After a 1.5bn euro loss in Q3 2007, German carmaker Daimler has reported a 213m-euro profit for the quarter this year.

Last year's loss reflected "special effects from the Chrysler transaction", the statement said.

But Daimler has not bee immune to the impact of the banking crisis on consumer confidence, as sales fell 3% fewer passenger cars and commercial vehicles.

Revenue dropped to 23.8bn euros from 25.7bn euros.

Daimler chairman Dieter Zetsche said: "the situation is very challenging indeed."