Taking observers by surprise, luxury car-maker Mercedes-Benz India's managing director and chief executive for the last five years, Dr Wilfried Aulbur, has put in papers to pursue a new career within the country, the company said on Sunday. Aulbur will quit at the end of this year.

''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. ''Aulbur will remain with Mercedes-Benz India till a successor is identified to ensure a smooth transition.''

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. Aulbur, who is married to Rekha Srinivasan, an Indian, was offered an appointment outside India by Mercedes.

However, he has chosen to move outside the Daimler Group in India.

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 the Actros range of trucks, every year.

''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.

Industry sources said Aulbur resigned two days ago and will completely move out of the automobile sector, though he will remain in India. ''After staying five years in India, he is in love with the country. He will most probably stay here forever,'' a source close to the development said.

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.

Speaking to Hindu Business Line, Aulbur said, ''A lot of work has been done by Mercedes-Benz in India in the last five years and many further investments are now lined up. My contract was for a longer time and I had options to work abroad, but I've chosen to work in India and pursue other engagements. I will continue till a replacement is found.''

He, however, did not mention where he would join next after completing the year at Mercedes.