Daimler silent on Fiat report

Daimler AG is ready in principle to work with other carmakers on projects of mutual interest, a spokesman said on Wednesday, but he declined comment on a report it could develop compact cars with Fiat. Speculation has swirled for weeks that Daimler could seek a partner to work on the next generation of Mercedes-Benz A-Class and B-Class compact cars, whose importance is being highlighted by the debate on cars' contribution to global warming.

"We don't exclude (collaboration accords) categorically and we are in cooperation with others. We will entertain them if they make sense in certain fields and certain areas," a Daimler spokesman said, but he would not discuss Fiat specifically. Fiat also declined comment.