GM to save up to $750 million on Zeta RWD platform
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GM to save up to $750 million on Zeta RWD platform
I hope Alan Mulally is working on a similar strategy, assuming he can rouse Ford from its self-satisfied torpor >>
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The new buzzword in Detroit is "common" -- as in common components or common architectures. That's the foundation for everything GM is doing right now, and the Zeta RWD platform is the newest poster child.Engineered in Australia for global use, the Holden VE Commodore was the first Zeta vehicle, and the '08 Pontiac G8 (a rebadged Commodore) is next in line. Beginning in 2009 and beyond, we'll see Zeta appear under the new Camaro and the next Impala. The architecture is special because it can be used for anything from a ponycar to a station wagon and everything in between. GM is estimating global units of Zeta at between 500,000 and 750,000 annually. When compared with a different-chassis-for-different-regions approach, the savings generated will be between $500 and $1000 per vehicle. These savings, which can range between $250 million and $750 million annually, result from engineering efficiencies, materials cost savings, plant tooling, and vendor tooling.
Japanese automakers have leveraged common resources for a long time now, which in turn has helped contribute to their cost advantages over the domestics. With a RWD platform that works anywhere on the globe, GM is finally starting to show that they're as serious about 'common' as the competition.
Japanese automakers have leveraged common resources for a long time now, which in turn has helped contribute to their cost advantages over the domestics. With a RWD platform that works anywhere on the globe, GM is finally starting to show that they're as serious about 'common' as the competition.
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The problem with the US/domestic manufacturers was "common" usually meant cookie-cutter cars shared among different nameplates with the attendant badge engineering.
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Well, a smart company knows how to share platforms but maintain distinct bodies and styles. "Badge engineering" doesn't have to be synonomous with platform sharing.
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Given the track record of the US manufacturers and platform sharing, smart is one word that doesn't come to mind. Maybe this time around they'll "get it".
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"The stunning Iosis concept is intended to hint at new styling directions for Ford's European products. Which begs the question...why can't it hint at a new styling direction for North American products?"
Aaand here:
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Guesss I'll have to join
Edit: Saw the Pics
Niiice... looks like a mix of an Iosis and a Falcon!
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Maybe the inevitable success of the upcoming G8 will jar Ford out of its turpor. That Orion looks pretty cool and if its anything like the Holden Commodore/Pontiac G8, would be an obvious import.
Why is it that the Aussie's seem so on the ball with making fully modern RWD V8 vehicles and Ford so braindead? Guess GM of NA was too, but at least they have someone like Lutz to do the right thing and just bring those excellent ****ed Aussie cars over here.
What will it take for Ford to do the screamingly obvious thing too and bring over some of those Aussie cars?
Why is it that the Aussie's seem so on the ball with making fully modern RWD V8 vehicles and Ford so braindead? Guess GM of NA was too, but at least they have someone like Lutz to do the right thing and just bring those excellent ****ed Aussie cars over here.
What will it take for Ford to do the screamingly obvious thing too and bring over some of those Aussie cars?
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Ford is not run by "car guys" anymore - it is run by entrenched suits whose only interest is making money for the rest of the suits. What they don't understand is that their strategy is actually counter-intuitive to their goal. "It's about the CARS, stupid!"
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