Workforce development

On December 31, 2008, Daimler had 273,216 employees worldwide (2007: 272,382). Of these, 167,753 were employed in Germany (2007: 166,679), 22,476 in the U.S. (2007: 24,053), 15,490 in Japan (2007: 16,303), and 14,107 in Brazil (2007: 13,828). The number of trainees in 2008 was 9,603 (2007: 9,300).

The development of workforce numbers varied among the individual divisions in 2008. Staff levels were down at the Mercedes-Benz Cars, Daimler Trucks, and Mercedes-Benz Vans divisions, while the number of employees at Daimler Buses rose by 5 percent due to positive business developments there. Higher headcounts at the sales organization and the Financial Services division were primarily a result of additions to the consolidated Group.

New Management Model successfully concluded. As planned, the end of 2008 marked the conclusion of the project phase of the New Management Model, which was launched in 2006. Among other things, the program has integrated and structurally optimized administrative functions around the world, and also standardized processes. Associated workforce adjustments proceeded on schedule as well. To ensure that the restructuring program’s success will be sustained over the long term, there will be further implementation of initiatives for continuous improvement and standardization of processes in the line organizations.