"You are weighing chances to extend your activities in Russia. I hope your blueprints are at an advanced stage now," the president said.
"The Russian government's stance on the issue is consistent, though rather tough. In fact, the government is promoting your production and other activities in this country built up." The point mainly concerns extraordinary arrangements for spare part imports, and an understanding on Daimler-Chrysler's own Russian-based manufacturing, added Putin.
"We are ready to all that, and the matter came under discussion in the Federal Chancellor's presence during my recent visit to Germany," he went on.
The President thanked Schrempp for the Daimler-Chrysler having a supervisory council session in Moscow.
The visitor thanked Putin, in his turn, for today's conference. He said he never doubted Russian economic progress going on.
As for the particular project, all disputable issues it involved are now settled. "I am sure Russia has vast resources. As for customs duties for the eight years, that will be settled, too. I'll be glad to see an initial batch of Mercedes cars coming up next fall," Schrempp said.
Decision-making on the huge capital investment the prospects imply is up to the Supervisory Council, and he is sure it will authorize the venture.
Daimler-Chrysler intends to establish a Mercedes works in St. Petersburg. The Russian branch will start with screw assembly to be entitled to a preferential status. Mercedes cars will eventually be manufactured in Russia throughout the production cycle.
