DaimlerChrysler's topping out

The luxurious and majestic Maybach limousines, the reliable and internationally- appreciated Mercedes, the extravagant and futuristic Smart, the ubiquitous and self-confident Jeep and Chrysler. The DaimlerChrysler concern has many faces, just like its new Polish premises, where the topping out ceremony was celebrated on 22nd October. It is scheduled to open in May next year

Construction of the PLN 250 million complex was launched less than a year ago, on a plot of 40,000 sqm on Aleje Jerozolimskie in Warsaw, in December 2002. The general contractor is Zueblin Polska, whose work has been supervised by ARGE DaimlerChrysler Immobilien GmbH/ Vertano and construction is well on the way to being completed by the deadline.

Under one roof

The building's functions are perfectly reflected in its architecture and the nine-storey tower will house several DaimlerChrysler companies in Poland. Soon, the staff of DaimlerChrysler Automotive Polska, DaimlerChrysler Leasing Services, DaimlerChrysler Services Bank and DaimlerChrysler Services Fleet Management will move into the building. The lower storeys and the completely glazed pavilion will contain the new company Mercedes-Benz Warszawa, a car show room and a Mercedes-Benz, smart and Maybach service station. Gathering all DaimlerChrysler's Polish companies in one place is happening because,having enjoyed increased sales of its cars, the group's operations are expanding in Poland. "We are selling more and more cars in Poland, and that is why the scope of our services is being extended. The automotive business of the company will grow by 40% in the next three years and our leasing company's good results and the bank make us optimistic about the future," says Winfried Blum, President of DaimlerChrysler Automotive Polska. "This investment proves our confidence in the Polish market."

Global architecture

Although the architectural design of the Polish premises comes from the Warsaw-based J.S.K. Architekci, the general concept follows the style and functionality of all DaimlerChrysler premises. It will in the first place meet the standards that the group demands of all its properties and secondly, its appearance will resemble all other DaimlerChrysler buildings. Silver and grey facades with steel and glass elements are characteristic of this international brand.

A new spirit in a new body

The new premises are not the only novelty at DaimlerChrysler Automotive Polska. For a while now the company has also had a new boss. Before becoming head of the firm in Poland, Winfried Blum worked as Sales Director and was a member of the management team at the Unimog Special Vehicles Department at DaimlerChrysler AG. He graduated in Management from DaimlerChrysler Corporate University and from the Harvard University Graduate School of Business Administation.