DaimlerChrysler wants to sell its diesel motors unit MTU Friedrichshafen to an industrial buyer, the German-American carmaker again told Reuters, but gave no schedule for any disposal.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more


A spokesman reportedly declined to name any prospective buyers other than truck maker and industrial group MAN AG , which has publicly expressed its interest in the maker of diesel motors for heavy vehicles, construction equipment, ships and locomotives. “We have confirmed that we want to sell it to strategic investors. We have said that we will hold talks with MAN, but I cannot say anything more about additional interested parties or a timeline,” the spokesman said.


Andreas Renschler, the head of DaimlerChrysler’s commercial vehicles division, had earlier told Reuters that the group was holding talks with several potential buyers but it was under no time pressure to divest the business.


MAN reportedly has said it is interested in MTU Friedrichshafen, but not at the 1.5 billion-euro ($1.83 billion) price floated in the media. The business employs nearly 6,700 staff and had 2004 sales of 1.35 billion euros.


According to Reuters, Germany’s Handelsblatt paper said that MAN still had the inside track to win the deal. Citing financial sources, it said that the MTU Friedrichshafen founding families Maybach and Zeppelin preferred to see a sale to an industrial partner.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Handelsblatt reportedly also cited financial and company sources as saying German piston maker Mahle GmbH was interested in MTU Friedrichshafen, but added that Mahle had denied it.

Just Auto Excellence Awards - The Benefits of Entering

Gain the recognition you deserve! The Just Auto Excellence Awards celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact. By entering, you showcase your achievements, elevate your industry profile, and position yourself among top leaders driving automotive industry advancements. Don’t miss your chance to stand out—submit your entry today!

Nominate Now