My Bob Lutz Encounter

I am in the process of reading Bob Lutz's latest book titled "Car Guys vs Bean Counters" which is a thoroughly enjoyable read for car guys... Bean counters should probably spare themselves the anguish of reading this book. Anyways, reading Lutz's book is not only entertaining and informative, but also keeps causing me to flash back to my experience encountering Bob Lutz in person.

I had been invited to the Google "ThinkAuto" symposium at Google's Birmingham, MI offices in the Spring of 2009. I remember it being a spectacular Michigan Spring day in late April... Several noted speakers were slated for the day's sessions. The auto industry was in a full tailspin at the time, suffering from the economic meltdown that characterized the depths of the Great Recession.

Bob Lutz was one of several remarkable speakers that day, and I was sitting in the front row. Like many before me, I was enthralled and charmed by Lutz's brash style. His speaking style was striking in that he emphasized the painfully obvious factors that far too many automotive executives ignore as part of their pathological ongoing state of denial.

I took many notes and even asked a question at the end of Lutz's presentation... Which his answer delighted and intrigued the crowd of about 50 automotive notables present.

Later on during the Google Cocktail reception, I was able to shake Bob's hand and introduce myself. I took the opportunity to strike up a conversation with Bob while we both enjoyed Google's hospitality.

Among several conversational questions, I asked the soon to be retiring GM Executive if there was any possibility of GM seeking federal bankruptcy reorganization in the future... Bob's response was classic Lutzism, he said something like;

"...Possibility?!?! A GM bankruptcy filing is an inevitability... It is not a question of whether or not GM will file for Bankruptcy reorganization, the only real question is WHEN!"

I was blown away at the time by Lutz's candor and the sheer charisma the man exudes... I knew right then and there that I had met one of my all time automotive heroes. Reading "Car Guys vs Bean Counters" has reaffirmed my opinion that Bob Lutz is one of the greatest car guys ever produced by the American auto industry.

If you work in the car business, buy the book and read it... You'll be glad you did!

[Sent from Ralph Paglia's iPhone]

Ralph Paglia
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