Great Bob Lutz, Volt Concept Interview

In the past I've thought that GM's Bob Lutz was an out-of-touch, old-school jerk. In fact, I once even referred to him as Lutz the putz after he called hybrid cars stupid and claimed that GM could have developed a Prius-like vehicle with a fraction of one year's marketing budget.

After having seen Bob Lutz in person - in action - I've changed my mind. I was completely impressed with Lutz's candor, his almost vulgar honesty. Bob Lutz doesn't mince words, he doesn't try to soundbite every statement into the perfect marketing jargon. Lutz simply says it the way he sees it. With Lutz, what you see is what you get.

I honestly believe that Lutz is incredibly excited about the Volt electric concept vehicle - the most important concept in GM's history in my opinion. Lutz even admitted that the Volt was the most exciting project in his 40 + year career in the automotive industry at the debut of the Volt. Recently, Lutz explained his excitement to Forbes.

"It’s a radical departure for GM, and it’s exciting because it’s not a sure thing — there’s a possibility of failure here. I’d put the risk rate at 10 percent. It’ll keep me around for another three or four years, just to see how it turns out."

The whole article is an excellent read for anybody that is interested in learning more about Lutz, or anyone that is wondering whether GM is serious about the Volt.

--> Read Q&A: Bob Lutz charges up on the Volt