GM looking at more extensive freshenings instead of more-frequent redesigns

To reduce costs, General Motors Co. is considering undergoing more extensive freshenings that upgrade exteriors, interiors, infotainment, safety equipment and powertrains rather than more-frequent redesigns, according to Vice Chairman Tom Stephens.

In front of financial analysts, Stephens raised the question, “Is the customer going to buy your product because he perceives you have an all-new vehicle?”. Stephens, who heads product development, asserts that an extensive midcycle change has a “similar impact to bringing out an all-new product.”
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pushrod27 - 7/9/2010 2:29:47 PM

+3 Boost

This is an excellent idea, and a philosophy that I have been hoping that GM would enact for quite some time. Over the years, most of GM's vehicles have been an uncanny combination of compelling strengths and glaring weaknesses. The weaknesses overshadow the strengths to the point where GM murders the brand equity of its cars, then they drop the model and go back to the drawing board, only to come up with something just as compromised the next time. There will always be problems when you constantly try to reinvent the wheel.

Why did the Camaro have to die for 7 years? Why couldn't they take what everyone agreed to be a car with a great engine and sweet handling, and get rid of the abysmally sh*tty interior and cheaply made parts?

A smarter approach is to refine the product: build on the strengths and address the weaknesses. This has worked very well for Toyota/Lexus and Honda.

There is hope that GM can successfully embrace this approach, because they have done it with the Corvette. They maintained the basic Corvette DNA that people like, and they eventually refined everything around it; as a result the Corvette has evolved into one of the best sports cars on the market. (hopefully the C7 will address the interior/seat complaints)

tango - 7/10/2010 12:39:20 AM

+2 Boost

Toyota is the master of updating, but not reinventing. Case in point. Take an electric window switch from a 1988 Corolla and remove the outer casing. Take an electric window switch from a 1998 Corolla and remove the outer casing. Even though the '88 functions by rocking the switch forward and aft, and the '98 functions by lifting or pushing, the under sides are identical, and are interchangeable. I guarantee that the same design carries through to the current models as well. If it ain't broken, don't ever fix it.

bfghemicuda - 7/10/2010 4:00:19 PM

+1 Boost

We all like new things but this approach is what we have all been screaming for for years. Build a good foundation and keep improving it.

delan - 7/11/2010 4:38:55 AM

+1 Boost

Thant Impala needs work though.....really!

uaw_lax - 7/12/2010 2:21:50 AM

+1 Boost

That Impala no matter how good it is selling right now will never be in my driveway.