Daimler executives took pains today to set cautious expectations.

Daimler executives know they face an angry and demoralized work force.

The top 10 Daimler executives combined were paid the equivalent of $12.3 million, slightly below their 1996 pay, the company's disclosure statements show.

Daimler executives emphasized the uncertain economic outlook, particularly in the United States.

Daimler executives do not know whether they will ever try to market such a car.

To be sure, the problems could give Daimler executives leverage that they have not been able to acquire so far.

Indeed, Daimler executives have flirted with the idea of starting a new brand.

Among Daimler executives here, however, there was a sense that they got the good end of the bargain.

Daimler executives acknowledged last night that he had been successful in that role.

Daimler executives now predict sales of 80,000 Smart cars this year and more than 100,000 next year.