DaimlerChrysler has disregarded claims that it wants a stake in rival Volkswagen.

The comment comes after DaimlerChrysler admitted it had previously discussed a merger with VW, but wasn’t interested at this time in buying shares in the company.

The head of Daimler's luxury Mercedes unit, Dieter Zetsche, said the two companies would continue to hold talks about co-operation in the future.

Daimler is the second large carmaker to be linked with VW. Porsche increased its shares in the business to 10.3% last week.