Bob Lutz, big boss of General Motors' product management, announced this week that he will be stepping down after eight years with the company. Lutz joined GM in 2001 and is responsible for improving design quality and raising the standards of product quality.
Vice-chairman of global product development, he will officially leave his post on April 1, 2009. He will ensure the smooth transition of his successor, Thomas G. Stephens, who will become chairman at the end of 2009. During this time, both men will concentrate their efforts in accordance with the company's business strategy and product initiative.
In addition to taking up Lutz's mantle of the past few years, Stephens will be responsible for global quality and powertrains.
Bob Lutz proved himself an industry visionary by enabling GM to improve the image and quality of its products, particularly the passenger compartments, which he thought exaggerated at the time.
Under his supervision, GM marketed the recent Cadillac CTS, Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and Chevrolet Malibu, all hailed by the international press. Surprisingly, despite his disinterest in the green movement, the last major product he will have developed is the 2011 Chevrolet Volt.
Bob Lutz's automotive career extended over 46 years. He worked for BMW (1971-1974), Ford (1974-1986) and Chrysler (1986-1998), and he participated in the original projects for the BMW 3-Series, the Ford Explorer and the Dodge Viper.
Happy retirement, Bob.
photo:General Motors
Vice-chairman of global product development, he will officially leave his post on April 1, 2009. He will ensure the smooth transition of his successor, Thomas G. Stephens, who will become chairman at the end of 2009. During this time, both men will concentrate their efforts in accordance with the company's business strategy and product initiative.
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| General Motors Vice Chairman Bob Lutz |
In addition to taking up Lutz's mantle of the past few years, Stephens will be responsible for global quality and powertrains.
Bob Lutz proved himself an industry visionary by enabling GM to improve the image and quality of its products, particularly the passenger compartments, which he thought exaggerated at the time.
Under his supervision, GM marketed the recent Cadillac CTS, Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and Chevrolet Malibu, all hailed by the international press. Surprisingly, despite his disinterest in the green movement, the last major product he will have developed is the 2011 Chevrolet Volt.
Bob Lutz's automotive career extended over 46 years. He worked for BMW (1971-1974), Ford (1974-1986) and Chrysler (1986-1998), and he participated in the original projects for the BMW 3-Series, the Ford Explorer and the Dodge Viper.
Happy retirement, Bob.
photo:General Motors