Jump to content
Create New...
  • Drew Dowdell
    Drew Dowdell

    Buick to Look to China for more product

      China's importance to Buick is going to show up in their product direction.

    For the last decade or so, Buick has relied on imported designs and vehicles to fill out its product portfolio.  Largely that came in the form of designs by GM's European subsidiary, Opel.  The Buick Verano, Regal, Encore, and Cascada all started life as Opel products subsequently modified for North American tastes and branding.   Now with the Opel sold to PSA, Buick's product focus is going to turn towards Chinese tastes. 

    With the pending end of production for the Buick Lacrosse and the cancellation of the Buick Cascada, it leaves Buick with a light product porfolio of just one 4-door hatch, one wagon, and 3 crossovers. According to a report by Automotive News, Buick is looking to draw on Chinese models, but not necessarily import them like Buick does with the Buick Envision.  

    China is Buick's, and GM's, largest market.

    One area that Buick can draw on is in the electric vehicle segment. While it would be difficult to justify the cost of an EV for Buick just for the North American market, it is absolutely essential that Buick sell EVs in China in order to meet local regulations. Such a vehicle built for China could be shared with the U.S.  

    Buick executives are unconcerned with Buick's shrinking car lineup. The spread has shifted from 33% SUVs in 2011 to 84% in 2018. 

    So what happens if Buick becomes an all SUV brand? Does that step on the toes of GMC where Buick shares showroom space?  Buick executives are not concerned. They insist that GMC has a more rugged and "crafted" look while Buick is more elegant and "quiet luxury". 

    What do you think of Buick's shift from European sourced designs to Chinese ones?  Sound off below.

    *2018 Buick Enspire EV SUV concept shown above


    User Feedback

    Recommended Comments



    12 minutes ago, balthazar said:

    Semantics would be if you stated the GS stopped production "in the mid '70s" and I replied "it ended in 1975".

    These counterpoints are not dickerings over terminology, at least as far as I see them.

    Thank you BTW for your well wish RE my B-59. I hope so too.
     

     

    And while semantics IS what you said...

    Semantics is also trying to focus on parts of a conversation that have nothing to do with the discussion on hand...

    I said that the GS above was a 1973?. It went away...1-2 years...

    You telling me it stayed another 1-2   years therefore you are wrong about Buick... is semantics...

    Me saying that the CAN-AM Poncho is the only Colonnade worth mentioning after 1975 and you posting pics of a pace car Buick 3.8 turbocharged V6 when I said the 455 went away and Buick started developing the 3.8 and 5-6 years later we get the GN and GNX is...still semantics because in the grand scheme of things, without the minute details of getting the timeline right to the minute and second,  I got it right...no...not with the precision of a Bulova moon watch in  the timeline side of things...but my words were still true...countering with bad badge engineering pics from what the other poster was trying to convey with said bad badge engineering Buicks, which was waaaaay out in left field...

    But...it is what it is...

     

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    IMO, focusing on parts of a conversation apart from the point would be another term you used; deflection.

    Pontiac is the only brand that didn't drop performance-specific models when even Chevy dropped the Z-28/big block Camaro for 2 years. It was a wretched time, no question. But besides a number of A-Body packages, they had the Trans Am. There's a reason T/A sales went thru the roof going deeper into the '70s and it wasn't all influence from Smokey & the Bandit. Pontiac was the only performance game in new vehicles. Imagine a time when a relatively 'weak' T/A (vs. the earlier SD) was quicker than a brand new Ferrari. The Can Am was a cool machine in that series of A-Body specials, shame it was a 1-year only deal. Pontiac was still the king here.

    Mentioning the Turbo 231 Buicks was my answer to 'Buick wasn't marketing to younger buyers' - I think these vehicles were. So while the 455 was pulled out of the A-Body for '75 ( I was WRONG earlier- Chiltons does NOT list the 455 being available in the Regal/Century for '75- the '75 Indy Pace car apparently was a non-RPO powertrain. GS ended after '74), Buick was working hard on re-engineering the 231for the Turbo package, as hard as they hit it RE the Pace Car / the '78 turbo publicity, I don't think Buick ever lost sight of the performance Buick here, it just had to be readied for production. As far as I know, there is no other example where engine dies were sold off overseas, then bought back & put back into production. An incredible story, actually.
     

    • Thanks 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    3 hours ago, balthazar said:

    [Meanwhile I am contemplating how I can badge my B-59 an 'Invicta GS'...]

    Use that metal circle stamp thingy you posted a pic of to stamp into the fender Invicta GS. :) 

    • Haha 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    I stated my viewpoint re:  1970's H and 1980's J-Body Buicks.  Even the FWD X-Body Skylark T-Type.  I am not going to keep hammering on it.  I'm done, so why go on and on?  It's a new day.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    8 hours ago, ocnblu said:

    I stated my viewpoint re:  1970's H and 1980's J-Body Buicks.  Even the FWD X-Body Skylark T-Type.  I am not going to keep hammering on it.  I'm done, so why go on and on?  It's a new day.

    I give ya a new old beef 🍖 you can have with me.

    Maybe Buick of China will bring the Skylark back as a Performance EV! :D 

    😱:deadhorse:

     

    Course I will say this is sexy as hell! 1954 Skylark

    1200px-Skylark_54.jpg

    • Haha 1
    • Agree 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    17 hours ago, balthazar said:

    IMO, focusing on parts of a conversation apart from the point would be another term you used; deflection.

    I could live with the term deflection. It is more accurate to describe it that way, sure.  👍

    17 hours ago, balthazar said:

    Pontiac is the only brand that didn't drop performance-specific models when even Chevy dropped the Z-28/big block Camaro for 2 years. It was a wretched time, no question. But besides a number of A-Body packages, they had the Trans Am. There's a reason T/A sales went thru the roof going deeper into the '70s and it wasn't all influence from Smokey & the Bandit. Pontiac was the only performance game in new vehicles. Imagine a time when a relatively 'weak' T/A (vs. the earlier SD) was quicker than a brand new Ferrari. The Can Am was a cool machine in that series of A-Body specials, shame it was a 1-year only deal. Pontiac was still the king here.

    I agree to all  that paragraph 100%.  Many people continue to diss the 400 for only having 180 HP on the Olds engine (and as high as 200 and 220 for  the Poncho)  but what they do not know, despite all that power robbing smog equipment underneath, that the Pontiac 400 had 325 ft/lbs of torque @ 2200 RPM.   That was enough to get the Trans Am moving very quickly.  The Ferrari 308 of that time period made 252 HP...more than the Trans Am but still paltry to what the muscle cars just a short 3-4 years prior made and in torque...a very laughable 209 ft-lbs @5000 RPM.  But nobody laughs at Ferrari...I never understood that.  

    18 hours ago, balthazar said:

    Mentioning the Turbo 231 Buicks was my answer to 'Buick wasn't marketing to younger buyers' - I think these vehicles were. So while the 455 was pulled out of the A-Body for '75 ( I was WRONG earlier- Chiltons does NOT list the 455 being available in the Regal/Century for '75- the '75 Indy Pace car apparently was a non-RPO powertrain. GS ended after '74), Buick was working hard on re-engineering the 231for the Turbo package, as hard as they hit it RE the Pace Car / the '78 turbo publicity, I don't think Buick ever lost sight of the performance Buick here, it just had to be readied for production. As far as I know, there is no other example where engine dies were sold off overseas, then bought back & put back into production. An incredible story, actually.

    I will agree to the 3.8 liter (I must have some contrast between you and I. Im Canadian so Ill do this in liters. Besides, for me, anything below 4.9 liters is in the metric system. Above that is in cubic inches.)  being engineered the way it was with the turbos and the pace cars, was indeed targeted for the younger buyers, but cubic inch V8s was still the way to go and Pontiac had the advantage here. At least Buick foreshadowed to what was going to come in the next decade, but I guess GM beancounters put an end to brand identity when all GM brands had lost that freedom to be independent.  

    I guess, for all that ambiguity on my part, for not really caring to be precise, I was spot on with the 455 going away when I implied that it did. COOL! 

    But I appreciate the more detailed response from you here!  And I REALLY appreciate you correcting yourself. That is super cool with me! 

     

     

    • Like 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    I wasn't involved in the building or designing of any motor vehicles; there's no ego involved for me here- either a statement is correct or it's not. I just really enjoy cars. I'll happily walk back any erroneous statements in light of the facts. :D

    Oh, and ferrari sucks. ;)

    • Agree 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    On 3/9/2019 at 8:54 AM, ocnblu said:

    Pictured here with their new Buick.  Please note their apparent ages.  THANK YOU!

    5306839780_f85ef773ac_b.jpg

    A weird thought, but I always thought it would have been interesting if GM had made a 2dr hardtop with that flat roof and wrap around rear window, as an alternative to the bubble top.

    • Like 2
    • Agree 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    They did (as a coupe- not a hardtop) ~

    Screen Shot 2019-03-12 at 11.25.40 AM.png

     

    Also had these (as a 2-dr sedan, not hardtop). They don't work IMO- it's like trying to 'sedan-up' a 2-dr; they're stodgy ~

    Screen Shot 2019-03-12 at 11.27.27 AM.png

    Edited by balthazar
    • Like 2
    • Thanks 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    1 hour ago, balthazar said:

    They did (as a coupe- not a hardtop) ~

    Screen Shot 2019-03-12 at 11.25.40 AM.png

     

    Also had these (as a 2-dr sedan, not hardtop). They don't work IMO- it's like trying to 'sedan-up' a 2-dr; they're stodgy ~

    Screen Shot 2019-03-12 at 11.27.27 AM.png

    True..the Elco and those '61 2dr sedans were cool...   I like the longer rear window overhang of the '59-60 4r hts, though.  Too bad they didn't have an full size Elco from '61-63.

    • Like 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    7 hours ago, balthazar said:

    They did (as a coupe- not a hardtop) ~

    Screen Shot 2019-03-12 at 11.25.40 AM.png

     

    Also had these (as a 2-dr sedan, not hardtop). They don't work IMO- it's like trying to 'sedan-up' a 2-dr; they're stodgy ~

    Screen Shot 2019-03-12 at 11.27.27 AM.png

    WHOA... Willis, what exactly are you talking abote?  Both of these are fantastic looking vehicles.  I am going on record right nau, letting you know I love that 2-door sedan style.  I would use the (period correct) term DELIGHTFUL to describe it!

    • Agree 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    7 hours ago, balthazar said:

    They did (as a coupe- not a hardtop) ~

    Screen Shot 2019-03-12 at 11.25.40 AM.png

     

    Also had these (as a 2-dr sedan, not hardtop). They don't work IMO- it's like trying to 'sedan-up' a 2-dr; they're stodgy ~

    Screen Shot 2019-03-12 at 11.27.27 AM.png

    While not everyone will like them, at least they are different than the bland coupe everywhere cars we have now.

    • Agree 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    The rear overhang on the 2-sr sedan doesn't show well in that pic- it's pretty huge and I'd bet within a half inch of the 4-dr.
    I looked into buying one- a black w/ red interior '61 LeSabre 2-dr sedan but I didn't pull the trigger over the price.

    blu - They look very good, but the 'bubble top' 2-dr hardtop is infinitely sexier.

    • Agree 2
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites




    Join the conversation

    You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
    Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

    Guest
    Add a comment...

    ×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

      Only 75 emoji are allowed.

    ×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

    ×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

    ×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.


  • google-news-icon.png



  • Community Hive Community Hive

    Community Hive allows you to follow your favorite communities all in one place.

    Follow on Community Hive
  • google-news-icon.png

  • Subscribe to Cheers & Gears

    Cheers and Gears Logo

    Since 2001 we've brought you real content and honest opinions, not AI-generated stuff with no feeling or opinions influenced by the manufacturers.

    Please consider subscribing. Subscriptions can be as little as $1.75 a month, and a paid subscription drops most ads.*
     

    You can view subscription options here.

    *a very limited number of ads contain special coupon deals for our members and will show

  • Posts

    • Plastic cladding = off road.  Instead of killing the Sonata, they should just put plastic body cladding down the side and raise the price by $10k and call it the Sonata HD Overlander X.  Instant hit.
    • Considering a planet with 8 Billion and he sold almost 2 million cars, then he is covering .025% of the population compared to other auto companies. I think 2024 going into 2025 we will see other auto companies top Tesla. You and I are two peas in a pod as I also was up on a hill watching the implosion and thinking what a waste as it was a great building. I love the Kingdome and hate the new stadium.  Agree it was surreal to see the ship hit the support pillar and the whole building just collapse. Be interesting to see what replaces it as today bridges built like that are not allowed due to the exact nature of how it collapsed.  Yes, Tesla is a love or hate and the minimalist approach is not for everyone. I honestly have to agree with the comment @smk4565 I believe made that the touch screen only will be the future of cheap autos and switches and buttons will be the higher end autos. Interesting times we live in for sure.
    • Decent upgrade to the aging 2024 model. Nice to see they are reducing costs of the curved screen in the EVs by pushing it out across the Hyundai Family and into Kia. The one thing I do not like is all the Chrome. 🤢 🤮
    • Today at the New York International Auto Show, Hyundai unveiled an update to its little truck, the Hyundai Santa Cruz. The refresh to the exterior is relatively mild, though it features a more menacing grille with bolder verticle lines.  Updated running lights and new wheel designs add to the fresher look. Inside, there is a new steering wheel, infotainment system, and instrument panel. on upper trims, an optional panoramic curved display houses dual 12.3-inch displays for driver and entertainment. The plenty-capable powertrains carry over with either a 191-horsepower direct injected 2.5-liter 4-cylinder or a turbo-charged version of of the same engine with 281 horsepower.  The transmission for the entry-level engine is a traditional 8-speed automatic, while the turbo-charged model gets an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. Santa Cruzes with the turbo engine gain a new tow mode for enhanced towing control.  Both powertrains are towing capable with a 3,500 lb rating for the entry engine and a stout 5,000 lb rating for the turbo models when equipped with all-wheel drive. New for 2025 is an XRT trim geared even more towards outdoor adventure. It features a trim-specific front fascia and grille, special 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, an increased approach angle, front tow hooks, and surround-view monitoring.    The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz goes on sale this summer. View full article
    • Regarding Tesla - it's either love or hate with these vehicles.  A college friend I'll be seeing when in SoCal next month has 2 of them, and I'll probably be riding in both of them - one is his sleeker S model and I forgot which the other one (that his wife drives) is.  In certain places, people have a lot of disposable income and having a Tesla goes with the landscape. Minimalist(ic) isn't necessarily bad.  We all remember the adage "less is more."  I'll vouch that the workmanship of the interior is good and I can also vouch that the overall look (including the centered everything on one display) is ugly.  I will say that EV motors are supposed to last a long time but the battery replacement is very expensive and the range is currently not that optimal. I did not like the model Y I had for less than 1 day.  Also, its exterior is mostly ugly.  That's my opinion. This isn't a discussion I want to get into.  I would much prefer a more user-friendly EV ... and not just yet. - - - - - What I was randomly going to say: I'm not sure whether I'm in shock or still feeling surreal as to what happened in Baltimore.  At first, I thought a ship just hit something on a bridge.  Then I saw the footage and that's the surreal part ... the domino-like collapse of the entire structure and the size of the ship.  I remember having to figure out the forces of either tension or compression on each member of a truss-like structure when I was in school.   A group of us sat there for about 3 or 4 hours one night - with some Mountain Dew - to work that out. I don't believe I've been on that bridge since it's on the outer beltway, but it's numbered as part of the U.S. interstate system.  From looking at the map, it is the major bridge on the entrance to/exit from Baltimore Harbor.  I hope they find the 6 individuals who were working on it fixing potholes in the middle of the night who fell down with the bridge.  The ship giving a mayday is what allowed them to shut down both approaches to the bridge just in time.   The weird thing is that it happened on March 26.  IIRC, the deliberate (domino-like) implosion of the reinforced concrete Kingdome in Seattle happened on March 26, 2000 (no rain that day) and people were sitting on slopes overlooking downtown to see that happen.  But that's how it is with planned implosions.  I went there that morning and have photos of the Kingdome's last day somewhere. https://www.seahawks.com/video/kingdome-implosion-hd It was indeed March 26, 2000.  I was one of the few who liked the Kingdome.
  • Who's Online (See full list)

    • There are no registered users currently online
  • My Clubs

×
×
  • Create New...

Hey there, we noticed you're using an ad-blocker. We're a small site that is supported by ads or subscriptions. We rely on these to pay for server costs and vehicle reviews.  Please consider whitelisting us in your ad-blocker, or if you really like what you see, you can pick up one of our subscriptions for just $1.75 a month or $15 a year. It may not seem like a lot, but it goes a long way to help support real, honest content, that isn't generated by an AI bot.

See you out there.

Drew
Editor-in-Chief

Write what you are looking for and press enter or click the search icon to begin your search

Change privacy settings