(Yicai Global) Nov. 30 -- German automotive giant Daimler AG [ETR:DAI] has reportedly rejected an offer from Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co. to acquire a 5 percent stake for about USD4.5 billion in the Mercedes-Benz's parent, The Paper reported today.

Geely Group subsidiary Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd. [HKG:0175] said the situation was unclear and it would first collect more information before commenting directly.

This is not the first time that Geely has planned to acquire a share of Daimler. The company reported planned to acquire a 27 percent stake in the firm for USD14.6 billion in May last year to become its second-largest shareholder. Geely denied this claim at the time.

The two automakers have held talks in Beijing in recent weeks, with Geely indicating its desire to purchases 3 percent to 5 percent of Daimler's shares when the latter issues new shares at discount.

Geely is also reportedly interested in a joint venture with Daimler to produce electric vehicles, and this a related deal could be completed in the coming weeks.