DaimlerChrysler still expects a strong rise in profits at its financial services business this year, the unit's chief said late on Nov. 24, according to Reuters.

"We expect a very positive profit development this year," Klaus Mangold told reporters in comments embargoed until Nov. 25, Reuters reported.

Mangold added that the unit of the world's fifth biggest carmaker, struggling to return its U.S. Chrysler unit to profit, would post a record profit this year if one-off gains from selling stakes in previous years were stripped out, Reuters said.

Reuters noted that last year the business, which provides financing for customers buying and leasing cars and which recently set up a bank, posted an operating profit excluding extraordinary effects of 964 million euros ($1.14 billion), compared with a 5.8 billion euros adjusted operating profit for the group.

Financial services have been accounting for an increasing chunk of earnings at U.S. carmakers this year and even at some European rivals, including Volkswagen, Reuters said.

However, Mangold noted that the strong euro was having a negative effect on profits, according to Reuters.

He also said DaimlerChrysler was not considering selling its 45 percent stake in Toll Collect, the consortium that is building and operating a truck toll system which has run into technical problems and delays. "That would go against the long term strategic orientation of the company," said Mangold, according to Reuters.

Other consortium partners are Deutsche Telekom and France's Cofiroute.

Mangold said he aimed to start a financing business in China, the world's fastest growing car market, as soon as possible, probably with a local partner, Reuters reported.

He also said Daimler had no plans to sell its services arm, according to Reuters. "We will never think of selling our financial services to a third party," Mangold said.