The case examines the reasons behind General Motors implementing Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing/Computer Aided Engineering (CAD/CAM/CAE) tools in the 1990s. It discusses in detail the concept of CAD/CAM/CAE and the benefits associated with the same. The case looks at how General Motors adopted these `New Age' manufacturing technologies and how it benefitted from them.

Established in 1908, GM had manufacturing operations in about 30 countries. Its products were sold in more than 200 countries, which included major markets such as North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Africa and the Mid-East. GM was also the owner of one of the world's largest financial services companyGeneral Motors Acceptance Corporation (GMAC) which offered automotive, mortgage and business financing and insurance services.

GM had an extensive network of manufacturing plants in about 60 countries (Refer Table I). Since the US was the company's largest market, a majority of its products were manufactured in the US plants.

GM's popular cars and trucks include the Chevrolet, Pontiac, Buick, Oldsmobile, Cadillac, GMC, Saturn, Hummer, Saab, Opel, Vauxhall and Holden. The company marketed its parts and accessories through GM Service Parts Operations under the brands of GM, GM Goodwrench and ACDelco. GM also had its presence in vehicle communications and information services segments (Refer Exhibit I for GM's business operations) through OnStar.

General Motors, Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing/Computer Aided Engineering (CAD/CAM/CAE), manufacturing technologies, manufacturing operations, North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Africa, financial services, automotive, mortgage, business financing, insurance services, Chevrolet, Pontiac, Buick, Oldsmobile, Cadillac, GMC, Saturn, Hummer, Saab, Opel, Vauxhall and Holden.