Time from design freeze to Job One varies greatly.

Carmakers still vary significantly in the amount of time that they take to get new cars ready for the market. But the trend is to shorter development times.

BMW

The 7 series went from design freeze to start of production in just 34 months. Given the car's high level of technology, the program team considers it a remarkable achievement.

The Mini's development was slower. The project began in September 1997, basic styling was fixed in 1997 and the start of production was in April 2001. But the program took place in turbulent conditions. BMW sold the bulk of Rover's assembly ...