We have grown very used to “hearing it like it is” from “maximum” Bob Lutz, GM’s Vice-Chairman. He is in charge of product development and has been the lead instigator and driving force behind our beloved Chevy Volt. Most fortunately, I recently had the chance to meet him (post).
It has been said that the Chevy Volt will likely be the 75 year-old Mr. Lutz’ legacy.
On Tuesday he actually told reporters that he plans on retiring in 2010, right after the Chevy Volt begins mass production.
He said
I’d like to see the Volt launched because I think that is an absolutely critical product
How fitting it would be to have this icon of automotive the automotive industry, whose career has spanned 4 decades, bow out at the inflection point of an automotive revolution that he spearheaded.
Thanks Bob for pushing this along, and certainly the production Volt would make a very fitting retirement present.
Source (CNN Money)
This entry was posted on Wednesday, December 12th, 2007 at 7:33 am and is filed under General. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
Dec 12th, 2007 (7:38 am)Not good. Better hope whoever replaces Lutz will be a driving force for electric vehicles. If not, history could repeat itself. Hopefully his replacement will be from within the company.
Dec 12th, 2007 (7:55 am)Agreed Ed. Also, better stick around long enough to ensure quality testing with the masses…then retirement. Otherwise, after winning the super bowl, it’s a good time to tap out.
Dec 12th, 2007 (8:38 am)Congratulations, Mr. Lutz.
I hope you enjoy retirement.
Dec 12th, 2007 (9:28 am)Good Morning Ya’ll
I finnally have something of interest to contribute to our little VOLT page. I received my Jan.2008 issue of “Popular Mechanics” and on page 30 there is the following:
” Toyota has big plans for the Prius. The next generation model, due in 09, will likely get plug-in hybrid technology.Recently , we had a chance to drive a plug-in prototype in Japan. The car was equipped with two current Prius battery
packs and had an electric-only range of (7) miles. Toyota says it can travel up to 62 mph. on electric power. But the most pleasing part of this prototype was that we were able to use a half throttle without engaging the gas engine. Production models will likely use Li-ion battery packs.”
As you can see this vehicle leaves a lot to be desired! I just hope and pray GM get’s their act together and gives us the VOLT ASAP !!
NO MENTION OF THE VOLT !!
God Bless America
Dec 12th, 2007 (9:50 am)Tom #4,
Wow! Seven whole miles!!! I can’t wait!
Can’t wait for the Volt, that is.
Death to oil.
Dec 12th, 2007 (10:11 am)Thank you Mr. Lutz – your work will no doubt help to bring this new technology to the masses and bring GM, once again, to the forefront of the automotive industry.
Dec 12th, 2007 (10:15 am)Say it isn’t so!
Dec 12th, 2007 (10:40 am)Ed #1:
I wouldn’t worry too much. The electrification of vehicles is coming, no matter who is in charge. That being said, Lutz did provide the impetus within GM and the entire industry to some extent (he was a decade or so late, but better than never), so I commend him for that. I hope history remembers him.
Dec 12th, 2007 (11:02 am)I can excuse 10 mile all electric range in an SUV like the saturn VUE, but for a little car like the prius to have 7 miles all electric is just… sad. I would rather use an aftermarket company to convert one into a PHEV with more battery capacity. It sounds like toyota is trying to underachieve on purpose.
Dec 12th, 2007 (11:13 am)Tanks Lyle and transmit my thanks to Mr Lutz for all the good reasons given above.
A sign that Brian M #8 is right is that I received today an email from Peugeot France very different compared to the one I got some months ago, here is an extract of the “message (translation follows) :
“Date: Wed, 12 Dec 2007 12:20:13 +0100
From: info.fr@peugeot.com
Subject: Contact Peugeot
To: JEAN-CHARLES.JACQUEMIN@XXXXXXX
Bonjour Monsieur,
J’ai bien reçu votre nouveau message du 12 décembre 2007 par lequel vous faites part de vos remarques concernant les véhicules électriques rechargeables.
Je les ai transmises au service concerné au sein d’Automobiles Peugeot pour qu’elles soient prises en considération.”
“Hi Sir,
I got your new message dated december 12 2007 by which you make us know about plug-in EVs.
I transmitted them to the specific service inside Peugeot automotive to be taken into account.”
That’s a big change, a few month ago, I would have received a message saying : “Thank you for your attention, EVs are not up to date and not commercially viable.”
I hope the Volt will have competitors.
Dec 12th, 2007 (11:15 am)Don’t get too worried about Lutz’s replacement. Three years is plenty of time for Lutz and company to groom a replacement that shares the EV vision.
Dec 12th, 2007 (11:59 am)Thats a great picture of you with the Hummer Bob.
Do us all a favor Bob, don’t wait until 2010, retire now.
Dec 12th, 2007 (12:25 pm)If GM gets this car into the marketplace as scheduled, and if there are not too many bugs confronting us committed early adopters, then I will have to take back all of the”arrogant” things I have said about Mr. Lutz on the Fastlane blog!
In fact, if he subsequently appears at some venue in California, I will meet him there and publicly kiss his foot!
Dec 12th, 2007 (12:29 pm)To be honest, I had never heard of Bob Lutz until the Volt was unveiled in January 2007. Since that time, I have been reading a lot about him. I really like his personality and charisma and truly appreciate his efforts on the Volt. He has set high standards for GM to get the Volt produced. No other big car manufacturer has stated their time frame for releasing such a car. He is also challenging their main competitor Toyota (showdown at ok corral). I wish him a happy retirement and will miss his fortitude.
Dec 12th, 2007 (12:44 pm)Guy,
From your comments it looks like you don’t like the guy? Is it just him or is it GM you despise? Or maybe the whole Domestic Auto Industry?
Please Expound, Love to hear your thoughts
Why not leave a signature, Can I suggest a few for you, Maybe… “Death to the American Auto Industry” or … “Who Needs American Manufacturing, It cheaper in other countries” or …. “Buy a Prius, Support the Japanese economy”
LRS
Dec 12th, 2007 (12:44 pm)Jean-Charles Jacquemin #10
Thanks for that excerpt in French. 30+ years ago in Tunisia my French was much better than it’s rusted form today, but it’s amazing how much I can still read.
Thanks again.
M.
Dec 12th, 2007 (12:58 pm)Unfortunately the French will never be caught dead in an American car. They tend to be protectionist and nationally chauvinistic with these types of products (they aren’t the only ones — so are the Japanese, Koreans, Russians, the list goes on). In order to make it viable, they would need an open door policy for battery suppliers, like GM. This goes against their nature.
The European automakers seem much more devoted to diesel than hybrids, and they have said as much. The Norwegians have an EV program from buying Ford’s Th!nk program, but that will likely not get huge traction throughout Europe. So in the next 10 years I see Japan embracing hybrids, the US embracing hybrids and E-REV, and Europe embracing diesel.
Dec 12th, 2007 (2:43 pm)#18 Guy Incognito
Very mature response, it really adds to the depth of discussion.
Dec 12th, 2007 (2:43 pm)To OhmExcited #17 :
Being Belgian, and knowing a little in international trade :
1) I agree with you on the general perspectives,
2) I presently own 2 Opels, both with diesel engines
3) All my neighbours without exception own diesel cars.
My Opels are very good cars, with 41 mpg for the Astra station-wagon, and an amazing 49 mpg for the small but very fun to drive city car Corsa.
These are good mileages, but as more than 70% of the registred cars in Belgium and all the trucks are diesel engine vehicles, the pollution is significative especially in cities. And as you perhaps know, Belgium has a high population density, …
So the sooner we will get EVs, the better. And I am not the only one to say that among my fellow citizens.
So time will tell if diesel engine cars will stay the best buy in Western Europe in the next 10 years.
Dec 12th, 2007 (2:50 pm)mykallb #16
Je suis ravi de vous avoir fait plaisir.
I do not know if it is already the time but allow me to wish you and your family “Joyeux Noël et meilleurs voeux pour 2008″
The same “Merry Christmas and happy New Year 2008″ for all of you – and especially Lyle – who try to keep the discussion educated, open and respectful of the opinions of the others.
Dec 12th, 2007 (3:42 pm)Lauren #15:
Ignore that response. Most of us here welcome real discussion!
Dec 12th, 2007 (4:31 pm)It seems like Lutz’ comments were misunderstood. He is now saying he is not thinking about retirement; he just wanted to reassure that he would definitely NOT retire before the Volt comes out. He was not implying that he would retire shortly thereafter.
Lutz: “Read my lips: I am not thinking retirement”
http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071212/ANA02/71212011/1178&refsect=
Dec 12th, 2007 (4:35 pm)Jean-Charles Jacquemin, #21:
Amen and thank you.
I offer the same wishes to every one of you.
OhmExcited #17 and J.-C. J. #20:
I agree on the subject of automotive chauvinism. In my opinion, we could use a whole lot more of it in the good old USA.
As to diesels in Europe, I spoke with one of our European customers just yesterday, and he was bemoaning having to drive around European cities “behind those stinking diesels”. He also referred to very serious problems with failed particulate filters. So I think that J.-C. J. is not alone in being concerned about this issue.
Diesel particulate is carcinogenic and highly toxic. If and when it can be successfully scrubbed out of the exhaust stream well and good, but I am going to believe it when I see it.
Dec 12th, 2007 (4:45 pm)Mr Lutz
The batteries have the capacity
The engineers have the sagacity
To end our worthless toil for oil
Deliver the Volt, don’t let the momentum spoil
Dec 12th, 2007 (6:07 pm)He’s a very young looking 75 year old! Given he’ll be 78 in 2010, I don’t blame him for wanting to take a break and enjoy himself.
Dec 12th, 2007 (6:28 pm)[quote comment="19130"]Wow! Seven whole miles!!! I can’t wait!
[/quote]
This misconception is getting tiring already.
That’s not how the upgrade actually works. With a “full” hybrid like Prius, the increased battery capacity and a plug provides a MPG BOOST. In this case, an inexpensive MPG BOOST.
The primary point isn’t to deliver exclusive electric driving, though it can.
So instead of averaging 50 MPG, you get 60 MPG instead… a MPG BOOST.
Get it? If not, I’d really like some help here explaining that “full” hybrids and Volt cannot be directly compared like that. The systems are simply too different. Each operates in a unique way.
MPG BOOST not RANGE EXTENSION!
MPG BOOST not RANGE EXTENSION!
MPG BOOST not RANGE EXTENSION!
MPG BOOST not RANGE EXTENSION!
MPG BOOST not RANGE EXTENSION!
Get it?
Dec 12th, 2007 (8:34 pm)Guy #12
Now THAT is an intelligent and enlightening contribution to the discussion…..
Dec 12th, 2007 (9:52 pm)john1701a #27:
I believe Rashiid was referring to the fact that the plug-in Prius will not have a very large electric-only range. It is not a misconception, he is only pointing out that the Prius will not appeal to him as much as the Volt, regardless of the MPG boost. He is aware of the predicted abilities of the Prius and the Volt, and he prefers the Volt.
Rashiid, correct me if I am wrong.
Dec 12th, 2007 (11:36 pm)John1701a is a little sensitive about people poking fun at the Prius. John …I believe you have been posting on this sight long enough to know people are just having some good hearted fun knocking the Prius. No harm no foul.
Dec 12th, 2007 (11:46 pm)I just hope his retirement doesn’t lead to history repeating itself. We don’t need/want another EV1 disaster…
Dec 13th, 2007 (1:56 am)guy 18. you’re an idiot as usual, lmao @ guy, lol…
Dec 13th, 2007 (3:48 am)Reminds me of Lee Ioccoca’s retirement from Chrysler in the early 90′s and his last hurrah, the Chrysler LH series (Intrepid, Concord, Vision). I can still remember his voice-over tag line…. “This changes everything”. Hmmmm…..I wonder if Lee would be interested in doing some ad work for GM.
Dec 13th, 2007 (5:02 am)mmcc 33. iacocca’s into electric bicycles;
http://www.brandchannel.com/features_profile.asp?pr_id=89
Dec 13th, 2007 (12:24 pm)[quote comment="19265"]Guy #12
Now THAT is an intelligent and enlightening contribution to the discussion…..;)[/quote]
Thank You.
Dec 13th, 2007 (3:38 pm)http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/13/lutz-i-not-i-leaving-the-building-gm-head-has-no-plans-to-re/
Dec 13th, 2007 (5:59 pm)[quote comment="19278"]I believe Rashiid was referring to the fact that the plug-in Prius will not have a very large electric-only range. It is not a misconception…[/quote]
Study hybrid history. The very same type of comparison mismatch problem grew between the “assist” and “full” hybrids. Those technologies were not the same either, yet they were treated as if there was little difference… which lead to misconceptions.
How’s this any different?
Comparing electric-only range between a “full” hybrid and whatever you choose to call Volt simply is not appropriate. It is an APPLE-to-ORANGE comparison. The way they use electricity is not the same. So comments implying similarity are counter-productive.
In other words, that post contributed to an emerging new misconception. You may not see it as one now, but it could easily become one over time with enough posts like that.
Consider what it will be like 3 years from now when Volt is available, then you’ll begin to see my perspective of 7 years. I bet you’ll do all you can make sure all is clearly understood too.
JOHN
Dec 13th, 2007 (7:54 pm)[quote comment="19434"]my perspective of 7 years[/quote]
(I miscounted; it’s 8 years now.)
Anywho, I’m hoping to help prepare you for what’s to come. The audience will later change from the small number of well informed enthusiasts here to reporters that don’t have a clue writing for large quantities of newbies out in the wild.
Based on the past, it will get ugly. We’ve seen it too many times already. Don’t make the mistake of being naive thinking it won’t ever happen again. You’ll read articles that are totally wrong or extremely vague or not correct for that particular vehicle. It’s very frustrating when they don’t realize the differences in design and don’t bother to include enough detail.
So what you see as playful banter here, may contribute to something quite different out there.
JOHN
Dec 13th, 2007 (8:50 pm)[quote comment="19165"]Guy,
From your comments it looks like you don’t like the guy.
Is it just him, or is it GM you despise?
Or maybe the whole domestic auto industry?
Why not leave a signature?
Can I suggest a few for you?
“Death to the American Auto Industry”
“Who Needs American manufacturing, its cheaper in other countries”.
“Buy a Prius, support the Japanese economy”[/quote]
Those are all good sig lines Guy Incognito
How about this one…”GM, going backwards into the future.”
What do you think?
Jan 24th, 2008 (12:06 pm)I sincerely hope that GM builds the Volt as a quality reliable car, and that it really tries to sell as many as possible.
America needs successful busineses, and all people in the world would be better off (cleaner air and water and perhaps reduced climate change)if most people drove electric cars, or even hybrid cars like the Prius.
Yes, I drive a Prius, but I wish I could have purchased my Prius from an American Company.