DaimlerChrysler said in a brief statement that the two companies had discussed an equity stake for three months which had centred on strategic and financial options of a tie-up.

Conclusion of the talks would not affect DaimlerChrysler's involvement with the commercial vehicle businesses the two companies are engaged in, the German-US transportation group said.

DaimlerChrysler has long been rumoured to be interested in taking an equity stake in Nissan Motor either to intensify cooperation in commercial vehicles or as a step towards building up its car business in Asia.

DaimlerChrysler and Nissan Diesel, a unit of Nissan Motor, already cooperate in the development of a truck for the South American market.

The end of talks with Nissan Motor also meant that DaimlerChrysler now will not take a stake in Nissan Diesel, DaimlerChrysler said. TheStuttgart-based company also said the talks had not gone as easily or as fast as had been expected.