Industry Malaise and ‘Drudgery’ Led GM’s Lutz to Retire

As General Motors Corp. battles to stay afloat, with help from billions in government loans, the consummate “car guy,” who has spearheaded the auto maker’s product revival since 2001, is easing out.

Bob Lutz, vice chairman for global product development, will relinquish his current post April 1 and remain on as vice chairman and senior advisor to Chairman Rick Wagoner until year’s end. Lutz turned 77 in February.

“I’ve come to an age where if I don’t retire now, when ...