How successful was the knowledge management initiative at DaimlerChrysler? In 1980 Chrysler Corporation came back from near bankruptcy with innovative designs and a view of a shared culture in design, development, and manufacturing. The company began new ways of looking at its business, its suppliers, and its workers. After the acquisition of American Motors Corporation (AMC) in 1987, executives developed and deployed advanced, dedicated platform design and production methods, which showed enormous potential.

Jack Thompson, the technology center development director, worked closely with Chairman Lee Iacocca on the development of a new, modern engineering and design facility.

Thompson designed the center around knowledgesharing and productivity principles: open air, natural light, and escalators (people don’t talk on elevators).