Maximum Bob returns: GM un-retires Bob Lutz

In a press conference Friday announcing the formation of the new GM, CEO Fritz Henderson also announced he was “unretiring Mr. Lutz.”

We can’t think of a better term. Bob Lutz, known throughout the auto industry as “Maximum Bob” is an outspoken, often brash, former Marine Corps aviator who was responsible for breathing life into GM’s moribund product lineup since 2000. In February 2009, the Lutz announced he would transition into a  new role as Vice Chairman and Senior Advisor, with the intent to retire by year’s end.. Before his stint at General Motors, he shook up design and engineering at Chrysler and became known as the godfather of the outrageous Dodge Viper sports car.  Before that, he spent 12 years at Ford Motor Company, where his last position was executive vice president of truck operations.

The 77-year-old executive is known for flying his helicopter to work and spontaneously landing in friends’ back yards . He still sometimes flies his Czech L39 Albatross fighter jet, and rides one of his collection of motorcycles to meet friends for breakfast on Saturdays.

After Lutz’s 50-year career hopping between automakers, including BMW, Henderson said rehiring Lutz was the only way he knew to keep him from turning up at a competitor.

If there’s one thing we’ve never known Lutz to be it’s “retiring.” We hope he will be able to continue the momentum GM has built up in improving its model lineup in recent years. It would be even better if GM made progress in making its cars more reliable, as well as better to drive.

Read: “What the post-bankruptcy GM means to you.”

—Eric Evarts