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For new CAFE rules, automakers place high-stakes tech bets

Game-changing 2015 fuel economy rules are forcing vehicle development teams to make high-stakes bets on expensive technologies--bets that will separate the winners from the also-rans. Not only do federal rules target a 2015 fleet average of 35.5 mpg, up from the current 27.5 mpg for cars and 23.1 mpg for light trucks; they force automakers to bet on different technology packages for each vehicle segment. Companies that do best at mixing technologies while keeping down costs will have an advantage when buyers wince at higher stickers.

Hearst moves Road & Track

New York publishing house Hearst says it will move the Road & Track magazine editorial offices from Newport Beach, Calif., to Ann Arbor, Mich., home of its other auto-magazine title, Car and Driver. Additionally, Larry Webster has been named editor in chief, replacing Matt DeLorenzo. Webster had been automotive editor of Hearst's Popular Mechanics since January 2010 and before that was the Detroit editor for Popular Mechanics.

Who's Where: Karim Habib appointed Head of BMW Design

Karim Habib has been promoted to the position of Head of BMW Design, a role that will see the 42-year-old Lebanon-born Canadian oversee the design of all BMW cars. Habib has held the position of Head of Exterior Design since March 2011 and will take up his new role at the start of next month. Habib is perhaps best known for his major contribution to the development of the current BMW 7 Series and Concept CS.