GM's Lutz: Man Of The Year?

[Perian]

Link: http://yahoo.reuters.com/news/articl...mktNews&rpc=44

DETROIT, Dec 27 (Reuters) - Since becoming General Motors Corp.'s "car czar" last year, Bob Lutz has delivered a consistent message to engineers and designers: abandon business as usual.

With GM staring down bankruptcy fears in 2005, Lutz, 74, was the catalyst behind a successful effort that brought the launch of the new Silverado and Sierra pickup trucks forward by three months.

Getting the revamped GM trucks to dealers this year helped to shore up sagging U.S. sales and beat rival Toyota Motor Corp.'s much-anticipated Tundra by a full quarter.

More recently, Lutz, GM's vice chairman, has had Toyota in his sights again by pushing GM development teams to leapfrog the Japanese automaker in areas such as electric vehicles, according to people familiar with the effort.

Although Chief Executive Rick Wagoner was in the hot seat this year as the automaker slashed costs and shut plants after a $10.6 billion loss in 2005, the next stage of GM's turnaround will hinge on efforts spearheaded by Lutz, analysts say.

"Lutz is a man with vision and discipline," said Dave Cole, chairman of Center for Automotive Research. "Most importantly, he has an absolute passion for the product."

In the past two years, Lutz has pushed for change in areas where he admits GM lagged, such as design, quality of interiors and the time it takes to bring new vehicles to market.

"This product resurrection that GM is in the midst of right now, they would not have ... without Bob Lutz," said IRN Inc. analyst Erich Merkle. "You can restructure, reorganize, you can right-size ... but if you do not have the right product in place, no turnaround can exist."

GM's board this month increased Lutz's retirement benefits by $3.4 million, sparking speculation that he could be nearing the end of his run at the automaker.

"I think it would be safe to think, at 75, that your career has peaked. But am I going anywhere? No. I'm very happy with my role at GM and will be here for a little while," he said.

Full article at link.

[Perian]

Bob Lutz: GM's Man Of The Year?

He gets my vote.

[Aromanances]

One of the best moves GM has made.

[elderon]

I think Lutz is great for GM - but does he really need another 3 million?

[likearock00]

It is great to have him at GM. He is truly a leader that was needed and is still needed at a crucial time in GM's life. I believe he can get what they need accomplished before Toyota completely dominates the auto industry.

[prototype66]

The man has the passion for the product and the power to motivate ! vote from here too!!! This is exactly what GM needs from here on out, Car Guys!!!

[mbukukanyau]

Paris Hilton like says "Its like Bob is like Car Man of the Year!"

[johnny smallblock]

I'll just call him Mr. GM. And I think the extra $3m was for a contract extension. He gives GM the most bang for the buck possible.

[TaHoE]

Lutz is the Man!

[johnny smallblock]

Originally Posted by mbukukanyau

Paris Hilton like says "Its like Bob is like Car Man of the Year!"

That's hot!

[GM-Joe]

Yes and probably next year when the Zetas showup.

[HoosierRon]

No one admires Bob Lutz more than me. But his time is yet to come. It will be several years before we can truely appreciate him. He may very well be GM's Man of the Century.

If we focus just on the year, I would propose (please put up the chicken wire between the audience and me at this time) Rick Wagoner's cost cutting has had a more immediate impact on the survival of GM. In 2006, losses were cut by 7 billion dollars, and it was not because GM is selling more vehicles.

There is no glory in closing factories, buying out employees and refinancing debt. But it needed to be done. Wagoner -- non-car-guy geek that he is -- took the heat and stayed in the kitchen. He gets my nomination.

[desmo9]

I had to double check my calendar when I saw this topic to be sure it's not April Fools Day.

[throwback]

Originally Posted by HoosierRon

No one admires Bob Lutz more than me. But his time is yet to come. It will be several years before we can truely appreciate him. He may very well be GM's Man of the Century.

If we focus just on the year, I would propose (please put up the chicken wire between the audience and me at this time) Rick Wagoner's cost cutting has had a more immediate impact on the survival of GM. In 2006, losses were cut by 7 billion dollars, and it was not because GM is selling more vehicles.

There is no glory in closing factories, buying out employees and refinancing debt. But it needed to be done. Wagoner -- non-car-guy geek that he is -- took the heat and stayed in the kitchen. He gets my nomination.

I agree with you about Wagoner. He has made some tough decisions with everyone second guessing and criticizing his every move. I also think Ed Welburn deserves honorable mention for the great designs that have come out under his watch.

[kenman923]

Lutz is doing a good job. It would be fair to let him stay as long as he wants. Look at Joe Paterno of Penn State.