
34,348
(2,533)
4,284
1,199
18
(31)
6
(2,115)
35,176
At December 31, 2006
Non-German
plans
German
plans
Total
At December 31, 2005
Non-German
plans
German
plans
15,163
–
365
582
–
(588)
(302)
85
–
(577)
14,728
10,590
–
999
464
–
–
(7)
(504)
11,542
26,351
(2,683)
464
1,290
50
(1,116)
57
51
(56)
(1,670)
22,738
23,758
(2,533)
3,285
735
18
(31)
13
(1,611)
23,634
34,448
12,628
3,391
739
1,874
233
2,923
53
49
–
(2,196)
41,514
27,804
3,038
3,951
1,661
18
–
–
(2,124)
34,348
–
296
588
–
2,163
53
–
–
(565)
15,163
9,019
–
1,518
534
–
–
–
(481)
10,590
21,820
3,391
443
1,286
233
760
–
49
–
(1,631)
26,351
18,785
3,038
2,433
1,127
18
–
–
(1,643)
23,758
184
Plan assets. At December 31, 2006, plan assets were invested
in diversified portfolios that consisted primarily of debt
and equity securities. Assets and income accruing on all pension
trust and relief funds are used solely to pay pension benefits
and administer the plans. The Group’s pension asset allocation
at December 31, 2006 and 2005, and target allocation for
the year 2007, are presented in the following table:
(in % of plan assets)
Equity securities
Debt securities
Alternative investments
Real estate
Other
2007
planned
53
35
8
3
1
2006
56
35
4
2
3
Plan assets
German plans
2005
2007
planned
Plan assets
Non-German plans
2005
2006
56
36
2
2
4
58
25
10
6
1
62
24
8
5
1
61
25
7
5
2
The entire process is overseen by investment committees which
consist of senior financial management from treasury and
certain appropriate executives. The investment committees meet
regularly to approve the asset allocations, review the risks and
results of the major pension funds and approve the selection and
retention of external managers for specific portfolios.
The majority of investments are in international blue chip equities
and high-quality government and corporate bonds. To maintain
a wide range of diversification and to improve return opportunities,
20% of assets are allocated currently to high-yield debt, convert-
ible instruments, emerging markets, private equity, hedge funds
and commodities. Internal controlling units regularly monitor
all investments. External depositary banks provide safekeeping of
securities as well as reporting on transactions and assets.
Alternative investments consist of private equity and debt
investments and, beginning in 2005, investments in commodities
and hedge funds.
Every 3-5 years, or more frequently if appropriate, Daimler-
Chrysler conducts asset-liability studies for its major pension funds.
DaimlerChrysler uses the expertise of external investment
and actuarial advisors. These studies are intended to determine
the optimal long-term asset allocation with regard to liability
structure. The resulting model portfolio allocation is intended to
minimize the economic cost of defined benefit schemes
and to limit the risks to an appropriate level.
The model portfolio is then expanded into a medium-term
benchmark portfolio. The benchmark portfolio matches the asset
class weights in the model portfolio, but expands the asset
classes by adding sub-asset classes with corresponding weights
and assigning specific capital market indices to each sub-asset
class.
Modern portfolio theory is then applied to determine an optimal
one-year target allocation, the performance of which is tracked
against the benchmark portfolio.
Consolidated Financial Statements | Notes to the Consolidated Balance Sheets | 185
Assumptions. The measurement date for the Group’s pension
obligations and plan assets is generally December 31. The
measurement date for the Group’s net periodic pension cost is
principally January 1. Assumed discount rates and rates of
increase in compensation 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 following weighted average assumptions were used to
determine benefit obligations:
(in %)
Average assumptions:
Discount rate
Rate of long-term compensation increase
2006
2005
German plans
2004
4.5
2.5
4.0
3.0
4.8
3.0
The following weighted average assumptions were used to
determine net periodic pension cost:
(in %)
Average assumptions:
Discount rate
Expected return on plan assets (at beginning of year)
Rate of long-term compensation increase
2006
2005
German plans
2004
4.0
7.5
3.0
4.8
7.5
3.0
5.3
7.5
3.0
2006
5.7
4.1
2006
5.4
8.5
4.4
Non-German plans
2004
2005
5.4
4.4
5.8
4.5
Non-German plans
2004
2005
5.8
8.5
4.5
6.2
8.5
4.5
Expected return on plan assets. The expected rate of return
for German and non-German plan assets is primarily derived from
the asset allocation of pension funds and expected future
returns for the various asset classes in portfolios. The investment
committees survey banks and large asset portfolio managers
about their expectations of future returns for the relevant market
indices. The allocation-weighted average return expectations
serves an initial indicator for the expected rate of return on
plan assets for each pension fund.
In addition, DaimlerChrysler considers long-term actual portfolio
results and historical market returns in evaluation in order to
reflect the long-term character of the expected rate. For 2007,
the expected return on plan assets will remain unchanged
for all plans.
186
Net pension cost. The components of net pension cost were
as follows:
German
plans
2006
Non-German
plans
German
plans
2005
Non-German
plans
(in millions of €)
Service cost
Interest cost
Expected return on plan assets
Amortization of:
Unrecognized net actuarial losses
Unrecognized prior service cost
Net periodic pension cost
Settlement/curtailment loss
Net pension cost
Total
829
1,872
(2,518)
763
271
1,217
112
1,329
Total
739
1,874
464
1,290
(1,728)
(2,377)
531
271
828
27
855
600
279
1,115
16
1,131
365
582
(790)
232
–
389
85
474
Total
681
1,878
443
1,286
(1,704)
(2,339)
417
279
721
16
737
372
292
884
64
948
296
588
(673)
183
–
394
–
394
German
plans
2004
Non-German
plans
256
586
(614)
141
–
369
–
369
425
1,292
(1,725)
231
292
515
64
579
In 2007, the amortization of unrecognized net actuarial losses
and unrecognized prior service cost are expected to approximate
€0.5 million and €0.3 billion, respectively.
Contributions. Employer contributions to the Group’s defined
benefit pension plans were €1,199 million and €1,661 million
for the years 2006 and 2005, respectively. Employer cash contri-
butions to the Group’s defined benefit pension plans are
expected to approximate €0.9 billion in 2007 to satisfy minimum
funding and contractual requirements.
Estimated future pension benefit payments. Pension benefits
pertaining to the Group’s German and non-German plans
were €577 million and €1,670 million respectively during 2006,
and €565 million and €1,631 million respectively during 2005.
The total estimated future pension benefits to be paid by the
Group’s pension plans for the next 10 years approximate €23.3
billion and are expected to be paid as follows:
(in billions of €)
German
plans
Non-German
plans
Total
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
0.6
1.6
2.2
0.6
1.6
2.2
0.7
1.6
2.3
0.7
1.6
2.3
0.7
1.6
2.3
2012-
2016
3.9
8.1
12.0
Accumulated benefit obligation. For all pension plans that
have an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets,
information pertaining to the accumulated benefit obligation
and plan assets are presented as follows:
(in millions of €)
Projected benefit obligation
Accumulated benefit obligation
Plan assets
At December 31,
2005
2006
15,766
14,488
12,032
41,099
39,379
33,953
Consolidated Financial Statements | Notes to the Consolidated Balance Sheets | 187
Other postretirement benefits
Certain DaimlerChrysler operations in the United States 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.
Funded status. The funded status of the accumulated postretire-
ment benefit obligations is as follows:
(in millions of €)
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligations
Less fair value of plan assets
Funded status
At December 31,
2005
2006
16,030
(1,928)
14,102
17,711
(1,912)
15,799
The effects from the adoption of SFAS 158 at December 31,
2006, on balance sheet items are as follows:
(in millions of €)
Accrued other postretirement
benefits
Accumulated other comprehensive
loss
Net amount recognized
Amount before
adoption of
SFAS 158
At December 31, 2006
Amount after
adoption of
SFAS 158
Effects from
adoption
9,310
4,792
14,102
–
9,310
(4,792)
–
(4,792)
9,310
An amount of €14,098 million included in the accrued other
postretirement benefits is not expected to be paid within one
year.
A reconciliation of the funded status to net amounts recognized
is as follows:
The development of the accumulated postretirement benefit
obligations and the plan assets is as follows:
(in millions of €)
Funded status
Unrecognized actuarial net losses
Unrecognized prior service cost
Net amount recognized
At December 31,
2005
2006
14,102
(5,243)
451
9,310
15,799
(6,189)
215
9,825
(in millions of €)
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
Benefits paid
At December 31,
2005
2006
17,711
(1,813)
293
905
(321)
120
(33)
(832)
14,355
2,280
273
917
(289)
1,004
15
(844)
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligations
at end of year
16,030
17,711
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
Foreign currency exchange rate changes
Actual gains on plan assets
Employer contributions
Plan participant contributions
Benefits paid
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
1,912
(209)
237
5
1
(18)
1,928
1,547
241
134
–
1
(11)
1,912
188
Plan assets. At December 31, 2006, plan assets were invested
in diversified portfolios that consisted primarily of debt and
equity securities. Assets and income accruing on all pension trust
and relief funds are used solely to pay benefits and to adminis-
ter the plans. The Group’s other benefit plan asset allocation at
December 31, 2006 and 2005 and target allocations for 2007
are as follows:
(in % of plan assets)
Equity securities
Debt securities
Alternative investments
Real estate
2007
planned
65
23
7
5
2006
2005
67
23
6
4
67
33
–
–
Asset allocation is based on a benchmark portfolio designed
to diversify investments among the following primary asset class-
es: US equity, international equity and US fixed income. The
objective of the benchmark portfolio is to achieve a reasonable
balance between risk and return.
The investment process is overseen by Investment Committees
which consist of senior financial management and other appro-
priate executives. The Investment Committees meet regularly to
approve the asset allocations and review the risks and results
of the funds and approve the selection and retention of external
managers for specific portfolios.
The majority of investments reflect the asset classes designated
by the benchmark portfolio. To maintain a wide range of diversi-
fication and improve return possibilities, a small percentage of
assets is allocated to hedge funds and real estate. Internal control-
ling units regularly monitor all investments. External depositary
banks provide safekeeping of securities as well as reporting on
transactions and assets.
Estimated future subsidies due to the Medicare Act. The
total estimated future subsidies due to the Medicare Act for the
next 10 years approximate €642 million and are expected to
be received as follows:
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012-
2016
(in millions of €)
Medicare Act
45
49
53
57
61
377
Contributions. Contributions to the Group’s other postretirement
plans were €5 million for the year ended December 31, 2006.
DaimlerChrysler did not make any contributions to its other postre-
tirement plans in 2005. Employer cash contributions to the
Group’s other postretirement plans are expected to approximate
€6 million in 2007.
Assumptions. The measurement date for the Group’s accumu-
lated other postretirement benefit obligations and plan assets is
generally December 31. The measurement date for the Group’s
net periodic postretirement benefit cost is principally January 1.
Assumed discount rates and rates of increase in remuneration
used in calculating the accumulated postretirement benefit oblig-
ations together with long-term rates of return on plan assets
vary according to the economic conditions of the country in which
the plans are situated.
Consolidated Financial Statements | Notes to the Consolidated Balance Sheets | 189
The weighted average assumptions used to determine the
benefit obligations of the Group’s postretirement benefit plans
at December 31 were as follows (in %):
The assumptions have a significant effect on the amounts
reported for the Group’s health care plans. The following sched-
ule presents the effects of a one-percentage-point change in
assumed ultimate health care cost inflation rates as from 2014:
Average assumptions:
Discount rate
Health care inflation rate in
following (or “base”) year
Ultimate health care inflation rate
(2014/2011/2011)
2006
2005
2004
5.9
8.3
5.0
5.7
7.4
5.0
6.0
8.0
5.0
(in millions €)
Effect on total of service and interest cost
components
Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit
obligations
1-percentage-
point increase
1-percentage-
point decrease
169
(136)
1,956
(1,615)
The weighted average assumptions used to determine
the net periodic postretirement benefit cost of the Group’s
postretirement benefit plans were as follows (in %):
Net postretirement benefit cost. The components of net
periodic postretirement benefit cost were as follows:
2006
2005
2004
2006
2005
2004
Average assumptions:
Discount rate
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 (2011)
5.7
8.5
7.4
5.0
6.0
8.5
8.0
5.0
6.3
8.5
8.0
5.0
US postretirement benefit plan assets utilize an asset allocation
substantially similar to that of the pension assets so the expect-
ed rate of return is the same for both pension and postretire-
ment benefit plan asset portfolios. Accordingly, the information
about the expected rate of return on pension plan assets
described above also applies to postretirement plan assets.
For 2007, the expected rate of return on plan assets is the
same as the rate applied in 2006.
(in millions of €)
Service cost
Interest cost
Expected return on plan assets
Amortization of:
unrecognized net actuarial losses
unrecognized prior service cost
Net periodic postretirement benefit
cost
Settlement/curtailment loss
Net postretirement benefit cost
293
905
(152)
355
(62)
1,339
3
1,342
273
917
(155)
301
(8)
1,328
3
1,331
255
863
(159)
208
3
1,170
3
1,173
In 2007, the charges from the amortization of unrecognized
net actuarial losses are expected to approximate €0.3 billion and
income from unrecognized prior service cost is expected
to approximate €0.1 billion.
190
Estimated future postretirement benefit payments. Postre-
tirement benefits paid pertaining to the Group’s plans were €832
million and €844 million during 2006 and 2005, respectively.
The total estimated future postretirement benefits to be paid by
the Group’s plans for the next 10 years approximate €10.9
billion and are expected to be paid as follows:
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012-
2016
(in billions of €)
Expected
payments
0.9
1.0
1.0
1.1
1.1
5.8
Prepaid employee benefits. In 1996 DaimlerChrysler
established a Voluntary Employees’ Beneficiary Association
(“VEBA”) trust for payment of non-pension employee benefits.
At December 31, 2006 and 2005, the VEBA trust had a balance of
€2,385 million and €2,392 million, respectively, of which the
long-term assets in the VEBA trust of €1,861 million and €1,835
million, respectively, are reported as plan assets for the accu-
mulated postretirement benefit obligations and not reported in
DaimlerChrysler’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The short-term
assets in the VEBA trust are classified as cash and marketable
securities in DaimlerChrysler’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.
No contributions to the VEBA trust were made in 2006, 2005 and
2004. DaimlerChrysler does not expect to make any contribu-
tions to the VEBA trust in 2007.
b) Other accrued liabilities
Other accrued liabilities consisted of the following:
The changes in provisions for those product guarantees are
summarized as follows:
(in millions of €)
Balance at January 1
Currency change and change in consolidated
companies
Utilizations and transfers
Product guarantees issued in respective year
Changes from prior period product guarantees
issued
Balance at December 31
2006
2005
11,632
10,877
(606)
(4,779)
4,606
(370)
10,483
767
(5,587)
5,012
563
11,632
The amount included in the line item “product guarantees issued
in respective year” represents the additions to the accruals
for product guarantees recognized in the corresponding year for
products sold in that year.
In 2005, “changes from prior period product guarantees
issued” are partly offset by payments received from suppliers in
settlement of claims for recovery of the costs for recall
campaigns.
The Group also offers customers the opportunity to purchase
separately priced extended warranty and maintenance contracts.
The revenue from these contracts is deferred at the inception
of the contract and recognized into income over the contract
period in proportion to the costs expected to be incurred based
on historical information. Included in “deferred income” in
the consolidated balance sheets, the deferred revenue from
these contracts is summarized as follows:
(in millions of €)
Product guarantees
Accrued sales incentives
Accrued personnel and social costs
Derivative financial instruments
Other
At December 31,
2005
2006
10,483
11,632
4,834
3,153
470
4,941
5,381
3,219
1,706
5,866
23,881
27,804
(in millions of €)
Balance at January 1
Currency change and transfers
Deferred revenue current period
Earned revenue current period
Balance at December 31
2006
2005
1,548
(129)
719
(524)
1,614
1,115
226
694
(487)
1,548
DaimlerChrysler issues various types of product guarantees
under which it generally guarantees the performance of products
delivered and services rendered for a certain period or term
(see Note 31). The accrued liability for these product guarantees
covers expected costs for legal and contractual obligated war-
ranties as well as expected costs for policy coverage, recall cam-
paigns and buyback commitments. The liability for buyback
commitments represents the expected costs related to the Group’s
obligation, under certain conditions, to repurchase a vehicle
from a customer. Buybacks may occur for a number of reasons
including litigation, compliance with laws and regulations in
a particular region and customer satisfaction issues.
The provisions for derivative financial instruments are mainly due
to exchange rate risks from financial liabilities and future
sales revenues. The deviation from the previous year is especially
attributable to the changed currency relation of the euro in
relation to the US dollar.
Consolidated Financial Statements | Notes to the Consolidated Balance Sheets | 191
25. Financial Liabilities
The aggregate nominal amounts of financial liabilities maturing
during the next five years and thereafter are as follows:
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
thereafter
(in millions of €)
Financial
liabilities
34,635
14,487
11,513
3,979
6,217
7,753
At December 31, 2006, the Group had unused short-term credit
lines of €8,600 million (2005: €7,099 million) and unused
long-term credit lines of €9,600 million (2005: €10,806 million).
The credit lines include a US $18 billion revolving credit facility
with a syndicate of international banks. The credit agreement is
comprised of a multi-currency revolving credit facility which
allows DaimlerChrysler AG to borrow up to US $5 billion until
December 2009 and US $4.9 billion until December 2011,
respectively, a US dollar revolving credit facility which allows
DaimlerChrysler North America Holding Corporation,
a wholly-owned subsidiary of DaimlerChrysler AG, to borrow up
to US $6 billion available until May 2007, and a multi-currency
revolving credit facility for working capital purposes which allows
DaimlerChrysler AG and several subsidiaries to borrow up to
US $7 billion until May 2008. A part of the US $18 billion facility
serves as back-up for commercial paper drawings.
(in millions of €)
Short-term:
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)
At December 31,
2005
2006
10,286
7,834
10,715
504
2,962
236
2,078
34,615
12,530
9,104
9,860
417
3,045
27
1,500
36,483
Long-term:
Notes/Bonds
of which due in more than five
years €6,905 (2005: €10,939)
Liabilities to financial institutions
of which due in more than five
years €426 (2005: €1,469)
Liabilities to affiliated companies
of which due in more than five
years €– (2005: €–)
Deposits from direct banking
business of which due in more
than five years €– (2005: €9)
Loans, other financial liabilities
of which due in more than five
years €7 (2005: €–)
Liabilities from capital lease and
residual value guarantees
of which due in more than five
years €346 (2005: €210)
Long-term financial liabilities
Maturities
2008-2097
35,350
34,902
2008-2019
6,120
7,612
104
76
148
160
426
–
1,755
43,903
78,518
1,699
44,449
80,932
Weighted average interest rates for notes/bonds, commercial
paper, liabilities to financial institutions and deposits from
the direct banking business are 5.71%, 5.11%, 4.88% and 2.98%,
respectively, at December 31, 2006.
Commercial papers are primarily denominated in euros and
US dollars and include accrued interest. Liabilities to financial
institutions are partly secured by mortgage conveyance and
encumbrances on property and plants of approximately €1,490
million (2005: €1,958 million).
192
26. Trade Liabilities
(in millions of €)
Trade liabilities
27. Other Liabilities
(in millions of €)
Liabilities to affiliated companies
Liabilities to related companies
Other liabilities
At December 31, 2006
At December 31, 2005
Due after one
and before
five years
Total
Due after
five years
Due after one
and before
five years
Total
Due after
five years
13,716
2
–
14,591
1
–
At December 31, 2006
At December 31, 2005
Due after one
and before
five years
Due after
five years
–
5
289
294
–
–
19
19
Total
93
68
7,632
7,793
Due after one
and before
five years
Due after
five years
–
5
260
265
224
–
139
363
Total
334
96
8,623
9,053
As of December 31, 2006, other liabilities include tax liabilities
of €1,190 million (2005: €1,147 million) and social benefits due of
€230 million (2005: €808 million).
28. Deferred Income
As of December 31, 2006, €3,466 million of the total
deferred income is to be recognized after more than one year
(2005: €3,105 million).
Consolidated Financial Statements | Notes to the Consolidated Balance Sheets | 193
Notes to the Consolidated
Statements of Cash Flows
Other Notes
29. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
30. Legal Proceedings
The following cash flows represent supplemental information
with respect to net cash provided by operating activities:
(in millions of €)
Interest paid
Income taxes paid
2006
4,193
1,494
Year ended December 31,
2004
2005
3,652
700
3,092
1,373
Payments (or proceeds) of early terminated cross currency
hedges related to financial liabilities, are included in net cash
provided by financing activities (2006: -; 2005: €72 million;
2004: €(1,304) million).
194
Various legal proceedings, claims and governmental investigations
are pending against DaimlerChrysler AG or its subsidiaries
on a wide range of topics, including vehicle safety, emissions and
fuel economy, financial services, dealer, supplier and other
contractual relationships; intellectual property rights; product
warranties; environmental matters; and shareholder matters.
Some of these proceedings allege defects in various components
(including occupant restraint systems, seats, brake systems,
tires, ball joints, engines and fuel systems) in several different
vehicle models or allege design defects relating to vehicle
stability (rollover propensity), pedal misapplication (sudden accel-
eration), brakes (vibration and brake transmission shift interlock),
or crashworthiness. Some of these proceedings are filed as class
action lawsuits that seek repair or replacement of the vehicles
or compensation for their alleged reduction in value, while others
seek recovery for damage to property, personal injuries or
wrongful death. Adverse decisions in one or more of these pro-
ceedings could require us to pay substantial compensatory and
punitive damages, or undertake service actions, recall campaigns
or other costly actions.
The Federal Republic of Germany initiated arbitration proceedings
against DaimlerChrysler Financial Services AG, Deutsche
Telekom AG and Toll Collect GbR and submitted its statement
of claims in August 2005. It seeks damages, contractual
penalties and the transfer of intellectual property rights to Toll
Collect GmbH. In particular, the Federal Republic of Germany
is claiming lost revenues of €3.51 billion plus interest (€236 million
through July 31, 2005 plus 5% per annum over the respective
base rate since then) for the period September 1, 2003, through
December 31, 2004, and contractual penalties of approximately
€1.65 billion through July 31, 2005 plus interest (€107 million
through July 31, 2005 plus 5% per annum over the respective
base rate since then). Since some of the contractual penalties,
among other things, are dependent on time, and further
claims for contractual penalties have been asserted by the Federal
Republic of Germany, the amount claimed as contractual
penalties may increase. DaimlerChrysler believes the claims are
without merit and is defending itself vigorously. We submitted
our response to the arbitrators in June 2006 (see also Note 3.)
DaimlerChrysler also determined that for a number of years a
portion of the taxes related to compensation paid to expatriate
employees was not properly reported. DaimlerChrysler voluntarily
reported potential tax liabilities resulting from these issues
to the tax authorities in several jurisdictions and took various
remedial actions to address these issues.
Litigation is subject to many uncertainties and DaimlerChrysler
cannot predict the outcome of individual matters with assurance.
The Group establishes an accrual in connection with pending
or threatened litigation if a loss is probable and can be reasonably
estimated. Since these accruals, which are reflected in the
Group’s Consolidated Financial Statements, represent estimates,
it is reasonably possible that the resolution of some of these
matters could require us to make payments in excess of the
amounts accrued in an amount or range of amounts that
could not be reasonably estimated at December 31, 2006. It is
also reasonably possible that the resolution of some of the
matters for which accruals could not be made, including the
arbitration proceeding and investigations mentioned above,
may require the Group to make payments in an amount or range of
amounts that could not be reasonably estimated at December 31,
2006. Although the final resolution of any such matters could have
a material effect on the Group’s consolidated operating results
for a particular reporting period, DaimlerChrysler believes that it
should not materially affect its consolidated financial position
and cash flow.
The US Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the US
Department of Justice (“DOJ”) are conducting an investigation
into possible violations of law by DaimlerChrysler including the
anti-bribery, record-keeping and internal control provisions of
the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”). We have voluntar-
ily shared with the DOJ and the SEC information from our own
internal investigation of certain accounts, transactions and pay-
ments, primarily relating to transactions involving government
entities, and have provided the agencies with information pursuant
to outstanding subpoenas and other requests. We have also
had communications with the office of a German public prose-
cutor regarding these matters.
Below is a summary of what DaimlerChrysler uncovered to date
in connection with its internal investigation:
– DaimlerChrysler has determined that improper payments were
made in a number of jurisdictions, primarily in Africa,
Asia and Eastern Europe. These payments raise concerns
under the FCPA, under German law, and under the laws
of other jurisdictions.
– DaimlerChrysler has identified and self-reported potential tax
liabilities to tax authorities in several jurisdictions. These tax
liabilities of DaimlerChrysler AG and certain foreign affiliates
result from misclassifications of, or the failure to record,
commissions and other payments and expenses.
– DaimlerChrysler determined that certain payable accounts
related to consolidated subsidiaries were not eliminated during
consolidation.
– DaimlerChrysler has taken action designed to address and
resolve the issues identified in the course of its investigation to
safeguard against the recurrence of improper conduct. This
includes establishing a company-wide compliance organization
and evaluating and revising DaimlerChrysler’s governance
policies and its internal control procedures.
DaimlerChrysler is working towards completing its internal
investigation into possible violations of law. Some investigative
and remediation work, however, is still ongoing and further
issues may arise as DaimlerChrysler completes its investigation.
The DOJ or the SEC could seek criminal or civil sanctions,
including monetary penalties, against DaimlerChrysler and certain
of its employees, as well as additional changes to its business
practices and compliance programs.
Consolidated Financial Statements | Other Notes | 195
31. Contingent Obligations and Commercial Commitments
Contingent Obligations. Obligations from issuing guarantees
as a guarantor (excluding product warranties) are as follows:
(in millions of €)
Guarantees for third party
liabilities
Guarantees under buy-back
commitments
Other contingent obligations
At December 31,
maximum potential
future obligations
2005
2006
At December 31,
amount recognized
as a liability
2005
2006
1,207
1,819
1,444
260
2,911
1,499
249
3,567
299
372
127
798
412
406
125
943
Guarantees for third party liabilities principally represent
guarantees that require the Group to make certain payments if
third parties, non-consolidated affiliated companies and/or
other related companies fail to meet their financial obligations.
Guarantees under buy-back commitments principally represent
arrangements whereby the Group guarantees specified trade-in or
resale values for sold vehicles. Such guarantees provide the
holder with the right to return purchased vehicles to the Group,
partially also in connection with a future purchase of vehicles
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.
Other contingent obligations principally include pledges or
indemnities related to the quality or timing of performance by
third parties or participations in performance guarantees
of consortiums.
DaimlerChrysler AG and its wholly-owned subsidiary Daimler-
Chrysler Financial Services AG have provided guarantees towards
third parties with respect to the investment in Toll Collect.
See Note 3 for detailed information regarding Toll Collect including
the guarantees issued. Of the guarantees mentioned in Note 3,
only the €230 million guarantee for the bank loan is reflected in the
above table in the line “guarantees for third party liabilities”.
The other guarantees are not reflected in the above table since the
maximum potential future obligation resulting from the remaining
guarantees cannot be accurately estimated.
When circumstances indicate that payment is probable and the
amount is reasonably estimable, guarantees made by the Group
are recognized as a liability in the consolidated balance sheet
in accordance with SFAS 5 “Accounting for Contingencies”, with
an offsetting amount recorded as an expense (contingent
obligation). For guarantees issued or modified after December 31,
2002, the Group records guarantees at fair value, unless a
higher amount must be accrued in accordance with SFAS 5 (non-
contingent obligations). Both contingent obligations and non-
contingent obligations are included in the column “amount rec-
ognized as a liability” in the table above.
Group companies also provide guarantees to third parties
for obligations of other consolidated subsidiaries. Intercompany
guarantees are eliminated in consolidation and therefore are
not reflected in the above table.
In accordance with FIN 45, obligations associated with product
warranties are not reflected in the above table. See Note 24b for
accruals relating to such obligations.
Commercial commitments. The Group has committed in
connection with certain production programs to purchase various
levels of outsourced manufactured parts and components over
extended periods. The Group has also committed to purchase or
invest in the construction and maintenance of various production
facilities. Amounts under these arrangements represent commit-
ments to purchase plant or equipment in the future. As of
December 31, 2006, commitments to purchase outsourced man-
ufactured parts and components as well as to invest in plant
and equipment are approximately €4.8 billion. These amounts
are not reflected in the above table.
196
The Group also enters into non-cancelable operating leases for
facilities, plant and equipment. Total rentals under operating
leases charged to expense in 2006 in the statement of income
amounted to €960 million (2005: €946 million; 2004: €902
million). Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable
lease agreements as of December 31, 2006 are as follows:
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
there-
after
(in millions of €)
Future mini-
mum lease
payments
688
617
546
363
307
1,162
Several major tier-one automotive suppliers have initiated
bankruptcy proceedings and continue to face financial difficulties.
Interruption in the supply of components from any of those
suppliers, in particular Collins & Aikman, Delphi Corporation and
Automotive Group ISE, would disrupt the production of certain
vehicles of DaimlerChrysler. Various vehicle manufacturers, includ-
ing DaimlerChrysler, have provided financial support to such
suppliers to avoid prolonged interruptions. DaimlerChrysler has
provided financial support to Collins & Aikman since 2005,
including €83 million for 2006 of which €66 million have negative-
ly impacted operating profit. Daimler Chrysler expects to pro-
vide additional financial support in 2007. DaimlerChrysler also
expects to provide financial support to other financially dis-
tressed suppliers in future.
Future payments to be received from the subleasing of these
facilities, plant and equipment to third parties total €275 million.
32. Information about financial instruments and derivatives
In 2006, DaimlerChrysler sold the real estate of its former head-
quarters in Stuttgart-Möhringen to IXIS Capital Partners Ltd. for
€240 million in cash. At the same time, DaimlerChrysler entered
into a leaseback arrangement for the properties sold with
non-cancelable lease periods ranging from ten to fifteen years.
At the end of the non-cancelable lease term, DaimlerChrysler
has renewal options for up to nine years. The lease payments are
adjusted based on the German consumer price index and are
included in the above table.
In 2003, DaimlerChrysler signed an agreement with the City of
Hamburg, Germany, a holder of approximately 6% of the common
shares of DaimlerChrysler Luft- und Raumfahrt Holding Aktien-
gesellschaft (“DCLRH”), a majority-owned subsidiary of the Group.
Pursuant to the terms of the agreement and upon execution
of the agreement, DaimlerChrysler holds a call option for the City’s
interest in DCLRH, exercisable on or after January 1, 2005,
and the City of Hamburg holds a put option exercisable at the
earlier of October 1, 2007, or upon the occurrence of certain
events which are solely within the control of DaimlerChrysler.
DaimlerChrysler believes the likelihood that these certain
events will occur is remote. Upon exercise of either option, the
City of Hamburg would have received a minimum consideration
of its interest in DCLRH of €450 million in cash or shares of EADS
or a combination of both. The agreement was amended in July
2004 with respect to the exercise price of the put option, so that
the City of Hamburg may only put its interest in DCLRH to the
Group for €450 million in cash. As a consideration for the amend-
ment, the City of Hamburg is entitled to receive an additional
payment upon execution of the option equal to 10% of the appre-
ciation of EADS shares in excess of a share price of €21 up to
a share price of €26.
a) Use of financial instruments
The Group conducts business on a global basis in numerous
international currencies and is therefore exposed to fluctuations
in foreign currency exchange rates. In addition, the Group uses
for example, bonds, medium-term-notes, commercial paper and
bank loans in various currencies to finance its operations,
especially its leasing and sales financing business. As a conse-
quence of using these types of financial instruments,
the Group is exposed to risks from changes in interest and foreign
currency exchange rates. DaimlerChrysler also holds financial
instruments, such as money market investments, variable- and
fixed-interest bearing securities, and to a lesser extent, equity
securities for managing excess liquidity that subject the Group
to risks from changes in interest rates and market prices.
DaimlerChrysler manages the various types of market risks
by using, for example derivative financial instruments.
In addition, equity investments in publicly traded companies
also expose the Group to equity price risk, which, if deemed
appropriate, DaimlerChrysler hedges through the use of derivative
financial instruments. Without these derivative financial
instruments the Group’s exposure to these 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 of
financial instruments.
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 in market prices are calculated on the basis of
statistical methods.
Consolidated Financial Statements | Other Notes | 197
DaimlerChrysler is also exposed to market price risks associated
with the purchase of commodities. To a minor degree, Daimler-
Chrysler uses derivative instruments to reduce market price risks,
primarily with respect to precious metals. The risk resulting
from derivative commodity instruments is not significant to the
Group and thus is not included in the following discussion.
The contract volumes at December 31 of derivative financial
instruments used for hedging currency- and interest rate risks are
shown in the table below. The contract or notional amounts
shown do not always represent amounts exchanged by the parties
and are not necessarily a measure for the exposure of Daimler-
Chrysler through its use of derivatives.
(in millions of €)
Currency contracts
Interest rate contracts
At December 31,
2005
2006
22,662
45,224
25,082
42,407
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 pertaining to such instrument. The fair values of financial
instruments have been determined with reference to market
information available 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.
The carrying amounts and fair values of the Group’s financial
instruments are as follows:
At December 31, 2006
At December 31, 2005
Carrying
amount
Fair value
Carrying
amount
Fair value
4,747
8,186
4,989
9,944
52,334
5,985
52,042
5,985
61,101
4,936
61,246
4,936
7,136
7,136
7,711
7,711
(in millions of €)
Financial instruments
(other than derivative
instruments):
Assets:
Financial assets
Receivables from
financial services
Securities
Cash and cash
equivalents
Liabilities:
Financial liabilities
78,518
79,258
80,932
82,129
Derivative instruments:
Assets:
Currency contracts
Interest rate contracts
Equity contracts
Liabilities:
Currency contracts
Interest rate contracts
Equity contracts
513
1,297
434
202
207
89
513
1,297
434
202
207
89
181
546
73
646
867
209
181
546
73
646
867
209
Derivative instruments representing assets are included in
other assets (see Note 18) at fair value, while derivative
instruments representing liabilities are included in other accrued
liabilities (see Note 24b) at fair value.
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 are
determined either using quoted market prices or valuation
models that use market data. The Group has certain equity
investments which are not presented in the table since
they are not publicly traded and determination of fair values
is impracticable. The investment in EADS is included in
“financial assets.” The derivatives related to EADS shares are
included in “equity contracts” (see Note 3).
Receivables from financial services. The carrying amounts
of variable rate receivables from financial services approximate
their fair values since the contract rates of those receivables
approximate current market rates. The fair values of fixed rate
receivables from financial services were determined by
discounting expected cash flows, using the current interest rates
at which comparable loans with identical maturities could be
taken out as of December 31, 2006 and 2005.
198
Cash and cash equivalents. It is assumed that the carrying
amounts of cash and cash equivalents approximate fair values
due to the short-term maturities of these instruments.
Financial liabilities. The fair value of bonds was determined by
discounting 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 reference exchange rates adjusted for
the respective interest rate differentials (premiums or discounts).
Currency options were valued based on quoted market prices
or option pricing models.
Interest rate contracts. The fair values of instruments to hedge
interest rate risks (e. g. interest rate swap agreements, cross
currency interest rate swap agreements) were determined by
discounting expected cash flows, using market interest rates
over the remaining term of the instrument. Interest rate options
are valued based on quoted market prices or option pricing
models.
Equity contracts. The fair values of instruments to hedge equity
price risk of marketable equity securities were determined on
the basis of quoted market prices, if applicable adjusted for the
respective interest rate differentials (premiums or discounts),
or option pricing models. Therein included are also hedging
instruments related to equity investments in publicly traded
companies, which the Group accounts for using the equity
method of accounting.
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 counterparty’s financial strength. Based on the rating
of the counterparties performed by established rating agencies,
DaimlerChrysler does not have a significant exposure to any
individual counterparty. DaimlerChrysler Financial Services has
established detailed guidelines for the risk management
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 17.
d) Accounting for and reporting of financial instruments
(other than derivative instruments)
The income or expense arising from the Group’s financial
instruments (other than derivative instruments), is recognized in
financial income, net, with the exception of receivables from
financial services and financial liabilities related to leasing and
sales financing activities. Interest income on receivables
from financial services and gains and losses from sales of those
receivables are recognized as revenues. Interest expense on
financial 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
corresponding captions.
e) Accounting for and reporting of derivative instruments 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 risks associated with fluctuations in the exchange rates of the
US dollar and other currencies against the euro. The Group’s
businesses are exposed to transaction risk whenever revenues
of a business are denominated in a currency other than the curren-
cy in which the business incurs the costs relating to those
revenues. The Mercedes Car Group segment is primarily exposed
to such risk. The Mercedes Car Group generates its revenues
mainly in the currencies of the countries in which cars are sold,
but it incurs manufacturing costs primarily in euros. The
Truck Group segment is subject to transaction risk to a lesser
extent because of its global production network. At Chrysler
Group, revenues and costs are principally generated in US dollars,
resulting in a relatively low transaction risk for this segment.
The van and bus businesses included in Van, Bus, Other are also
directly exposed to transaction risk, but to a minor degree in
comparison to the Mercedes Car Group and the Truck Group
segment. In addition, Van, Bus, Other is indirectly exposed to
transaction risks through the equity investment in EADS, which
the Group accounts for using the equity method of accounting.
To mitigate the impact of currency exchange rate fluctuations,
DaimlerChrysler continually assesses its exposure to currency
risks and hedges a portion of those risks through the use of
derivative financial instruments. Responsibility for managing
DaimlerChrysler’s currency exposures and use of currency
derivatives is centralized within the Group’s Currency Committee.
The Currency Committee consists of members of senior
management from Corporate Treasury, each of the operating
businesses and Risk Controlling. Corporate Treasury implements
the 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.
Consolidated Financial Statements | Other Notes | 199
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 comprehensive income/(loss). These amounts are
subsequently reclassified into operating income in the same
period the underlying transactions affect operating income.
Changes in the fair value of derivative hedging instruments desig-
nated as hedges of variability of cash flows associated with
variable-rate long-term debt are also reported in accumulated other
comprehensive income/(loss). These amounts are subsequently
reclassified into the income statement as a yield adjustment in the
same period in which the related interest on the floating-rate
debt obligations affect earnings. If the interest sensitive hedged
items affect operating income (including the leasing and sales
financing business), the effects from the hedging instruments are
also recognized in operating income. If the interest sensitive
hedged items affect financial income, net, the corresponding
effects from the hedging instruments are likewise classified
in financial income, net.
For the year ended December 31, 2006, gains of €1 million
(2005: losses of €41million), representing principally the
component of the derivative instruments’ gain/loss excluded
from the assessment of the hedge effectiveness and the
amount of hedging ineffectiveness, were recognized in operating
and financial income, net.
During 2006, DaimlerChrysler recorded no income or
expenses as a result of the discontinuance of cash flow
hedges (2005: expenses of €1 million).
It is anticipated that €346 million of net gains included in
accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) at December 31,
2006, will be reclassified into earnings during the next year.
As of December 31, 2006, DaimlerChrysler held derivative
financial instruments with a maximum maturity of 29 months
to hedge its exposure to the variability in future cash flows
from foreign currency forecasted transactions.
Hedges of the net investment in a foreign operation.
In specific circumstances, DaimlerChrysler hedges the currency
risk inherent in certain of its long-term investments 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, 2005, net gains of €213 million (2004: €120
million) from hedging the Group’s net investment in Mitsubishi
Motors Corporation were reclassified into the income statement.
For further information, also the discussion in Note 3. As of
December 31, 2006, net losses of €9 million from hedging the
Group’s net investments in foreign operations were included
in the cumulative transition adjustment without affecting Daimler-
Chrysler’s net income in prior years.
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
Financial 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. DaimlerChrysler coordinates funding
activities of the industrial business and financial services at 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 identifying
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.
Excess liquidity invested in equity securities and the corresponding
risks of derivative financial hedging instruments for equities
were not material to the Group in the reporting periods presented.
To a certain extent, the equity price risk from investments in
publicly traded companies is hedged through derivative financial
instruments.
Fair value hedges. Gains and losses from fluctuations in the fair
value of recognized assets and liabilities and firm commitments
of operating transactions as well as gains and losses arising from
derivative financial instruments designated as fair value hedges
of these recognized assets and liabilities and firm commitments
are recognized currently in revenues or cost of sales, if the
transactions being hedged involve sales (including the leasing and
sales financing business) or production of the Group’s products.
When the hedged items are recognized in financial income, net,
net gains and losses from fluctuations in the 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 also recognized in financial income, net.
For the year ended December 31, 2006, net losses of €29 million
(2005: €58 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.
200
Cash flows between DaimlerChrysler and the securitization
trusts. The cash flows in connection with the afore mentioned
transactions between DaimlerChrysler and the securitization
trusts were as follows:
(in millions of €)
Proceeds from new retail securitizations
14,979
10,988
2006
2005
Proceeds from collections reinvested in
wholesale securitizations
Servicing fees received
Receipt of cash flows on retained interests in
sold receivables and subordinated loans
32,373
33,892
213
913
214
998
Retained beneficial interests in securitized sold receivables.
As there is no active market for retained interests, the Group
determines the value of its retained interests using discounted
cash flow modeling upon the sale of receivables. The valuation
methodology considers historical and projected principal and
interest collections on the sold receivables, expected future
credit losses arising from the collection of the sold receivables,
and estimated repayment of principal and interest on notes
issued to third parties and secured by the sold receivables.
For more details on the valuation of retained interests in
securitized sold receivables, please see Note 1.
The fair value of retained interests in securitized sold
receivables was as follows:
(in millions of €)
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
Retained subordinated securities
Other retained interests
Retained interests in sold receivables
At December 31,
2005
2006
2,845
2,266
(264)
(286)
2,581
123
2
2,706
1,980
233
2
2,215
33. Retained Interests in Securitized Sold Receivables
and Sale of Finance Receivables
DaimlerChrysler uses securitization transactions to diversify
its funding sources. In the ordinary course of business, the Group
sells significant portions of its automotive finance receivables
to trusts and third-parties entities in “asset-backed securitiza-
tions” and “whole loan sales”. The information given below
relates only to transfers of finance receivables which qualified for
de-recognition according to the criteria in SFAS 140.
Description of securitization transactions. Asset-backed
securitizations (“ABS”) involve the sale of financial assets
by DaimlerChrysler to trusts that are special purpose entities.
The special purpose entities purchase the assets with cash
raised through the issuance of beneficial interests (usually debt
instruments) to third-party investors. The sold financial assets
consist of retail receivables with an expected average lifetime of
several months at the time of the securitization and short-term
wholesale receivables which are securitized using a revolving-period
structure. The investors in the beneficial interests have recourse
to the assets in the trusts and benefit from credit enhancements
such as overcollateralization. In a subordinated capacity, the
Group retains residual beneficial interests in the sold receivables
designed to absorb substantially all credit, prepayment, and
interest-rate risk of the receivables transferred to the trusts.
The retained interest balance represents DaimlerChrysler’s
right to receive collections on the transferred receivables in excess
of amounts required by the trust to pay interest and principal
to investors, servicing fees, and other required payments. To
support the European ABS-program DaimlerChrysler also
provided subordinated loans to one trust. The Group’s maximum
exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with these
entities is limited to the amount of the carrying value of retained
interests and the provided subordinated loans.
The Group also transfers automotive finance receivables to
third-party trusts in transactions wherein it does not retain
a beneficial interest in the transferred receivables (whole loan
sales). In whole loan sales, all risk of loss related to the sold
receivables is transferred from DaimlerChrysler to the purchaser.
The Group generally remains as servicer for the sold receivables.
Sale of finance receivables. During the year ended December 31,
2006, in asset-backed securitization transactions, Daimler-
Chrysler sold €13,516 million (2005: €10,059 million) and €32,373
million (2005: €33,922 million) of retail and wholesale
receivables, respectively. From these transactions, the Group
recognized gains of €89 million (2005: €11 million) and €181
million (2005: €169 million). During the year ended December 31,
2006, the Group sold €2,344 million (2005: €1,516 million)
of retail receivables in whole loan sales and recognized losses
of €6 million (2005: gains of €2 million).
Consolidated Financial Statements | Other Notes | 201
At December 31, 2006, 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:
Assumption
percentage
Impact on fair value
based on adverse
20%
change
10%
change
(in millions of €)
Prepayment speed, monthly
1.25% -1.5%
(1)
(2)
Expected remaining net
credit losses as a percentage of
receivables sold
Residual cash flow discount rate,
annualized
0.8%
12.0%
(23)
(20)
(46)
(40)
Similar adverse changes in the discount rate, monthly prepayment
speed and the expected remaining net credit losses as a
percentage of receivables sold for the retained subordinated
securities would not have a significant 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.
At December 31, 2006, the Group also recognized subordinated
loans with a carrying value of €67 million (2005: €25 million) to
a trust related to the European ABS-platform.
The fair value of retained interests in sold receivables and
the subordinated loan are included in other assets (see Note 18).
Assumptions in measuring the retained interests and
sensitivity analysis. At December 31, 2006 and 2005,
significant assumptions used in measuring the residual interest
resulting from the sale of retail and wholesale receivables
were as follows (weighted average rates for securitizations
completed during the respective year):
Prepayment speed
assumption (monthly rate)
Lifetime (in months)
Estimated lifetime net
credit losses (an average
percentage of sold
receivables)
Residual cash flows discount
rate (annual rate)
2006
1.25% -
1.5%
18
Retail
2005
1.25% -
1.5%
18
2006
Wholesale
2005
1)
3
1)
3
1.7%
1.9%
0.0%
0.0%
12.0%
12.0%
12.0%
12.0%
1 For the calculation of wholesale gains, the Group estimated that all sold wholesale loans would
be liquidated within 210 days.
Actual and projected net lifetime credit losses for retail
receivables securitized were as follows:
2003
2004
Receivables securitized in
2006
2005
Actual and projected credit losses percentages as of
December 31, 2006
December 31, 2005
December 31, 2004
December 31, 2003
1.6%
1.6%
2.0%
2.5%
1.7%
1.8%
2.3%
1.7%
1.9%
1.7%
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, 2006.
202
Managed receivables. The outstanding balances, delinquencies
and net credit losses of recognized and sold receivables,
of those companies that manage receivables in connection with
ABS-transactions, were as follows:
(in millions of €)
Recognized retail receivables
Recognized wholesale receivables
Recognized receivables (total)
Sold retail receivables
Sold wholesale receivables
Sold receivables (total)
Managed retail receivables
Managed wholesales receivables
Managed receivables (total)
Outstanding
balance at December 31,
2006
2005
Delinquencies > 60 days
at December 31,
2005
2006
2006
Net credit losses
2005
24,994
10,115
35,109
16,305
6,995
23,300
41,299
17,110
58,409
33,539
10,276
43,815
14,677
8,703
23,380
48,216
18,979
67,195
102
7
109
31
–
31
133
7
140
79
8
87
32
–
32
111
8
119
227
7
234
124
–
124
351
7
358
273
3
276
155
3
158
428
6
434
As of December 31, 2006, the outstanding balance of
receivables managed in connection with whole loans sales
was €2,567 million (2005: €1,931 million).
Servicing assets and servicing liabilities. Servicing assets
(servicing liabilities) represent the present value derived from
retaining the right (obligation) to service securitized receivables
compared to adequate servicer compensation. During the year
ended December 31, 2006, the Group recognized servicing assets
of €17 million (2005: €7 million) and related amortization of €8
million (2005: €2 million). The Group also recognized servicing
liabilities of €7 million (2005: €10 million) and related amortization
of €10 million (2005: €13 million). At December 31, 2006, the
fair value of servicing assets on sold receivables was €14 million
(2005: €6 million), and the fair value of servicing liabilities was
€10 million (2005: €15 million). These values were determined
by discounting expected cash flows at current market rates.
Trusts and third-party entities. Trusts sponsored by Daimler-
Chrysler are considered qualifying special purpose entities under
SFAS 140 and are not consolidated by the Group. The third-party
entities are multi-seller and multi-collateralized bank conduits.
These trusts are considered to be variable interest entities under
FIN 46R. A bank conduit generally receives substantially
all of its funding from issuing asset-backed securities that are
cross-collateralized by the assets held by the entity. Although
its interest in these variable interest entities is significant, Daimler-
Chrysler has concluded that it is not the primary beneficiary of
these bank conduits and therefore is not required to consolidate
them under FIN 46R.
The following table summarizes the outstanding balance of
the receivables sold to the qualifying special purpose entities
and variable interest entities and the corresponding retained
interest balances as of December 31, 2006:
(in millions of €)
Variable interest entities
Qualifying special purpose entities
Receivables
sold
Retained
interest in sold
receivables
3,578
19,722
23,300
351
2,355
2,706
Liquidity facilities of special purpose entities. To support
an asset-backed commercial paper program in North America,
a group of financial institutions has provided contractually
committed liquidity facilities aggregating US $6.3 billion which
expire in August 2007, and are subject to annual renewal. These liq-
uidity facilities can only be drawn upon by the special purpose
entity to which the Group’s North American financial services com-
panies may sell receivables under this program. As of December
31, 2006, none of the liquidity facilities have been utilized.
Consolidated Financial Statements | Other Notes | 203
Management reporting and controlling systems. 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 (US GAAP), except for revenue recognition between
the automotive business segments and the Financial Services
segment in certain markets.
The Group measures the performance of its operating segments
through “operating profit (loss)”. DaimlerChrysler’s consolidated
operating profit (loss) is the sum of the operating profits and
losses of its segments adjusted for consolidation and elimination
entries. Segment operating profit (loss) is computed starting
with income (loss) before income taxes, minority interests, and the
cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles, and then
adjusting that amount to (1) exclude pension and postretirement
benefit income or expenses, other than current and prior year
service costs and settlement/curtailment losses, (2) exclude gains
from the sale of the 12.4% stake in MMC in 2005 and the
10.5% stake in HMC in 2004, (3) exclude interest and similar
income and interest and similar expenses, (4) exclude other
financial income (loss), net and (5) include or exclude certain
miscellaneous items. In addition, this result is further adjusted
to include the Group’s share of all of the above mentioned recon-
ciling items included in the net income (loss) from investments
accounted for at equity.
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.
34. Segment Reporting
DaimlerChrysler has determined four reportable segments that
are organized and managed separately according to the nature of
products and services provided, brands, distribution channels,
and profile of customers. Information with respect to the Group’s
reportable segments are presented below.
In January 2006, DaimlerChrysler presented a new management
model. As part of the new management model, the Group also
changed the composition of some of its segments by reporting the
van and bus operating units, which were previously included
in the Commercial Vehicles segment, as part of Other Activities.
As a result of this change, the Commercial Vehicles segment
was renamed Truck Group and the Other Activities were renamed
Van, Bus, Other. Prior year amounts have been adjusted to
reflect the change in segment composition.
Mercedes Car Group. This segment includes activities primarily
related 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 activities related
to the development, design, manufacture, assembly and sale of
passenger cars, off-road vehicles and light trucks under the
brand names Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge, as well as related parts
and accessories.
Truck Group. This segment includes activities primarily related to
the development, design, manufacture, assembly and sale of
trucks, as well as related parts and accessories. The truck prod-
ucts are sold mainly under the brand names Mercedes-Benz,
Freightliner, and Mitsubishi Fuso.
Financial Services. The activities in this segment primarily
extend to the marketing of financial services in the areas of retail
and lease financing for vehicles, dealer financing and insurance
brokerage. This segment also includes the Group’s equity method
investment in Toll Collect (see also Note 3).
Van, Bus, Other. Van, Bus, Other comprises all other businesses,
operations and investments of the Group. It includes the Group’s
van and bus operating units, which are sold under the brand
names Mercedes-Benz (for buses additionally under the brand
names Setra and Orion; for Van additionally under the brand
names Freightliner and Dodge). Furthermore, the holding compa-
nies and financing subsidiaries through which the Group refi-
nances the capital needs of the operating businesses in the capi-
tal markets, the real estate and corporate research activities,
and the Group’s equity method investment in EADS are included
therein. Prior to its sale, the Off-Highway business and the Group’s
investment in Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) formed
part of Van, Bus, Other (see Note 3 and 4).
204
Segment information as of and for the years ended December 31,
2006, 2005 and 2004 is as follows:
(in millions of €)
2006
Revenues
Intersegment sales
Total revenues
Operating profit (loss)
Capital expenditures
Depreciation and amortization
2005
Revenues
Intersegment sales
Total revenues
Operating profit (loss)
Capital expenditures
Depreciation and amortization
2004
Revenues
Intersegment sales
Total revenues
Operating profit (loss)
Capital expenditures
Depreciation and amortization
Mercedes
Car Group
Chrysler
Group
Truck
Group
Financial
Services
Van, Bus,
Other
Total
Segments
Eliminations
Consolidated
49,696
4,883
54,579
2,415
1,663
1,986
46,429
3,586
50,015
(505)
1,629
2,418
46,082
3,548
49,630
1,666
2,343
1,854
46,989
127
47,116
(1,118)
2,892
3,461
50,086
32
50,118
1,534
3,083
3,336
49,485
13
49,498
1,427
2,647
3,368
28,831
3,157
31,988
2,020
907
867
27,573
2,795
30,368
1,606
966
852
22,429
2,779
25,208
789
638
688
14,347
2,807
17,154
1,714
29
7,007
12,798
2,641
15,439
1,468
45
5,757
11,646
2,293
13,939
1,250
91
4,976
11,726
1,713
13,439
913
447
676
12,890
1,945
14,835
1,091
886
629
12,417
1,555
13,972
1,020
680
534
151,589
12,687
164,276
5,944
5,938
13,997
149,776
10,999
160,775
5,194
6,609
12,992
142,059
10,188
152,247
6,152
6,399
11,420
–
151,589
(12,687)
(12,687)
(427)
–
(383)
–
151,589
5,517
5,938
13,614
–
149,776
(10,999)
(10,999)
(9)
(29)
(381)
–
149,776
5,185
6,580
12,611
–
142,059
(10,188)
(10,188)
(398)
(13)
(308)
–
142,059
5,754
6,386
11,112
Mercedes Car Group. Associated with the decisions to terminate
the production of the smart forfour and to realign the business
model for smart, operating profit (loss) of the Mercedes Car Group
segment for 2006 and 2005 includes charges of €946 million
and €1,111 million, respectively. From the charges incurred in 2006
and 2005, €127 million (2005: €535 million) is attributable
to impairment charges and write-downs and €819 million (2005:
€576 million) is attributable to payments already made in 2005
and 2006 or expected to be made in future periods (see Note 5).
In 2006, the operating profit of the Mercedes Car Group
segment includes charges of €286 million (2005: €570 million)
for the headcount reduction initiative at Mercedes Car Group.
Of these amounts, €783 million (2005: €70 million) was already
paid in 2006 (see Note 5).
In 2006, the Mercedes Car Group recorded a gain of €91 million
from the application of EITF 05-5, which led to an adjustment
of the provision for early retirement obligations (see also Note 5).
An accrual established in connection with a case alleging
infringement of EU competition law was reduced by €60 million
as a result of a favorable court decision. This amount is
included in the operating results of the Mercedes Car Group
segment in 2005.
Consolidated Financial Statements | Other Notes | 205
Financial Services. In 2005 and 2004, the Financial Services
segment recorded charges of €54 million and €472 million
related to its participation in Toll Collect. The charges in 2004
were mainly the result of revaluing the system's total costs
and extra operating expenses required to guarantee the start of
the system on January 1, 2005.
In 2004, the operating profit of the Financial Services
segment includes non-cash impairment charges of €102 million
associated with the investment made in dAF.
Van, Bus, Other. In 2006 and 2005, operating profit of Van, Bus,
Other includes the Group’s share in the operating profit of
EADS of €649 million and €757 million, respectively (see Note 3.)
In 2004, the proportionate results of the investments in EADS
and MMC together amounted to €548 million. This amount also
includes the results from the dilution of the Group’s interest in
MMC (loss of €135 million) and related currency hedging effects
(gain of €195 million). In 2004, the Group's share in the
losses of MMC is only included in this segment until June 29,
2004 (see Note 3 for additional information).
In 2006, the operating profit of Van, Bus, Other includes gains
on the sale of real estate investments of €133 million.
Furthermore the operating profit of the Group was positively
impacted by €261 million by the disposed of Off-Highway
business in 2006, of which €248 million was attributable to
Van, Bus, Other (see Note 4).
As a result of the repurchase of a note by MTU Aero Engines
Holding AG, a gain of €53 million is included in the operating
profit of Van, Bus, Other for 2005 (see Note 6).
Chrysler Group. In 2006, the financial support provided
to supplier Collins & Aikman resulted in charges of €66 million
(2005: €99 million) (see Note 31.)
In 2005, the Chrysler Group recorded a €240 million gain on the
sale of its Arizona Proving Grounds vehicle testing facility.
In 2004, the Chrysler Group’s operating results were negatively
impacted by a €145 million charge related to a multiyear turn-
around plan initiated in 2000, a €138 million charge for early
retirement incentives and other workforce reductions, partially
offset by an adjustment of €95 million to correct the calculation
of an advertising accrual to more accurately reflect expected
payments.
Truck Group. In 2006, the Truck Group recorded a gain of
€55 million from the application of EITF 05-5, which led to an
adjustment of the provision for early retirement obligations
(see also Note 5).
Subsequent to the acquisition of the controlling interest in MFTBC,
a number of quality problems of MFTBC vehicles that were
produced before DaimlerChrysler first acquired a stake in MFTBC
were identified (see Note 4 for additional information). As of
December 31, 2004, DaimlerChrysler made a true-up based on
the preliminary evaluation of the probable costs associated
with the quality measures and recall campaigns at MFTBC. Total
expenses arising from the recall issues reduced 2004 operating
profit of the Truck Group segment by €475 million. The reduction in
operating profit consisted of €70 million classified as financial
income (expense), net, in the Group’s 2004 statement of operations
and €735 million classified as cost of sales, net of €330 million
attributed to the minority interests’ share in those costs. As
expenses attributed to minority interests are not allocated to
operating profit, they are included in the line “miscellaneous items,
net” in the reconciliation of total segment operating profit to
consolidated income before income taxes, minority interests, and
cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles. The
following settlement with MMC associated with the quality issues
and recall campaigns at MFTBC resulted in a favorable impact
of €276 million, which is included in the operating profit of the
Truck Group segment in 2005.
206
In connection with the sale of Adtranz in 2001, a settlement
agreement with Bombardier was reached in 2004 with respect
to all claims asserted. This settlement resulted in a favorable
impact of €120 million on the 2004 operating profit of Van, Bus,
Other.
In addition, the operating profit of 2004 of Van, Bus, Other
includes non-cash impairment charges of €70 million associated
with the investment made in dAF.
The reconciliation of total segment operating profit (loss)
to consolidated income (loss) before income taxes, minority
interests, and cumulative effects of changes in accounting
principles is as follows:
(in millions of €)
Total segment operating profit
Elimination and consolidation amounts
Total Group operating profit
Pension and postretirement benefit
expenses, other than current and
prior service costs and settlement/
curtailment losses
Gain from the sale of the 12.4%
stake in MMC
Gain from the sale of the 10.5%
stake in HMC
Interest and similar income
Interest and similar expenses
Other financial income (loss), net
Miscellaneous items, net
The Group’s share of the above
reconciling items included in the net
income (loss) from investments
accounted for at equity
Consolidated income before income taxes,
minority interests and cumulative effects
of changes in accounting principles
2006
2005
2004
5,944
(427)
5,517
5,194
(9)
5,185
6,152
(398)
5,754
(1,254)
(1,175)
(845)
–
–
663
(913)
466
(115)
681
–
539
(1,112)
(69)
(149)
–
252
490
(790)
(171)
(384)
(371)
(462)
(771)
3,993
3,438
3,535
Revenues from external customers presented by geographic
region are as follows:
(in millions of €)
2006
2005
2004
1 Excluding Germany
Germany
22,198
20,948
22,315
Western
Europe 1
27,924
26,389
26,530
United
States
63,925
67,015
64,232
Other
American
countries
15,226
13,919
11,295
Asia
Other
countries
Consolidated
12,422
12,525
10,093
9,894
8,980
7,594
151,589
149,776
142,059
Germany accounts for €20,956 million of long-lived assets
(2005: €20,691 million; 2004: €21,214 million), the United States
for €40,948 million (2005: €42,614 million; 2004: €34,331
million) and other countries for €17,524 million (2005: €19,100
million; 2004: €16,896 million).
Consolidated Financial Statements | Other Notes | 207
35. Earnings per Share
36. Related Party Transactions
The computation of basic and diluted earnings per share
for “income before cumulative effects of changes in accounting
principles” is as follows:
(in millions of € or millions of shares,
except earnings per share)
Income before cumulative effects of
changes in accounting principles – basic
Diluting effects in Income before
cumulative effects of changes in
accounting principles
Income before cumulative effects of
changes in accounting principles – diluted
2006
Year ended December 31,
2004
2005
3,231
2,851
2,466
–
–
–
3,231
2,851
2,466
Weighted average number of shares
outstanding – basic
1,022.1
1,014.7
1,012.8
Dilutive effect of stock options
5.2
3.0
1.7
Weighted average number of shares
outstanding – diluted
1,027.3
1,017.7
1,014.5
Earnings per share before cumulative
effects of changes in accounting principle
Basic
Diluted
3.16
3.14
2.80
2.80
2.43
2.43
Stock options to acquire 46.4 million, 65.7 million and 67.1 million
of DaimlerChrysler ordinary shares that were issued in connection
with the 2000 Stock Option Plan were not included in the compu-
tation of diluted earnings per share for 2006, 2005 and 2004,
respectively, because the options’ underlying exercise prices were
higher than the average market prices of DaimlerChrysler
ordinary shares in these periods.
The Group purchases materials, supplies and services
from numerous suppliers throughout the world in the ordinary
course of business. These suppliers include companies in
which the Group holds an ownership interest and companies
that are affiliated with some members of the Supervisory
Board or the Board of Management of DaimlerChrysler AG or its
subsidiaries.
As described in more detail in Note 3, DaimlerChrysler has
provided a number of guarantees with respect to Toll Collect, a
joint venture in which DaimlerChrysler holds an equity interest
of 45%. Furthermore, Mr. Bernhard Walter, a member of the
Supervisory Board of DaimlerChrysler AG, is also a member
of the Supervisory Board of Deutsche Telekom AG, one of the
other investors in Toll Collect.
Dr. Mark Wössner, a member of DaimlerChrysler’s Supervisory
Board, received payments in 2006, 2005 and 2004 in the amount
of €1 million, respectively, for the rental of premises to Westfalia
Van Conversion GmbH, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Daimler-
Chrysler.
DaimlerChrysler engages in commercial transactions with its
equity investee EADS. The Group does not consider these
transactions to be material either individually or in the aggre-
gate. Mr. Bischoff and Mr. Lagardère are both members of
the Supervisory Board of DaimlerChrysler AG, and are also
co-chairmen of the Board of Directors of EADS.
From time to time, DaimlerChrysler Group companies may pur-
chase goods and services (primarily advertising) from, and sell or
lease vehicles or provide financial services to, Lagardère Group
companies in the ordinary course of business. Arnaud Lagardère,
who became member of the Supervisory Board in April 2005,
is the general partner and Chief Executive Officer of Lagadère
SCA, a publicly traded company and the ultimate parent
company of the Lagardère Group.
208
The following represent transactions with DaimlerChrysler
shareholders:
DaimlerChrysler incurred expenses of US $0.8 million in 2006
(2005: US $0.8 million; 2004: US $0.6 million) for advertising
and related marketing activities with a US magazine. Earl G.
Graves, a member of DaimlerChrysler’s Supervisory Board and
a shareholder of DaimlerChrysler AG, is the Chairman, Chief
Executive Officer and sole stockholder of the magazine’s ultimate
parent company.
DaimlerChrysler Canada Inc. paid CAD0.8 million in 2006 (2005:
CAD1.2 million) to a subsidiary of Mosaic Sales Solutions Hold-
ing Company for field marketing services. The chief executive
officer of that company, Tony LaSorda, is the brother of Thomas
LaSorda, a member of the Board of Management of Daimler-
Chrysler AG, who assumed responsibility for the Chrysler Group
in September 2005.
37. Compensation of the Members of the Board of
Management and the Supervisory Board and Further
Additional Information
Compensation. The following information regarding the
compensation of the members of the Board of Management
and of the Supervisory Board is disclosed on an individual
basis in the Compensation Report (see page 120).
The total compensation paid by Group related companies to
the members of the Board of Management of DaimlerChrysler AG
is calculated from the amount of compensation paid in cash and
from benefits in kind. The latter primarily comprise the provision
of company cars and the reimbursement of expenses for security
precautions.
€7.5 million are paid as fixed, i.e. non-performance-related
compensation, €9.2 million as short-term variable, i.e. short-term
performance-related compensation, and €3.8 million as variable
performance-related compensation with medium-term and long-
term incentive effects that was granted in previous years and
became due for payment in 2006. This totaled an amount of
€20.5 million for the year 2006 (2005: €34.9 million, of which €9.3
million was fixed and €25.6 million was variable compensation).
In 2006, 276,160 phantom shares were granted to the members of
the Board of Management from the long-term share-based
compensation component (2005: 454,914 phantom shares).
The granting in 2006 was made based on a value of €46.17
per phantom share. Before being paid out in the year 2010, the
numbers of phantom shares may change, depending on internal
and external performance targets and continuous activity in
the Board of Management. Since payment continues to depend
on the share price at the time of payment, this element of
compensation will not be shown in the total compensation of
the Board of Management until it is actually paid out in 2010.
For detailed information on stock-based compensation programs,
see Note 23.
In 2006, stock options granted in 2003 were exercisable.
In this context, Members of the Board of Management exercised
148,000 stock options.
The service costs in connection with pension plans of the members
of the Board of Management for the year 2006 amounted
to €4.0 million.
The payments made in 2006 to former members of the Board
of Management of DaimlerChrysler AG and their surviving depen-
dant amount to €25.1 million (2005: €16.9 million). The total
obligation as of December 31, 2006, to provide pension, retire-
ment and similar benefits for the former members of the
Board of Management and their surviving dependant was
€255.4 million (2005: €292.9 million).
Consolidated Financial Statements | Other Notes | 209
The compensation paid in 2006 to the members of the Supervisory
Board of DaimlerChrysler AG for services in all capacities to the
Group amounted to €2.1 million (2005: €2.0 million).
38. Principal Accountant Fees
The fees billed by the independent auditors KPMG for
professional services are comprised of:
Except for the compensation paid to employee representatives
within the Supervisory Board in accordance with their con-
tracts of employment, no compensation was paid in 2005 and
2006 for services provided personally beyond the activities
already disclosed separately, in particular for advisory or agency
services.
As of December 31, 2006, no advances or loans existed to
members of the Board of Management or Supervisory Board of
DaimlerChrysler AG.
(in millions of €)
Audit fees
Audit-related fees
Tax fees
All other fees
Transactions with related parties. For transactions with
related parties, which are shareholders of DaimlerChrysler AG,
see the last section of Note 36.
39. Subsequent Events
2006
Year ended December 31,
2004
2005
62
4
3
4
73
42
11
5
4
62
39
14
6
5
64
Third party companies. At December 31, 2006, Daimler-
Chrysler was shareholder of a significant company that meet the
criteria of a third party company according the German
Corporate Governance Code:
Name of the company
Headquarters
Stake in % 1
Equity in millions of € 2
Net income in millions of € 2
Tata Motors Limited
Mumbai, India
6.6
1,135
320
1 As of December 31, 2006
2 Based on national consolidated financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2006
On February 14, 2007, DaimlerChrysler announced the Chrysler
Group’s three-year “Recovery and Transformation Plan.” This
plan aims to return the Chrysler Group to profitability by 2008
and redesign the business model for the Chrysler Group. The
plan identifies a combination of measures designed to increase
revenues and reduce costs, including: continuation of the
product offensive; workforce reductions by 13,000 employees
over three years; reduction of material costs by €1.15 billion;
and reduction in production capacity by 400,000 units per year
by eliminating work shifts and idling plants. DaimlerChrysler
expects these recovery measures to result in restructuring charges
of up to €1 billion to be recognized in its financial statements
in 2007, with a cash impact for the year 2007 of about €0.8
billion. The plan will be supported by investments of €2.3 billion
in new engines, transmissions and axles.
210
Transition to International
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)
EU regulation on the application of International Financial
Reporting Standards (IFRS). In July 2002, the European
Parliament and the European Council passed Regulation 1606/2002
on the application of IFRS. All publicly traded companies domiciled
in an EU member state are obliged to prepare their consolidated
financial statements in accordance with IFRS for financial years
beginning on or after January 1, 2005. The member states are
allowed, however, to defer the mandatory application of IFRS
until 2007 for companies that are only listed with debt securities
or that already apply internationally accepted standards for
purposes of stock-exchange listings outside the European Union.
The latter is applicable in particular for companies such as
DaimlerChrysler that are listed on the New York Stock Exchange
and therefore prepare their consolidated financial statements
in accordance with US GAAP. In Germany, this deferment option
was implemented in December 2004 within the context of the
Financial Statements Law Reform Act (BilReG).
Transition to IFRS at DaimlerChrysler. Starting in 2007, financial
disclosure will be based on IFRS financial statements, which will
constitute the Group’s primary accounting principles for external
reporting and internal controlling. We will prepare and publish
our first consolidated financial statements according to IFRS for
financial year 2006 (including 2005 as a comparative period).
The half-year financial statements and the year-end financial state-
ments will each be supplemented by a reconciliation to US GAAP
concerning the Group’s equity capital and net profit/loss for the
period.
IFRS as new basis for performance measures. The perfor-
mance measures used by the Group will basically remain un-
changed under IFRS. Value added and the performance measures
derived therefrom, such as return on net assets (RONA), will
continue to reflect the interests of our investors. Likewise, the
distinction between Group level and divisional level, further
differentiated into industrial business and Financial Services, will
remain. However, definitions of individual performance measures
will differ as a result of differences between the recognition and
measurement rules of IFRS and US GAAP, as described below,
and the methodological adjustments made. This applies, for
example, to operating profit, which under IFRS will be replaced
by EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes).
Effects of the differences between IFRS and US GAAP. In
September 2002, the International Accounting Standards Board
(IASB) and the US Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB)
included a “Short-term Convergence” project in their project plan
with the goal of quickly eliminating a number of existing diver-
gences. In the long term, IASB and FASB continue to pursue the
goal of reducing or eliminating any remaining differences
through joint projects and by coordinating future work programs.
In addition, it was agreed that the respective interpretation
committees would collaborate on convergence in terms of inter-
pretation and application. DaimlerChrysler supports the ongoing
convergence between IFRS and US GAAP. Although progress has
already been made on the way to achieving a substantial re-
duction in the differences between the two systems, significant
differences still exist. The number of differences between US
GAAP and IFRS with a significant impact on our consolidated finan-
cial statements is low, and primarily the following areas are
affected:
Additional Information | Transition to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) | 211
Research and development cost. Under US GAAP, with the
exception of certain software development costs, all develop-
ment costs are expensed as incurred in accordance with SFAS 2,
“Accounting for research and development costs”. Under IFRS,
development costs are capitalized as intangible assets if the criteria
set forth in IAS 38, “Intangible assets”, are met. These capitalized
costs are subsequently amortized on a straight-line basis over
the expected useful lives of the products for which they were
incurred, i.e. they become a part of the production costs of the
vehicles in which the component for which such costs were
incurred is used. Once these vehicles are sold, the amortization
of development costs is included in “cost of sales” and not in
“research and non-capitalized development costs”.
Qualifying special-purpose entities (QSPE). DaimlerChrysler
has entered into agreements to sell certain eligible receivables
from financial services and trade receivables to Special Purpose
Entities (“SPEs”) on a continuing basis. Under IFRS, these SPEs
are consolidated and thus included in the Group’s consolidated
financial statements, while under US GAAP these SPEs are con-
sidered Qualifying Special Purpose Entities in accordance with
SFAS 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial
Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities”, and are therefore not
consolidated. As a result, under US GAAP, the transferred re-
ceivables are removed from the balance sheet, with a gain or loss
recognized on the sale of the receivables.
Defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement
benefit plans. In accordance with IFRS 1, “First-time Adoption of
International Financial Reporting Standards”, DaimlerChrysler
elected not to apply the provisions of IAS 19, “Employee Benefits”,
on actuarial gains and losses retroactively to the period since its
defined benefit plans were created. Accordingly, the net liabilities
or net assets from defined benefit plans as of January 1, 2005
are based on the actuarially calculated projected benefit obligation,
taking future salary increases into consideration (defined benefit
obligation – DBO), less the market value of the plan assets and
unrecognized prior service cost.
Due to the significance of actuarial losses not yet recognized, which
are offset from retained earnings in the opening balance sheet,
this effect resulting from the introduction of IFRS is likely to have
the greatest impact on retained earnings within shareholders’
equity. Until the end of financial year 2006, US GAAP required in
certain circumstances the recognition of an additional pension
liability and the related intangible asset and accumulated other
comprehensive income/loss, respectively. IAS 19 does not
account for a minimum pension liability. With the adoption of
SFAS 158, “Employer’s Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension
and Other Postretirement Plans”, the recognition of a minimum
pension liability is eliminated. Also under SFAS 158, which was
adopted as of December 31, 2006, the funded status of defined-
benefit pension plans is recognized as an asset (over-funded
plans) or liability (under-funded plans) in the sponsor’s balance
sheet with respective adjustments in accumulative other com-
prehensive income/loss. The adoption of SFAS 158 leads to a
reduction in the reconciling amount between US GAAP and
IFRS in Group equity. Under IAS 19, unlike with SFAS 158, current
actuarial gains/losses and prior service cost continue to remain
unrecognized in the sponsor’s balance sheet but are disclosed
in the notes to financial statements. Plan amendments are recog-
nized earlier under IFRS (immediately for vested benefits and until
vested for not yet vested benefits).
Adjustment of EADS impairment. In 2003, DaimlerChrysler
determined that the decline in fair value below the carrying value
of its investment in EADS was other than temporary and re-
duced the carrying value to its market value. The amount of the
impairment was determined using the quoted market price.
Under IFRS, the net realizable value must be determined as the
higher of quoted market price (fair value less cost to sell) and
the value in use. Accordingly, the Group had not impaired the in-
vestment under IFRS because the value in use was higher than
the carrying amount at the time the impairment loss was recog-
nized under US GAAP, resulting in a reconciling amount in stock-
holders’ equity in the IFRS opening balance sheet.
212
DaimlerChrysler Worldwide
Europe
Production locations
Sales outlets
Revenues in millions of €
Employees
NAFTA
Production locations
Sales outlets
Revenues in millions of €
Employees
Latin America (excluding Mexico)
Production locations
Sales outlets
Revenues in millions of €
Employees
Africa
Production locations
Sales outlets
Revenues in millions of €
Employees
Asia
Production locations
Sales outlets
Revenues in millions of €
Employees
Australia/Oceania
Production locations
Sales outlets
Revenues in millions of €
Employees
Mercedes Car Group
Chrysler Group
Truck Group
Sales Organization
Automotive
Businesses
Financial Services
Van, Bus, Other
10
–
33,692
88,622
1
–
12,324
4,012
1
–
229
1,025
1
–
1,373
5,337
4
–
6,074
347
–
–
796
–
–
–
3,024
242
30
–
41,675
79,568
2
–
716
921
1
–
180
–
1
–
539
4
–
–
202
–
7
–
11,365
30,004
13
–
11,984
25,585
2
–
1,729
10,320
1
–
726
1,020
6
–
5,195
16,302
–
–
506
6
–
5,634
–
40,950
–
4,866
–
2,463
–
583
–
–
–
274
–
–
–
1,201
–
2,386
–
246
–
1,153
–
72
6,373
4,355
–
28
10,102
5,142
–
10
154
273
–
1
237
480
–
12
124
268
–
4
141
200
12
–
9,186
32,600
4
–
1,936
3,174
3
–
888
3,154
–
–
594
–
1
–
278
472
–
–
167
–
Note: Unconsolidated revenues of each division (segment revenues).
Additional Information | DaimlerChrysler Worldwide | 213
Ten-Year Summary
Amounts in millions of €
From the statements of income:
Revenues
Personnel expenses
thereof: 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 (€)
Diluted net income (loss) per share (€)
Total dividend
Dividend per share (€)
Dividend including tax credit 2 per share (€)
From the balance sheets:
Property, plant and equipment
Leased equipment
Current assets
thereof: Liquid assets
Total assets
Stockholders’ equity
thereof: Capital stock
Accrued liabilities
Liabilities
thereof: Financial liabilities
Debt-to-equity ratio
Mid- and long-term provisions and liabilities
Short-term provisions and liabilities
Current ratio
Net assets (annual average)
214
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
116,057
130,122
148,243
160,278
150,422
147,408
136,437
142,059
149,776
151,589
23,370
18,656
25,033
19,982
26,158
21,044
7,438
11,012
7.4%
278
9,473
6,552
12.3%
5,746
5.73
5.69
26,500
21,836
7,241
9,752
6.1%
110
4,280
8,796
14.8%
7,894
7.87
7.80
6,540
8,593
6.6%
493
7,697
5,829
11.6%
4,820
5.03
4.91
2,356
2,358
2,358
2.35
3.36
2.35
3.36
2.35
3.36
25,095
20,073
5,848
(1,346)
(0.9%)
131
(1,703)
332
0.5%
(593)
(0.59)
(0.59)
1,003
1.00
–
24,163
19,701
5,942
6,827
4.6%
2,746
6,439
6,116
9.4%
5,098
5.06
5.03
1,519
1.50
–
24,287
18,897
5,571
5,686
4.2%
24,216
18,750
5,658
5,754
4.1%
(2,792)
(1,077)
596
1,467
2.5%
448
0.44
0.44
1,519
1.50
–
3,535
3,165
5.7%
2,466
2.43
2.43
1,519
1.50
–
25,731
19,750
24,800
18,625
5,649
5,185
3.5%
217
3,438
3,635
6.6%
2,846
2.80
2.80
1,527
1.50
–
5,331
5,517
3.6%
616
3,993
3,914
6.9%
3,227
3.16
3.14
1,542
1.50
–
6,364
6,230
5.4%
594
5,995
4,946
10.9%
6,547
4.28 1
4.21 1
–
–
–
28,558
29,532
36,434
11,092
68,244
17,325
14,662
75,393
19,073
27,249
93,199
18,201
40,145
33,714
41,180
36,002
36,285
28,243
32,933
24,385
34,017
26,711
36,739
34,238
34,021
36,958
99,852
103,414
104,104
103,881
105,188
109,213
101,934
12,510
14,536
12,439
14,296
11,666
12,647
13,121
124,831
136,149
174,667
199,274
207,616
187,527
178,450
182,872
201,632
190,022
27,960
30,367
36,060
42,422
38,928
35,076
34,486
33,522
36,449
34,155
2,391
36,007
54,313
34,375
123%
45,953
50,918
85%
2,561
35,057
62,527
40,430
133%
47,601
58,181
79%
2,565
38,211
2,609
2,609
36,972
42,476
90,560
109,661
115,337
64,488
84,783
91,395
179%
55,291
83,315
66%
200%
75,336
81,516
67%
235%
87,814
80,874
64%
2,633
43,995
99,883
78,824
225%
79,778
72,673
72%
2,633
39,544
95,745
75,311
218%
73,422
70,542
74%
2,633
2,647
2,673
41,938
46,682
46,261
97,935
104,576
100,027
76,270
80,932
78,518
228%
72,192
77,158
67%
222%
78,784
86,399
65%
230%
79,823
76,045
72%
45,252
50,062
53,174
59,496
66,094
65,128
59,572
55,885
55,301
56,744
Amounts in millions of €
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 3
Cash used for investing activities 3
From the stock exchanges:
Share price at year-end Frankfurt (€)
New York (US $)
Average shares outstanding (in millions)
Average diluted shares outstanding (in millions)
Rating:
Credit rating, long-term
Standard & Poor’s
Moody’s
Fitch
Dominion Bond
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001 1
2002 1
2003 1
2004 1
2005
2006
8,051
7,225
5,683
1,456
8,155
9,470
10,392
10,245
19,336
4,937
1,972
5,655
3,315
19,117
6,645
6,487
8,896
17,951
7,580
7,254
7,145
6,614
17,704
15,604
6,385
7,244
5,841
5,579
6,386
17,678
5,498
5,445
6,580
5,938
20,236
24,493
6,039
6,341
7,596
7,563
12,337
16,681
18,023
16,017
15,944
15,909
13,826
11,060
12,353
14,016
(14,530)
(23,445)
(32,110)
(32,709)
(13,287)
(10,839)
(13,608)
(16,682)
(11,222)
(14,581)
–
–
949.3
968.2
83.60
96.06
959.3
987.1
77.00
78.25
44.74
41.20
48.35
41.67
29.35
30.65
1,002.9
1,003.2
1,003.2
1,008.3
1,013.6
1,013.9
1,003.2
1,013.9
37.00
46.22
1,012.7
1,012.7
35.26
48.05
1,012.8
1,014.5
43.14
51.03
1,014.7
1,017.7
46.80
61.41
1,022.1
1,027.3
–
–
–
–
A+
A1
–
–
A+
A1
–
–
A
A2
–
–
BBB+
BBB+
A3
–
–
A3
–
–
BBB
A3
BBB
A3
BBB
A3
BBB+
BBB+
BBB+
BBB
Baa1
BBB+
A (low)
A (low)
A (low)
A (low)
Average annual number of employees
421,661
433,939
463,561
449,594
379,544
370,677
370,684
379,019
386,465
365,753
1 Excluding one-time positive tax effects, especially due to extra distribution of €10.23 per share.
2 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.
3 Periods before 2002 not adjusted for the effects of inventory-related receivables from Financial Services.
Additional Information | Ten-Year Summary | 215
Glossary
Code of Ethics. The DaimlerChrysler Code of Ethics applies to
the members of the Board of Management and persons who have
a significant responsibility for the contents of financial disclosure.
The regulations contained in the Code are designed to avoid mis-
conduct and to ensure ethical behavior and the correct disclosure
of information on the Group.
Compliance. Compliance means adhering not only to applicable
law, but also to the standards of ethical behavior as defined by
DaimlerChrysler and to the principles of corporate culture and
good business practice.
Consolidated Group. The consolidated Group is the total of all
those companies that are consolidated, i.e. fully consolidated
companies and companies consolidated using the equity method.
Corporate governance. The term corporate governance applies
to the proper management and monitoring of a company. The
structure of corporate governance at DaimlerChrysler AG is deter-
mined by Germany’s Stock Corporation Act, Codetermination
Act and capital-market legislation, as well as international capital-
market laws and stock-exchange listing regulations.
Cost of capital. The cost of capital is the product of the average
capital invested and the cost-of-capital rate. The cost-of-capital
rate is derived from the investors’ required rate of return (see
page 47).
Fair value. The amount for which an asset or liability could be
exchanged in an arm’s length transaction between knowledge
able and willing parties who are independent of each other.
Goodwill. Goodwill is the term for the amount by which the price
paid for a company exceeds the value of the shareholders’
equity of that company when its assets and liabilities are valued
at current market value.
IFRS – International Financial Reporting Standards. IFRS are
a set of standards and interpretations for companies’ financial
accounting and reporting developed by an independent private-
sector committee, the International Accounting Standards
Board (IASB). DaimlerChrysler will prepare and disclose its first
consolidated financial statements according to IFRS for financial
year 2006 (see page 211).
Integrity Code. Our Integrity Code has been in use since 1999
and was revised and expanded in 2003. It sets out a binding
framework for the actions of all our employees worldwide.
Net assets. Net assets represent the capital employed by the
Group and the industrial divisions. The relevant capital basis for
Financial Services is equity capital (see page 47).
Net operating income. Net operating income is the operational
profit measure after taxes and the relevant parameter for mea-
suring the Group’s operating performance.
CSR – corporate social responsibility. A collective term for the
social responsibility assumed by companies, including economic,
ecological and social aspects.
Operating profit. Operating profit is the operational profit
measure before taxes (see page 43).
Equity method. Accounting and valuation method for share-
holdings in associated companies and joint ventures, as well
as subsidiaries that are not fully consolidated.
216
216
Index
Rating. An assessment of a company’s creditworthiness issued
by rating agencies.
ROE – return on equity. For the financial services business,
return on investment is measured by means of ROE (return on
equity). ROE is defined as a quotient of operating profit and
shareholders’ equity.
RONA – return on net assets. For the Group as a whole and for
the industrial divisions, return on investment is measured by
means of RONA (return on net assets). RONA is defined as a
quotient of net operating income (for the Group) or operating
profit (for the industrial divisions) and net assets (see page 48).
Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act was passed in the
United States in 2002. This new law resulted in additional re-
gulations for the protection of investors, including greater responsi-
bility for management and the audit committee. In particular,
requirements concerning the accuracy and completeness of pub-
lished financial information have become stricter, and disclosure
and auditing duties have been expanded.
US GAAP – United States Generally Accepted Accounting
Principles. The principles of accounting, evaluation and
disclosure that are generally followed in the United States and
which are applied by DaimlerChrysler.
Value at risk. Measures the potential future loss (related to
market value) for a given portfolio in a certain period and for
which there is a certain probability that it will not be exceeded.
Value added. Value added indicates the extent to which the
operational profit measure exceeds the cost of capital. When
value added is positive, return on net assets is higher than the
cost-of-capital (see page 47).
Auditors’ report
Capital expenditure
Cash flow
Code of Ethics
Compensation system
Compliance
Consolidated Group
CORE
Corporate governance
Deferred taxes
Dividends
EADS
Earnings per share (EPS)
Equity method
Financial income
Global Excellence
Goodwill
Integrity Code
Investor Relations
Liabilities
Net assets
Net income
Operating profit
Pension obligations
Portfolio changes
Quality
Ratings
Revenues
RONA – return on net assets
Safeguarding the Future 2012
Segment reporting
Shareholders’ equity
Shares
Strategy
Unit sales
Value added
World Engine
139
60, 78
58
114
120 ff
118 f
157
82, 37
110 ff, 112
166 ff
52
97, 38
208, 28
157 ff
51, 165
92, 37
170
114
27 f
192 f, 64
47
52
43 ff, 205, 207
182 ff
38
84, 87
62
42, 205, 207
48
102
204 ff
63, 176 ff
26 ff, 176
36
40, 82, 86, 90, 96
48
88
Additional Information | Index | 217
International Representative Offices
Berlin
Phone +49 30 2594 1100
Fax
+49 30 2594 1109
Bangkok
Phone +66 2676 6222
Fax
+66 2676 5234
Beijing
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Fax
+86 10 6590 6337
Bratislava
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Fax
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Brussels
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Fax
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Budapest
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Fax
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Buenos Aires
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Fax
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Cairo
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Fax
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Caracas
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Fax
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Copenhagen
Phone +45 3378 5522
Fax
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218
218
Dubai
Phone +97 14 8833 200
Fax
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Fax
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Hong Kong
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Seoul
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Singapore
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Skopje
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Teheran
Phone +98 21 204 6047
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Tel Aviv
Phone +972 9 957 9091
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Tokyo
Phone +81 3 5572 7172
Fax
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Utrecht
Phone +31 3024 7 1259
Fax +31 3024 7 1610
Warsaw
Phone +48 22 312 7200
Fax
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Washington, D.C.
Phone +1 202 414 6756
Fax
+1 202 414 6729
Windsor, Ontario
Phone +1 519 973 2201
Fax
+1 519 973 2950
Zagreb
Phone +385 1 344 1251
Fax
+385 1 344 1258
Internet/Information/Addresses
Information on the Internet. Special information on our shares
and earnings developments can be found in the “Investor Relations”
section of our website. It includes the Group’s annual and interim
reports, the company financial statements of DaimlerChrysler AG,
and reports to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
for all the financial years since 1998. You can also find topical
reports, presentations, an overview of various performance mea-
sures, information on the share price, and other services.
Publications for our shareholders:
– Annual Report (German, English)
– Form 20-F (English)
– Interim Reports for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd quarters
(German, English)
– Sustainability Reports (Facts and Magazine)
(German, English)
www.daimlerchrysler.com/ir/reports
www.daimlerchrysler.com/investors
The financial statements of DaimlerChrysler AG prepared in
accordance with German GAAP were audited by KPMG Deutsche
Treuhand-Gesellschaft Aktiengesellschaft, Wirtschaftsprüfungs-
gesellschaft, and an unqualified opinion was rendered thereon.
These financial statements are filed with the operator of the
electronic version of the German Federal Gazette and published
in the electronic version of the German Federal Gazette.
The aforementioned publications can be requested from:
DaimlerChrysler AG, Investor Relations, HPC 0324
70546 Stuttgart, Germany
The documents can also be ordered by phone or fax using
the following number: +49 711 17 92287
DaimlerChrysler AG
70546 Stuttgart
Phone
Fax
www.daimlerchrysler.com
+49 711 17 0
+49 711 17 22244
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Auburn Hills, MI 48326-2766, USA
+1 248 576 5741
Phone
Investor Relations
Stuttgart
Phone
+49 711 17 92261
+49 711 17 95256
+49 711 17 95277
+49 711 17 94109
+49 711 17 94075
Fax
Auburn Hills
Phone
Phone
Fax
+1 248 512 2812
+1 248 512 2923
+1 248 512 2912
E-mail
ir.dcx@daimlerchrysler.com
Financial Calendar 2007
Annual Press Conference
February 14, 2007
3.30 p.m. CET / 9.30 a.m. EST,
Technology Center, Auburn Hills
Analysts’ and Investors’
Conference Call
February 14, 2007
6.30 p.m. CET / 12.30 a.m. EST
Presentation of the Annual
Report 2006
February 27, 2007
Annual Meeting
April 4, 2007
10 a.m. CEST / 4:00 a.m. EST
Messe Berlin
Interim Report Q1 2007
April 26, 2007
Interim Report Q2 2007
July 26, 2007
Interim Report Q3 2007
October 25, 2007
DaimlerChrysler
Stuttgart, Germany
Auburn Hills, USA
www.daimlerchrysler.com