bring_BUICK_back

If only GM knew how to design an interior like that!

It is truly idiotic to say that the Commander should be cut. I have seen more of these on the road then a Escalade or Suburban or any other rebadged GM product.

Buick should not be alligned with Pontiac and GMC. They are a premium brand that should be on its self. When the Velite was introduced years ago it should have been made !!!! The LAX should have been on a new platform with a more modern look and should have retained the Century name while a two door should have been the Regal. The Lucerne should still be the Lesabre also on a better platfrom with a standard V-8 and rear wheel drive. The Enclave is fine except it to should be rear wheel drive and the center stack should not be that hard plastic black. That is why I say tat Lutz and Wagoneer are morons!!!! For years it has been said that Buick was to compete with Lexus. Well, where is the ES, GS, LS, RX fighters? Where is the billions of dollars that was promissed??

I am an owner of a Jeep Commander and I think it is just fine. I see plenty of them out here. At least Chrysler tries to make their cars and trucks unique and in your face.

GM is too screwed up to realize that Buick NEEDS this vehicle. Buick's should be RWD. Have better engines and transmissions, and V-8's. They should have a convertible, a coupe a car to go against the Lexus ES and GS. But Lutz and Wagoneer are complete morans and won't do the right thing for Buick.

Buick here in America is a brand of declining sales, lackluster product (excluding Enclave) and an aging customer base. Buick China: A thriving, growing brand with a wide audience and successful, competent product. Many have legitimately complained about the lack of such support and backing in the form excellent product being offered here in the USA. This is all about to change. Enclave is the start of great things for the Buick brand. GM hasn’t given up; Buick is a very important part of the new GM going forward. This key fob excellently demonstrates what GM intends to take Buick; this type of elegance and luxury will become the norm at Buick as it moves upmarket. A Bigger, Better Buick The comprehensive strategy for a better Buick starts with a nod to the past: Buick will bring a switch back to storied classic names. Regal, Riviera, Park Avenue are all coming back as part of a plan to connect with a larger base of consumers that recognize and look fondly on these timeless names. Also, part of the reason is that buyers in China are fond of such names and it made sense as Buick going forward will be aligned with the Chinese cars. The switch to names of the past will begin with the LaCrosse’s EPII based replacement, which will be renamed Regal. Internal GM design renderings and documents on the LaCrosse replacement are now being renamed accordingly. The “Larger Plan” mentioned is a strategy to return Buick back to a up-market volume brand, with a relatively large model lineup. GM intends Buick’s forthcoming model lineup to take Buick sales back up into the 350k range. In this new plan, Cadillac and Buick are aligned more closely as Buick moves upmarket, with Cadillac being the striking, sporty brand, and Buick taking it’s place as a more conservative, “True Blue” luxury brand with a range of elegant luxury vehicles. The positioning statement “Wise with Wealth” fits right in with the intended Buick audience. More conservative then a Cadillac buyer, Buick wants to target the wealthy 35-45 segment, and that will be the focus going forward. Here’s the Buick lineup going forward, including all the inside information regarding each model. Enjoy! Current Lucerne Not a whole lot of action here, except that engineers are working on mating the 3.6L HF Engine/6-speed transmission to the Lucerne’s L-Body platform. Expect the Lucerne's interior to be re-done with an new one designed in China and slated to arrive in the 2007/2008 calendar year, which GM expects to bolster sales of the Lucurne. If some of the aforementioned plans work out, it will lay the groundwork for the return of the next model in our list, the Park Avenue. The Lucerne replacement arrives as a 2010 Model and is detailed more below. Park Avenue Reaction to the Chinese Park Avenue has made GM reconsider bringing the Park Avenue over to the US. The original plan was to do a full reskin on the car a la Enclave, however GM is now planning to bring the Chinese Park Avenue to America as early as Spring of next year. Built in Australia, their will be a decontented base model starting at around $40k, excluding the luxury features of the top end model. The ultra-luxury model will be offered, with all the features of the Park Avenue sold in China. Finally, GM will have a true luxury car, and suprisingly, it will come from Buick. Base engine for the Park Avenue is rumored to be the 3.6L DI engine found in the CTS, outputting around 300hp. A Super model is possible down the line featuring the new 6.2L LS3 found in the '08 Corvette. Sales for the Park Avenue are expected to be around 20K units per year. Bringing over the Chinese Park Avenue would be a stopgap move until a Zeta based Buick specific replacement arrives sometime in 2010, starting in the $30ks and replacing both the Lucerne and the Park Avenue sourced from Holden in Australia. LaCrosse We’ll start with the most important events that may happen in the very near future. The LaCrosse shown driving around in Detroit was intentional, to gauge response. They were testing the vehicle as part of a supposed crash program to bring the Chinese LaCrosse to the US this year. Note the absence of a hood ornament in the spy pictures. GM is deciding how much sales of the LaCrosse would be impacted by bringing it over to the US. If the program gets the go ahead, tooling could be changed over in the summer. A big hurdle with this program is the fact that GM has already shown the LaCrosse Super models, and bringing over the standard LaCrosse while the "Super" models look completely different wouldn't be a smart move. If given the go ahead, the 3.5L OHV engine could be moved as the base engine in the Lacrosse. It would output around 220 HP, with the top engine outputting around 260HP. Sales for a Chinese LaCrosse model are estimated to be around 100k per year. The decision to bring the Chinese LaCrosse over depends in large part whether or not the EPII Regal will be fast tracked for a 2008 debut. In that case, this scenario would be unlikely, as the small amount of time remaining for the Regal to arrive wouldn't make it worth the effort. LaCrosse Replacement - EPII Regal LaCrosse’s replacement will be renamed Regal and will be fully aligned with it’s Chinese counterpart, which also is ditching the name LaCrosse for Regal. Sources describe the car as bearing a similar design as looking very similar to the Riviera concept, but having 4-doors a more notched back end and a longer nose with a more “distinguished” hood”. If Lutz and the Buick team have their way, the Regal will be arriving in September/August of 2008 as a 2009 model. The development on the EPII platform is complete, and work is almost finished on the LaCrosse replacement. Although Lutz wants the brand revamped as quickly as possible, there’s been fighting within GM over the launch date of these cars. There's controversy as to who gets the EPII platform first, and the European brands have a problem with Buick getting the first car basedo on the platform. If Saab/Opel have their way, it’ll be delayed until 2009, as a 2010 model so it will be launched in Europe first, as the Opel Vectra. Riviera “And it does offer a hint at Buick’s future international design language — maybe not the gull-wing doors, but one never knows, does one?” - Bob Lutz, GM Fastlane Blog Rumor has it that GM is indeed pushing to bring a gull winged coupe Riviera to market. Although cost and airbags are factors in this, designers have figured out a way to implement a side curtain airbag in the door, leaving the biggest issue: clearance in a tight parking spot. Detroit engineers are working on incorporating a double hinge that will fix the problem and enable plans for the gull wing to go forward. This is something Lutz is really pushing for. The Riviera will be based on the SWB EPII platform, and the dimensions of the concept vehicle (113 inches) fall in line with this. Expect the Riviera to arrive in the Fall of 2009 as a 2010 model, with optional AWD. Rendezvous With the Enclave replacing Rendezvous and moving up in size and price, Buick is feeling the need for smaller, less expensive crossover in the Buick lineup. Brand equity has built up in the Rendezvous name and it has been a successful model for Buick, so expect the name to be used on the Theta II crossover. The Theta II Rendezvous is anticipated to to be a 2009 model, however it may be pushed back to 2010. Grand National Possible entry for Buick in the 2011 model year is the Grand National, Buick’s halo vehicle, based on Zeta and powered by a turbocharged V6 is slated to arrive in 2010. With Lutz really pushing for a Buick "halo" to be produced, sources inside GM speculate it will be the Grand National, powered by a turbocharged V6. It will be at the very top end of the lineup No concrete green light or production plans as of yet, this is an option being considered at GM. Sources say the Grand National would have a starting price of around $40k. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Product Introductions for Buick 2008 Enclave 2009 Regal 2009 Rendezvous (Theta II Crossover) 2010 Park Avenue 2010 Riviera 2010 Skylark - Little Information Known, Delta II Based - $25k Estimated Starting 2011 Grand National The increase in models for the Buick brand broadens the scope and importance of the brand once again. GM believes in Buick and is prepared to invest and bring the products to the market needed to make it a great brand once again. The basic message I gather here is this: Buick here in NA will be fully aligned with Buick in China. And I think that’s something we’re all very glad to hear.

It will see production. China, or here as either a Chevy or Saturn. Why bother gettting all hyped up over things when it is clear that Buick is nothing more then a cancer to GM.

At first we thought it had to be a mistake. General Motors is already paying customers to take the 2008 Buick Enclave off their hands? It's not even on dealer lots yet, but Automotive News reports Buick is offering $1,000 "Conquest Bonus Cash" and 4.9% financing available on the $32k+ CUV. Though the "Conquest Cash" is intended to draw non-GM-driving customers away from the competition, no matter the name, rebates on brand new vehicles are obvious admissions of overpricing that only enforce car shoppers' addiction to cash-back offers. If the Enclave performs as well and is as reliable as it is gorgeous, it shouldn't need any incentives. On the other hand, a drop-dead body and cash back could be irresistable to all but the most diehard import buyer. [source: Automotive News (Sub. Req.)] Already proving what idiots they have running GM.....GM needs to be sold also just like Chrysler and Ford

Considering that any past concepts that Buick has come out with has never materialized I don't have high expectations that this will make it either. Buick has had some beuatiful concepts that should have been made. GM has no idea what a Buick should be. They give to everyone else but continue to screw over this brand. I wish someone would just take Buick away from GM so maybe there would be some hope.

It's too bad that the Park Avenue will never make it to USA. The people at GM and Buick are complete idiots and do not know what they are doing.

I also forgot one more thing. Like it or night Chrysler designers make a statement out of their vehicles. They at least attempt to not give that same as everyone else styling. There is not one single GM vehicle that has that in your face styling. I think if anything DaimlerChrysler should buy GM and teach the desingers a thing or two about designing that has something to say.

First off I have been a Jeep owner since 1990. I have never had a major problem. I have owned a 2006 Commander and I don't see why people keep lambasting this model. I think it is a fine vehicle. It drives nice, the seat are comfortable and the Hemi works great. Plus I see tons of them on the road everyday. And as far as the possibllity of GM buying I think this is the stupidest idea that could happen. GM can't even manage their own brands. So for all those people who keep thinking that this is a good idea, get of your self. Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge are nicely styled, true the interiors are not the greatest but then again I would say that is true about alot of manufacturers.

What is GM trying to accomplish? Chevrolet has 8 vehicles, Pontiac has 8, and cadilac has 5, and Buick 3 It makes no sense. It seems like they are purposely trying to kill the Buick division. I don't understand how they expect Buick to be a succesfull division with the Lucerne and Lacrosse whose platform and engine have been around for years. Buick needs new vehicles and they need it now. They should have RWD, a 2dr, a convertible, and a 3 series type. They should also offer more V8's. Come on GM get your head out of your ass

I have to totally disagree with the posts so far. There would be nothing wrong with Buick bringing back old, cherised names. The problem is not the name it is the fact that GM and Buick did a lousy job of marketing these vehicles and keeping them updated. Buick would not be a damaged brand if it wasn't for the stupidity at the top of GM. How they think that Buick is going to survive with 3 models while the rest of the brands have 6 or 7. Names like Electra, Roadmaster, Centrury, Regal, Invicta, Lesabre, Riviera would not be bad names to have on a vehicle. Someone needs to get their head out of their ass and do the right thing at Buick.

All I have to say to Bob Flutz is that Buick needs products. Yes the Enclave is a good start, but why is it not comming now. Buick has made some great concepts that have never seen the light of day. I am sick and tired of Chevy, Caddilac & Saturn getting products while Buick sits like a dead duck. So Bob Flutz if you or any of your flunkies are listening, BRING BUICK BACK

Lets just fast the facts. The upper echelon at GM have their had up their ass when it comes to doing anything with the slightest bit of know how to bring Buick around or even how to manage it. The Enclave is a beautifule vehicle that should be brought out now The Lucerne definitely a step in the right direction. Buick can not survive with 3 vehicles and everyone else is getting full stables. Buick needs products and not no badge enginered piece of crap. We need to stand up and let our voices be heard and tell GM to stop bastardizing Buick and bring back to the glory it was and before 2010

Whomever is running this show at Buick or GM. Buick is starving for products. They can not wait till 2010 for a LaCrosse replacement. Buick could be a fantastic brand. I just don't understand why GM continues to screw with it. They give products to Saturn, Chevy, Pontiac, Cadillac, but they just refuse to do anything for Buick. We need to fight for Buick. LET OUR VOICES BE HEARD. Give Buick something other then an Encllave (which shows it can be done) & Lucerne

It is a shame that even though the Enclave is a great looking car and do Buick proud. This should be out beofre GMC, and Saturn. They should also be keeping the Rendevous. What is wrong with GM Buick can not survive even with the Enclave, Lucerene Buick needs the Velite, and some 2 door cars and a vehicle above the Lucerne AND STOP WITH THE NEW NAMES Lesabre Century Electra Park Avenue Riveria If there is anyone on this board who can tell GM brass stop f**ing around BRING BUICK BACK

GM is doing a lot wrong Lets just look how they are handling Buick. 2 cars with new names on old archetechure. 3 trucks new names old archetechure. Brand Engineering! They have left Buick out in the cold. It GM's fault for how they are in this condition. They do not produce any designs that are shocking. They are just plain plain plain. They have too many cars in Chevy and not enough at Buick.

That has a much nicer look than the U.S version.

Name is whatever Electra, Invcta, Roadmaster but just get the car out here and get it out here now! Buick can not continue with (2) vehicles! Let them share the Vette platorm.

I own a 05 Limited w/ hemi and I have to say that this is a very well designed vehicle. The interior is quiet, and well tought out. This is my 4th Jeep and they just keep getting better.

What I am saying is. Buick needs vehicles, Chevy does not need every singel segment in the market. They are robbing paul to give to peter. If they allocated there cars according to what that division is meant to be then Corvette, HHR and SSR do not belong. Buick was suppose to get a 3 billion dollar investment What happened to that? And the only reason Chevy is successful is because GM has never given it's full atttention to the other brands. F** everyone else and now look what is happening.

GM has the money and the resources. They just don't how to allocate them correctly. GM does need SAAB, Hummer, Saturn, Opel, Vauxhill, GMC. They need to concentrate on their core brands. The ones that have been around for decades. Buick, Caddy, Chevy, Pontiac. They need to figure out how to differentiate these vehciles. Not just brand engernering. Chevy does not need all the vehicles it has way to many vehicles. They do not need the Corvette, HHR or SSR it does not fit what they are all about. They are suppose to be value. None of those are value. Buick on the other hand needs performance and technology.

Buick needs more than just vehicles. They need a deisgn theme. They need power. They need Coupes, Verts. And they need it now! Not 2008 or 2010 but NOW. And get rid of these crazy names like Envlave, Lacrosse, Lucerne. Buick is and will always be Electra, Riveiera, Regal, Century, Invicta, Skyklark GM has done a great disservice to Buick since the late 80's