Daimler to Unveil New Autos at German Show

All eyes will be on DaimlerChrysler this week as the automaker’s revamped management team unveils new strategies and vehicles at the Frankfurt International Auto Show in Germany.

The company, which merged in 1998 amid promises to meld German engineering with Chrysler’s broad appeal, has stumbled since then -- but with the deft Dieter Zetsche as the new chief executive, analysts predict DaimlerChrysler could steal the show.

Analyst George Stuerzer of HVB Group said the company had an opportunity to try to brush away the years of criticism in the wake of the company’s merger, particularly Zetsche, who performed a dramatic turnaround at Chrysler. In the process, he said, the company could boost sales and demand for its Mercedes brand while debuting more of the Chrysler models that have helped it snare greater market share.

Chief among DaimlerChrysler’s offerings is its Mercedes-Benz Vision R 63 AMG. The company hopes the Vision will cause customers to look past the company’s recent quality issues and embrace the sleek car with room for six inside.

The show, which is held every two years, will open to the public Saturday.