(Editor's note: This analysis, originally published on May 7, 2002, contained two factual errors in the last paragraph of the rationale: The proceeds from the sale of a joint venture to Deutsche Telekom were €4.7 billion, not €4.2 billion, and the equity infusion occurred in the first quarter of 2001, not earlier this year as previously reported.) Leading position in growing and relatively recession-resistant global luxury vehicle industry Leading position in global commercial vehicle industry Broad product and geographic diversity in the automotive industry Above-average financial flexibility Struggling Chrysler and Freightliner units Need to realize value from the numerous strategic alliances forged in recent years Leveraged capital structure, including burdensome benefits obligations The ratings on DaimlerChrysler AG reflect the company's
