Bob Lutz' New Product Initiative is Bearing Fruit
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| Bob Lutz, Chairman of GM North America, takes questions after unveiling GM's 2003 concept cars at Detroit's North American International Auto Show. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
Robert (Bob) Lutz, one of the most influential leaders in the automotive industry, will continue on at General Motors for at least one year after his initial 'flexible' 3-year contract expires, a GM spokesperson confirmed on Wednesday.
Now 70, Lutz is leading a new product initiative at GM when most people are 5 year's past considering retirement. After retiring from the top job at the Chrysler Group, Lutz joined GM as Vice Chairman for Product Development on September of 2001. Since this time he has become Chairman of GM North America.
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| As Chairman of GM North America, Bob Lutz' product driven influence is beginning to take shape. While not announced for production, the Chevrolet SS points the reviving brand in an exciting new direction. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
His current contract would have ended in September of 2004 but now has been extended to September of 2005, with future extensions to be considered on a year-to-year basis.
To industry insiders the move to keep Lutz at the helm of the world's largest automaker is positive. His product focused turnaround is already bearing fruit, especially evident in both the company's latest concept cars and new production models unveiled at last week's North American International Auto Show in Detroit.