Russia's GAZ denies report may bid for Chrysler
MOSCOW, Feb 26 (Reuters) - Russian auto maker GAZ (GAZA.RTS) denied on Monday a German magazine report that it might be interested in bidding for Chrysler, the U.S. arm of DaimlerChrysler DCXGn.DE which may be put up for sale.
"We have no intention of acquiring the American assets of Chrysler," spokesman Vladimir Torin said when asked about the report, in Germany's Focus news weekly.
DaimlerChrysler CEO Dieter Zetsche has said he would consider all options for Chrysler, which has struggled since its merger with the German auto maker back in 1998.
GAZ, best known for its tinny Gazelle minibuses and underpowered Volga saloons, would seem an unlikely candidate to bid for one of the 'big three' U.S. auto makers.
But the company's owner -- aluminium mogul Oleg Deripaska -- has brought in Western management and launched an expansion drive.
GAZ last year acquired British van maker LDV, is developing a new generation of engines, and said last week that a unit was talking to Swedish truck maker Volvo (VOLVb.ST) about a possible joint venture to build road making equipment.
