Yep saw this earlier - he had some good influence and was a car guy among the financial wizards who made decisions for unrecognizable & unwanted cars. Some wizards.

Though they are struggling, GM is actually making some very good, high-quality cars, which can be attributed to Lutz.

Good luck to him in retirement.

__________________
Whenever I text "Barack," my phone suggests the word "Capable." I guess my my phone IS pretty smart.

He's only 77, I think his early retirement will be a blow to GM! How long until they go back to body cladding on dull cars?

__________________
2007 X5 3.0 si Black 'n Tan
2004 Boxster S Black 'n Tan
1970 914-6 Black 'n Tan

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.

How sad. Surely there must be a car company somewhere out there that is in need of royal f-ing up? Come on, give the poor guy a job. Damn Obama.

Sad to see him go. He contributed quite a bit at Ford, and later at BMW. I don't think he did as much good at Chrysler, but perhaps they were beyond saving. I think his most important contribution at GM was being one of the very few 'car guys' in the executive team.

__________________
2007 X3 3.0si, 6 MT, Premium, White

Retired:
2008 535i, 6 MT, M Sport, Premium, Space Grey
2003 X5 3.0 Steptronic, Premium, Titanium Silver
2002 325xi 5 MT, Steel Grey
2004 Z4 3.0 Premium, Sport, SMG, Maldives Blue