DAIMLER-Chrysler shares rose 2.4% after announcing a 20% operating profits rise in 1999 to Euro 10.3 billion (£6.4 billion) with revenue up another 20% in the fourth quarter.

Sales of Mercedes-Benz cars increased by 10% to more than a million units worldwide and Chrysler Group brands sold 3.2 million vehicles, a rise of 100,000 units. The German-American car maker, has ambitious growth plans and has been in alliance and buy-out talks with several smaller manufacturers.