Dr. Dieter Zetsche, president and CEO of the Chrysler Group, has been named World Trader of the Year by the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce. The award is presented annually to an individual or company that has demonstrated exceptional involvement and made significant contributions in the promotion of international trade in Southeast Michigan. "Under Dr. Zetsche's leadership, DaimlerChrysler continues to be not only an international leader, but also is a great corporate citizen in our region," said Benjamin Maibach III, chairman of the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce. "Both serve to enhance our region's image and stature in the world community." Zetsche has been president and CEO of the Chrysler Group since November 2000. He is responsible for the worldwide operations of Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge, and is also a member of the DaimlerChrysler AG Board of Management. Since assuming the helm of the Chrysler Group, Dieter Zetsche has become active with many Detroit-area civic and community-based organizations. He currently serves as Chairman of the Detroit Economic Club and of the upcoming 2003 NAACP Dinner. Additionally, Zetsche serves on the boards of Detroit Renaissance, the Greater Downtown Partnership, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Detroit Institute of the Arts (DIA) and the Economic Alliance for Michigan. Since 1954, the World Trader of the Year Award has been presented annually by the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce. With more than 19,000 members, the Detroit Chamber is the largest in the United States. This year, the Chamber will also celebrate 100 years of service to the Detroit-area business community. The World Trader of the Year Award will be presented tonight during a ceremony in Dearborn, Michigan.