In an email to the Associated Press, Mr Lutz said: 'My work is done here. The whole organisation, top to bottom, now has absolute product superiority as the highest objective which enables all others. So I can retire in peace.'

Mr Lutz has spent a 47-year career in the global auto industry that included senior leadership positions at four of the world’s leading automakers. He rejoined GM in September 2001 as the head of product development and has also worked at BMW, Chrysler and Ford.

'The influence Bob Lutz has had on GM’s commitment to design, build and sell the world’s best vehicles will last for years to come,' GM CEO and chairman Ed Whitacre said. 'I, along with many other men and women in GM and throughout the industry, have greatly benefited from his passion, wisdom and guidance.'