DaimlerChrysler Wins Fifth Straight
Shainin Bottom Line Award

FOR RELEASE: April 26, 2006

PONTIAC, MI – Daimler Chrysler won its fifth straight Bottom Line Award, presented annually by Shainin, a consulting firm specializing in manufacturing execution. Scott Garberding, vice president supplier quality, accepted the award. Shainin works with DCX to avoid and reduce costs through proprietary problem solving and problem prevention strategies. The awards were presented Wednesday, April 26, at the Centerpoint Marriott.

DaimlerChrysler achieved its savings in the areas of process and product. The company continues to aggressively attack the areas of problem solving and problem prevention by developing and retaining Shainin Masters. The initiative provides higher initial product quality and reduced warranty costs.

“We continue to make steady progress in terms of our quality goals and achieving problem-free product launches using Shainin problem solving tools and techniques, Garberding said. “Consistent improvement is expected as Shainin helps us expand this process throughout our organization. We are committed to developing and retaining Shainin Masters and Master candidates. We are encouraged with the results, and anticipate that improvements will be exponential as more and more people in our company embrace the tools and strategies.”

According to Craig Hysong, Shainin executive vice president and primary contact with DCX, “Our partnership with DaimlerChrysler is exciting because we've been able to help develop highly skilled resources to improve the quality and reliability of its products.”

Currently, there are 864 DCX Shainin-certified Apprentices, with 353 pending; 265 Journeymen with 148 pending, and 37 Masters with 67 pending.