GM global?

Believe it when you see it.

So essentially what they're saying is that every brand car they produce will be absolutely identical under the skin? That sounds far worse than even the current arrangement, the different "brands" will have no real meaning at all.

I think it's one of those things that sounds smart to bean counters. But bean counters aren't very smart, they only know how to count beans, and usually put a company on a fast course to self-destruction. If GM were smart, they would advertise the fact that the cars are indeed unique to their various markets and, more importantly, to their loyal fan base---and keep the bean counters in check.

If all they are taking about is uni-body and engine-block then fine. But if this means the same brakes, the same interiors, the same suspension, then count me out. If I am not mistaken, the Jetta and A4 share a "platform" but perform and look vastly different. If this is what GM plans, then thumbs up.

GM is already doing this. Look at all of the components failing on the current Saabs. These are 'volume purchased' parts used by all GM divisions - 'volume purchased' means reduced cost. This article seems to place an emphasis on more than just common parts - common design. The Saab 9-3 was supposed to be a common platform with other GM cars. The Saab engineers modified the car so it earned a 5 star crash rating while the other GM cars did not. What does GM do? Count beans and punish Saab for creating a different car - never mind it has a 5 star crash rating which GM brags about in their ads. . .

Actually, it sounds a lot like Toyota and Honda. Why don't people get harrumphed about that?

If that's the case, why is Saab at the bottom of the quality rankings among GM divisions? Perhaps the problem is the parts that are unique to Saab being of less quality.

Uh ?

Are you suggesting that Honda and Toyota share the same 'platforms' ?

Graham

No, but, for example, Camry, Sienna and Highlander are essentially the same underbody, with some tucking and stretching to get the footprint they want. Not quite as much sharing among Accord, Odyssey and Pilot, but its close.

Jim