Honda said in a statement quoted by Autonews that Jutte will retire to "spend more time focusing on his health, family, community and other interests that are important to him at this stage of his life."
"After much reflection and deep consideration, I have made the difficult decision to move on to the next phase of my life," Jutte himself said in a statement, adding that he will "always remain a champion for Honda."
Jutte, 53, has been since 2001, senior vice president at Honda of America Manufacturing in charge with procurement. He was part of a team led by Hide Iwata, president of the manufacturing unit.
The vice president, together with his team, are in charge with two Ohio assembly plants and an engine plant in the state, along with all of Honda's North American purchasing. Jutte also leads Honda's North American "green factory" endeavors.
Under his guidance, Honda moved Civic production from the East Liberty, Ohio, plant to Honda's Indiana factory this year. Jutte oversaw the launch of the 1996 Civic and helped launch Acura's 1996 CL coupe, the first Japanese luxury car built in the United States. In all, he helped bring onto the American market nearly 700,000 vehicles, as well as $19.5 billion in purchasing spending.
Although Jutte's retirement will come no later than tomorrow, Honda has not yet announced whether it has found a replacement for the vice president or not.
Google News