Li, in comments made to Reuters on the sidelines of a panel discussion in Frankfurt, declined to comment on when talks would be concluded but reiterated that Geely was seeking to remain a supportive long-term strategic partner.

Li said Geely has not accumulated options to raise its stake in Daimler beyond 9 percent. "We have denied that," he said.

(Reporting by Edward Taylor; Editing by Christoph Steitz)