Daimler AG Reports A 23.5 Percent Decrease In The U.S. For December 2008

Total 20,848 of Units of Mercedes-Benz Cars Division Sold in U.S.

Mercedes-Benz USA Records December Sales of 18,507

smart USA Records 2,341 Sales in December

NEW YORK, January 5, 2009: Daimler AG (stock exchange abbreviaton DAI) today reported sales for the Mercedes-Benz Cars division (Mercedes-Benz and smart combined) of 20,848 units in the U.S. for December 2008. All sales figures in this release are on an unadjusted basis unless otherwise noted.

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) reported December sales of 18,507 vehicles, bringing the company's total 2008 volume to 225,128, an 11.2 percent decrease over last year's annual sales record. Sales of the C-Class model line rose 13.8 percent for the year, and sales of the M-Class SUV line-up increased by 1.3 percent.

smart USA recorded 2,341 sales in December 2008. Year-to-date sales for 2008 are an incredible 24,622 units. smart USA achieved this impressive sales volume in its first year of business in the U.S. market. American response indicates the micro-car segment is a viable transportation option and the smart fortwo is the right car at the right time in the U.S. The smart fortwo offers a powerful combination of outstanding fuel efficiency, innovative safety features, environmental friendliness and excellent value. The smart fortwo BRABUS will go on sale in the United States this January. There are currently 74 smart centers open in 35 states.

Detailed vehicle sales information for MBUSA will be announced later today in a separate press release issued by Mercedes-Benz USA.