Former Holden Boss Mark Reuss Appointed To Top Global Engineering Role At GM

IN WHAT CAN only be good news for Holden, outgoing boss Mark Reuss has been appointed Vice President of Global Engineering for General Motors.

Reuss' appointment comes as part of the New GM's restructuring after the company's recent release from Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

With Reuss' new role, Holden's position within GM will likely be strengthened, thanks also to the ardent pro-Holden support of Bob Lutz, Vice Chairman of Global Product Development.

“We’re safe, we’re part of the new GM. We have worked extremely hard to do that… and worked hard with Federal and State Governments, and with the union.”

“We are one of three vital subsidiaries in the Asia Pacific region,” Reuss said of Holden's position last month.

Thanks to its increased support in Detroit, Holden is likely to grow its export opportunities in the coming years.

“We [Holden] are going to recoup our export losses (the loss of the Pontiac G8 program to the US) with new programs,” Mr Reuss said.

Although Reuss remained tight-lipped about the details of future product and export plans, Holden recently announced an engine export program to supply 2500 turbocharged 2.8 litre Alloytec V6 engines to power the 2010 Cadillac SRX crossover.

Reuss, 45, held the top spot at GM Holden for 18 months, and played a large part in the push to gain GM and Federal Government funding to build a small car at Holden's Elizabeth plant.