DaimlerChrysler has issued figures for its performance in the first quarter of 2003 that show the firm sold one million vehicles worldwide.

According to the automotive giant the figure represents a five per cent fall on the previous year as a result of weaker demand in major markets.

However, some divisions such as the Mercedes Car Group did show signs of improvement, selling 291,200 vehicles in the first quarter despite the difficult climate.

Another major area of growth was in the sale of commercial vehicles, which the firm said rose by five per cent to 107,000 vehicles in the first quarter this year.

The overall trend was in line with the global slowdown that analysts say is hampering vehicle demand across the world.