DaimlerChrysler has warned it could cut up to 4,000 jobs at its North American commercial vehicle operations next year.

The carmaker said an unexpected drop in demand was the reason behind the cuts.

DaimlerChrysler's Andreas Renschler said possible job cuts would include 800 layoffs already announced for March next year, Reuters reported.

"Our challenge is to manage the cycles and to come through the down cycles while preserving profitability," Renschler said.