Bob Lutz named chairman at Via Motors
Fri, Feb 21 2014
Lutz thinks that Via's business plan of building extended range plug-ins is a smart way to go. "If we are going to see main stream adoption of electric vehicles, the technology must deliver a good return on investment to the largest segment of the auto business, namely trucks, vans and SUVs," Lutz said in a prepared statement, which you can read below. Lutz has decades of experience holding executive positions at some of the world's leading automakers and has spent the last few years working with green-focused start-ups.
Lutz will replace Carl Berg, who served as chairman since Via's launch in 2009 and will continue to be the company's largest stakeholder. As Via's new chairman, we figure Lutz will continue bragging about the trucks' bells and whistles – such as its built-in solar panels that can add 10 miles of range to the battery pack if it's parked in the sun all day.
ANN ARBOR, MI– VIA Motors announced today that auto legend, Bob Lutz, former vice chairman of General Motors and a board member of VIA Motors, was appointed Chairman of the Board of VIA Motors, maker of extended range electric trucks, vans & SUVs. Lutz is also known as the "father of the Chevy Volt" America's best selling electric vehicle.
"VIA is fortunate to have the experience of one of the industry's foremost executives leading our board," said John Weber, VIA Motors, CEO. Mr. Lutz brings with him a passion for the evolution of the automobile, and decades of experience from his tenure in top executive positions at each of the world's leading auto companies, noted Weber.
"I believe VIA is electrifying the right end of the business and is implementing a very sound business strategy," said Lutz. "If we are going to see main stream adoption of electric vehicles, the technology must deliver a good return on investment to the largest segment of the auto business, namely trucks, vans & SUVs. That's why I am so confident in VIA and I'm pleased to serve as Chairman," said Lutz.
Lutz is replacing retiring chairman Carl Berg, who has served with distinction since VIA's launch in 2009. Berg continues to be VIA's largest shareholder and ardent supporter.
About Bob Lutz
Mr. Lutz' automotive career includes senior leadership positions at GM, Ford, Chrysler and BMW. Most recently, Mr. Lutz served as Vice Chairman of General Motors where he was instrumental in the production launch of the Chevy Volt. Lutz retired from GM in 2010.
About VIA Motors
VIA Motors is a privately held electric vehicle development and manufacturing company. VIA employs a streamlined second stage manufacturing process to integrate its proprietary V-DRIVE™ power train into new OEM vehicles, then sells directly to fleets under the VTRUX™ brand name. VIA VTRUX deliver up to 40-mile battery range and unlimited extended range, averaging over 100 mpg in typical daily driving. More information on VIA Motors may be found at: VIAmotors.com. Video with Bob Lutz: VIAmotors.com/erev. Online calculator to estimate savings: VIAmotors.com/payback
- News Source: Via Motors
- Green
- Plants/Manufacturing
- Fisker
- Electric
- extended range
By Jon LeSage
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