Robert Lutz, Back As GM Adviser

General Motors said on September 2 its former Head of Product Development, 79-year-old Bob Lutz, is on the company roster as a part-time special adviser. He had been informally advising GM executives since his retirement in 2010.

"I'll basically be doing formally what I did informally for the past sixteen months — general observation and advice to senior management ... whoever wants the view of a highly experienced outsider as an aid in arriving at what, in all cases, will be their judgment," said Lutz, a former GM Chairman and legendary figure in the industry who spoke before NAFA at the Association's 2010 Institute & Expo in Detroit.

His return comes at a critical time for GM as the Detroit automaker tries to sustain momentum built on vehicles such as the Chevrolet Volt and Buick Regal — cars developed under Lutz's watch.

"The company is in great shape and is being extraordinarily well-led. I've seen the 'post-Lutz' products, and they're great. But they value my opinion, and, as you know, I enjoy offering it," Lutz said.

Analysts like Jeremy Anwyl, CEO of the automotive website Edmunds.com, praised the move. "This is a good thing for GM. Even with his depth of experience, Bob can always be counted on as a source of fresh ideas," Anwyl said.

GM spokesman Jay Cooney said Lutz's input won't be limited to product development. He'll advise on "anything and everything," Cooney said. "With more than four decades of experience, there is virtually nothing he can't offer advice or an opinion on."

GM declined to reveal what it will pay Lutz.

Lutz's 47-year career in the auto industry includes executive posts at Ford Motor Co., Chrysler Group LLC, and BMW. Lutz joined GM as vice chairman of product development in 2001, and is largely credited with GM's recent design renaissance. Many cars and trucks now sitting in GM showrooms bear his mark.

Making him a part-time adviser is like insurance for GM that the hit vehicles will keep on coming, said Edmunds' Anwyl. "It's a no-brainer," Anwyl said. "If Bob is willing to put in the time, it can't hurt. The value he brings is he is on the outside of the organization. He always feels free to speak his mind."

Tom Stephen replaced Lutz when Lutz retired in May 2010.

Since then, Chief Executive Officer Dan Akerson has named a new product chief, Mary Barra, a 49-year-old engineer with a deep manufacturing background. Vice Chairman Thomas G. Stephens also takes the reins as Global Chief Technology Officer.

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