[OffroadZR2001]

He is arguably the most colorful automotive executive in the world, with a resumé that includes stints at every major U.S. manufacturer (and BMW) over the last 40 years. He's flown fighter jets, raced in SCCA and become quite the cigar aficionado.

Robert Lutz started his automotive career at GM in 1963, and he returned to the General in 2001 as the head of product development. He is largely responsible for the Pontiac GTO and Solstice, and he is quick to point out that many GM divisions have higher quality ratings than Toyota.

We recently had the opportunity to speak to Mr. Lutz about his automotive past, what he parks in his own garage and his plans for a revived General Motors that he believes can take on, and beat, the Japanese.


More here

 

[sykboy]

Great interview, thanks OffroadZR2001.

 

[Tails]

Great interview. I am pumped!!!

:lol:

 

[Smilingoat]

:grenade: i wanna hear more about those tricks with the vette. they must have something powerful behind those doors if he is talking about wiping the doors of of the GT...

 

[gerardo_zg]

Originally posted by Smilingoat@Oct 25 2003, 07:25 PM
:grenade: i wanna hear more about those tricks with the vette. they must have something powerful behind those doors if he is talking about wiping the doors of of the GT...

It will be a kick in the *** to Ford guys

 

[mason]

And I would say one more thing.

We've been reading a lot about the deindustrialization of America, and about manufacturing jobs going offshore. And, while I don't want to wave the American flag and say it's your patriotic duty, etc., etc. But, I think all other things being equal, the American purchaser should ask himself or herself when they buy a vehicle, "What am I doing for the American economy here with my purchase?" That's all I'm saying. And Toyota will say, "Yeah, but the Camry is made in the United States." Well, yes it is and no it isn't. And most of their vehicle lineup is not. And even the Camry contains a very high percentage of Japanese engineering, Japanese parts, Japanese supplier components, and so forth.

So, I think at some point we're going to have to decide whether we want an automobile industry or we don't. And I would never expect the consumer to buy an inferior vehicle just because it's American. But these vehicles are no longer inferior. I think we've taken the last of the excuses away.

Well, said, Mr. Lutz!

 

[TAFreak]

Send him back to France!

 

[sceltor]

I can't hate this guy. He may have been partly responsible for the demise of the F-Bodys, but with stuff like this and all he is doing, I can't hate him. All this talk by him about the C6 just makes me giddly like a schoolboy before Christmas. I'm confident that he won't disappoint.

 

[TAFreak]

Well, I don't think he had anything to do with the demise of the F-body.

I don't like him because his collection of vehicle is almost entirely foreign.

This is not the type of person I want running GM. GM needs to stay being GM, not a company that makes european knock offs.

GM needs to be an innovator, not a follower.

 

[Nocturn_Bird]

you hate him because of the cars he has in his garage? what kind of reason is that. Why don't you hate him because he has white hair, that almost makes as much sence.

 

[oldskls10]

Persoanlly, I think Lutz is the best thing to happen to GM in a very long time. Look at all the great things going on right now: The new malibu is an excellent car and the reviewers all agree. Cadillac is in the midst of a massive and much needed revitalization. Pontiac has the new G6 coming as well as the GTO. Chevrolet will be replacing the dismal Cavalier with the new Cobalt. And there are several new projects that will result in great cars. And just wait til the C6 comes out! How can you dislike a man that has single handedly worked to change the way GM thinks, operates and produces? If not for Bob Lutz, GM's future would be in serious question right about now.
Take Bob Lutz out of the picture and you be begging for GM to bring him back!

 

[Cortazzo]

Bob Lutz is the best thing to happen to the american car industry since the v8 engine. He's gotten gm back on track, and that will force Ford to get their act together (which i think they already have). Chrysler I am concerned about though... But i def. feel good after reading that interview.

 

[TAFreak]

Chrysler I am concerned about though...

Oh, you mean Bob Lutz's PREVIOUS company.

 

[Ghrankenstein]

...the Cavalier, which, arguably, is almost old enough to vote.

He's got a great way of telling it. Granted, I still advocate the Cavalier and I think it's a great driving car with the Ecotec in it, but Lutz just has the heart of a poet.

Ghrankenstein

 

[SHUJeremy]

Bob Lutz is an automotive genius!!! USA! USA!

 

[chev454ls]

Originally posted by Smilingoat@Oct 25 2003, 02:25 PM
:grenade: i wanna hear more about those tricks with the vette. they must have something powerful behind those doors if he is talking about wiping the doors of of the GT...

I can't wait to see these new tricks they have either.