BREAKING: Bob Lutz to retire from GM at the end of 2009

Posted: Feb 09, 2009
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Of all the auto executives that have been leaving the auto industry, it’s General Motors Vice Chairman and head of Global Product Development Robert A. Lutz’s announcement of retiring that touches us the most. GM CEO Rick Wagoner said today that Bob Lutz will take a new role starting April 1, 2009 as Vice Chairman and Senior Advisor.

Lutz, 76, will stay in the role until his retirement at the end of 2009, Wagoner said in a statement. He said that the GM Board of Directors elected Thomas G. Stephens to take Lutz’s role as Vice Chairman and head of Global Product Development. He will report to COO Fritz Henderson.

And now a word from Rick Wagoner:

“Bob Lutz was already a legendary automotive product guy when he rejoined GM in 2001 - he”s added to that by leading the creation of a string of award-winning vehicles for GM during his time here. His 46 years of experience in the global automotive business have been invaluable to us. I”ve personally learned a great deal from Bob and have very much enjoyed the time we”ve worked together. I”m looking forward to Bob”s continued contributions to GM for the remainder of 2009 ““ and I know the impact of his efforts leading GM global product development will continue for years to come.”


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  • Pat

    Oh my gorsh! now way… Bob Lutz should be appointed to CEO of GM for 2009 until he retires… Wagoner should be brought down to his role.

  • zermatt

    This is a shame as he is a car guy.

    This may work out for the better as the GM of the future won't need an executive that enthusiastic about cars and the excitement of driving.

    Green cars are about the basics of get to and from your destinations. Automotive fun is to be banished form the government run GM and Chrysler.

  • Ivan Gutierrez

    Man and I thought GM was already in some deep sh*t. All the appealing cars the GM has were all his: Camaro, CTS, CTS Coupe, Solstice/Sky, Malibu, Enclave, G8 and some others I can't remember.

  • Pat

    Wait what about the Chevy Volt? That's maximum bob lutz's baby!

  • zermatt

    The car is vapor as it is not likely to see production.

  • Ivan Gutierrez

    Exactly like zermatt said, i didn't bother to mention the volt because its doubtful that it will do the things they say it will in the time they say it will. And if they do it'll be for a really high price.

  • Allen

    Oh thank god, before he ruined anything else (seriously).

  • Pat

    why would you say that?

  • Pat

    Oh my gorsh! now way… Bob Lutz should be appointed to CEO of GM for 2009 until he retires… Wagoner should be brought down to his role.

  • zermatt

    This is a shame as he is a car guy.

    This may work out for the better as the GM of the future won't need an executive that enthusiastic about cars and the excitement of driving.

    Green cars are about the basics of get to and from your destinations. Automotive fun is to be banished form the government run GM and Chrysler.

  • Ivan Gutierrez

    Man and I thought GM was already in some deep sh*t. All the appealing cars the GM has were all his: Camaro, CTS, CTS Coupe, Solstice/Sky, Malibu, Enclave, G8 and some others I can't remember.

  • Pat

    Wait what about the Chevy Volt? That's maximum bob lutz's baby!

  • zermatt

    The car is vapor as it is not likely to see production.

  • Ivan Gutierrez

    Exactly like zermatt said, i didn't bother to mention the volt because its doubtful that it will do the things they say it will in the time they say it will. And if they do it'll be for a really high price.

  • Allen

    Oh thank god, before he ruined anything else (seriously).

  • Pat

    why would you say that?