On trucks the strong growth of 31 to 355

Daimler is seeking to counter the rumors stating that disengagement next EADS. What is important is to find a "lasting solution" to maintain the Franco-German balance in the capital, said yesterday Bodo Uebber, the Financial Director of the automaker. Certainly, the manufacturer of the Mercedes is ready to take part in the inevitable discussion to stabilize in the long term ownership of the Aviation Group. But, whatever the outcome, it must "keep the industrial rule Germany within EADS", assured the leader, also Chairman of the Board of Directors of the parent of Airbus.

These statements have been interpreted as the fact that in the future Daimler could be less present in the EADS shares wishing to retain its voting rights. Today, the manufacturer of the A class holds 15 of the capital and 22.5 of the voting rights, parity with a French consortium involving Lagardère and the State. To justify his remarks, Bodo Uebber put forward several factors of instability that could weigh in the future on EADS.

First, there is the attitude of the German State: want to become a shareholder The Government of Angela Merkel will meet February 23 to discuss them. Then, the future of the 7.5 of Lagardère continues to raise questions, even if Arnaud Lagardère, Manager Media Group partnership, said recently that it was no question of reducing his involvement here in 2012, date it to replace Bodo Uebber ("Les Echos" from January 7, 2011). The fate of the 7.5 of parquées shares of the German side in a banking consortium 2012 issue.

Last question: that really wants to make Daimler, which remind its Chief Financial Officer, is first and foremost "an automotive group" A group including the star again scintillé last year. After a disastrous 2009 year, marked by a loss of EUR 2.6 billion, Daimler has published yesterday a net profit of $ 4.7 billion. Operating income came to 7.3 billion. Net sales increased by 24 to EUR 97,8 billion.

Sales increased 22, with 1.9 million vehicles and heavy goods vehicles passed. At 1.28 million, auto sales increased by 29 over a year. On trucks, the strong growth of 31 to 355.000 units, is especially from China. Year last in the sec plan, shareholders is proposing a dividend of 1.85 euro per share.

For Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Daimler and Mercedes boss, the Group made his return last year in the "champions League" constructors. "We are not yet a champion within the meaning of the highest net margin", he conceded. In 2011, profitability must significantly "improve", even if no figure has been given, which has not pleased at the stock exchange since the action has lost 4.36 per cent at the close. And by 2013, Daimler wants to reach an operating margin of 10 in the automobile, against 8.7 last year. It should reach 8 for trucks, 5.4 in 2010.

The group is the gas on the investment in research and production capacities: EUR 20 billion will be spent between 2011 and 2012. The cases are, it is true, solid. But not for large acquisitions, which are not in the order of the day. Time is cooperation, such as with Renault-Nissan, which makes "very positively", in the car or the Italian Iveco heavy goods vehicles. After rumours of takeover of the latter, Dieter Zetsche was clear: it "does not make sense economically".