Bob Lutz, the outspoken General Motors Vice Chairman and longtime US automotive executive is set to retire on May 1, 2010 according to reports from multiple news sources. Most recently Lutz has been serving as a “special advisor” to Ed Whitacre, the supreme commander of GM. This news comes one day after GM announced it was shaking up the executive management of the North American unit of the business.

“Maximum Bob” is one of the few people left who served under the outsed Rick Wagoner. He has previously held executive positions at both Ford and Chrysler. He’s projected the image of a “car guy” and reportedly owns a big collection of neat stuff, including vintage airplanes.

Source — Wall Street Journal — Lutz to Retire from GM