The organization of the product development process is a
key success factor within the organization of large manufacturers.
Key issues are
the process of product development
the underlying philosophy, especially platform strategies
the relation and integration of product and process/manufacturing engineering
the involvement of suppliers into the product development process and
the responsibility of product development departments within the launch process
As a consequence of the increasing demand for higher product development process
performance, many - not to say all - OEMs have built their one-site-development centers.
The purpose is clear and means co-locating of all involved faculties in
one site.
Ford engineering locations depend on the vehicle center. Vehicle Center 1, which is for
small cars are located in Merkenich (near Cologne, Germany) and in Dunton (North/East of
London, U.K.). All other engineering functions are around Dearborn/Detroit, Michigan U.S.
