GM Consolidates Global Design Teams To Detroit

The style of many cars from the General Motors group, even those not originating from an American brand, will be directly managed from Detroit. The news is part of a historic shift in the company who, experiencing the crisis in SUV sales, finds itself cancelling future models and having designers twiddling their thumbs with nothing to do.

In many other GM facilities around the world the design and engineering teams are working beyond capacity, meaning this move was only a question of time.

 

jeffy210 - 9/2/2008 12:20:07 PM

+3 Boost

Does this mean the designers will have to move to Detroit, or Detroit will just have a large hand? If so this could spell trouble for GM if they attempt to take the creative process and autonomy away from Holden and some of the others. It'll be interesting to see how this plays out.

pushrod27 - 9/2/2008 1:06:13 PM

+1 Boost

The Detroit stylists/designers have been doing a great job lately (CTS, Camaro, G8, Malibu, Solstice) so this is probably a good move.

WorldofLuxury - 9/2/2008 1:36:16 PM

+1 Boost

It's sad to see the length GM has to go through (as well as other companies), but I'm liking this idea.

MBKing - 9/2/2008 1:59:04 PM

+2 Boost

imagine being the photographer of that photo "Ok guys, everyone gather up next to the clay volt/camaro looking thing and pretending like you're working hard....Ok great now 5 of you can go home cause we can't afford you."

Maverick2020 - 9/2/2008 2:48:12 PM

+2 Boost

What designers of any great skill or ability would want to move to that cesspool of mediocrity that is Detroit???

Having global design centers is a huge asset. Sure, there is money to be saved by consolidating some design and engineering but by having great design from around the world means more and better ideas.

It's amazing that just as GM is starting to produce some great vehicles, they shoot themselves in the foot. The proverbial two steps forward, three steps backward.