Joachim Schmidt, global head of sales and marketing for Mercedes, says until batteries get cheaper and lighter, Mercedes will respond to demand for exhaust-free cars (and California clean-car mandates) with small vehicles such as the tiny electric Smart and the compact B-Class, and offer plug-in hybrid versions of its larger models, including the S-class sedan.

WSJ: Five Cars and the Quest to Please All Buyers

Fed up, 61%-owner Jannard named himself chief executive and booted out William Schmidt, a former Gatorade executive who had tried to buck Oakley's traditional high-end marketing philosophy.

FORBES: Night Falling on Knight

Fed up, Jannard, who owns 61% of Oakley, named himself CEO and booted out William Schmidt, a former Gatorade executive who had tried to buck Oakley's traditional high-end marketing philosophy.

FORBES: Night falling on Knight