GM's top electric car exec quits

[Bozita]

Source: Detroit News

Wednesday, September 30, 2009
GM's top electric car exec quits
Key in work on Volt, battery technology, Kruse leaves to start own consulting firm
Robert Snell / The Detroit News


Bob Kruse, who recently led a critical Chevrolet Volt team and devised the automaker's long-term electric vehicle strategy, has resigned months before the vehicle's debut, The Detroit News has learned.

Kruse's resignation, effective today, comes at a crucial time for General Motors Co., which is banking on the Volt to change public perceptions of the company and also help meet stringent new fuel rules.

Kruse, 50, executive director of global vehicle engineering for hybrids, electric vehicles and batteries since early 2008, left to start his own consulting company, E V Consulting LLC. He will provide automotive and vehicle electrification expertise for companies looking to seize a piece of more than $1.3 billion in federal grants available to Detroit's Big Three automakers and the state.

"My departure from General Motors has nothing to do with my view of the future success for the Volt," Kruse said on Tuesday. "I've left on very good terms. I have a lot of respect for the leadership of General Motors."

Read more: http://www.detnews.com/article/20090930/AUTO01/909300326/1148/GM-s-top-electric-car-exec-quits

[WriteDown]

1. Probably a good move for him...

Now he'll get to run his own business and it will probably be very lucrative.

[notadmblnd]

2. only if the Volt is successful.

If it's a flop, then I would think his future career would be also.

[wtmusic]

5. Not a good sign for the Volt

If they really had a groundbreaking concept there's no way he would bail on it now.

[notadmblnd]

6. It's always been the engineers against the numbers crunchers at GM

the number crunchers have been winning since Reagun. It's what's fucked GM up. If he quit because GM is going the cheap route, the Volt is bound to fail.

[tinrobot]

8. Actually, its the perfect time to bail

The car is pretty much developed. His job is done. Now it's up to manufacturing and marketing to make it happen.

If he has his own groundbreaking concept, then why give it to GM? Much better to start his own company and get the money for himself.

[nashville_brook]

11. another spin is-- 'why give it to GM and have them ruin it'

[ShortnFiery]

12. "Much better to start his own company and get the money for himself."

Yes, GREED is the American Way! That's why we all feel so PROUD of our nation. :(

[WriteDown]

14. Yes, we should all be worker bees....

and do the bidding of our "superiors." :eyes:

[umaine79]

3. High paid grant writer

What a fucking sham. He knows where the money is and how to help other companies get it. Call him a grant writer or call him a lobbyist, either way a big pay day at our expense.

[scheming daemons]

4. The car exec is electric?

[dixiegrrrrl]

13. Here's his pic.

[Qutzupalotl]

7. Kick

[liberal N proud]

9. Kruse right on out of there

[mackerel]

10. They should have stayed with the EV1 !