Engineering with the enemy

In a program devoid of bloodshed, General Motors and Ford codeveloped a new six-speed automatic that is key to both companies' future vehicle plans. The program managers explain why they'd eagerly do it again.

Emotions ran high for the GM Powertrain engineers entering the large meeting room. It was late 2002, and here they were inside a Ford technical facility in Dearborn-the heart of enemy territory-about to kick off two days of deep-dive discussions on the joint development of an all-new transmission.

For most of the General Motors visitors, the thought of partnering with their foes churned a mixture of nerves and caution. Taking their seats in the room, a few of the attendees joked that there were no signs directing them to “check your daggers at the door.”