DaimlerChrysler has sold a total of 1,055 Mercedes-Benz urban bus chassis to companies acting in the public transport in the city of São Paulo. This volume includes 750 models of the rear engine 13.2 meter chassis and 305 units of the recently launched 18 meter articulated chassis with normal and low-entry type floors. Both models are equipped with the same electronic engine OM 457 LA. All chassis will be delivered until February 2007. As Brazil is a mere chassis market, these chassis will be built up by local body builders.

“The sale of 305 articulated chassis represents the biggest volume of this model already negotiated in Latin America. This major order is a great success for our new product”, said Wolfgang Diez, Head of DaimlerChrysler Buses.

Considered the biggest metropolis in Latin America, the city of São Paulo is the major bus market in Brazil. Presently there are 25,000 Mercedes-Benz vehicles circulating in the city, which represent a 64% market share in relation to the total fleet of 38,800 buses. In a 10-year period, a total volume of more than 150,000 buses were sold in Brazil, and the Mercedes-Benz brand market share in this period reached 55%, with the sale of approximately 84,000 units.

DaimlerChrysler do Brasil is a wholly-owned subsidiary of DaimlerChrysler AG, the world's leading manufacturer of buses and coaches over eight tons GVW. DaimlerChrysler produces more than 36,000 buses and chassis a year.