Lutz: GM Surprised by Henderson's Departure

Fritz Henderson decided to leave General Motors last weekend after only eight months since he's been in charge with the company, a move that surprised most people involved in the auto industry. Vice chairman Bob Lutz said the Henderson's decision was indeed surprising for the entire company but hinted that the former CEO was indeed asked by the board to leave.

Up until now, GM's officials said that Henderson himself decided to quit but gave no reason. Meanwhile, sources familiar with the matter hinted that Henderson and chairman Ed Whitacre had different point of view over GM's future, a matter of fact that led to the company's board asking the first to leave.

"None of us had any hint," Lutz was quoted as saying by just-auto.com. "The board makes these decisions. It's not something management would have done," he added, hinting that the board might be the one that decided to change the CEO.

"You never like a distraction but, you know, the interesting thing is the public buys cars. They don't buy management teams," Lutz said. "It's fair to say we have a much better foundation for success than perhaps anyone could have imagined this time last year."

Meanwhile, Ed Whitacre will serve as interim CEO until a new person suitable for the job is found. The chairman plans to make GM a more aggressive company when it comes to the North American market and plans to start paying government loans as soon as this week, although clear details on this matter are yet to be revealed.