Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Report: Bob Lutz, Tom Purves to advise Lotus?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/28/report-bob-lutz-to-advise-lotus/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/28/report-bob-lutz-to-advise-lotus/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/28/report-bob-lutz-to-advise-lotus/#commentsFiled under: ,



Two anonymous sources have told Automotive News that Lotus is courting both Bob Lutz and retired BMW executive Tom Purves to become advisors to the British brand.

As previously reported, Lotus' Malaysian parents at Proton are on a kick to increase both volume and model mix to take on its exotic rivals at Aston Martin, Ferrari and Porsche. In order to boost production to around 8,000 units annually, Lotus needs to take a long, hard look at what it's offering and how it can expand the brand to take on Europe's elite - possibly at the expense of Lotus' core values. Or not.

To that end, Lotus could be looking at both Lutz and Purves for their product knowledge, which in the case of Maximum Bob is as wide and varied as it is successful. Lutz has already said he's open to future gigs and he's already accepted a board position at Transonic Combustion. But at this point, however, formal bids for both retired execs have yet to provided by Lotus.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Report: Bob Lutz, Tom Purves to advise Lotus? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 17:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bob lutzbob lutz lotusBobLutzBobLutzLotuslotuslutzpurvestom pruvestom purvesTomPurvesMon, 28 Jun 2010 17:22:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19534370/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/28/report-bob-lutz-to-advise-lotus/19534370/article-detail.xml 19534370 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/lutz-solstice-sunglasses-630_thumbnail.jpeg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/lutz-solstice-sunglasses-630.jpeg <![CDATA[Bob Lutz in presumptive plane crash? [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/17/bob-lutz-in-presumptive-plane-crash-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/17/bob-lutz-in-presumptive-plane-crash-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/17/bob-lutz-in-presumptive-plane-crash-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Officials search for a downed plane - Click above to watch video after the jump

We've been a little curious as to what good old Bob Lutz has been up to after retiring from General Motors. While the former auto exec had said that he would be busy slaving away over his latest book, the truth may be a bit more exciting. Several locals in Pinckney, Michigan called emergency services when they spotted a small jet flying at low altitude, believing that the aircraft was going down. Officials didn't find anything, but said that they discovered that a "retired gentleman" had been previously flying his personal aircraft in the area.

No one is officially saying whether or not it was Lutz who was spending the afternoon reenacting his favorite Top Gun scenes, but we have a hard time imaging imagining how many other auto exec retirees would be buzzing church towers with a decommissioned jet in rural Michigan. By all accounts, the pilot landed safely without incident, and since neither the plane nor the pilot were positively identified, no one is being charged for the search and rescue operation. Hit the jump for a quick video of the search effort.

[Source: Livingston Daily via Jalopnik]

Continue reading Bob Lutz in presumptive plane crash? [w/video]

Bob Lutz in presumptive plane crash? [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jun 2010 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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When the now-retired General Motors Vice Chairman Bob Lutz joined us on the Autoblog podcast, he told us that he was looking to get on some company boards. Not even a month into retirement, Maximum Bob has added yet another notch to his belt, accepting a position at fuel injection supplier Transonic Combustion. The company, which has offices in Camarillo, CA and Bloomfield Township, MI, is working on more efficient fuel injection systems.

Lutz hasn't yet made any public comments about his new board role outside of a prepared statement that reminds us that "for the foreseeable future the internal-combustion engine will remain the dominant propulsion system for automobiles, and there is still a lot of room to improve its efficiency." Beyond his board job with Transonic Combustion, Lutz is working on a book that we're desperately interested to get our hands on.

[Source: Detroit Free Press | Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty Images]

Report: Bob Lutz signs on for board duty at fuel-injection startup originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 May 2010 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bob lutzbob lutz gm retiredbob lutz transonic combustionBobLutzBobLutzGmRetiredBobLutzTransonicCombustionTue, 25 May 2010 14:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19490295/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/05/25/report-bob-lutz-signs-on-for-board-duty-at-fuel-injection-start/19490295/article-detail.xml 19490295 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/gyi0059258400-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/gyi0059258400-630op.jpg <![CDATA[Self-proclaimed "irritant" Bob Lutz honored by GM]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/19/self-proclaimed-irritant-bob-lutz-honored-by-gm/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/19/self-proclaimed-irritant-bob-lutz-honored-by-gm/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/19/self-proclaimed-irritant-bob-lutz-honored-by-gm/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Bob Lutz is now officially into the swing of being retired. The former General Motors Vice Chairman has been living the life of leisure since the end of April, but the company he helped steer through Chapter 11 took some time to honor the living automotive legend in a number of receptions held yesterday. Lutz took the occasion to hand out a little wisdom to his fellow workers by telling them not to be afraid to be an irritant or point out deficiencies in the company, saying the philosophy worked for him throughout his career.

Lutz received a number of keepsakes during the celebration, including a set of aluminum versions of the cars he helped bring to market while at GM, including the Chevrolet Volt, Malibu and the Pontiac Solstice, as well as a small diecast engine. He spent his time signing autographs and shaking hands between speeches. Lutz also spoke to the theme of his next book - a tome that he's been working on since walking away from the automaker last month.

The text will focus mainly on the troubles that riddled GM before the meltdown and what the company can do to avoid falling into the same pitfalls in the future. His advice? Don't abandon common sense, and don't try to outthink the industry. It isn't one that requires "a huge intellect."

[Sources: Detroit Free Press, The Detroit News | Image: AP Photo/Seth Wenig/Getty]

Self-proclaimed "irritant" Bob Lutz honored by GM originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 May 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bob LutzBob Lutz retirementBobLutzBobLutzRetirementChevroletChevrolet MalibuChevrolet VoltChevroletMalibuChevroletVoltGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGMMalibuPontiac SolsticePontiacSolsticerobert lutzRobertLutzSolsticeVoltWed, 19 May 2010 16:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19483290/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/05/19/self-proclaimed-irritant-bob-lutz-honored-by-gm/19483290/article-detail.xml 19483290 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/bob-lutz-smile-ap-getty-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/bob-lutz-smile-ap-getty-630.jpg <![CDATA[Bob Lutz says farewell, talks GM success]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/30/bob-lutz-says-farewell-talks-gm-success/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/30/bob-lutz-says-farewell-talks-gm-success/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/30/bob-lutz-says-farewell-talks-gm-success/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Today is Bob Lutz' last day at General Motors, and as such, the industry's iconic car guy has written out a long farewell to his readers over at the company's Fastlane Blog. In his final post, Lutz says he's confident that the company he helped usher back from life support is on the right path. Why? Because he says that each of the GM brands now has a solid product line up under its belt that's capable of competing against the best the auto world has to offer.

Lutz says that GM has finally let its designers out from under the corporate thumb, and that move is beginning to pay dividends in the look of vehicles like the Buick LaCrosse, Chevrolet Malibu and Equinox. Combine that with ever-improving quality and lower-than ever inventories, and on the whole, Lutz says his company is beginning to get its legs back under it.

Yes, it does appear GM is on the mend, but the company and the industry as a whole is going to be a lot less interesting without Lutz around. You can read the full piece here.

[Source: Fastlane Blog]

Bob Lutz says farewell, talks GM success originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Apr 2010 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bob LutzBobLutzBuickCadillacChevroletChevrolet EquinoxChevrolet MalibuChevroletEquinoxChevroletMalibuEquinoxGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGMGMCMalibuFri, 30 Apr 2010 19:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19460643/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/30/bob-lutz-says-farewell-talks-gm-success/19460643/article-detail.xml 19460643 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/lutz-1272652150_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/lutz-1272652150.jpg <![CDATA[The DetroitBureau.com on Autoblog with Paul Eisenstein]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/27/the-detroitbureau-com-on-autoblog-with-paul-eisenstein/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/27/the-detroitbureau-com-on-autoblog-with-paul-eisenstein/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/27/the-detroitbureau-com-on-autoblog-with-paul-eisenstein/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Where have all the mavericks gone?

When he hands in his office keys a few days from now, General Motors Vice Chairman Bob Lutz will begin an oft-delayed retirement that was originally set to begin shortly after the ill-fated "merger of equals" between Daimler and Chrysler.

His decision to rejoin the automotive workforce a few years later wasn't all that much of a surprise to those who knew the former Marine pilot and what quite literally could be called his driving ambition. That leads many to suspect we'll continue to hear from Lutz, even though he bluntly wonders, "Who would hire a senior executive who's nearly 80 years old?"

Finally, it seems, this old soldier really may fade away, taking on a book assignment and a board seat or two. And, in the process, Lutz's departure will bring with it a different sort of change in the auto industry, the departure of the last classic automotive maverick.

Pull out a pen and jot down the names of the best-known auto industry executives. Your list might include Billy Ford or Alan Mulally, Ed Whitacre or even Carlos Ghosn, if you're taking the global view. Despite their prominence, even their willingness to take risks, these aren't exactly the sort of mavericks and eccentrics the industry was long known for.

That goes for Sergio Marchionne, the head of both Fiat and Chrysler. True, he's not your typical gray-flannel executive - he buys his trademark black sweaters "by the dozen," he jokes - and is clearly playing a high-risk poker game in his effort to turn around a desperately ill American automaker. But in the end, if someone eventually writes the Harvard Business Review analysis of the Canadian-educated executive, he'll still turn out to be another by-the-books strategist.

Paul A. Eisenstein is Publisher of TheDetroitBureau.com, and a 30-year veteran of the automotive beat. His editorials bring his unique perspective and deep understanding of the auto world to Autoblog readers on a regular basis.

Continue reading The DetroitBureau.com on Autoblog with Paul Eisenstein

The DetroitBureau.com on Autoblog with Paul Eisenstein originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Apr 2010 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Adrian van HooydonkAdrianVanHooydonkalan mulallyAlanMulallyapplebill fordbill ford jr.BillFordBillFordJr.bob lutzBobLutzcarlos ghosnCarlosGhosnchris bangleChrisBanglecompany leadersCompanyLeadersdetroit bureauDetroitBureauDetroitBureau.comelon muskElonMuskfeaturedghosnHenrik Fiskers Artega GT CoupeHenrikFiskersArtegaGtCoupehooydonkLi ShufuLiShufulutzlutz retirementLutzRetirementmaverickrobert lutzRobertLutzSergio MarchionneSergioMarchionnesteve jobsSteveJobsWang ChuanfuWangChuanfuTue, 27 Apr 2010 15:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19456093/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/27/the-detroitbureau-com-on-autoblog-with-paul-eisenstein/19456093/article-detail.xml 19456093 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/paul-1-08opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/paul-1-08opt.jpg <![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #175 - Bob Lutz joins in]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/20/autoblog-podcast-175-bob-lutz-joins-in/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/20/autoblog-podcast-175-bob-lutz-joins-in/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/20/autoblog-podcast-175-bob-lutz-joins-in/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid, Chris Paukert and Dan Roth are joined by the car executive we all wish we could be when we grow up, General Motors Vice Chairman Bob Lutz. After an hour of peppering Bob with questions about his career, we come away better informed as to where the man stands on the industry's future, how GM will fare, his favorite concept cars, what he plans to do in his retirement, and - pivotally - how to get your wife to let you buy a MiG fighter jet. It's a hour and thirteen minutes of class lecture from Mr. Lutz. Enjoy!

Autoblog Podcast #175: Bob Lutz!




In the Autoblog Garage:

Long-term Subaru Legacy 2.5GT
Chevrolet Camaro V6 6MT
Buick Enclave
Mini John Cooper Works Cabrio


Hosts:
Chris Shunk, Chris Paukert, Dan Roth, Sam Abuelsamid

Guest:

Bob Lutz, Vice Chairman of General Motors

Runtime: 1:13:46

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Autoblog Podcast #175 - Bob Lutz joins in originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Apr 2010 16:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ab podcastAbPodcastautoblog podcastautoblog podcast bob lutzAutoblogPodcastAutoblogPodcastBobLutzBob Lutzbob lutz autoblog podcastbob lutz camarobob lutz gmBob Lutz retirementBob Lutz retiringbob lutz voltBobLutzBobLutzAutoblogPodcastBobLutzCamaroBobLutzGmBobLutzRetirementBobLutzRetiringBobLutzVoltfeaturedituneslutzpodcastpodcast lutzPodcastLutzrobert lutzRobertLutzTue, 20 Apr 2010 16:38:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #175Autoblog01:13:46autoblog podcast; bob lutz; bob lutz autoblog podcast; http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19447411/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/20/autoblog-podcast-175-bob-lutz-joins-in/19447411/article-detail.xml 19447411 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/autoblog-podcast-3_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/autoblog-podcast-3.jpg <![CDATA[Bob Lutz, 78, open to future career opportunities]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/20/bob-lutz-78-open-to-future-career-opportunities/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/20/bob-lutz-78-open-to-future-career-opportunities/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/20/bob-lutz-78-open-to-future-career-opportunities/#commentsFiled under: ,



General Motors Vice Chairman Bob Lutz might be set to retire at the end of the month, but don't expect him to go quietly into that good night - or take up the usual trappings that a man of his age and accomplishment might normally seek out. "I don't play golf, never have never will. And secondly, I have no desire to go to Hilton Head, or Naples, Florida, or any place like that."

Fair enough. So what's in store for the auto industry icon? Well, he's working on new business book, and there will be a supporting tour to follow its publication. Beyond that, he tells Autoblog that he's going to be embarking on the lecture circuit with the Leigh Speakers Bureau and he might just be open to helping run another company - automotive or otherwise:
"I have had several approaches for board memberships of various companies and I'm going to be meeting with a headhunter who is a specialist in finding board members. He wants to see me, so we'll see what comes up there. As far as GM is concerned, I have had numerous requests to continue to be available for advice and counsel and occasionally review design properties and stuff like that, so I'll find a way to stay engaged."
What about going to work for another carmaker? "Now, no other automobile company has yet approached me and said 'Here's a huge wad of money, come and work for us.'" We couldn't resist a followup: "Is that an open invitation for that to happen?" Lutz laughed his trademark hoarse laugh and said wryly, "It depends on the size of the wad of money."

Interested in hearing more Lutz gems? Check out the newest installment of the Autoblog Podcast, where the good chairman sits in with us for an hour-long career retrospective. We'll have the complete show up for download or online listening available later this afternoon.

Bob Lutz, 78, open to future career opportunities originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Apr 2010 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bob lutzBobLutzbook tourBookTourgmleigh speakers bureauLeighSpeakersBureaulutzlutz gmLutzGmRobert lutzRobertLutzvice chairmanViceChairmanTue, 20 Apr 2010 15:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19447303/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/20/bob-lutz-78-open-to-future-career-opportunities/19447303/article-detail.xml 19447303 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/lutz-solstice-sunglasses-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/lutz-solstice-sunglasses-630.jpg <![CDATA[Bob Lutz waxes nostalgic as career nears end]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/10/bob-lutz-waxes-nostalgic-as-career-nears-end/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/10/bob-lutz-waxes-nostalgic-as-career-nears-end/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/10/bob-lutz-waxes-nostalgic-as-career-nears-end/#commentsFiled under: ,

Bob LutzGeneral Motors Vice Chairman Bob Lutz is likely counting down the days until the end of this month. Come May 1, 2010, Maximum Bob will retire from his post in Detroit, supposedly for good. The guy has around twelve lifetimes of experience charting the waters of the auto industry, and as such, has a thing or two to say about his time with both The General and Chrysler, as well as some of his juicier quotes from the past. AOL Autos correspondent Kevin Ransom recently sat down with Lutz for a quick interview.

While no one will be shocked to hear that Lutz is most proud of his work on the Chevrolet Volt, the guy did offer a few insights into the workings of one of the world's biggest car manufacturers. Some of the suits at GM were against bringing the extended-range plug-in to market, and not just because of the company's experience with the EV-1.

In the interview, Lutz says that GM was previously committed to fuel cells as a solution to everyone's fossil-fuel woes, and the company was dumping plenty of cash on R&D in that direction before he managed to steer the Volt into the limelight.

And what about climate change? Lutz famously voiced his disbelief in the theory that CO&sup2; emissions from vehicles contribute to global warming. When Ransom asked if he had changed his opinion, the soon-to-be-retired Lutz simply stated that he's not the only skeptic out there. We'll miss you, Bob.

[Source: AOL Autos]

Bob Lutz waxes nostalgic as career nears end originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 10 Apr 2010 18:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bob LutzBobLutzChevrolet VoltChevroletVoltChryslerGeneral MotorsGeneral Motors vice-Chairman Bob LutzGeneralMotorsGeneralMotorsVice-chairmanBobLutzGMSat, 10 Apr 2010 18:08:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19433689/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/10/bob-lutz-waxes-nostalgic-as-career-nears-end/19433689/article-detail.xml 19433689 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/lutz-1270837670_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/lutz-1270837670.jpg <![CDATA[Lutz' last quote? Toyota won't get back "God-like status"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/01/lutz-last-quote-toyota-wont-get-back-god-like-status/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/01/lutz-last-quote-toyota-wont-get-back-god-like-status/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/01/lutz-last-quote-toyota-wont-get-back-god-like-status/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

If there's one thing we'll miss when Bob Lutz finally packs up and heads out to pasture, it'll be the guy's role as General Motors' resident quote machine. Take this latest gem, for example. According to BusinessWeek, Lutz has been quoted as saying, "Toyota's God-like status will never be reclaimed." He was speaking to reporters at the New York Auto Show about post-bankruptcy GM, and happened to take a swing at the company's biggest rival at the same time.

The General has made up serious ground on the heels of the Japanese automaker's recent recall woes, though both companies are expected to announce sales growth for the month of March. In the meantime, Lutz is still slated to retire from GM for good on May 1. After that, we'll have to find someone else to tell use that the Pontiac G8 will live on under the Chevrolet banner.

[Source: BusinessWeek]

Lutz' last quote? Toyota won't get back "God-like status" originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Apr 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 New York Auto Show2010NewYorkAutoShowBob LutzBob Lutz QuoteBobLutzBobLutzQuoteGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGMLutzNew York Auto ShowNew York Auto Show 2010NewYorkAutoShowNewYorkAutoShow2010ToyotaToyota RecallToyota RecallsToyotaRecallToyotaRecallsThu, 01 Apr 2010 12:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19422840/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/01/lutz-last-quote-toyota-wont-get-back-god-like-status/19422840/article-detail.xml 19422840 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/lutz_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/lutz.jpg <![CDATA[Once and For All? Lutz text message reportedly confirms Cadillac Converj is dead]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/17/once-and-for-all-lutz-text-message-reportedly-confirms-cadillac/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/17/once-and-for-all-lutz-text-message-reportedly-confirms-cadillac/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/17/once-and-for-all-lutz-text-message-reportedly-confirms-cadillac/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


2009 Cadillac Converj Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Although previously the subject of some early obituaries, it appears that the future of the Cadillac Converj showcar is indeed at a dead-end. According to Automotive News, a production future for the rakish extended-range coupe has been scuttled due to "priorities and the conviction that the Volt and Ampera will use all available capacity for years to come" - that's according to a text message from General Motors vice chairman Bob Lutz.

Lutz, who is himself retiring on May 1, openly championed the Converj, including telling members of the Society of Automotive Analysts that the car would be built after 2012. Prevailing logic also had the well-received 2009 Detroit Auto Show concept getting the green light, if only because affixing a higher-margin Cadillac badge to its flanks would presumably help GM recover some of its massive investment in the E-Rev technology it shared with the Chevrolet Volt and Opel Ampera. However, in a Bloomberg report from earlier this month, some company managers apparently successfully argued that the business case for the Converj could not be made.


Gallery: Detroit 2009: Cadillac Converj


Photos by Drew Phillips / Frank Filliponio / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Once and For All? Lutz text message reportedly confirms Cadillac Converj is dead originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amperabob lutzBobLutzCadillacchevroletchevrolet voltChevroletVoltchevy voltChevyVoltConverjConverj conceptConverjConceptE-revextended-rangegeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmLutzopel amperaOpelAmperaWed, 17 Mar 2010 10:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19403282/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/03/17/once-and-for-all-lutz-text-message-reportedly-confirms-cadillac/19403282/article-detail.xml 19403282 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/cadillacconverjdd_09_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/cadillacconverjdd_09_opt.jpg <![CDATA[BREAKING: Lutz to retire from GM... again]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/03/bob-lutz-retire-gm-again/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/03/bob-lutz-retire-gm-again/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/03/bob-lutz-retire-gm-again/#commentsFiled under: ,



It's the end of an era, folks. There are reports this afternoon all over the internet that General Motors' Vice Chairman, "Maximum" Bob Lutz, will officially retire on May 1. Those keeping track will remember that Lutz initially announced his retirement back in February of 2009, but then later chose to remain with GM, heading the marketing and communications teams.

The 78-year-old Lutz has been credited for rejuvenating GM's product development, and has been the company's most outspoken champion of the all-important Chevy Volt. In recent months, as the pay scales for the company's top 25 executives were being reviewed by the U.S. Treasury Department, Lutz commented to The Detroit News that most executives were "way, way, way" underpaid, so it's possible that this could be a key factor in his decision to leave GM. However, we can only speculate at this moment since neither GM nor Lutz has released an official statement yet. As the ongoing executive shuffle at GM continues to work itself out, we won't be surprised if official word comes in the very near future.

[Sources: The Detroit News, CNBC]

BREAKING: Lutz to retire from GM... again originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bob Lutzbob lutz gmBob Lutz retirementBobLutzBobLutzGmBobLutzRetirementbreakinggeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmlutzmaximum bobMaximumBobWed, 03 Mar 2010 13:51:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19381796/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/03/03/bob-lutz-retire-gm-again/19381796/article-detail.xml 19381796 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/milfordproducttech02_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/milfordproducttech02.jpg <![CDATA[Lutz: Auto execs are underpaid]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/12/lutz-auto-execs-are-underpaid/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/12/lutz-auto-execs-are-underpaid/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/12/lutz-auto-execs-are-underpaid/#commentsFiled under: , ,



To clarify, Bob Lutz is specifically talking about General Motors' top 25 execs. They are the ones who have seen their salaries decline by 31%, and their total remuneration packages go down by more than 20%. Said Lutz, "given the rigors of the job and demands and the accountability, I would say we are being paid way, way, way below market."

Some would say that the company Lutz works for is lucky to be around at all. Still, he's got a bit of a point - the "market" decides who gets paid what, and then decides who's going to go where. If GM's salaries can't keep up with their rivals', then GM knows it's going to have to make do with what it can get. Or, heaven forbid, get really creative with the massive talent and resources it does have...

To be fair, Lutz knows the score and is only looking for the end of the tunnel, acknowledging, "You can't go through Chapter 11 and come out the other side and expect to have all of the same perks and comps as you did before. We just hope it doesn't stay this way too long." We say that it's only fitting that how long the situation lasts - until GM repays its loans - will be decided entirely by Mr. Lutz and those 25 pay-restricted executives.

[Source: The Detroit News | Source Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

Lutz: Auto execs are underpaid originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Feb 2010 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bob lutzBobLutzexecutive compensationExecutive PayExecutiveCompensationExecutivePaygmTreasuryFri, 12 Feb 2010 15:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19356416/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/02/12/lutz-auto-execs-are-underpaid/19356416/article-detail.xml 19356416 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/gyi0059258400-630opcap_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/gyi0059258400-630opcap.jpg <![CDATA[Detroit 2010: Caption Contest - What the heck are Bob Lutz and Elon Musk talking about?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/13/detroit-2010-caption-contest-what-the-heck-are-bob-lutz-and-e/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/13/detroit-2010-caption-contest-what-the-heck-are-bob-lutz-and-e/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/13/detroit-2010-caption-contest-what-the-heck-are-bob-lutz-and-e/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Bob Lutz has been an important guy in the auto industry since before most of us were born. Elon Musk is the reason your eBay transactions go so smoothly (he was the co-creator of PayPal). Together, they don't seem to make much of a team. Well, they wouldn't make much of a match if Musk weren't the CEO of Tesla Motors. Elon makes electric cars. Bob wants to make electric cars. Both are (*ahem*) outspoken and give good soundbites. Upon further review, it makes perfect sense that the two men were hanging out at the Detroit Auto Show. But what were they talking about?

We have some ideas, but they probably aren't as creative as yours. We'll get you started with some appetizers, but we're really just looking for you to provide the main course:
Lutz to Musk: "You think you're nervous right now, but you really just have range anxiety"
Musk to Lutz: "We have more batteries in one car than you have in 500 Volts"
Lutz to Musk: "$500 million? $50 billion!"
Help us out with some better captions by leaving some tender verbal vittles in Comments.

Detroit 2010: Caption Contest - What the heck are Bob Lutz and Elon Musk talking about? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bob lutzBobLutzCaption contestCaptionContestDetroitDetroit 2010Detroit Auto ShowDetroit Auto Show 2010Detroit2010DetroitAutoShowDetroitAutoShow2010elon muskElonMuskLutzMuskNAIASNAIAS 2010Naias2010teslatesla motorsTeslaMotorsWed, 13 Jan 2010 13:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19314204/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/01/13/detroit-2010-caption-contest-what-the-heck-are-bob-lutz-and-e/19314204/article-detail.xml 19314204 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/bob-elon_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/bob-elon.jpg <![CDATA[REPORT: GM to speed up development of vehicles delayed by bankruptcy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/report-gm-to-speed-up-development-of-vehicles-delayed-by-bankru/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/report-gm-to-speed-up-development-of-vehicles-delayed-by-bankru/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/report-gm-to-speed-up-development-of-vehicles-delayed-by-bankru/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Prior to declaring bankruptcy, General Motors began delaying new products in an effort to conserve cash. The news was disappointing to enthusiasts and brand loyalists, but with its cash piles dwindling, the General didn't have many alternatives. Post-bankruptcy, GM finds itself with $40 billion in cash and a lot less overhead, so where is the money being spent? Automotive News reports that Vice Chairman Bob Lutz confirms that many of the products that were delayed are now being accelerated, adding "Once we got out of the bankruptcy and started having money available, we were able to pull a lot of our programs forward."

One example of the pull-forward is the next-generation Chevrolet Malibu. Early this Fall, GM told us that the next Malibu would arrive in 2012, but Lutz says that time frame has been pulled up to 2011. The next Malibu will reportedly be all-new with a platform based off of the Buick LaCrosse and 2011 Buick Regal. The new 'Bu will apparently have a shorter wheelbase than the current model while still managing more interior room.

Lutz told AN that the uplevel Malibu will have chrome appliques lining the side windows, a trait he says is associated with German and Japanese luxury vehicles. Lutz apparently added that $50 worth of chrome translates into an additional $500 to $600 in perceived value to customers. Beyond the Malibu, Lutz noted that there are "a bunch" of other vehicles being pulled forward to pre-bankruptcy production cadences, though he didn't offer any specific examples.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: GM to speed up development of vehicles delayed by bankruptcy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 buick lacrosse2010BuickLacrosse2011 buick regal2011 Chevrolet Malibu2011BuickRegal2011ChevroletMalibu2012 Chevrolet Malibu2012ChevroletMalibubob lutzBobLutzchevroletchevy malibuChevyMalibulutzmalibuproduct developmentProductDevelopmentFri, 18 Dec 2009 18:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19285121/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/18/report-gm-to-speed-up-development-of-vehicles-delayed-by-bankru/19285121/article-detail.xml 19285121 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/08_malibu_hr_11-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/08_malibu_hr_11-630op.jpg <![CDATA[CTS-V Challenge driver and M3 owner Michael Cooper gets pat on the back from BMW]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/cts-v-challenge-driver-and-m3-owner-michael-cooper-gets-pat-on-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/cts-v-challenge-driver-and-m3-owner-michael-cooper-gets-pat-on-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/cts-v-challenge-driver-and-m3-owner-michael-cooper-gets-pat-on-t/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Michael Cooper and his Cadillac CTS-V-challenging BMW M3 - click above for high-res image gallery

This guy. So, some of you no doubt remember the Cadillac CTS-V Challenge. If you don't, here's a refresher: General Motors vice-chairman Maximum Bob Lutz challenged any journalist to bring a CTS-V competitor to California's Laguna Seca where the 77-year-old Lutz would mop the floor with he/she and whatever fancy-pants, Euro sedan they done brung. Of course, the event got moved to New York's Monticello Motor Club, and to guarantee that the Cadillac didn't lose, GM brought in a backup pilot, John Hienricy, the company's noted hot shoe engineer and race car driver. And then every other manufacturer (Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar) decided not to play into GM's marketing ploy, and withdrew their cars' support.

To be frank, we here at Autoblog toyed with the idea of throwing our hoon-hat in the ring, but after Heinricy became Cadillac's ace in the hole, we figured the whole challenge was unwinnable (we've driven with Mr. Heinricy - he's that good). While it would no doubt have been fun, totally playing into General Motor's hands like that (by also losing), well, not so much. Luckily, privateer Michael Cooper and his BMW M3 wasn't in on our conference call.

Mr. Cooper showed up to the Caddy Challenge and laid down a 2:50.424, beating not only Bob Lutz's 2:56.321 in the way more powerful CTS-V, but our pals Lawrence Ulrich (2:53:026) and Jack Baruth (2:51:153), both of whom were driving the big supercharged Caddy. Not surprisingly, Heinricy blew the doors off of every single person, ripping off a 2:46.560. Probably while flossing. But let's not overlook young Michael Cooper, who with 142 less horsepower and a boatload less torque to work with came in less than four seconds behind John (ringer *cough* ringer) Hienricy.

BMW was so taken by Mr. Cooper's feat of good driving that they reportedly invited him down to their North American headquarters in New Jersey and gave him a BMW Performance Multifunction Steering Wheel. How else to thank the guy that tossed such an effective monkey wrench into GM's marketing plans? BMW installed the wheel in Cooper's M3 while he was given a ride in a special BMW Performance enhanced 335i Sedan. So, one more time, a hearty Autoblog congratulations to Michael Cooper and his Cadillac CTS-V challenging BMW M3. The one with the fancy new steering wheel.


Gallery: Michael Cooper's BMW M3


[Source: BMW Blog]

CTS-V Challenge driver and M3 owner Michael Cooper gets pat on the back from BMW originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 BMW M32009 M32009BmwM32009M3BMWBMW M3BMW M3 SedanBmwM3BmwM3SedanBob LutzBobLutzCadillacCadillac CTS-VCadillac CTS-V ChallengeCadillacCts-vCadillacCts-vChallengeJohn HienricyJohnHienricylutzMaximum Bob LutzMaximumBobLutzMicahel CooperMicahelCoopermonticellomonticello motor clubMonticelloMotorClubMon, 14 Dec 2009 17:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19278377/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/14/cts-v-challenge-driver-and-m3-owner-michael-cooper-gets-pat-on-t/19278377/article-detail.xml 19278377 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/630bmw_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/630bmw.jpg <![CDATA[BREAKING: Whitacre to shakeup GM management, put Lutz in product planning <b>[UPDATE: Confirmed]</b>]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/breaking-whitacre-reportedly-to-announce-management-shakeups-at/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/breaking-whitacre-reportedly-to-announce-management-shakeups-at/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/breaking-whitacre-reportedly-to-announce-management-shakeups-at/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Having just been appointed interim CEO at General Motors earlier this week, ex-AT&T man Ed Whitacre isn't wasting any time in exercising his newfound authority. According to The Wall Street Journal, Whitacre is to announce a number of management changes this morning, including moving Vice Chairman Bob Lutz from his role in marketing to a more product planning-focused role. Whitacre is also expected to promote some of the company's younger managers to new positions, although it has not yet been revealed who is targeted.

According to the WSJ, Whitacre "drew up the new management blueprint in a matter of four hours," suggesting to us that he already had a number of changes in mind. Further, he is also expected to combine GM's sales and marketing divisions

While Whitacre has only been on the job since Tuesday and he is technically only considered an interim appointment at this time, the search for a new CEO is thought likely to take months, if not a year. From the looks of things, Whitacre isn't looking at himself as simply a placeholder, though, and we wouldn't be surprised to see more changes as the weeks and months roll by.

*UPDATE: Changes confirmed: GM has issued a press release (viewable after the jump). Among the moves, Bob Lutz will be an 'advisor' on design and global product - he will retain his title of vice chairman. Other changes include Mark Reuss named as president of GM North America, Susan Docherty appointed VP, vehicle sales, service, and marketing operations. For a full list of changes, click past the jump for the release.

[Source: The Wall Street Journal I Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

Continue reading BREAKING: Whitacre to shakeup GM management, put Lutz in product planning [UPDATE: Confirmed]

BREAKING: Whitacre to shakeup GM management, put Lutz in product planning [UPDATE: Confirmed] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bob LutzBobLutzbreakingbreakingnewsEd WhitacreEdWhitacreGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGMGM CEOGmCeomanagement changesmanagement shakeupManagementChangesManagementShakeupmark reussMarkReusssusan dochertySusanDochertyWhitacreFri, 04 Dec 2009 10:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19265487/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/04/breaking-whitacre-reportedly-to-announce-management-shakeups-at/19265487/article-detail.xml 19265487 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/ed-whitacre-ceo-gm-caddy-blur_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/ed-whitacre-ceo-gm-caddy-blur.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2009: Maximum Bob, Maximum Live Blog]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/la-2009-maximum-bob-maximum-live-blog/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/la-2009-maximum-bob-maximum-live-blog/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/la-2009-maximum-bob-maximum-live-blog/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above to view the live blog after the jump

We're here in the City of Angels to watch Fritz Henderson deliver GM's keynote address to the all us media types here at LA Auto Show. Only thing is, Fritz resigned yesterday, and for some reason interim CEO Ed Whitacre will not be delivering the keynote. Which can only mean one thing -- GM's Vice Chairman of Marketing and Communications Bob Lutz will be delivering the opening address. Are you as excited as we are? We kinda doubt it. Make the jump to read our live blog.

Continue reading LA 2009: Maximum Bob, Maximum Live Blog

LA 2009: Maximum Bob, Maximum Live Blog originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bob lutzBobLutzgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmlala 2009la auto showLa2009LaAutoShowWed, 02 Dec 2009 11:40:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19261787/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/02/la-2009-maximum-bob-maximum-live-blog/19261787/article-detail.xml 19261787 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/lutzkeynotela2009_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/lutzkeynotela2009.jpg <![CDATA[LA 2009 LIVE VIDEO: Bob Lutz Keynote address]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/la-2009-live-video-bob-lutz-keynote-address/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/la-2009-live-video-bob-lutz-keynote-address/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/la-2009-live-video-bob-lutz-keynote-address/#commentsFiled under: ,

Click above to view the live video feed after the jump

With Fritz Henderson's resignation termination as General Motor's CEO, the General's generals had to pull a last-minute swap with today's keynote speaker at the LA Auto Show. None other than Maximum Bob Lutz will be manning the podium in a few minutes and in addition to live-blogging the proceedings (coming in 5...4...3...), we've got streaming video of the address after the jump.

Continue reading LA 2009 LIVE VIDEO: Bob Lutz Keynote address

LA 2009 LIVE VIDEO: Bob Lutz Keynote address originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bob lutzbob lutz video la auto showBobLutzBobLutzVideoLaAutoShowlala 2009la auto showLa2009LaAutoShowvideoWed, 02 Dec 2009 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19261752/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/02/la-2009-live-video-bob-lutz-keynote-address/19261752/article-detail.xml 19261752 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/la_auto_show_logo-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/la_auto_show_logo-630op.jpg <![CDATA[Michael Richards named Buick GMC general manager]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/michael-richards-named-buick-gmc-general-manager/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/michael-richards-named-buick-gmc-general-manager/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/michael-richards-named-buick-gmc-general-manager/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Fritz Henderson's unexpected resignation may have taken top billing today, but it wasn't the only move announced by General Motors today. Michael Richards has been named the new General Manager of Buick GMC effective immediately, with the automaker looking from outside the company to fill the roll. Richards replaces Susan Docherty, who was named Vice President of US Sales in October. Richards joins GM after a short stint at Trilogy Automotive in Austin, Texas, where he led the use of digital and Internet-based solutions. Richards also worked as a consultant for JD Power where he launched tools for improved vehicle launch profitability and customer satisfaction.

The bulk of Richards' experience comes from cross-town rival Ford where he worked from 1981-2008. Richards was most recently the marketing brand manager for Lincoln Mercury from 2006-2008. Prior to that he worked as the general sales manager for Ford Customer Service from 2002-2006.

Regardless of where Richards received his management chops, Vice Chairman and Marketing and Communications chief Bob Lutz likes what he has with the long-time Ford man. "We are pleased to have Mike as a member of the GM family. His vast sales and marketing experience will be invaluable in his new role, as he leads the team building the Buick and GMC brands."

[Source: GM]

Continue reading Michael Richards named Buick GMC general manager

Michael Richards named Buick GMC general manager originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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