The answer to the question could be that the small Buick sedan is destined exclusively for the Chinese market where the American brand is quite popular. Still, we're pretty sure that Buick's U.S. dealers wouldn't mind adding a smaller and more fuel-efficient sedan in their arsenal, especially now that American consumer tastes are slowly shifting towards more compact and frugal vehicles.
But while at this point GM's full intentions on the small Buick sedan remain a mystery, what is certain is that the saloon is based on the same Delta II platform as the new Chevrolet Cruze and next-generation Opel Astra that will be revealed this fall at the Frankfurt Auto Show.
This means that it will be roughly the same size as the Cruze sharing the same engine options that will include numerous four-cylinder diesel and gasoline units, the later in both naturally-aspirated and turbocharged forms.
But will this be enough for the small Buick sedan to be successful? Maybe in China, but in order for the car to make it in the U.S. and justify a higher price tag than its Chevrolet stablemate, GM will have to think out of the box and forget about its effortless badge-engineering techniques of the past.
source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com
General Motors surprised us at the Shanghai Auto Show with the unveiling of a brand-new concept vehicle bearing the Buick logo. The Business Hybrid Concept that was designed and developed in China by GM's Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC), is a proposal for a full-size minivan that can accommodate a total of six-passengers in three rows of individual seats. The concept measures 5.278mm (207-in.) in length and rides on 3.198mm (129-in.) wheelbase.
The long minivan combines styling cues from Buick's own 2010 LaCrosse and the Riviera Concept that was unwrapped at the 2007 Shanghai Show with elements found on the latest Opel prototypes and especially the Meriva Concept's so-called dynamic "wave" in the rear window line that supposedly provides a better view for rear passengers. A unique feature of the concept are the power sliding rear doors with no B-pillar that help ease entrance and egress.
"The Business Concept Vehicle has a grand presence and makes a strong statement when it pulls up to the front of any establishment," said Ed Welburn, GM Vice President of Global Design. "The Chinese market and business person have some unique requirements. Our team has responded with an elegant solution to their business and personal needs."
Inside, the Buick Business Concept boasts a futuristic-looking dashboard with a three-dimensional instrument cluster that reaches across the entire width of the front panel and features a multi-layer information display. The vehicle's console can be moved up and down the two rows of rear seats while Buick claims that the second row of captain's chairs slide on hidden rails and swivel 225 degrees, enabling them to be adjusted to an infinite combination of orientations. Overall, the cabin's design is sleek and contemporary.
According to GM, PATAC designed the Buick Business Concept Vehicle to accommodate the firm's next-generation Hybrid System, which will be introduced in China in the near future. This new system that is said to build upon the belt-alternator-starter hybrid technology currently available in the Chinese-market Buick LaCrosse Eco-Hybrid.
The next-generation GM Hybrid System will utilize an advanced lithium-ion battery that will help improve fuel economy by up to 20 percent compared to the current hybrid systems.
source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com
Citing inside sources from the company who asked not to be named, Bloomberg reported that General Motors officials are considering the option of expanding Buick's U.S. range which now consists of just three vehicles, the Enclave SUV, the 2010 LaCrosse and 2009 Lucerne sedans, with the Saturn Vue compact SUV (Opel Antara) and other Opel based models including the Insignia. The latter is already sold in China as the Buick Regal.
If GM goes ahead with this plan, the Insignia would find a place right under the 2010 LaCrosse in Buick's range, and yes, this could mean that we might see the Insignia OPC with its AWD system and 325HP V6 engine heading towards our way.
Another model that could make it here would be the next-generation Opel Astra that's due to be revealed at the Frankfurt Show in the fall of 2009. The subcompact model will be available in various body styles, including a five-door hatchback, a sporty, coupe-like three-door hatch, a hardtop-convertible coupe and a minivan in the form of the Zafira.
However, as good as this may sound when you read about it on blogs and news websites, we reckon that in order for this move to have a chance at success, General Motors will have to revaluate Buick's position in the group and more importantly, pour some serious cash into the marketing department so as to convince / inform buyers of the reshaping of the brand. Badge-replacing and a new waterfall grille simply won't do the trick.
source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com
These spy pictures from Chinese website Auto Sina show that, just as with the Insignia-based Buick Regal, the only significant difference between the European 2010 Opel Astra hatchback and the Chinese market model will most likely be limited to Buick's family crest and waterfall-style grille.
source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com
Buick et SAIC, qui s'occupe de l'importation de la marque américaine en Chine, ont développé un concept de monospace de luxe hybride visant l'élite du business chinois.
