With three great brands, first-class products and highly qualified employees, the Mercedes Car Group plays an essential role in the success of DaimlerChrysler. It is the world market leader in the luxury segment, and its brands have written automotive history: from the founding of the automobile, to numerous milestones in automotive technololgy, to groundbreaking innovations in the current product program - Mercedes-Benz, Maybach, and smart have made a significant mark on the total industry. Mercedes Car Group will continue to set the standards into the future, with safety, comfort, and sustainable mobility. The goal of the Mercedes Car Group is, and will remain, to delight customers with fascinating vehicles and provide value for both customers and employees. The Mercedes Car Group set the course for this goal last year: in 2005, Mercedes-Benz launched its product offensive with four attractive new models and defined new vehicle segments. This year, six new Mercedes models will be introduced. Maybach also broadened its portfolio with the Maybach 57 S. smart will focus on the successful fortwo, whose successor will soon be launched in the U.S. market. New engines and the environmentally friendly BLUETEC diesel technology reinforce the Mercedes Car Group claim to technological leadership. BLUETEC and the second generation of the energy-efficient gasoline direct injection system have both been launched in production models this year.