The automotive industry has not been without its share of controversial executives. Among the most outspoken of them have been Bob Lutz and Elon Musk, and now the two are butting heads.
Or one is with the other, at any rate, and we’re inclined to agree. On CNBC’s Closing Bell, Lutz called for Musk’s removal as chief executive of Tesla, and be replaced by “professional management.”
“Elon is tired, he’s worn out,” said Lutz. “He’s obviously got some emotional problems. He’s self medicating. He has shown some disturbing signs of being somewhat volatile and unstable. I think the right solution for Tesla at this point is to move him aside from day-to-day operation.”
“In my personal judgment, the board should take action and find a CEO. Not get rid of Elon — keep him as the visionary, keep him as the titular head of the company, and give him the honor and respect the founder of the company deserves,” continued the veteran automotive exec. “But that company needs professional management, and it needs it now.”
Lutz knows a thing or two, after all, about what it takes to run an automaker. Over the course of his long career, the Swiss-born former US Marine aviator has served as executive vice president at BMW and Ford, chief executive of Chrysler, and executive vice chairman in charge of product development at General Motors. Now semi-retired, he’s more recently lent the benefit of his experience as chairman of VIA motors and VLK Automotive.
Musk, it seems, is in no position to disagree. In a broad-ranging interview, he recently told The New York Times that “if you have anyone who can do a better job, please let me know. They can have the job. Is there someone who can do the job better? They can have the reins right now.”
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