Beijing, October 22, 2010 – Mercedes-Benz today celebrated its continuous success in China by installing its largest rotating three-pointed star outside of Germany on top of the Daimler Tower in Beijing. In his third visit to China this year, Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, presided over the Daimler Tower Mercedes-Benz Star Lighting Ceremony. Alongside Dr. Zetsche, Chairman & CEO of Daimler Northeast Asia Mr. Ulrich Walker, Vice Mayor of Beijing Mr. Zhongwen Gou, Secretary of the Party Committee of Beijing Investment Promotion Bureau Mr. Song Guo, Vice Governor of Chaoyang District Mr. Jun Yan, nearly one hundred distinguished guests, and one thousand employees from Daimler's China office came together to witness the official inauguration and lighting of the famous Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star. The ceremony marks the culmination of the remarkable journey from West to East of one of the world's most well-known brand icons. The three-pointed star now firmly sits atop the Daimler Tower as an integral part of the Beijing cityscape, shining down on one of the brand's most dynamic and exciting markets.

"The strong development of the Chinese economy and its very positive business climate has helped Daimler and Mercedes-Benz to experience rapid growth in this country. China is already one of the most significant markets for our company. We will continue to expand our presence and become even more at home here," said Dr. Zetsche. "Formally lighting the three-pointed star today clearly confirms our commitment to a long-term development in China."

Daimler has been leading the global auto industry since the very beginning. Dr. Zetsche added, "As the inventor of the automobile, Daimler will celebrate its 125th anniversary next year, as it continues to shape the future of sustainable, individual transportation. Mercedes-Benz will remain true to its heritage as a global leader in automobile innovation and technology."

"At the same time, our cooperation with China is also reaching new heights," he said. "In the spirit of the old Chinese proverb, 'As Heaven's movement is ever vigorous, so must a gentleman ceaselessly strive along', today's star lighting marks yet another milestone of progress for Daimler in China."

"As a historically-renowned automotive manufacturer, Daimler's joint venture with BAIC has significantly contributed to the development of the overall automotive industry in Beijing," said Mr. Zhongwen Gou, Vice Mayor of Beijing. "Today, as the three-pointed star shines down on our city, it also points toward the continued cooperation between Beijing and Daimler, which will undoubtedly strengthen and shine even brighter in the years ahead."

"Daimler's success this year in China has truly been unprecedented, thanks in no small part to the strong support at all levels and of the Beijing Municipal Government in particular," said Mr. Ulrich Walker, Chairman & CEO of Daimler Northeast Asia. "As the only luxury automaker to have full market segment penetration in China, we currently have Passenger Cars, Trucks, Financial Services and our Daimler Parts business operating here. With the Chinese economy continuing to develop its 12th Five-Year Plan, Daimler will also continue to relentlessly enhance its diversified product strategy in order to meet the growing needs of our demanding Chinese customers and of the Chinese market."

The unforgettable Daimler Tower Mercedes-Benz Star Lighting Ceremony not only recognizes the significant progress of Mercedes-Benz in China to date, but also represents the unwavering commitment of the luxury brand to the market.
Based in Beijing, Daimler Northeast Asia (DNEA) is responsible for the operations of Mercedes-Benz Cars, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Mercedes-Benz Trucks and Daimler Financial Services in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and the Republic of Korea. It imports vehicles in the region under the Mercedes-Benz, Maybach and smart brands, and builds Mercedes-Benz sedans and vans in China. DNEA is also working with Beiqi Foton to build up the joint venture in Beijing to offer mid-and-heavy duty trucks and technology in China. In 2010, Daimler AG signed a Memorandum of Understanding with BYD Company Limited to establish a technology partnership for electric vehicles in China.