DAIMLERCHRYSLER COMMERCIAL BUSES LOGS RECORD ORDERS FOR 411 ORION VII HYBRID BUSES

Toronto Transit Commission Places Second Largest Order in Hybrid Bus History

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — DaimlerChrysler Commercial Buses North America (DCCBNA) has received orders totaling 411 Orion VII hybrid transit buses from some of North America’s largest transit authorities. The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), the San Francisco Municipal Railway (MUNI), and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey have ordered Orion VII hybrid buses powered by BAE Systems’ HybriDrive® diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system.

• TTC is purchasing 360 buses, from options in its original contract. This additional order will bring Toronto's diesel-electric hybrid fleet to a total of 510 units and make it the second largest hybrid fleet in North America.

• Also exercising options, San Francisco MUNI will purchase 30 Orion VII 30-foot hybrid buses, bringing its total hybrid fleet currently in production with DCCBNA to 86 units.

• The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey will purchase 21 hybrid buses for operations at Kennedy, LaGuardia, and Newark airports.

• The Port Authority has also ordered 30 Orion VII diesel buses.

DaimlerChrysler Commercial Buses is the world’s leading producer of diesel-electric hybrid transit buses. With these latest orders, DCCBNA will have a total of 1,470 units in revenue service or on order for various transit authorities throughout the U.S. and Canada – making it the largest hybrid provider worldwide.

“We are very pleased to see North America’s leading transit authorities expanding their commitment to cleaner, smarter public transportation,” said Andreas Strecker, president and CEO of DaimlerChrysler Commercial Buses North America. “As a manufacturer, employer and corporate citizen, it gives us great satisfaction to contribute to energy-efficiency and emissions-reductions in the cities and communities we are operating in.”

The Orion VII hybrid buses from DaimlerChrysler are powered by BAE Systems’ HybriDrive propulsion system. This series hybrid system has accumulated more than 14 million revenue miles in the MTA New York City Transit fleet – the world’s largest hybrid bus fleet. Compared to standard diesel propulsion, these hybrid buses deliver up to 35 percent better fuel economy while greatly reducing emissions: 90 percent less particulate matter, 40 percent less NOx, and 30 percent fewer greenhouses gases. Drivers and riders enjoy a quieter, cleaner, and smoother ride.

“These new orders are a validation of our focus on high quality and exceptional customer support”, said Patrick Scully, chief commercial officer for DaimlerChrysler Commercial Buses North America. “DaimlerChrysler Commercial Buses and our partner BAE Systems are not only the first to bring hybrid technology to the street, but we are also delivering against the high expectations of customers and transit users in the world’s toughest urban environments.”

The TTC buses will be built on the Orion VII Next Generation vehicle platform that begins production in mid 2007. The platform has many new exciting features including a redesigned exterior, while still maintaining the same key chassis components that have made the Orion VII one of the most reliable and durable buses available in the market today.