FREE mp3 DOWNLOADS FROM MERCEDES-BENZ'S "MIXED TAPE" COMPILATION SERIES ENABLES EMERGING ARTISTS TO REACH VAST AUDIENCE

Over 7.5 Million Downloads in Universal mp3 Format

San Diego, CA - March 30, 2005 - Providing music fans with a unique opportunity to experience a wide variety of music, Mercedes-Benz is offering free mp3 downloads of eclectic compilations on its website. Since the mp3 codec can be played back on virtually every PC and portable audio player, all site visitors will be able to download and play the files on any device. Through its "Mixed Tape" series, Mercedes-Benz is scheduled to release a total of six different mp3 compilations in 2005, with a new collection every eight weeks.

The latest offering, Mixed Tape 06, is an assortment of 15 different jazz, soul, pop, rock and hip hop musicians from around the globe - including Germany, Great Britain, France and the United States. Music enthusiasts, as well as Mercedes owners, are encouraged to download the Mixed Tape compilation from www.mercedes-benz.com/mixedtape to their PC, and burn the collection to a CD or portable digital audio device for playback anytime, anywhere.
"We are pleased that Mercedes-Benz has selected mp3, the global standard in digital music, as the format for its exciting Mixed Tape series which provides a platform for new, independent artists to share their latest work," said Francois Thuiliere, Manager, Business Development, Audio and mp3 program of the Intellectual Property and Licensing unit of Thomson. "The versatile mp3 format guarantees that these files can be enjoyed on past and current digital audio devices for years to come, further illustrating our 'mp3 - playing everywhere' initiative this year."
Since its inception last June, the Mixed Tape series has achieved great success - reaching over 7.5 million mp3 downloads to date. Last year's series included four different compilations and featured 60 different artists from around the world including Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, India, Rwanda, Switzerland and the United States.
"We chose the mp3 codec because of the great flexibility it provides for music fans," said Sven Doerrenbaecher, Manager, Digital Communication, Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars. "Whether they choose to listen to the songs in their Mercedes automobile or while on the go, the free online compilations provide exposure to a diverse sampling of up and coming artists."
Music files contain lyrics and graphics, enabling users to create cover art for their burned CDs. As an added benefit, registered site visitors receive an email newsletter and have access to a collection of e-cards featuring the highlighted songs.
Emerging musicians looking for a vehicle to showcase their music can submit their songs online for consideration by the Mixed Tape music editorial staff.

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Thomson (Euronext Paris:18453) (NYSE:TMS - News) provides technology, systems and services to help its Media & Entertainment clients -- content creators, content distributors and users of its technology -- realize their business goals and optimize their performance in a rapidly changing technology environment. The Group intends to become the preferred partner to the Media & Entertainment industries through its Technicolor, Grass Valley, RCA and THOMSON brands. For more information: http://www.thomson.net/.