BRIEFS

TOKYO (AP):Mazda's president believes gasolene engines will still power 80 to 90 per cent of the world's autos even in 20 years time, and remains confident it can grow without electric vehicles.

The comments last Thursday from Mazda Motor Corp President Takashi Yamanouchi contrast with the strategy at Japanese rival Nissan Motor Co, which is banking heavily on its Leaf electric car, one of the first mass-produced EVs on the market.

Yamanouchi said Mazda's efficient gas engine called "Skyactiv" will be a pillar of its growth strategy as the Hiroshima-based manufacturer seeks to boost sales in emerging markets, where electric vehicles and hybrids aren't expected to be as popular as in developed nations.

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Hybrid drivers lose privileges

LOS ANGELES (AP):For six years, California gave owners of hybrid cars the keys to the fast lane: permission to drive alone among carpoolers.

Now hybrids are about to lose the special privilege that was intended as a reward for saving gas and protecting the environment. The vehicles are no longer novel, their key-shaped yellow decals faded from the sun, and transport-ation officials want to make way for a new generation of even cleaner cars.

Starting Friday, 85,000 hybrid owners have to get back in line with the gas guzzlers, the truckers and everyone else or face steep fines.

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Ford's US sales rise

DETROIT (AP): Ford Motor Co says its US sales rose 10.4 per cent in June thanks to new products like the Fiesta subcompact and revamped Explorer SUV.

Explorer sales more than doubled over last June, while sales of the Fiesta more than quadrupled. Focus small car sales were up 41 per cent.

The F-Series pickup remained Ford's best-selling vehicle, with sales up seven per cent from a year ago.
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New CEO for BMW Group

BMW Group Central, South America and the Caribbean last Friday announced the appointment of Dr Alexander Wehr to the position of CEO, effective September 1. Wehr follows Gernot Volkmer who has been appointed as the new CEO of BMW Group Spain.

Wehr, who has a PhD in economics, will join the BMW Group Central, South America and the Caribbean region from the Munich-based head-quarters of the BMW Group, where he has been director for the International Used Car Division with a yearly volume of more than 60,000 units. Wehr has been working for the BMW Group since 1997 with various central positions in areas like Strategy and Planning and Product management.

Gernot Volkmer has been the CEO for BMW Group Central, South America and the Caribbean since 2007 implementing important changes and setting high quality standards for the dealer and importer network in the region .