Chrysler chief retires

DETROIT: Chrysler vice chairman Robert Lutz, who helped mold the once-struggling carmaker into a formidable competitor, plans to retire within 12 months.

Lutz, 66, reorganized Chrysler's product development operations in the late 1980s and early 1990s, served as the company's president and chief operating officer until his 65th birthday in February 1997, when he throttled back on his corporate duties.