<Page> EXHIBIT 8.1 SIGNIFICANT SUBSIDIARIES The following table shows the significant subsidiaries owned, directly or indirectly, by DaimlerChrysler AG as of December 31, 2001, as defined in Regulation S-X, Section 210.1-02(w): <Table> <Caption> NAME OF COMPANY PERCENTAGE OWNED Chrysler do Brasil Ltda., Sao Paolo, Brazil 100.0 Chrysler International Corporation, Auburn Hills, MI, a Delaware corporation 100.0 DaimlerChrysler Argentina S.A., Buenos Aires, Argentina 100.0 DaimlerChrysler Canada Inc., Windsor, Canada 100.0 DaimlerChrysler Corporation, Auburn Hills, MI, a Delaware corporation 100.0 DaimlerChrysler de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Santa Fe, Mexico 100.0 DaimlerChrysler Motors Corporation, Auburn Hills, MI, a Delaware corporation 100.0 DaimlerChrysler North America Holding Corporation, Auburn Hills, MI, a Delaware corporation 100.0 DaimlerChrysler Services North America LLC, Southfield, MI, a Michigan limited liability company 100.0 Freightliner LLC, Portland, OR, a Delaware limited liability company 100.0 Mercedes-Benz Leasing Argentina S.A., Buenos Aires, Argentina 100.0 Micro Compact Car smart GmbH, registered in Renningen, Germany 100.0 </Table>