GM's Lutz to retire May 1

General Motors Vice Chairman Bob Lutz plans to retire from the automaker effective May 1, according to a statement released by GM on Wednesday. Lutz, 78, had been serving as a senior adviser to GM Chairman and CEO Ed Whitacre after shelving retirement plans to take charge of the automaker's marketing after it emerged from bankruptcy in July 2009. An outspoken executive who both challenged global warming and championed GM's all-electric Volt, Lutz is credited with revitalizing GM's product development efforts after being hired by former GM CEO Rick Wagoner in 2001.

Suzuki Swift SZ-L launched

Suzuki has launched a new Limited Edition Swift - the Suzuki Swift SZ-L The SZ-L is designed to offer a more economical option to the usual 1.5 litre lump, and substitutes it with a 1.3 litre, 93bhp engine from the Swift GL, which delivers 0-60mph in 11.0 seconds, 48.7 mpg and CO2 emissions of 140g/km which isn’t actually too shoddy. To make this limited edition SZ-L, Suzuki are throwing in a few tweaks and some toys to make the package more appealing. You get AirCon, a choice of new metallic colours, some extra chrome bits and an upgrade or two for the interior.

GM adds to coverage for certified preowned cars

General Motors is changing up its certified used-vehicle program to include two years of oil changes, tire rotations and multipoint inspections, the company said on Friday. The Owner Care program kicks in on June 11 and covers certified preowned Chevrolet, Buick and GMC vehicles. GM will provide Owner Care for two years or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first.