Global 500

Europe's debt crisis may have truncated growth of the auto market in western Europe, but that doesn't mean all hope is lost for German automotive company Daimler. The company reported a 9% increase in revenues for 2011, up from about $120 million in 2010. While the company says it expects a slower growth rate in 2012, the Mercedes-Benz van market is expected to weather the industry's storms. Last year the van market saw a 17% growth in revenues. The German automaker recently signed a deal with Nissan Motor to expand its partnership with Russia-based auto manufacturer Kamaz. The deal allows the company to further its reach in the Japanese and Russian auto markets.  --S.J.