GM Says They Cut Routinely Corners On Interior Quality Because It Was Easy To Do

GM Says They Cut Routinely Corners On Interior Quality Because It Was Easy To Do
If most vehicles are going to share technology and offer the same functionality, then styling will be the differentiator, General Motors global design chief Ed Welburn says.

Welburn, speaking at the WardsAuto Interiors Conference today in suburban Detroit, said GM management in recent years has come to view vehicle interiors as hallowed real estate.

He showed a photo of a Chevrolet Malibu from the mid-2000s with a monotone gray interior.

“A few years ago, GM was well behind the competition,” Welburn said. “We checked all the boxes. Interiors were well equipped and functional. They had everything but charm. The interior was not a warm, inviting environment.”


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autobrokerautobroker - 5/22/2014 11:49:54 AM
+3 Boost
Even the Halo car, the Corvette had a cheap interior. IT looked like a Cobalt inside, not a $50,000 car or much more if a Z06 or ZR1. Would be well over $100,000 for a subpar interior is unimaginable. Look at the German brands. For the most part, from the least expensive model to the top, at least the quality of the interior is top notch. GM needs to wise up or they be fall like the dinosaurs.


Vette71Vette71 - 5/22/2014 5:29:55 PM
+1 Boost
Not sure about all German vehicles having better interiors. Looking at diesel SUVs (GM doesn't make one) German interiors missing the latest and greatest electronics and audio that Americans have. $62K Touareg Exec. has a plastic dash with visible rough parting lines, Mercedes ML comes with rubber MBTex interior or $1600 more for leather that feels cheap on a $64K vehicle. Jeep interiors especially $58K Summit far better. GM is learning as well.


gkearns56gkearns56 - 5/22/2014 12:06:27 PM
+2 Boost
I own a German made car and the primary reason I bought one was because the quality craftsmanship of the INTERIOR. Heck if people are going to spend now upward of $50K easily, then there better not be all the cheap plastic and materials used in the cabin of the car.


MrEEMrEE - 5/22/2014 8:23:07 PM
+2 Boost
Funny how often you hear someone from GM admit "A few years ago, GM was well behind the competition,". A broken record for >30 years, and they continue lag.


vwowner1vwowner1 - 5/22/2014 11:39:11 PM
0 Boost
GM: Confirming the worst of what most everyone already knew about their cars. Like they woke up from a drunken stupor. Honestly, don't know how they could expect to be taken very seriously anymore. Just when it seemed like they were close to turning that corner too.


HolydudeHolydude - 5/26/2014 6:18:55 AM
+1 Boost
GM? What the hell is that?


HolydudeHolydude - 5/26/2014 6:18:55 AM
+1 Boost
GM? What the hell is that?
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