Bob Lutz Interview

[DGthe3]

Exit Interview: Legend Bob Lutz Retires
from aol autos


In early March, Bob Lutz -- the auto industry’s colorful, outspoken, “ultimate car guy” -- announced he would step down from his position as General Motors vice-chairman on May 1.

The Swiss-born Lutz, now 78, leaves behind a long legacy. He’s served in various executive positions at General Motors, Chrysler, Ford, and BMW, and has always been a proponent of bold designs that created an emotional response from buyers. He helped turn Chrysler around in the early 1990s, and then returned to GM in 2001 to inject some excitement into their product line-up and re-focus the company’s attention on product quality.

Since Lutz’s return, GM has rolled out a bevy of sexy, head-turning models, some of which have snagged awards. New models bearing his influence include the dashing Cadillac CTS , the burly new Chevy Camaro , the redesigned Chevy Malibu , the Buick Lacrosse , and the svelte Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky roadsters (a pair that, unfortunately, were discontinued when GM decided to shutter the Pontiac and Saturn divisions). But the most important vehicle Lutz has had his hands in just might be the upcoming Chevy Volt plug-in, which could be a game-changer both for GM and the industry.

About a week after announcing his retirement plans, we caught up with Lutz to discuss his career, his legacy, his proudest accomplishments and a couple of his more colorful quotes. Here’s what he had to say.

the rest of the interview can be read here

[The_Blur]

Maximum Bob is a hero to the performance enthusiast and the embodiment of wha GM should be: confident to the point of near-arrogance in entire lines of superior products; honest and forward; devoted to his work; fiercely loyal; and happy to be there. The products he championed represent the greatest developments of our time in the automotive world. When Chevrolet advertised, "May the best car win," Maximum Bob made sure it did.

Bob Lutz, if you're ever in Chicago, join this forum and contact me. I want to buy you a drink and thank you for your hard work.

[Rallysport]

What a bummer. I hate to see "Maximum Bob" retire. He tells it like it is. Good luck, Mr. Lutz, enjoy retirement.

[Mr. Wyndham]

Various people have expressed an interest in my services, but mostly in the area of communications, like making speeches and such. I will probably write another book. But, to be honest, I don’t see myself ever taking another full-time job.

And so the Legacy ends.

Bob has earned every second of retirement and relaxation he gets in the coming years.
Thank you for fixing the most important part of GM, Bob...thank you for the Camaro, the Malibu, the Volt...everything. I never (obviously) had the privilege to work for you -- but I wish I did. You're a sort of automotive hero.

[FenwickHockey65]

Best wishes oh great leader.

[DGthe3]

Maybe when he retires he can write a book about his time in the auto industry. I know I would buy a copy.

[fielderLS3]

Bob will be leaving GM with the best car's GM has built in 40 years. Thanks for the products Bob. We'll miss you.

[PQ]

Chevrolet is flat out getting it done. This guy rocked.

But BMW?

[Xanthos]

As much as I don't want to see him retire, he's earned a nice long break. Best wishes on your retirement.
- X

[CynAgain]

Originally Posted by Dragoneye

And so the Legacy ends.

Bob has earned every second of retirement and relaxation he gets in the coming years.
Thank you for fixing the most important part of GM, Bob...thank you for the Camaro, the Malibu, the Volt...everything. I never (obviously) had the privilege to work for you -- but I wish I did. You're a sort of automotive hero.

Thank you and Enjoy