°®¶¹´«Ã½

Facing a future in which private car ownership may fade, Daimler is ramping up efforts to create new products and services — even business models.

Daimler AG reported higher revenue and flat profits during the second quarter, with a strong performance from its Mercedes-Benz car division but sputtering results from the global truck unit.

Daimler AG, battered by allegations it colluded with other German carmakers for decades, is studying a legal separation of its businesses, including cars, trucks, vans and financial services, in a move that could pave the way for future spinoffs

Less than a decade ago, Portland, Ore.-based Freightliner appeared to have one foot out the door. The storied maker of big rigs changed its name to Daimler Trucks North America, then announced it would move hundreds of headquarters jobs to North Carolina.

First-quarter business rose and profits doubled for German manufacturer Daimler AG, but new truck sales were generally not part of the equation, and especially not in North America, the company reported April 26.

Global truck- and carmaker Daimler AG said its first-quarter earnings will be significantly better than during the same three-month period in 2016.

Daimler AG promoted Martin Daum to head of Daimler’s global truck and bus divisions effective March 1. Daum had been CEO of Daimler Trucks North America, a position he assumed in 2009.