Bob Lutz returns as General Motors adviser

The raspy voice of Bob Lutz will again be heard at General Motors.

The company announced on Friday morning that its former product czar is returning as an adviser. Lutz had been advising GM executives on an informal basis, the company said. He was vice chairman of GM—twice—and mostly oversaw product programs.

Brought on board by then-CEO Rick Wagoner in 2001, Lutz is credited with helping to revive and solidify GM's car and truck lineups. Lutz also championed development of the Chevrolet Volt and Camaro and the Pontiac Solstice. He retired from GM in 2010.

The 79-year-old recently published a book on his time at GM, Car Guys vs. Bean Counters: The Battle for the Soul of American Business, and served as a Lotus adviser.

Lutz is a former Marine fighter pilot, he served as an executive at Ford and BMW and he rose as high as president of Chrysler before being passed over for the top job by Lee Iacocca.

By Greg Migliore