Auto Industry Legend Lutz Addresses Automotive Writers Group
14 September 1999
Auto Industry Legend Lutz Addresses Automotive Writers Group
-- WHO:
-- Robert A. Lutz is the current chairman and chief executive officer of
Exide Corporation, the world's largest manufacturer of lead-acid
batteries, author of "Guts" and former executive at Chrysler, Ford,
General Motors and BMW. He is best known in the auto industry as the
"father" of the Dodge Viper and Plymouth Prowler, two vehicles that
were cornerstones of the revival of the Chrysler Corporation.
-- WHAT:
-- Monthly lunch meeting of the Motor Press Guild (MPG), one of the
largest associations of automotive writers and industry professionals
in the country.
-- WHEN:
-- Tuesday, September 14, beginning at 11:30 with lunch at noon following
by Lutz' presentation.
-- WHERE:
-- The Proud Bird Restaurant, 11022 Aviation Blvd. near LAX. Phone is
(310) 670-3093.
-- WHY:
-- In the car business, being a "car guy" is the highest praise. Bob
Lutz is the consummate car guy, one of a few who have risen to
positions of power and influence in the industry. His image as a
cigar-smoking, straight-talking ex-jet pilot who loved driving fast
cars was enhanced when he led the resurgence of Chrysler Corporation
by taking the wild Viper concept car into production at a time when
Chrysler was known as the K-car company. Since he retired from
Chrysler, the company has merged with Daimler-Benz. Lutz in turn took
on a new challenge, the battery-maker Exide Corp. He also has served
on the boards of other companies, such as high-tech innovator Silicon
Graphics (now SGI).
MPG's president is B.J. Killeen. For more information on MPG or this
meeting, please contact Michael Coates at (408) 399-9081 or
mcoates@aol.com or visit the MPG website at http://www.motorpressguild.org.