G.M.'s new vice president for worldwide purchasing will try to duplicate in the United States his success in Europe.

Last month, in an effort to prevent Mr. Lopez from leaving G.M., Mr. Smith promoted him to vice president and group executive in charge of worldwide purchasing.

That larger vision is being carried into effect by another Smith loyalist from Europe, J. Ignacio Lopez de Arriortua, now in charge of worldwide purchasing.

Then, in early February, G.M. promoted Mr. Lopez to group executive in charge of worldwide purchasing, making him one of the auto maker's top dozen officers.

"It will drive a lot of the inefficiencies out of the system," said Harold R. Kutner, G.M.'s group vice president for worldwide purchasing.

Nicknamed the "Grand Inquisitor" by European auto executives, Mr. Lopez was appointed vice president for worldwide purchasing in Detroit in April.

As the head of worldwide purchasing, he smashed the cozy relationships between G.M. and its suppliers that for years meant G.M. was paying too much for materials.

He heads worldwide purchasing.

General Motors is planning to appoint G. Richard Wagoner Jr., its chief financial officer and head of worldwide purchasing, to run its North American automotive operations.

Gary C. Valade, a former Chrysler executive in charge of worldwide purchasing, will step down from his post at DaimlerChrysler at the end of this year.