GM Looks to Platform Engineering to Keep Costs Down

The video discusses platform engineering and its role in global vehicle production, focusing on the Chevy Cruze. It highlights the benefits of global scale and architecture, such as cost savings shared between suppliers and General Motors. The video also addresses the challenge of maintaining efficiency while allowing for market and consumer variation. Finally, it explains the consolidation of engineering activities to improve control over global architectures.

What is one of the key benefits of the Delta platform mentioned in the video?

• It allows for the creation of only sedans.

• It is used only for electric vehicles.

• It is exclusive to the US market.

• It enables the production of various vehicle types like crossovers and SUVs.

How does General Motors achieve cost savings with its global platform?

• By using cheaper materials.

• Through shared efficiencies with suppliers.

• By reducing the number of suppliers.

• By limiting production to one region.

What is emphasized as crucial for supplier success in the video?

• Reducing supplier involvement.

• Focusing only on local markets.

• Increasing the number of suppliers.

• Ensuring suppliers make more money and maintain quality.

What was a major challenge in global engineering during the 2000s?

• Limited technological advancements.

• Excessive central control over designs.

• Different homerooms for architectures leading to variation.

• Lack of global demand for vehicles.

Where has General Motors consolidated its advanced vehicle engineering activities?

• Detroit, MI

• Shanghai, China

• Warren, MI

• Berlin, Germany