Auto Executive Robert Lutz Discusses "Car Guys vs. Bean Counters"

DETROIT--Jan. 24, 2012: Robert Lutz, former vice chairman of General Motors in North America will discuss his latest book, "Car Guys vs. Bean Counters" on Wednesday, January 25, 2012 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the newly renovated Chemistry Building on the McNichols Campus.

For almost 50 years, Lutz has become one of the most experienced and high-profile auto executives in the world, leaving his mark on Ford, Chrysler, BMW and most recently GM, where he reinvigorated its previously undistinguished vehicle lineup. He is responsible for both the bold design and performance engineering of vehicles such as the Pontiac Solstice, Cadillac CTS, the re-designed Chevrolet Malibu, and the Dodge Viper.

Known as Detroit's "ultimate car guy," he always had the passion to make his automobiles the best in the world, with unparalleled styling, performance, quality, and technical excellence. Lutz has championed the ascendancy of designers and engineers over the industry's bean counters and MBAs, whom he feels bear much of the responsibility for Detroit's downfall.

At GM, he was the dominant force behind the renaissance of fresh, bold designs and performance engineering in US cars such as the Pontiac Solstice, Cadillac CTS, the re-designed Chevrolet Malibu, and the Dodge Viper.

He is currently head of the consulting firm Lutz Communications, chairman of The New Common School Foundation, a member of the board of trustees for the U.S. Marine Corps University Foundation, and vice chairman of the board of trustees for the Marine Military Academy in Harlingen, Texas.

Lutz received a bachelor's degree in Production Management in 1961 followed by an MBA with a concentration in Marketing with highest honors in 1962, both from UC Berkeley; he earned the latter when he was flying in the Marine Corps Reserves and supporting two of four young daughters by selling vacuum cleaners in Walnut Creek, California. He also received an honorary Doctorate of Law from Boston University in 1985, and an honorary degree of Doctor of Management from Kettering University in 2003. He is a trustee of the Marine Corps University Foundation and the Marine Military Academy.

The lecture is free and open to the public. It is sponsored by UDM's College of Engineering & Science and the College of Liberal Arts & Education.

Make your reservations for this event at Detroit Mercy

For questions, call 313-993-1540 or e-mail udmgrad@udmercy.edu

The University of Detroit Mercy is Michigan's largest private Catholic University, with approximately 100 academic majors and programs. Sponsored by the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) and the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, the University has campuses located in downtown and northwest Detroit.

UDM is one of 28 Jesuit colleges and universities and the largest of 18 Mercy institutions of higher education in the United States. For the tenth consecutive year, University of Detroit Mercy is listed in the top tier of Midwestern Regional Universities in the 2011 edition of the U.S.News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges."