FRANKFURT (S&P Global Ratings) Oct. 26, 2020--S&P Global Ratings today said that German carmaker Daimler AG's (BBB+/Negative/A-2) strong third-quarter earnings and cash flow have further boosted rating headroom. At the same time, we think there is still meaningful uncertainty about operating prospects in 2021 in light of currently rising COVID-19 infections, and it remains imperative for Daimler to continue tackling longer-term challenges. These include structural cost reduction and further execution of its electrification roadmap. Daimler's third-quarter and nine-months results outperformed our previous forecast for 2020, which we had revised upward already after first-half earnings in July. In particular, despite revenue declining 3% on the prior year, third-quarter 2020 EBIT in Daimler's cars and vans segment increased by more than 40%
