When two large and storied automakers such as General Motors and PSA Peugeot-Citroën form an alliance, every media outlet worth their salt is going to chime in on what sort of fruits we can expect from their joined labor. And while the alliance serves GM’s global strategy of reducing its amount of platforms from 30 in 2010 to 14 in 2018, both companies bring about small vehicle architectures, diesel engines, and hybrid technology.
So, where to trim the overlap? If the following from CEO Dan Akerson is any indication, his company may take a step back from small car development.
“We look at sharing common platforms,” Akerson told Fortune magazine. “We’re better in certain segments than they are. They want to move into those segments. They’re better in smaller cars and maybe diesels than we are.”
Compared to Peugeot, GM has large car development down to a science. So it’s pretty obvious that if Peugeot wanted something the size of the Buick LaCrosse, or GMC Acadia, or even a pickup like the all-new Chevrolet Colorado — GM would lead development in those segments. But just as GM is getting really good at building a standout compact and subcompact, the company may just as quickly put the French automaker in charge of those programs, along with small diesels. But, don’t look for the Delta and Gamma platforms to vanish anytime soon, as Automotive News points out that it will be closer to 2020 before anything like that is scheduled to happen.
Comments
Being an owner of a Cruze, I can’t imagine a more perfect compact car. I hope GM keeps on keeping on with its own platforms and doesn’t resort to what seems to be cost cutting for the sake of cost cutting. A company like GM shouldn’t need any external help of any kind, be it in compacts or diesels.
the only thing i see gm getting out of this deal is some more cars in france and mabey a better city car if the spark fails horribly (which i doubt)