CGI Technology Moves To Michigan
In another sign that some of the more profitable aspects of the domestic auto biz have little to do with actually making cars, the Oakland Business Review (via Mlive.com) reports that the industry demand is attracting computer graphics companies to Michigan. Computer Graphic Imaging (CGI) is used across the auto industry, from prototype development to sales and marketing, and companies which once focused only on California's film industry are starting to open offices specifically to serve automakers. And these companies offering digital imaging software are attacking traditional marketing firms, offering OEMs the capability to manipulate high-quality images of products and vehicles in-house for less than Madison Avenue charges. "The cost is really driving this industry. Plus, the benefit is you can do a lot more. You can dissolve the skin away of the car," says John Willette, partner at the CGI firm Armstrong White. Dissolve the skin you say? Bring the man a Sebring!
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Well if CGI is moving to MI, more power to 'em. That can only benefit MI's economy and tax base. Let's hope CGI doesn't outsource itself to India, China, etc.
I wodner what an Ariel Atom would look like without the skin? Hmmm?
This is a positive development for OEM Web sites. While shoppers tend to prefer "real" photography in the Photo Gallery sections, they seem to welcome CGI imagery when it's used to demonstrate features and vehicle engineering. Lincoln and Mercury rolled out sites with a lot of CGI in the last year or so, and Lincoln in particularly has satisfied its online shoppers, ranking 2nd in J.D. Power's most recent Manufacturer Web Site Evaluation study. This blog posting talks about this subject a little more (sorry the rank chart is hard to read)