Why doesn't GM buy the previous generation Honda design?

Question

Instead of having to come up w/ a new name every 4-5 years for a new attempt at getting people to forget the last pile of c**p they designed, why doesn't GM just buy the older Honda Accord or Camry design and kkep producing it rebadged? It would already have a legion of fans built in, it would save cost of R&D, it would have a proven record and would settle the question , who builds a car better, us or them, sice it would be a single design executed by both sides. I also think it would reflect more on whose automated system worked better not workders since nothing is really hand built on them anymore anyway.

Answer 1

Car designs are a moving target. Engineer a car from the paper to production generally takes 4 to 5 years. Ever more stringent emissions and fuel milage change as gas prices rise GM has to devote more production to small 30+mpg cars. GM already makes Toyota's in Fremont Ca. The Matrix and Pontiacs Vibe. So a ten year old  Honda car disign remade by GM appeals to you. That just won't fly because safety and emissions and customer's demand for powerful good looking economical cars keeps moving on. Every one want's the latest best looking car out there to make car payments on for 6 years. Besides the US patent office  each car has it's own patented Parts and cannot be duplicated with out both manufactures agreeing. LIKE THAT WILL HAPPEN. Two competitors sitting down to share trade secrets. Like getting Russia to back down there military from the oil routes to the Black Sea in Georgia.