BREAKING: Bob Lutz to retire May 1
General Motors has just announced that Vice Chairman Bob Lutz will retire effective May 1, 2010. Lutz, 78, will end his 47-year career in the global auto industry after holding senior leadership positions at four of the world’s leading automakers.
“The influence Bob Lutz has had on GM”s commitment to design, build and sell the world”s best vehicles will last for years to come,” GM CEO and Chairman Ed Whitacre said. “I, along with many other men and women in GM and throughout the industry, have greatly benefited from his passion, wisdom and guidance.”
Lutz said that he decided to retire now in part because hot-selling vehicles like the Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac SRX, GMC Terrain, Chevrolet Equinox and Chevrolet Camaro, along with the growing strength of GM”s four core brands, prove that a product-focused mindset inside the company is in place for the long term.
“I can confidently say that the job I came here to do more than nine years ago is now complete ““ the team I have been fortunate to lead has far exceeded my expectations,” Lutz said. “Our product lineup is as strong as it has been in GM”s history. The perception of our products and brands is beginning to catch up with reality. And most importantly, the absolute commitment to being a product-driven company is engrained throughout the organization ““ from the top down ““ and I am confident that, under Ed Whitacre”s leadership, the straightforward, singular focus on product will endure.”
Lutz has also worked at BMW, Chrysler and Ford.
– By: Omar Rana
