Daimler chief executive Dieter Zetsche said he would be open to talks with Tata’s head, Ratan Tata, concerning the matter.

The German manufacturer pointed out that its components could fill the supply gap left by Ford, from which Tata purchased the marques.

Zetsche said that there were currently no plans to raise Daimler’s stake in the Indian company, as it is “comfortable” with what it has now.

Zetsche added Daimler would make a decision on a production site in eastern Europe for its new A and B class compact cars by June this year.