As General Motors CEO Dan Akerson looks for solutions to speed up product development without (hopefully) cutting any corners, The Daily Beast has provided a report claiming that GM is looking to get back together with the legendary “Maximum” Bob Lutz.
While GM and Lutz seem like a reunion that never should have broken up in the first place, the U.S. Treasury has been objective to the deal, saying that re-hiring Lutz so soon after his retirement seems like a sweetheart payout. Sources of the Beast go on to disclose that the Feds would be more keen on re-hiring the 79-year-old former fighter pilot three months from now, roughly a year from when Lutz hung it up last year.
Should the 79-year-old join The General’s ranks once again, chances are he will work closely with Mary Barra, the recently appointed head of global product development, offering his piece of mind on things such as design and functionality — departments in which Lutz seems to have a superior point of view.
Some of Maximum Bob’s last moves before retiring included the rejuvenation of the late Pontiac brand with the acclaimed G8 and Solstice performance cars, the inception of the “Knothole” and the oversight of the development of the Corvette ZR1.
So what do you think? Do you hope GM and Lutz will once again rekindle their relationship? Sound off in the comments below!
Oh, and if you’re reading this, Bob Lutz, we’d love to have you as a guest on our weekly podcast sometime.
Source: The Daily Beast
Comments
A no brainer, hire him back. Maybe Lutz will be able to help push a Chevy version of the Pontiac G8 into production soon. Hopefully they will incorporate the now defunct Pontiac G8 front fascia into it.
Halla-Fn-luuyah.
Treasury Dept. political issues be damned. This is a strong business move. Period.
Bob is a Rock Star in the industry. Common sense, good taste, & car smarts excel in this job. Seems logical to say, but not always easy to find. Bob has a natural talent for this type of thing, that isn’t second nature to most of us.
I am excited for the continued revival of Chevrolet, Buick, GMC & Cadillac!
How about the G8 reincarnated as a Buick Grand National ? Right??? Welcome!
But do you think Bob would want to come back? I mean the man has worked for most of his life — he may want a break to enjoy life. You know?
If Mr Lutz likes the idea, he will convice the Tresury Department. Case closed.
Flying fighter jets 500 feet above the ground gets old after a while.
In that case, how long does it take to write a book?
http://gmauthority.com/blog/2010/03/spy-photos-of-bob-lutzs-new-book-heard-in-interview/
I’ve heard (from Autoline Daily) that he’s actually said that if he is asked he will be willing to consider it. I’m afraid that if left alone (ie, without Lutz) GM will start to falter. The only person that can lead GM totally through this recovery is Lutz. Full stop.
Bob Lutz is an American hero. What he has done for Chrysler and GM cannot be repaid. Thank you, Bob, for all those rear drive cars, and the styling, and everything else. Hire him back immediately.
Amen to that, Hart! And we must not forget Bob’s relentless pursuit of turning GM into a product-oriented company.
My question, however, is whether he even wants to return to work (for GM or anywhere else). Do you think he would want to return after working for 50- or 60-something-odd years?
Alex
Founder, GM Authority