GM’s Lutz reverses decision to retire, may lead global marketing

Jamie LaReau
Automotive News
July 9, 2009 - 7:41 pm ET

Bob Lutz, the former General Motors product chief who had intended to retire at the end of this year, has changed his plans, two people familiar with his decision said.

Lutz, 77, may extend his GM career as head of marketing and communications, said the people, who weren't authorized to speak about the change. He may also play a role in product design, one of the sources said.

Word of Lutz's future was to be part of GM's announcement of its emergence from bankruptcy, the sources said. The automaker has scheduled a 9 a.m. ET press conference Friday in Detroit.

GM spokesman Steve Harris declined to comment.

The Wall Street Journal reported earlier that Lutz would stay, without identifying his role.

Lutz said in February that he would leave the company for good at the end of the year. He has been replaced by Tom Stephens as vice chairman of global product development while remaining vice chairman and senior adviser.

Lutz, known for being outspoken, announced his retirement as GM was losing control of its destiny and becoming more dependent on U. S. rescue loans for its survival.

Rick Wagoner -- who hired the former BMW, Ford and Chrysler executive in 2001 -- was forced from his CEO post by the Obama administration in April. When GM's best assets exit bankruptcy as a new company, GM will be 60.8 percent owned by the U.S. Treasury.

The Journal said Lutz asked to stay on with the new company, led by CEO Fritz Henderson, and his request was granted. In an interview with Automotive News in February, Lutz said he would reconsider his decision to retire if he