In an article published by AutoWeek yesterday, DaimlerChrysler CEO Dieter Zetsche took a moment to share his thoughts on the Mercedes Car Group, again reiterating that he expects a 7 percent return on sales at the Mercedes-Benz division by the end of next year. 

The expected increase is due in large part to two major factors - decreased costs and increased productivity - about which Zetsche had this to say: "We had to change the basic approach. We are challenging the quality strategy more.  I am very confident that we have a much more resilient base for profitability."

Zetsche then went on to discuss smart and Maybach, both brands he remains optimistic about.  According to Dieter, the smart brand, "despite all the bashing based on financial failure, is extremely strong... The new smart will offer more of everything that smart offers today with better costs, and the breakeven point is coming down."  As for Maybach, "Maybach has started to prove that DaimlerChrysler can define the pinnacle of automotive engineering, and reaction to the product across the board has been very positive."

And there you have it.  Seven percent return on sales for the Mercedes-Benz brand; smart and Maybach will remain perpetual thorns in the Mercedes Car Group's side; and Dieter maintains his position as the sexiest mustachioed CEO alive.

For more info, head over to AutoWeek to check out the full article.