<p>Industry sources said Aulbur, who will complete five years as the India Head of the German car-maker by the end of 2010, is likely to move out of the automobile sector.<br /><br />"With the construction of the new factory and several additional projects close to approval, Aulbur has decided to accept a new challenge outside of the Daimler group within India," the company said in a statement.<br /><br />"Aulbur will remain with Mercedes-Benz India till a successor is identified to ensure a smooth transition," it added.<br /><br />The company started assembling its vehicles within the country at a facility in Chakan, Maharashtra, in January, 2009. The facility has the capacity to produce 5,000 cars and 1,200 commercial vehicles, mainly Actros range trucks, every year.<br /><br />"During his tenure, Mercedes-Benz established its presence in the truck and the bus business and significantly expanded its research and sourcing operations in India," the statement said.<br /><br />Industry sources said Aulbur resigned two days ago and will completely move out of the automobile sector, though he will remain in India.<br /><br />"After staying five years in India, he is in love with the country. He has, in fact, married Rekha Srinivasan -- an Indian woman. He will most probably stay here forever," a source close to the development said.<br /><br />A German by birth, Aulbur did his doctoral and post- doctoral studies in physics in the US. For a short period, he was with Mercedes-Benz India in the early 80s. Later, in 2005, he joined the company again as India Head.<br /><br />"Usually, Mercedes appoints the India Head for 2-3 years. Albur has already got one extension to stay in for five years and he is unlikely to get another," the source said.<br /><br />After being the numero-uno luxury car-maker in India for years, Mercedes-Benz lost its leadership position to rival BMW in 2009 and reported a decline of 10.43 per cent in sales in the country last year.<br /><br />However, making a strong comeback, the company has beaten compatriot BMW this year to regain the top position in the luxury car segment. For the January-August period, Mercedes- Benz's sales increased by a whopping 84.15 per cent to 3,497 units from 1,899 units in the same period last year.<br /><br />The company reported its highest-ever monthly sales of 573 units in August, an over two-fold jump compared to the year-ago period.<br /><br />"Over these years, the company has grown aggressively and Mercedes-Benz has successfully managed to harness the potential in the luxury car segment," the statement said.<br /><br /></p>
<p>Industry sources said Aulbur, who will complete five years as the India Head of the German car-maker by the end of 2010, is likely to move out of the automobile sector.<br /><br />"With the construction of the new factory and several additional projects close to approval, Aulbur has decided to accept a new challenge outside of the Daimler group within India," the company said in a statement.<br /><br />"Aulbur will remain with Mercedes-Benz India till a successor is identified to ensure a smooth transition," it added.<br /><br />The company started assembling its vehicles within the country at a facility in Chakan, Maharashtra, in January, 2009. The facility has the capacity to produce 5,000 cars and 1,200 commercial vehicles, mainly Actros range trucks, every year.<br /><br />"During his tenure, Mercedes-Benz established its presence in the truck and the bus business and significantly expanded its research and sourcing operations in India," the statement said.<br /><br />Industry sources said Aulbur resigned two days ago and will completely move out of the automobile sector, though he will remain in India.<br /><br />"After staying five years in India, he is in love with the country. He has, in fact, married Rekha Srinivasan -- an Indian woman. He will most probably stay here forever," a source close to the development said.<br /><br />A German by birth, Aulbur did his doctoral and post- doctoral studies in physics in the US. For a short period, he was with Mercedes-Benz India in the early 80s. Later, in 2005, he joined the company again as India Head.<br /><br />"Usually, Mercedes appoints the India Head for 2-3 years. Albur has already got one extension to stay in for five years and he is unlikely to get another," the source said.<br /><br />After being the numero-uno luxury car-maker in India for years, Mercedes-Benz lost its leadership position to rival BMW in 2009 and reported a decline of 10.43 per cent in sales in the country last year.<br /><br />However, making a strong comeback, the company has beaten compatriot BMW this year to regain the top position in the luxury car segment. For the January-August period, Mercedes- Benz's sales increased by a whopping 84.15 per cent to 3,497 units from 1,899 units in the same period last year.<br /><br />The company reported its highest-ever monthly sales of 573 units in August, an over two-fold jump compared to the year-ago period.<br /><br />"Over these years, the company has grown aggressively and Mercedes-Benz has successfully managed to harness the potential in the luxury car segment," the statement said.<br /><br /></p>