Bob Lutz's career 'not over'

General Motors vice president Bob Lutz is open to continuing his career in the motor industry, despite his imminent retirement at the age of 78.

Lutz will stand down from the role on 1 May after a 47-year career but has confirmed he will still offer GM consultancy work. He also revealed he is being headhunted to work on the board of other companies, although he said he had yet to be approached by any other manufacturers.

"I have had several approaches for board memberships of various companies and I'm going to be meeting with a headhunter who is a specialist in finding board members," he told Autoblog.

"He wants to see me, so we'll see what comes up there. As far as GM is concerned, I have had numerous requests to continue to be available for advice and counsel and occasionally review design properties and stuff like that, so I'll find a way to stay engaged.

"No other automobile company has yet approached me and said 'Here's a huge wad of money, come and work for us.'"

When Lutz confirmed his retirement last month, he said: “I can confidently say that the job I came here to do more than nine years ago is now complete. The team I have been fortunate to lead has far exceeded my expectations.

"Our product line-up is as strong as it has been in GM’s history. The perception of our products and brands is beginning to catch up with reality.

"And most importantly, the absolute commitment to being a product-driven company is ingrained throughout the organisation – from the top down – and I am confident that, under Ed Whitacre’s leadership, the straightforward, singular focus on product will endure."

Lutz had previously planned to retire in 2009, but was tempted back to help GM rebuild its business after entering Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last summer.