GM appoints veteran engineer to head research

[February 23, 2012]  DETROIT (AP) -- General Motors says veteran engineer Jon Lauckner will head the company's research and development efforts.

Lauckner will become the automaker's chief technology officer starting April 1.

He'll also continue to lead GM Ventures, which invests money in technology companies. And he will remain on the product development staff.

Lauckner will replace Chief Technology Officer Tom Stephens and Alan Taub, the head of research and development. Both are retiring April 1.

Vice Chairman Stephen Girsky says in a statement that Lauckner's multiple roles will help the company move faster to put new technology into GM vehicles.

Lauckner, 54, has been with GM since 1979 and has held a number of engineering and executive jobs.

[Associated Press]

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