DETROIT -- Robert Eaton, cochairman of DaimlerChrysler AG, expressed interest Sunday in purchasing embattled truck maker Nissan Diesel Motor Co. -- as long as terms of acquisition are acceptable.
Eaton told reporters during a concept-car preview for the North American International Auto Show in Detroit that DaimlerChrysler will also keep alive the option of acquiring other Japanese automakers. DaimlerChrysler has begun operating smoothly following an initial period of mild complications arising from the merger between Chrysler Corp. of the United States and Daimler-Benz AG of Germany, according to motor industry analysts.
"We're in a number of talks right now -- both in Europe and Asia," Eaton said. "I don't know whether they will go anywhere. We'll have to see how it plays out." Those partners as yet did not include Nissan Diesel, with which the company has had on again, off again discussions, Eaton said. "But if it became available, we're potentially a player. Clearly, we want to expand large truck operations. We're No. 1 in heavy trucks today; we would like to continue that."