We know we were all mopey and emoesque when discussing the future of the American auto industry earlier today, given the Delphi debacle, but here's a bright spot regarding the General: the company plans to save $1 billion through the product cycle of its next midsize sedan lineup. Starting January 1st, the design and engineering budget will become a single entity, while the corporation has integrated its 12 engineering and 11 worldwide design bureaus, allowing for more parts interchange. The question is, will it ultimately induce rigidity rather than flexibility? While GM obviously needs to find ways to slash costs, we hope a return to the bad old days of badge-engineering isn't imminent.
GM is slashing costs to bring out new cars [Detroit News]
Related:
Autoextremist on the Delphi Problem [Internal]