Learning Based Total Vehicle Development

The complex task of Vehicle Development (VD) has been a major challenge for automobile developers since its inception. The current approach to development is primarily resource based planning and execution. General Motors' Vehicle Engineering, with the help of MCA, has developed a fresh new approach to Vehicle Development. The new approach is a planning and execution philosophy that is focused on learning and prioritizing the learning. This approach has been applied to the development of vehicle performance attributes.

In this paper, the authors will explain the fundamental philosophical and technical differences between the two approaches and illustrate the advantages of the new approach. The new approach relies heavily on usage of:

1. 1
   Zero Based Learning
2. 2
   Risk Prioritization and Sequencing
3. 3
   Mathematical Models and Problem Solving
4. 4
   Rapid Learning Cycles
5. 5
   Rapid Engineering Prototyping

This paper will describe the scientific application of Learning Based Total Vehicle Development. It will show examples of planning and execution, which will enable the product developing organizations to use the existing knowledge and reduce risk of new uncertainties.