Geneva International Motor Show (GimsSwiss) (GIMS)
80th International Motor Show, March 2010 Geneva, Switzerland – Robert A. “Bob” Lutz is Vice Chairman at General Motors Company. For now.
We were having lunch (Gruyere fondue) at the Chalet de Gruyeres in Gruyeres, Switzerland when Bob told us he was retiring. “They’re announcing it tomorrow, but it won’t be effective till May 1st.” Anyone who knows Bob isn’t surprised that he didn’t wait till the announcement came out. It’s what we love about him.
Here is part of the interview I did with Lutz that evening.
Was Lutz asked to retire?
Were any of the recent changes inside General Motors suggestions from Lutz?
I asked Lutz to give me one other person inside General Motors that has the insight into the car business that Lutz has?
Here is the press release from General Motors on Bob Lutz’s retirement:
DETROIT “ General Motors Vice Chairman Robert A. Lutz will retire effective May 1, 2010, capping a 47-year career in the global auto industry that included senior leadership positions at four of the world’s leading automakers.
Lutz, 78, rejoined GM on September 1, 2001, as the head of product development, and has led the company’s resurgence in developing great cars and trucks. He also worked at BMW, Chrysler and Ford.
“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 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 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 ingrained throughout the organization “ from the top-down “ and I am confident that, under Ed Whitacre’s leadership, the straightforward, singular focus on a product will endure.”
Lutz, a GM vice chairman, was appointed senior advisor in December 2009 and will continue to provide guidance on design and key product initiatives until he retires May 1
