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News of  September 12, 2000

DaimlerChrysler AG and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation Strengthen Alliance: Major Restructuring of Mitsubishi Motors Management 

• DaimlerChrysler AG names Rolf Eckrodt as the new Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Mitsubishi Motors Corporation
• Takashi Sonobe will succeed Katsuhiko Kawasoe as President on November 1, 2000
• Purchasing price for DaimlerChrysler AG's 34% stake reduced by 10%
• Unlimited increase of DaimlerChrysler's equity stake after three years possible 

Stuttgart/Tokyo - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) and DaimlerChrysler AG held a top management meeting to discuss the next steps in their alliance. After constructive and fruitful discussion Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and DaimlerChrysler AG agreed that DaimlerChrysler AG will increase its influence in Mitsubishi Motors Corporation. 

The changes that have been agreed to with respect to the organization and management of Mitsubishi Motors, will aid in the recovery of its reputation. The changes are reflected in the following agreement: 

1. The size of the Mitsubishi Motors Corporation Management Board will be increased to 11 members including the new position of Chief Operating Officer (COO). Rolf Eckrodt, currently head of DaimlerChrysler's rail systems subsidiary Adtranz has been designated to fill this new position, once the transition of Adtranz to Bombardier is complete. His responsibilities will include research and development, production/quality, procurement, marketing and sales; 

2. President Katsuhiko Kawasoe will resign as President and Chief Executive Officer and become a non-board member on November 1, 2000. His successor will be Takashi Sonobe, who currently serves as Head of International Operations of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation; 

3. The purchasing price for DaimlerChrysler AG's 34% stake in Mitsubishi Motors Corporation will be lowered by 10% from Yen 450 to Yen 405 per share, reducing the total price from $2.1 billion (Euro 2.4 billion) to $1.9 billion (Euro 2.2 billion). The closing of the deal is expected in October, 2000; 

4. DaimlerChrysler AG is entitled to increase its stake in Mitsubishi Motors Corporation after a period of three years, without limitation;  

5. DaimlerChrysler will allocate additional expertise and management capacity to Mitsubishi Motors Corporation by dispatching highly experienced specialists and managers. 

Under the terms of this agreement, DaimlerChrysler AG will continue to not consolidate Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in its balance sheet.  

Juergen E. Schrempp, Chairman of the Board of DaimlerChrysler AG, said: "This agreement puts our alliance on a strong footing. The appointment of a Chief Operating Officer will greatly enhance the ability of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation to improve its competitive position. Rolf Eckrodt is a highly experience manager with a great track record - in several different countries and different industries, including the automotive business. I am very confident that with this agreement, the new Board under the leadership of President-designate Takashi Sonobe and Rolf Eckrodt will succeed in strengthening our alliance, enabling Mitsubishi Motors Corporation to regain customer confidence, and improve overall performance." 

(September 8, 2000)

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