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Automakers Share their Design Concepts with Consumers

Recent findings show over 70 percent of new car shoppers do research online before going to a dealership. And as buying habits continue to change, the internet is playing a vital role in how car manufacturers do business.

In the past, automakers went to great lengths to hide the design process from their competitors and the public, often leading to disappointing results. Now, companies like GM are using the web to their advantage. By sharing early design concepts, they can gauge "hit or miss" reactions before a car even gets off the drawing board. At "The Lab" on GM's website, designers answer comments and questions directly from customers and incorporate the feedback into their designs.

Currently The Lab is taking feedback on both the GMC Granite concept and Buick Avant concept.

This footage is free for unrestricted use. Broadcasters: please courtesy General Motors