Lutz: News of me coming back to GM ’caused a stir’ with the U.S. Treasury

Miss Maximum Bob Lutz and his influence on the automotive industry (especially the American auto industry)? Well, don’t be too sad because the former General Motors product chief is throwing in his two cents in two major consulting positions.

First and foremost, Lutz has been advising Lotus CEO Dany Bahar and the company’s designers and engineers as they launch a complete brand revamp and turnaround. Speaking at the Lotus press conference at the 2011 New York Auto Show, Lutz said he has been conducting design reviews for about a year on several cars that the Lotus is developing.

“The future vision is now being executed with a great deal of dynamism,” Lutz said. “I give them the benefit of my accumulated experience, whether they ask for it or not.”

80-year Lutz is also working with new GM product chief Mary Barra on a “pro bono” basis. Earlier this year, it was reported that GM was interested in bringing back Lutz as a paid consultant. However, Lutz said that news ’caused a stir’ with the U.S. Treasury Department, so he decided to work informally for the Detroit automaker.

Maybe the title of his upcoming book “Car Guys vs. Bean Counters: The Battle for the Soul of American Business,” has something to do with it. The book releases in June.

– By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive News