The management changes come as BMW is preparing to unveil its redesigned X3 sport-utility later this month and launch a new marketing effort to get Americans to custom-order their cars.

FORBES: BMW Promotes Two After Pitney's Death

Complacency also played its part: utility companies that asked Mizuho to test debit systems before the launch were told this was unnecessary.

ECONOMIST: A fine merger yields one fine mess

The company is hoping to enliven its tired portfolio of vehicles with the launch of a range of light trucks and sport-utility vehicles (SUVs) later this year.

ECONOMIST: Dazzled by the rising sun | The