I did some contract work for GM in the seventies. The meetings were amazing. There were more layers of management in the engineering lab than in the federal government. Politics ruled the day. Power corrupted every aspect of vehicle design.
In 1979 I worked for a computer consulting company. I visited GM headquarters in MI for some interviews. I arrived early so I stopped at the sandwich shop in the building lobby. It was filled with sallow-faced, scowling, middle-aged men. When the waiter took one guy's order, he threw his menu at him and snarled, "took you long enough!" fear and loathing was palpable. When I did the interview with several GM VPs, they became angry and sullen when I told them that the article I was writing would not mention them by name. The entire experience of being at GM headquarters was depressing and alarming. And that was 26 years ago.
"I did some contract work for GM in the seventies. The meetings were amazing. There were more layers of management in the engineering lab than in the federal government."
Your 70s meetings no doubt resulted in the design of the fabulous Aztek, and the decision to cancel the Camaro/Firebird.
GM continues to use motors from the 70s.
GM continues to use quality from the 70s.