First of DaimlerChrysler's Revived Maybach Limos Leaves Factory

SINDELFINGEN, Germany AP reported that the first limousine in DaimlerChrysler AG's newly revived Maybach line left the factory Monday and was sent to New York for the car's official world premiere next month.

DaimlerChrysler plans to start full-scale production of the Maybach this fall at its Sindelfingen plant, near Stuttgart, and expects to make five of the cars every day.

The top-of-the-line Maybach 62, which will sell for 360,000 euros ($349,000) plus tax, is being taken to the British port of Southampton to be loaded onto the luxury liner Queen Elizabeth II for its journey to New York, where it will be presented July 2.

A shorter version of the limousine, the Maybach 57, will sell for 310,000 euros ($300,000).

DaimlerChrysler sees the United States as the biggest market for the new car.

The German-American automaker announced in 1998 that it go forward with plans to produce the Maybach, reviving the name of a pre-World War II brand. The cars will be tailored to individual customers' specifications.

The last of the old Maybachs was built in 1940.

The reintroduction comes as DaimlerChrysler's rivals explore the market for top-end vehicles. Volkswagen AG is building up Bentley and has shown off new versions of the Bugatti, while Ford Motor Co. has strengthened its Aston Martin division.