Authorities seized a mobile telephone and a computer during the searches at the plant south west of Stuttgart, the report said.

Bild said two people were under investigation on suspicion of bribery and bribery in business transactions, citing Stuttgart prosecutor Aniello Ambrosio.

"We are injured parties in the case and have filed a complaint," Bild cited a Mercedes-Benz spokesperson as saying.

(Writing by Rachel More, Editing by Friederike Heine)