CHIBA -- The incoming head of DaimlerChrysler AG said Wednesday the giant automaker is willing to expand joint projects with Mitsubishi Motors Corp., regardless of what happens to its stake in the ailing Japanese firm.

"We are optimistic that we will find further areas of cooperation," Dieter Zetsche said in an interview with the media on the sidelines of the 39th Tokyo Motor Show, which was opened to the media Wednesday.

Zetsche will replace Juergen Schrempp as DaimlerChrysler's chief executive in January.

In April 2004, the U.S.-German automaker decided to terminate financial assistance to embattled MMC, and its 37 percent stake in the beleaguered automaker has since shrunk to about 12 percent.

MMC is being assisted by other Mitsubishi group companies as it strives to rebuild its reputation following a series of vehicle defect coverups that caused sales to plummet.

Zetsche said he has no intention of pushing to change Daimler's stake in MMC, although the percentage may decrease as the result of dilution.

While saying he will basically follow the direction taken by his predecessor, Zetsche said mergers and acquisitions are unlikely to be seen in the automotive industry today.

Instead, there will be more efforts at project-based cooperation, he said.

Zetsche said he welcomes Toyota Motor Corp.'s move to introduce the Lexus in Japan, saying the brand will help stimulate the market for upscale cars here.

However, he also said "it will take some time for the Lexus to be accepted by Japanese customers as a luxury brand."