AUTOSHOW-Daimler sees no BMW engine deal this year

CHIBA, Japan, Oct 24 (Reuters) - An engine cooperation pact between German carmakers BMW (BMWG.DE: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) and Mercedes is unlikely to be concluded this year, Daimler (DAIGn.DE: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) chief executive Dieter Zetsche said on Wednesday.

"We are studying whether it makes sense, whether we can arrive at a win-win situation for both," Zetsche told reporters at the Tokyo Motor Show.

"Such a study takes time. It is unlikely that there will be a decision this year -- probably next year," he said.

Zetsche said Daimler, which has the Mercedes passenger car brand and Benz truck brands, was also in exploratory talks with other carmakers but he declined to confirm whether that meant with Fiat (FIA.MI: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz).

"It is true that I see (Fiat Group CEO) Sergio Marchionne often. He is ACEA chairman and is in Formula 1. But I do not want to make a statement here that we are in talks with Fiat," he said.

Zetsche added that cooperation with other carmakers on vehicle platforms was unlikely because it would be too complex.