Corvette Chief Retires After Nearly 50 Years at GM

DETROIT — As Tadge Juechter prepares for retirement, he reflects on his extensive career at General Motors, particularly his pivotal role in the Corvette brand. In a recent interview with CNBC, the 67-year-old discussed his early involvement with the Corvette, which began in 1985 when he researched the market for the high-performance ZR1 model. Juechter emphasized the importance of efficiency and innovation, noting that electrification is a new technology that the brand must embrace to resonate with its customers. Throughout his tenure, Juechter has contributed to four generations of Corvettes, culminating in the latest mid-engine, eighth-generation model. He expressed a deep emotional connection to each iteration, likening the experience to parenting, where each car holds its unique significance. His personal journey with the Corvette began with the sixth-generation Z06, which he purchased after being captivated by a fully equipped model at the Bowling Green plant. Looking ahead, Juechter mentioned plans for an all-electric Corvette and the potential for expanding the brand with an SUV. He acknowledged the brand's strong equity and the decision to either keep it in-house or explore monetization opportunities. As he transitions into retirement, Juechter has acquired an eighth-generation Corvette Stingray convertible, which he plans to use as his daily driver, marking a personal milestone as he steps away from his professional responsibilities.