GM’s Lutz joins NanoSteel board of directors

By Emily Greenhalgh
PBN Web Editor
Twitter: @EGreenhalgh

PROVIDENCE – Auto industry veteran and former executive for General Motors Corp., Robert A. “Bob” Lutz, has been appointed to the board of directors of The NanoSteel Co., the company announced Wednesday.

“I have been deeply impressed with NanoSteel’s progress in sheet steel materials design,” said Lutz in prepared remarks. “The company’s innovative approach has the potential to offer the most natural progression for automakers to stick with their most trusted material — steel — and at the same time enjoy exceptional properties that support the design of next generation, fuel-efficient vehicles.”

Lutz has more than 50 years of experience as a top executive in the global automotive industry, including positions as vice chairman of global product development at General Motors, president of the Chrysler Corp. and an executive at Ford Motor Co. and BMW.

“The use of NanoSteel’s [advanced high-strength steels] breakthrough could drive efficiencies across the supply chain by leveraging existing steel infrastructure and parts production,” said Lutz.

NanoSteel is the maker of nano-structured steel materials designs. Through the development of patented alloys, the company has developed a new class of steels that allows engineers and designers to reduce vehicle weight while maintaining the structural integrity needed for safety.

“The appointment of Bob to our board of directors is extraordinarily positive for NanoSteel,” David Paratore, company president and CEO, said in a statement. “Bob’s commitment to the company is a testament to the unique opportunity that our nano-structured sheet steel solutions will bring to the automotive industry.”

“Bob’s leadership in auto innovation is unparalleled, and there is not a more proven leader today to help us propel our growth in automotive and hone our strategy moving forward,” added Paratore.

Since leaving GM in 2010, Lutz has been an executive consultant, industry analyst and media spokesperson. He also published his second book, “Car Guys & Bean Counters,” in 2011.