Bob Lutz (GM/BMW/Ford/Chrysler) : Part 1 Interview - "Troubled Youth", Marine Corps, & Vacuum Sales

Learn more about Bob Lutz in Part I of this interview series, highlighting his formative years in school, The Marine Corps, and how he got his quest for product excellence as a vacuum cleaner salesman.
Bob served in numerous senior leadership roles at GM (Vice Chairman), BMW (Executive Vice President), Ford (Chairman, Ford of Europe), and Chrysler (President and COO).
Stay tuned for Part II highlighting his time at Opel and BMW.

[@Ascotman]

Bob Lutz, a real car guy, a Marine Corps Veteran, and still smoking cigars at 90 years old! Bob looks about 60 years old! Great interview!

[@onlyhereonce7290]

Very well said. Bob Lutz is an icon. I’m so glad that Adam spoke with him. So cool.

[@kobbetop]

On Autoline interview he was constantly munching snacks like he would die of hunger any minute, What a guy ! Can’t believe he is 90…

[@juliansanchez7266]

Absolutely an inspiration ! 90😳

[@EssenceofPureFlavor]

He does NOT look 90. More like 70s.

[@RivieraByBuick]

lets face it, he does not look 60. Nor 90 either. lol. But the most fascinating about senior people that look younger is not the face look younger, but the overall energy. A few month ago i bought a property from a gentleman and his wife...well...i knew they were senior, but then i sw their birth dates, his was 1945 and her was 1933 !! i was shocked, especially about her as she moves and acts not like a 90 year person at all.

[@giggiddy]

Now that is a true man. 90 years old, smoking a cigar and speaking with knowledge and clarity with the most interesting life stories I've heard in years. God is he inspirational!!!

[@rightlanehog3151]

"What noble beasts they were." Well said Mr Lutz!

[@paulparoma]

Well, look who is here! You are normally at Toyota Maintenance, trying to get Peter's attention, albeit in vain.

[@bws1971]

Oh, I know. What a great way he put it. This is exactly it. I love them for exactly what they were and remain

[@mikeweizer3149]

@@bws1971 I wasn't entirely sure if he was talking about the way that those big boats were(and I drove many of them God love them!).Or the way people were then beacuse they were part of generation that helped build this country. And I also liked his comments about financial guys and bean counters It's time to get them out of their little comfort zones and start listening to some product guys!!!!!.

[@mikeweizer3149]

BTW I wouldn't be saying these things just to older car guys like myself I would be saying things like this to people comming out of high school beacuse it seems to me that this new generation has a bad lack of focus and if things like going into the Military can help (which it certainly did in his case) Then it would still work for this generation🤨🤨🤨🤨.

[@hendo337]

I want to thank Bob for being pivotal in having the Holden Monaro, Commodore and Caprice imported to the USA in their LHD GCC versions. Those cars have brought me years of joy and were the reason I made a bunch of great friends.

[@Magnus055]

Honestly I could sit & listen to Bob's stories all day.

[@joshuagibson2520]

Glad to see the fella enjoy a smoke. So many of us are persecuted for such indulgences these days.

[@Henry_Jones]

Unless its weed which ironicly is consumed by the same people who hate on tobacco smokers...and also smoke cigarettes after they smoke weed....

[@joshuagibson2520]

@@Henry_Jones I condone and partake in it all. In moderation of course. I'm not as big a fan of alcohol though.

[@fleetwin1]

@@joshuagibson2520 Yeah, an occasional smoke is a pleasure for sure. As Uncle Fred would say: "anything in moderation isn't gonna hurt you".

[@bennyhill3076]

I cannot imagine what it felt like for Adam to be sitting next to and interviewing one of the very few auto executives that I have idolized over the years. Mr. Lutz has always told it like it was, which is an extremely rare trait in an automotive executive and why I have always respected Mr. Lutz.. He is a true legend. I cannot wait for the other segments to be posted! Thank you Adam. P.S. (John DeLorean , when he was at GM, would be another auto executive that I had great respect for as well)

[@hornetbrown]

Bob Lutz is the man!! Nice to see him crisp minded, great wit, and lots of great stories and anecdotes. I could listen to him all day. Inspirational!

[@gianpaologliori3604]

“I believe in the factory but not the retail establishment “… brilliant!

[@MoultrieGeek]

A huge thank you to Mr Lutz for doing this interview and his candid remarks and a big thank you to Adam for conducting it. Bob is a fascinating person and I'm really grateful to learn more about him.

[@cadillacguy1890]

If you had never heard of Bob Lutz, you’d know just a few minutes into this interview that there’s something special about the guy, and he’s very successful. Great interview technique also, Adam.

[@audieconrad8995]

A man who understood that honesty and enthusiasm in sales creates MORE sales.

[@jrgrissinger]

Great interview, thanks Adam. Hard to believe he's 90!

[@Liplip40]

Bob still sharp as a tack ! What a legend.

[@huntermalone3482]

EXCELLENT! I'd definitely want my kids listening to Bob Lutz and learning his life story. He's spot on about having the character to be honest and sell a good product, and move on when you can't. Thank you!

[@MoultrieGeek]

Excellent observation.

[@ellisonhamilton3322]

God bless and Semper fi brother. 23 years USMC here.

[@Czechbound]

You got *Bob Lutz* . This is a fantastic achievement. A titan in the industry. In Europe, we were in awe of such an American top, top executive. And what a nice guy !

[@christianheidt5733]

Such a respectful, humble & honourable individual.

[@martinbeneteau309]

I was very honored to have Bob Lutz critique my 59 Belair during a car show that was broadcast on PBS from Detroit. It was during the week of the Woodward Dream Cruise in 2016. It's on KZbin and and still enjoy watching it every once in awhile.

[@aliassmithandjones9453]

the older I get the more I appreciated Old Guy stories

[@patcurrie9888]

Looking forward to Bob's thoughts on what were his favorite GM autos, passion products. Great interviewing skills by letting the guest talk.

[@WhittyPics]

We need Bob's thinking in the appliance industry. I have been only getting 4 years out of the last 2 refrigerators I bought. But hey, as long as the CEO is making Millions a year?

[@mikekokomomike]

And somewhere there is an avocado or goldenrod colored Gibson refrigerator from 1978 still running in a garage.

[@pwatson3687]

Your first interview and you get Bob Lutz! Holy cow!

[@vincentgranite9481]

Adam, you are living your best life. Wish your dad could see how you've grow this passion and shared it with all of us.

[@RareClassicCars]

That’s a great comment. Thank you.

[@AnthonyEvelyn]

Bob Lutz has been a hero of mine from his stint at Chrysler. I wish him all the best.

[@christopherkraft1327]

Hey Adam, I am in awe!!! Bob Lutz is a living legend!!! And of course there's his ever present stogie!!! This is a fascinating video!!! 👍👍

[@1983dmd]

ADAM!!! You hit a home run having the Legendary Bob Lutz on interview...I would listen to him all day long....Wow!!!

[@michelprovencher3798]

Throughly enjoying insight into Bob Lutz career. Couldn’t agree more with his motto of “service and product excellence “.

[@arevee9429]

Fantastic interview. If I could give 2 thumbs up, I would! Of course, I knew who Bob Lutz was, but did not know he was such an interesting man because I'd never seen an interview. And sharp as a tack! It would be interesting to hear Bob's opinion on what went wrong with GM (and when it started) that caused the quality to plummet and market share to drop.

[@CJColvin]

Not to mention on how Pontiac went down under.

[@skinnerhound2660]

Roger Smith would be a good start.

[@garyruark9506]

Bob Lutz what a guy. My first job was selling Electrolux vaccums door to door. I hated math too and did poorly after algebra. My second job was selling tires and batteries retail. I liked it and that's what got me to become a car guy. I was making $200 a week in 1977 working 24 hrs part time while in college. That was good money for a 20 year old. I bought a new Cutlass in 1977. Can't wait for next video.

[@danlove4270]

I could listen to Bob all day....thanks Adam!

[@deanstevenson6527]

Thanks for the work you did at BMW, the Ford Sierra 2.8 XR4i, all the captive import Merkurs, the work you did in Chrysler, and the Aussie Import Monaro based GTO.

[@americanrelics]

Adam has officially entered the big leagues with this interview.

[@juliansanchez7266]

Lol of course he did , its ADAM after all, charming smart and a man of scruples.

[@dougsmith9571]

Bob Lutz . Great guy and interview. Still a legend and car guy as well.

[@drakbar5957]

Bob Lutz, a cigar and bottles of Costco water. Automotive genius imported from Detroit.

[@Mr_Mike_S]

Adam is more than just steel, brocade interiors, and big blocks! He finds the rare classic people. Rare Classic Cars don't fall from the sky. He cherishes the people that shaped the industry. People like Bob!

[@michaelnotigan7796]

I have no idea how I missed this fantastic interview of a truly great Car Guy, Mr Bob Lutz. Utterly brilliant interview!

[@TheOldMachines]

Total legend. Smoking cigars, talking about his experiences, guy looks incredible at 90!

[@citibear57]

Love the relaxed conversation 👍 I'm looking forward to watching Part 2.

[@sunbeam8866]

I'm happy Bob was able to tell about his experiences as a vacuum salesman. As a teenager in the 70s, I used to work on stuff like model boats, lawn-mower engines, etc...in my parent's basement, and my folks were always nagging me about cleaning up after I finished. But it was a pain lugging Mom's bulky Electrolux down the stairs. So one day I dragged home a Sunbeam canister vacuum someone had pitched out, to keep by the basement workbench. It was a big, round, pale-blue metal canister that looked like a flying saucer, with a magnetically attached flat lid. I think the motor was stuck and I had to take it apart to free it up. I don't know if I re-assembled it wrong or there was already a short in the motor - but once I switched it on, it sounded like it was running awfully fast, and the canister would get real warm with prolonged use. Nevertheless, the suction was great - much better than Mom's Electrolux - and I happily employed it for basement cleanup a couple years, until one afternoon there was a loud 'POP', much smoke, and that was the end of my first Sunbeam. I've also owned a '50s Sunbeam electric shaver, a '60s Sunbeam power lawn-mower, and finally, a '67 Sunbeam Alpine sports-car - the reason for my 'user-name' here!

[@NorthernChev]

Are you kidding me? Wow! Bob Lutz! This is awesome.

[@oellinas]

Wow. What a treat. I’m an engineer now in my mid career and have always admired Mr. Lutz. I’ve sought out interviews in the past and have read his books. I agree with the others here that he’s one of the few executives I truly admire. Thanks for making this happen.

[@scottking4931]

Bob Lutz….is what America is all about. A guy with passion , can’t be stopped ! Lee Iacocca and Bob lutz were great guys but Lee should have appointed Bob has his successor. Great Interview….Thanks Adam!

[@deanb3033]

I can listen to Bob for hours!

[@bobcoats2708]

Adam, what a coup to have Bob as your first interview! He will be hard to top! I hope you will share a bit of the story of how you know Bob, or how you were able to arrange the interview with the living legend himself. I’m sure your viewers would be very interested.

[@georgeburns7251]

Can never top this

[@RogerSnell]

Very interesting! I could listen to him all day long.

[@stevepayne3745]

Great interview!!! It's hard to believe he's 90; he looks and acts 60!!!!! What a legend!!!

[@johnh2514]

Grateful that Bob Is still lively at 90. I haven’t heard a lot from him in a while, I was concerned he was no longer doing public interviews/appearances.

[@paulr7547]

Adam, great interview. I really enjoyed it. Mr. Lutz is well spoken.

[@jvkrause]

Fascinating interview of an icon of the American auto industry. Thanks for bringing this to us!

[@EristiCat]

He's 90!! Somethings keeping him young! Great guy.

[@ericwhitehead6451]

This man is a legend in the industry.

[@Freddierio]

Grew up in the 50's. Lived in Reseda (Los Angeles, CA.) White Oak Ave was as w i d e as a freeway! The San Fernando Valley was a hotbed of action. My Dad was proud that I was alive (survived a number of childhood mishaps - self inflicted.) I knew the name of every car on the street. All thru elementary school, I drew cars - mostly hot rods. Glad to hear that I share a page with someone I respect. Safe passage.

[@greggc8088]

Bob has been my hero since youth. I've read a lot of his books and he cracks me up with some of the personal stories of his experiences in the industry. Chrysler and BMW stories come to mind. Thanks for this interview! You the man.

[@elihu318]

What a great interview. There is an obvious mutual respect between Adam and Bob which is evident in the ease in which they speak with one another. He’s a fascinating man, and when he mentioned he enlisted while the Korean War was still underway, I had to do some quick math because I would have guessed he was no more than 70 years young! Keep up the good work, Adam. Your channel combines nostalgia and informative narration perfectly. Look forward to watching part two, and more car videos and interviews!

[@nairbudy6403]

Love listening to Bob Lutz interviews.

[@markbehr88]

Great stuff. Love it. Thank you Bob for being part of this and sharing your time.

[@doctormdds]

I'm not sure how you had the privilege of interviewing Bob Lutz but I'm glad you did. I can't wait to see the next episode. Thank you for putting this together.

[@markdc1145]

Have been waiting for this interview to happen and you certainly did not disappoint! Lutz is one of the true greats in the automotive world and a real stand out amongst the legions of grey-suited “yes men” executives. Thank you and eagerly look forward to part 2!👍👍👍

[@thomassilvestri2128]

I could listen to Bob talk about cars or vacuums all day. I wish you wouldn’t cut the interview into so many different segments

[@deanberg4033]

I liked the Hoover story. My mom has always bought Hoover vacuums That big ole orange ashtray looks right out of Mad Men..

[@GrotrianSeiler]

What a coup for you Adam. Wow. Bob Lutz is a living legend.

[@P.Galore]

This is a real get....looking forward to more.

[@joe6096]

This is a huge treat Adam. For us real car guys, Bob is a legend and a hero. Thank you so much for putting this interview together!!! The next time you talk to Bob, let him know Joe in Cleveland OH owns a 2019 Camaro 2SS 6 speed and got to drive a pre-production 2003 Pontiac GTO 6 speed in the fall of 2002 by chance.

[@martingaudette5270]

Bob is the man! Much like Steve Jobs, he’s all about the product, the passion. It was great to see him in such good shape at 90 years old!

[@ProjectFairmont]

I hope Bob is on to something about past American car glory in terms of it coming back. 20 years ago I was not in any way attracted to chrome laden land yachts, and like him Euro design persuasion was what captured my mind (and continues to). I had an epiphany about 9 years ago when I saw a ‘79 MkV Designer Series driving among a sea of mostly red Ferraris at the annual “Ferraris on 5th” in Naples FL. Bought a clean ‘77 MkV in 2018, and it’s one of my favorite cars among my F355 F1, 1965 Daytona Coupe and GT40 replica’s. Nothing else drives like it anymore, and encouraging for him to hear of a possible 2nd coming. Thanks Adam!

[@SSV-i-c-e]

Great interview and man thanks Adam great work.hello from New Zealand nice Sunday morning here.🇳🇿

[@joedepoto]

Amazing how each video on this channel keeps out doing the last one! Excellent work Adam and to get Bob Lutz as you first interview is a great way to kickoff this installment.👍

[@tonybmusic1166]

Bob Lutz is the “real deal.” He’s run or co-run just about every single major car manufacturer on the planet. And he’s a “car guy” not a “bean counter.” I’ve read all his books several times because I’m a 76 year old “car guy” too, with two muscle cars sitting in my driveway. He used to brag about driving his Lamborghini Countach flat out on his way home every night. I think he flies a fighter jet now.

[@michaelbrown5601]

You are truly on to something big with this multi-part talk with Bob. His story is captivating and highly inspirational. Whatever you’re up to, keep doing it. Your candor and poise has me confident there’s nothing you can’t do.

[@RareClassicCars]

Well thank you

[@aaron.hudacky]

I absolutely love this video and hearing Bob Lutz speak about his experiences. Thank you, Adam, for making and sharing this!

[@mikeyveloster7615]

More people need to watch these, Adam your interviews are amazing

[@johnandersonjjr]

Wow I can’t think of a better choice from auto industry titans to hear interviewed.He’s interesting no matter what subject you get into.I’ll be interested in his opinion on where he thinks the industry is going under what seems to be the centra planning mode we seem to be under today.

[@JBsC6]

Bob Lutz is icon. Thank you for the youtube vudeo of the interview. Always a fan

[@RogerSnell]

I could listen to him all day long! Very interesting!

[@petertornabeni602]

This is a great interview, Bob is no fan of American cars of the past. It’s great hearing him talk about the past, these cars ect. I wish he’d come out with another book about his time in the industry… I know there a hell of a lot more stories !!!

[@gybx4094]

This is a historically relevant interview for me as a former GM engineering manager. Downloaded for pleasurable review.

[@typxxilps]

sad to see that this video does not get more attention cause this was a real cool car guy and he was respected on both sides of the pond which rarely happens. American managers here in europe have never found acceptance, regardless if these were Ford or GM managers cause they never found a way to immerse into the culture and learned the language. Everyone knew they are here just for 1 or 2 years to get a check in their CV for having worked abroad. I loved the hoover episode !

[@billnasburg1361]

I really enjoyed that interview wit Bob. He is right about consumer satisfaction with a product. He is right and he is an example of why America was great.

[@mitchconner1407]

Wonderful interview. Glad to see Bob doing so well.

[@lordbrennanofsealand5772]

Kudos, Bob is a legend.

[@jamesmisener3006]

Excellent guest Adam. 👌 Cheers 🇨🇦

[@garysandiego]

The story on how you got Bob Lutz to sit for you would be interesting to hear.

[@DinoLondis]

What a treat. Thanks Adam and Bob.

[@Gilliatt83]

Dude, thank you for documenting this great legend.

[@michaelatkins9780]

Great job Adam. Journalism is easy when, your objectives are pure, just the facts, hold the narratives.

[@CarputingYT]

Great video thanks for another upload hope you have an awesome day

[@gregz6418]

Looking forward to this series

[@LocoCanada]

What a cool guy. I would love to meet him and hear some stories.

[@lukepokrajac1057]

Awesome interview of an automotive legend!

[@dannyengland126]

I'm reading his book right now he is a true car guy

[@anthemss]

GREAT CATCH!!!!! More power to you sir!

[@sthier24]

Been looking forward to this. Thanks Adam

[@hendo337]

You didn't really need to clip the interview, no amount of Bob taking would ever bore me for a single second. He is an absolutely fascinating man.

[@vincentgranite9481]

Adam is no dummy, many many more times the views than if just one video. Plus he gives us all something great to look forward to.

[@wraithconscience]

Fantastic! Thanks Adam for bring Bob's fascinating life and work to us. Great interview!

[@roberth7894]

Very cool, way to snag this interview, Lutz really had a huge impact at Chrysler, and the slew of executive positions he's held is with few parallels in automotive history. Looking forward to part 2!

[@steveoh9838]

Just incredible. Can't wait for the continuation. AAA+++

[@Abebe345]

Bob is very interesting. I also enjoyed his many premature obituaries of TSLA. But I could talk to him for days about all of the cars and developments of now and present in auto industry.

[@rtchrg440]

Fantastic! Bob is a true american legend - can't wait to see the next segment!

[@nilsberger9524]

Sketching cars, good to know. That is what I am doing since I am five years old.