"All of the DaimlerChrysler brands are strong individually, but together they are accelerating like never before," said James P. Holden, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing. "This market has been incredible, too, with five consecutive months of unprecedented dealer traffic and industry projections that seem to go nowhere but up."

James P. Holden

Photo: DaimlerChrysler

June 1, 1999 - The new organisation of the PSA PEUGEOT CITROËN group’s automobile activity, implemented in January 1998, is now completed. The group is thus defined as an automobile manufacturer at the service of its two general marques, each complementary and with a worldwide vocation.

Alongside PEUGEOT and CITROËN, which are and should remain the most visible expressions for the general public, PSA PEUGEOT CITROËN represents all the activities and the sites that contribute towards the marques’ success.

The designation PSA PEUGEOT CITROËN will therefore be used in France and abroad for all the technical centres, the production sites (mechanical and basic manufacture and finishing factories), the executive committee departments (except for marques) and the senior management. The names PEUGEOT, CITROËN and PSA PEUGEOT CITROËN will therefore be used both for external and for internal communication in the automobile sector. This intentionally limited number of designations should help to give a clear perception of the marques and the group.

This decision goes hand in hand with a change in the group’s current logo. Henceforth written in one line, it becomes a corporate signature, consistent with the « Two marques, one group » definition. It should also convey the strengthening of the group’s cohesiveness and promote solidarity between all the members of personnel.

Mercedes E-class

Photo: DaimlerChrysler

With a market share of 23 percent, the E-class is the undisputed world market leader in its segment. It is at the top of its segment in the U.S. market with more than 23 percent, as it is in Western Europe with a more than 25 percent market share. The E-class was also able to defend its leading position in Germany, where slightly less than one-third (approximately 31 percent) of all vehicles in the segment have a star on the hood and an "E" on the trunk.

Germany was the most important market for the E-class in 1998—roughly 95,000 vehicles were sold there. It was followed by the U.S., with just under 50,000 units sold. The two countries accounted for much more than half of total sales of 260,000 units in 1998. Italy (more than 16,000), Great Britain (slightly less than 16,000), Japan (roughly 14,800) and France (more than 10,500) were the other top markets for the E-class.

The E 320 was the undisputed leader of the model series, selling some 54,200 units in 1998. It was followed by the E 240, (more than 46,400), the E 300 turbo diesel (some 32,100) and the E 200 (more than 25.000). The proportion of station wagons (T-models) has been expanded to just under 18 percent since the vehicle went into production in 1996.

Improved standard equipment benefiting customers considerably DaimlerChrysler continues to employ the successful policy of producing vehicles in different design and standard equipment lines. The Classic, Elegance and Avantgarde variations have an even more individualized design, accentuating the independent character of each. All the lines are based on an expanded array of standard equipment, which in addition to the electronic stability program (ESP) and window bags, now includes a multi-functional steering wheel. The famous double headlights have been modified and reinforce the dynamic look of the sedan and station wagon versions. Despite the increased standard equipment, prices have only risen an average 2.9 percent. For the customer, this means a price advantage of up to DM 2,800 ($1,489), depending on the model version.

Two new diesel engines with Common Rail direct injection will also be featured in the E-class. The E 270 CDI and the E 320 CDI distinguish themselves through powerful torque and exemplary fuel efficiency. The E 270 CDI requires only 6.9 liters per 100 kilometers ( 34.5 miles per gallon), the E 320 CDI only 7.8 liters per 100 km (30.5 mpg), while both deliver convincing high performance.