GM Vice Chairman Lutz to retire at end of 2009

— -- Lutz, 76, will move into a new role effective April 1 as vice chairman and senior adviser, providing strategic input into the automaker's global design and key product initiatives until his retirement.

Tom Stephens, currently executive vice president of global powertrain and global quality, will become vice chairman of global product development effective April 1.

Lutz is credited with breathing new life into GM's vehicle design, championing such projects as the Chevrolet Malibu and Cadillac CTS.

He also has been big behind GM's Chevrolet Volt, an electric-drive vehicle that's slated to hit the market late next year.

Lutz joined GM in 2001. He had already made a name for himself at Chrysler, where he worked from 1986 to 1998, reaching the role of vice chairman. He also had served as president and chief operating officer responsible for Chrysler's car and truck operations.

He also spent 12 years at Ford Motor.

"Bob Lutz was already a legendary automotive product guy when he rejoined GM in 2001 and he's added to that by leading the creation of a string of award-winning vehicles for GM during his time here," Rick Wagoner, company chairman and CEO, said in a statement.

Wagoner called Lutz's experience "invaluable to us."

"I've personally learned a great deal from Bob and have very much enjoyed the time we've worked together," Wagoner said. "I'm looking forward to Bob's continued contributions to GM for the remainder of 2009 – and I know the impact of his efforts leading GM global product development will continue for years to come."