roland-krueger2

Infiniti has a new German boss in the form of BMW veteran, Roland Krueger. The ailing Japanese firm has poached Krueger, who was CEO in BMW’s Japan unit and more recently senior vice president in charge of the German domestic market, to head the company following two major departures this year.

Earlier in July, brand president Johan de Nysschen left to head General Motors’ Cadillac division. More recently, the company’s chairman, Andy Palmer, left to take over the reigns at Aston Martin as CEO.

When Krueger begins work, he will serve as Infiniti’s president and also as senior vice president of parent company, Nissan – based in Yokohama, Japan.


Johan de Nysschen (left), Andy Palmer (right, middle in frame)

Infiniti continues to fall behind its key rivals – BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Lexus, in terms of worldwide sales. According to Infiniti, the company sold a record 101,220 vehicles worldwide in the first six months of 2014 – a 30% increase in volume compared to last year.

By contrast, Audi’s global sales rose 11% to 1.14 million vehicles through to August. Mercedes recorded a 12% increase with 1.03 million vehicles in the first eight months and BMW posted a rise of 10% with 1.03 million vehicles sold through to July.

Krueger joins Infiniti at a crucial point as it plans to unveil a new halo car – in the form of a fastback sedan, at the Paris motor show in October. The car will, hopefully, serve as a turning point for the marque as it aims to sell 500,000 vehicles by 2017.

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.