Globalization of the industry is being realized through business alliances and industry-academic-government partnerships that have realigned the world's vehicle manufacturers into six major groups. An important outgrowth of the new global forces is an increased focus within the industry on R&D (research and development). The R&D Center is playing a critical role in GM's (General Motors) innovation process. A new innovation process was introduced based on a sense-respond-learn approach instead of the traditional forecast-make-sell model to ensure that a steady stream of product and technology options is developed on the basis of the company's sense of where the market is headed. A few samples for the ways to create innovation are given by a third door for the Saturn coupe, the seats flexibility of the Opel Zafira and an all-composite pickup box for the Fleetside Silverado. About 30 % of the GM's R&D budget is devoted to develop game changers, about 50 % are focused on innovation programs and 20 % to development projects. To be truly fast connect and develop is one of the best ways. Under this concept, GM works with some of the best researchers in the world. All of GM's innovation initiatives mentioned ensure that GM is well positioned to provide critically needed technologies to meet the needs of and delight customers around the world.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Innovation in the automobile industry: A new era


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Chemical Innovation ; 30 , 11 ; 16-21


    Publication date :

    2000


    Size :

    6 Seiten, 3 Bilder, 4 Quellen



    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Print


    Language :

    English