GM Design Relocation: Efficiency or Infighting?
I'm keenly aware that some readers believe that I'm a spinmeister's evil twin, viewing all stories involving The General through a Death Watch prism. But I know it's possible to read this story from Automotive News [AN, sub]– detailing a shift in GM's design responsibilities from the rest of the world to Motown– as a sign that the artist formerly known as the world's largest automaker is finally rationalizing its sprawling, overlapping, inefficient infrastructure. At first, it seems that way. "We have had a couple studios where some projects have been canceled," Ed Welburn, GM's design vice president, told AN. "We have other studios that are totally overloaded. We just need to level that work around the globe." But then… GM's small-car programs are based at the Adam Opel R&D center in Germany and GM Daewoo Auto & Technology Co. in Korea. With the change, vehicles for Daewoo, Holden, Opel or Vauxhall may be styled in Michigan. So what the Hell happened to GM's "regional centers of excellence" idea?
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Rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic
One thing I will defend GM on is its styling. Although GM has had its definate blunders (Aztek) its current line up has some definate lookers. The current gen 'Vette is the best looking since the Singray IMO, and the Malibu looks like Tyra Banks when compared to the current Accord and Camry.
They will lose their share of Euro and Asian markets quickly under this plan.
Read the article properly its not doom and gloom its utilising space and resources where current resources are fully engaged. Correct me if i'm wrong but isn't that good business sense? There is no where in the article that it claims that Opel/Holden etc are shutting. As for regional excellence centres, maybe they need expanding, but hey how long does it take to build buildings these days? oh i don't know maybe its just easier to utilise studio space elsewhere, especially in the current financial climate. A professional designer will be able to work on different vehicles for different markets thats why we're professional and can wear different hats. It happens everywhere, its up to management to lead it successfully, which these days they are.