The ratings on Germany-based automaker Daimler AG reflect the broad product and geographic scope of the group's operations, as well as the turnaround in recent years at Mercedes Car Group (MCG), which enjoys a leading share of the global luxury vehicle market. MCG generated an EBIT of €3.3 billion in the first nine months of 2007, representing a profit margin of 8.6%, a further improvement toward its 2010 EBIT margin target of 10%. In the remaining quarter of 2007, Standard&Poor's Ratings Services expects profitability at MCG to remain at a similarly strong level, supported by new model launches and overall quality improvements. The new smart fortwo model, which was launched in Europe in April 2007 and will enter
