Just read the Autoweek issue that says GM's design chief, Wayne Cherry, is about to retire and that his replacement is (according to Autoweek sources) Ed Welburn who is a GM veteran.

My question is, should the next design chief really be someone from the ranks or is it time to get someone from outside? Personally, I think GM design has been flat for many years now and they could use some fresh blood. Apparently, Ed Welburn had some influence with the SSR so I'll give him credit for that. Just seems to me though, they need some young, fresh ideas.

Any thoughts?

 

Yeah, me. Seriously, it looks like theyre trying to make up for past mistakes in the next few years. So it should be interesting. Plus I think all the goons from GM that designed cars the last decade or so have been put out.

 

I can't remember his name exactly, i think it is Brian Nesbitt (The guy that designed the PT cruiser) he is also a camaro/corvette lover and is inspired by their design. (I read that in an interview in MT when he came on board at GM) is design was so original when the PT hit and even though it is retro one has to admit it reflects design ideas that are out of the box. However due to internal rules I doubt someone that young would be able to lead any team. Wayne Cherry did have a flair for muscle cars but I think designers as a whole are restricted by the engineering specs and the bean counters at GM. Since Lutz cam aboard things changed so i'm sure that whatever direction the vehicles take in the near and distant future we shall be seeing exciting designs even though they will rely mostly on conservative influences...

I did read an article on TCC i think about a month or two ago on the new design center with sophisticated computer software that enabled designers from Australia and the US to co-develop products. hmmm I wonder why???? Sigma VE perhaps... but we do know that there is a muriel or painting of the Great Harley Earl, so I'm sure that the future designs will definitely get better.

 

Another vote for Nesbitt or someone else from outside.

I don't think they should be handing over the reins to someone whose major achievements are listed as mid-80s Olds Cutlasses--I don't care how much seniority he has, how many executive vice presidents he knows, or how much golf he plays with the chairman--the best guy should get the job, period.

 

Pininfarina

 

Kris Horton!

 

You are pretty dead on on your analysis at GM design. Nesbitt is the person who penned the PT & though he's a senior designer (who does have a thing for Camaro's history... could be something there ) GM won't put someone that young in charge of a whole studio, as true with all other car companies. Designers also have to bring their design ideas and make them fit with engineering realities (ie: the SSR and Crossfire changes from concept to production).

GM's Holden & North America development is tied together as you point out via NA's new design center which is tied into Holden's. Also worth noting is that Holden's new "VE" and GM-NA's Full size & performance chassis are all scheduled to begin production in about 3 years.

Coincidence?

 

Someone that isn't blind and has good taste. The current design teams they have should all be fired.

 

I've always found just about everything John Cafaro has done to be attractive.

I was a bit disappointed I didnt even hear his name mentioned.

 

That’s who I was going to say. He is responsible for creating the styling in my eyes the most beautiful car ever. The C5 is drop dead the best looking car ever designed. Even after 7 years of production they still turn my head every time i see one. That car is classic.

I give my vote to him.

Yeah we could use his talent in the GM studio too.

BTW Kris, what are your plans for the future? Are you going to school, planning on going into the auto industry?