GM could design European models in USA

GM has decided that some of the models from Daewoo, Holden, Opel or Vauxhall may be styled in Michigan. The decision is a response to U.S. vehicle programs that have been delayed or canceled, freeing up U.S. designers for other projects. There is a surplus of design space now that the rear-drive Chevrolet Impala and an unnamed Buick sedan have been dropped, as well as GM’s next-generation pickup programs have been postponed.

"We have had a couple studios where some projects have been canceled," said Ed Welburn, GM’s design vice president. "We have other studios that are totally overloaded. We just need to level that work around the globe."

In particular, some studios are overloaded with design work on small cars. GM’s small-car programs are based at the Opel R&D center in Germany and GM Daewoo Auto & Technology Co. in Korea. "They can’t handle it all," Welburn said, "so some of that work will be done in North America."