In order to cash in on the impressive performance in the last two to three years since its inception and take on competitors in the premium segment in India, German auto major BMW has brought in its Russian head Andreas Schaaf to head its Indian operations. He will be succeeding Peter Kronschnabl as president, BMW India. Peter Kronschnabl has been appointed as president of BMW Group, Russia.

The move assumes significance at a time when BMW India has become the number one player in the luxury car segment. BMW India increased its market share in the luxury segment of the Indian automotive market to over 40% in 2009 (from 9% at the end of 2006). With 3,619 cars delivered to customers in the calendar year 2009, BMW India achieved the highest sales by a manufacturer in the luxury car segment in a year.

The last few years were demanding for BMW India and it made into the most successful market entry. Various activities initiated during this period have provided BMW India with a solid basis to develop a strong foundation.

The German auto major made great strides in implementing its strategy to gain significant competitive edge which it turn helped it to reach the number one slot in the luxury car segment in India. BMW India?s chief recently said that its business activities will remain focused on the long term.

During the tenure of Peter Kronschnabl, as president of BMW India, a carefully planned market entry strategy for BMW was successfully executed that set the course for long-term success.

Since its inception in 2006, BMW India has stood ground in a fiercely competitive environment, delivered strong operating performance and achieved market leadership in the luxury car segment in 2009.

Andreas Schaaf has completed his doctoral thesis and studied Business Administration at the University of Bayreuth, Germany. Schaaf started his career with BMW AG in Munich in 1996.

Before joining BMW group Korea, he was the head of market development for the region Asia, Pacific, Africa, and Central & Eastern Europe, said a press release in Chennai on Tuesday.