Now GM hopes this approach can eventually shave six months and millions of dollars off the journey from drawing board to dealership.

FORBES: Magazine Article

At the meeting, Facebook criticized GM's approach of having multiple firms managing its advertising for the site, according to another person familiar with the matter.

WSJ: GM Says Facebook Ads Don't Pay Off

GM's approach is a departure from years past, when the auto maker and its rivals marked this time of year with splashy ads offering deep discounts.

WSJ: GM Kicks Off Clearance Season With Money-Back Guarantee

GM's Cadillac division is trying that approach already.

ECONOMIST: Car making

Mr. Ewanick earlier this year struck a broad sponsorship deal with the soccer team as part of a move to shift GM to a less U.S.-centric approach to marketing.

WSJ: GM Altered Terms of Soccer Deal

This modular approach will in large part determine whether VW can pass Toyota or GM.

FORBES: How Volkswagen Will Rule The World