
74 Inverting the Paradox of Excellence
the cost-reduction targets through the launch were exceeded by 86%. Additionally, over 86% of
the workforce made over 3.2 suggestions per person, of which 81% were adopted.
Since 1983, GM has spent more than $80 billion on automation to improve the quality
of its automobiles and enhance productivity. Yet in spite of the large technology
investments, in 1998 the most efcient GM plants were still lagging NUMMI in pro-
ductivity to the extent of 40%. Moreover, GM and its unions continue their bitter and
costly labor disputes; poor union–management relations resulted in a 50-day strike at two
spare parts plants ...