Daimler to Open Auto Plant in Russia?

Daimler AG is in talks with local officials in Moscow and St. Petersburg about launching car production in Russia, Interfax reports.

The Moscow-based news agency cites local authorities in St. Petersburg, who say the city has organized a committee to handle Daimler's application. Interfax also cites Russian Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov as saying Daimler is in discussions with Moscow officials about the factory.

The company said in April it was considering making Mercedes-Benz cars in Russia but had made no decision. Vedomosti reported at the time that Daimler had met with several possible partners for the venture.

Daimler currently makes Fuso Canter commercial trucks and Setra buses in Russia with KamAZ, in which it holds a 15% stake, and Sprinter vans with OAO GAZ. Last year the company sold 44,400 imported Mercedes-Benz cars in Russia.