"We build those cars that can pass certification but this may not be the vehicle that the customer had ordered," Zetsche said in a call with journalists to discuss second-quarter results on Thursday. "This has an impact on pricing."

Zetsche further said a supply shortage of battery cells was causing a delay in sales of electric Smart cars and hybrid Mercedes-Benz models.

(Reporting by Edward Taylor)

Stocks treated in this article : Daimler, Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd