In an interview with Global Auto Insider, former head of Ford Premier Automotive Group Wolfgang Reitzle claims that Bob Lutz, General Motors vice chairman, offered him an opportunity to run the Opel and Saab divisions which would have led to him succeeding Lutz after 2004.

Reitzle also says Ford offered him a new position as head of global research and development in a bid to persuade him to stay, but the proposal came too late.