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Sunday, November 22 - 2009

Daimler and Aabar share investment in Tesla

  • United Arab Emirates: Monday, July 13 - 2009 at 14:55
  • PRESS RELEASE

Daimler AG (stock-exchange abbreviation DAI) and its new major shareholder Aabar Investments PJSC (Aabar), of Abu Dhabi, have started their first joint strategic project with the sale by Daimler of 40% of its equity interest in Tesla Motors Inc. to Aabar.

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This investment allows Daimler and Aabar to leverage their shared interest in the development of low-CO2 drive systems.

On May 19, 2009, Daimler AG acquired an equity interest of just under 10% in Tesla Motors Inc., a leading producer of electric vehicles.

Tesla is currently the only automobile producer marketing electric vehicles that are capable of operating over long distances in North America and Europe.

The two companies have already agreed to cooperate on the integration of Tesla's lithium-ion battery packs and charging electronics into the first 1,000 units of Daimler's electric smart car. In order to benefit from each other's know-how, the agreement reached in May will enable the two companies to collaborate even more closely on the development of battery systems, electric drive systems and individual vehicle projects.

His Excellency Khadem Al Qubaisi, Chairman of Aabar Investments PJSC, said:
"When we acquired our stake in Daimler in March we identified a number of potential areas for cooperation between our two businesses. One of these was a desire to focus on the development of electric vehicles and projects aiming at the reduction of CO2-emissions. Our joint involvement with Daimler in Tesla is completely in line with this strategy, and marks an important step in the continuing development of our partnership. We are delighted to be working with Daimler and continue to be excited by the potential for further projects that meet our joint strategic objectives."


Dr. Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler AG: "We are delighted that Aabar is supporting us with the development of battery systems and electric power trains, accelerating the worldwide commercialization of electric vehicles."

On March 22 of this year, Aabar acquired 9.1% of the share capital of Daimler AG. In connection with Aabar's entry as a major Daimler shareholder, the two companies issued a letter of intent stating that in addition to the equity investment, other joint strategic projects would be initiated, involving electric vehicles for example.
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About Daimler
Daimler AG, Stuttgart, with its businesses Mercedes-Benz Cars, Daimler Trucks, Daimler Financial Services, Mercedes-Benz Vans and Daimler Buses, is a globally leading producer of premium passenger cars and the global market leader of heavy- and medium-duty trucks as well as buses. The Daimler Financial Services division has a broad offering of financial services, including vehicle financing, leasing, insurance and fleet management.

Daimler sells its products in nearly all the countries of the world and has production facilities on five continents. The company's founders, Gottlieb Daimler and Carl Benz, continued to make automotive history following their invention of the automobile in 1886.

As an automotive pioneer, Daimler and its employees willingly accept an obligation to act responsibly towards society and the environment and to shape the future of safe and sustainable mobility with groundbreaking technologies and high-quality products.

The current brand portfolio includes the world's most valuable automobile brand, Mercedes-Benz, as well as smart, AMG, Maybach, Freightliner, Western Star, Mitsubishi Fuso, Setra, Orion and Thomas Built Buses. The company is listed on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt, New York and Stuttgart (stock exchange abbreviation DAI).

In 2008, the Group sold 2.1 million vehicles and employed a workforce of over 270,000 people; revenue totaled €95.9bn and EBIT amounted to €2.7bn. Daimler is an automotive Group with a commitment to excellence, and aims to achieve sustainable growth and industry-leading profitability.

About Aabar
Aabar is an investment company headquartered in Abu Dhabi and is listed on the Abu
Dhabi Securities Exchange. It directly invests in various sectors including energy,
infrastructure, real estate, automotive and financial services companies. Its largest
stakeholder is the International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC), which in turn is
wholly owned by the Government of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

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Thomas Fröhlich +49 (0) 711-17-41361

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