In March, Automobilwoche reported that BMW might extend the contract of CEO Helmut Panke beyond the customary 60-year age cutoff. (Generally, BMW internal policy dictates that board contracts expire the year after the member turns 60). This week, the German magazine is reporting that BMW will not extend Panke’s contract. BMW officials did not comment on the magazine report. Under Panke’s direction, BMW has risen to what many would consider today’s most successful high-volume premium automaker. (Picture right is Panke behind the wheel of a new Z4).
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06/19, 7:39 PM
posted by:
Sean
Wow..that sucks. I hope he moves he moves to Audi or something and makes them stronger.
06/19, 8:50 PM
posted by:
Arne
What?
06/19, 9:04 PM
posted by:
Bill Ford
WOW ! Is there an opening ? Are they hiring ??
06/20, 12:41 AM
posted by:
Joe
Old people are so out of touch with the tastes of the modern public.
Imagine you’re the old Bob Lutz, or the big 3 CEO’s, you didn’t know you’re out of touch until lots of people scream at you to get it in your head.
06/20, 12:50 AM
posted by:
Franz Steinleitner
Poor old Carroll Shelby, 80+ years old and doesnt have a clue about performance cars.
06/20, 1:27 AM
posted by:
stuart
Last time I checked there was a possible job openinng at Mercedes Benz. There would be no better way to stick it at BMW then making them look crap.
06/20, 5:15 AM
posted by:
THE JEDI
He will probably be named to the board….but if not..If I was Rick Wagoner at GM…I would watch my back really bad…not only can GM triple Helmuts salary..but damn imagine what that would do for GM’s stock prices….i’d hire him
06/20, 7:14 AM
posted by:
Madcapp
They’re probably getting ready to install Chris Bangles boyfriend.
06/20, 7:40 AM
posted by:
Renton
#4 — Bob Lutz is a real deal car guy. He helped Chrysler a ton and is trying to help GM, but the old school is tough to crack in that company.
BMW clearly knows what they are doing. They have a pretty good batting average.
06/20, 9:31 AM
posted by:
1c3d0g
#5: Huh? What planet are you from? :-/
06/20, 9:40 AM
posted by:
Jon
1c3d0g,
Not this one.
Jon.
06/20, 12:45 PM
posted by:
Steve
One of the big two should hire this guy.
06/20, 3:27 PM
posted by:
rapcar
Its an absurd rule, 60 just isn’t that old anymore.
06/21, 1:13 AM
posted by:
The Stig
#8: Nice one.
07/22, 3:38 AM
posted by:
Tumbleweed
Kick Panke extra hard on his way out. Why? Bangle!