BMW's named production chief Norbert Reithofer to succeed Helmut Panke as top dog at the German carmaker. Reithofer, 50, replaces Panke on Sept. 1 — and has the potential to serve for the next ten years at the helm. That's because BMW's internal rules set 60 as the age limit for C-class executives. Yup, that's right — Helmut's lifeclock's blinking red, so that must mean he's turning 60 in August. No word yet on whether he'll choose renewal through "Carousel" or go the "runner" route.

BMW names Reithofer as new chief executive [Detroit News]

Related:
BMW Chairman Reveals New Coupe, Crossover Vehicles [internal]

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