GM's Lutz To Call It Quits May 1: Sayonara! OR Is This A HUGE Loss For The Company?

The Los Angeles Times reports:

"Robert A. Lutz, an outspoken and colorful industry veteran who has worked for all of the major American car companies, said Wednesday he will retire May 1 from his post as vice chairman of General Motors Co., ending a 47-year career in the industry.

Lutz, 78, started a second stint at GM in 2001, charged with revitalizing the automaker's vehicle lineup. He stayed with the company through its brief sojourn into bankruptcy last year and has seen a new generation of GM autos -- including the Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac SRX, GMC Terrain, Chevrolet Equinox and Chevrolet Camaro -- start to take hold in the marketplace.

Those models helped power GM to a 32% gain in vehicle sales in February compared with a year earlier, after adjusting for the Pontiac, Hummer, Saab and Saturn brands that the automaker shed as part of its recovery plan..."

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BondMI6 - 3/7/2010 2:33:14 AM

+1 Boost

Lutz has been at GM for a while now- it really might be time for him to ride off into the automotive sunset.

Unless of coiurse Ford picks him up......

valhallakey - 3/7/2010 3:22:53 AM

0 Boost

Big loss for GM. To many running the company are either just not "car guys" or they are but they living in the 60s. Mr Lutz had a great view and understanding of cars from around the world. He was a primary reason behind Cadillac's resurgence, Buick is looking way better and even Chevrolet is now turning a corner. Happy retirement and let's hope GM brings a younger version on to replace him.

bfghemicuda - 3/8/2010 11:28:39 AM

+1 Boost

Badgewhore.. GM was on its way to recover before Obama and I agree with Tango. Lutz was also highly instrumental in Chryslers recovery in the early 90s. And everyone knows the Toyota recall was definately not on a volunteer basis. If it was it would have neen done years ago.

uaw_lax - 3/7/2010 4:03:37 AM

+3 Boost

Good car guy..... bad spokesmen.

PUGPROUD - 3/7/2010 8:58:15 AM

+2 Boost

BIG BIG LOSS !!! Lutz is the face of passion, soul and hope at GM. He is a mentor for what was (way back when) and can be at GM. A good guy and a great car guy...how could he not be missed.

Brembo - 3/7/2010 11:03:44 AM

+1 Boost

LATER!

freeagent - 3/7/2010 11:48:58 AM

+1 Boost

Maximum Bob sometimes had great quotes, and certainly made some progress with product design, but no "revitalized" corporation should be dependent upon a 70+ veteran to move forward. If not, GM has failed at succession planning. He had some hits, but overall the verdict has to be a disappointment.

tango - 3/7/2010 12:18:18 PM

+2 Boost

Bob Lutz is a great car guy. He has that magic touch. His retirement was only a matter of time, as with anybody else, but I think GM needs him for at least another year. In any event I hope that another car guy takes the reins and takes GM to the next level, taking over where Lutz left off. God Speed, Bob!

richard112360 - 3/7/2010 2:35:19 PM

+2 Boost

A BIG LOSS!!!! I agree with PugProud he's the face of passion, soul and hope at GM.

Agent00R - 3/7/2010 8:01:53 PM

-1 Boost

I wouldn't bet on it, pal ;)

BMWRU - 3/7/2010 4:15:49 PM

+2 Boost

I am not a GM guy, but some of its products, such as the Cadillac lines, do have my attention in terms of design and driving appeal. Props to the old guy <applause>.

truckman - 3/8/2010 1:32:36 AM

+1 Boost

Lets hope GM gets someone in there that can think outside the box, GM has an army of technicians, and somehow he still messed it up.

carguy68 - 3/8/2010 11:33:53 AM

+2 Boost

yawn!!

Neverfollow - 3/9/2010 12:49:30 PM

+1 Boost

Say what you want about this guy but I think he leaves behind HUGE shoes to fill. I like him, always have. He's one of the few true blue car guys in the industry that carries enough clout to actually get things done. Probably the only one in the US auto industry for that matter. He single handedly made cars interesting for 2 major US car manufacturers during his tenure with them. I'd put him right up there with Harley Earl in terms of his significance. He will be sorely missed and will leave behind an honorable legacy. Congrats Bob on your retirement! You should be very proud of your accomplishments given the huge obsticles placed before you during your time in the industry.