wildcat

The 2008 Buick Enclave isn't history - it's a class-leading vehicle (and, in spite of your statements, is very luxurious and refined. It doesn't need to be a speed demon. And is certainly is a success/). The 2009 Buick Riviera Concept isn't history - it's a new approach to a fabled model. The forthcoming 2010 Buick LaCrosse isn't history - it's the future direction of Buick. I really hesitated posting because I saw your involvement here. You're one of the -- if not the -- most negative posters on this site.

What, did we miss another obituary? P.S. - I bought some organic popcorn at the grocery store yesterday, but haven't tried it yet.

< cartoon dog voice > Ruh-roh!

Wouldn't it solve two problems at once if the "?" was Saturn? Wouldn't that immediately increase the number of Saturn sales outlets?

Yes, and thegriffon even remarked that's likely whether or not GM does right with Pontiac.

If it's precipitous, it's because GM has decimated Buick's line-up, in two cases replacing two or three vehicles with one. GM will be addressing that soon. Did you see the announcement that Buick's NA line will be expanded?

Yes, the comment was carried in various publications in a story about the Buick Riviera Concept. For one example, click here. That specific statement of Lyon's is the next-to-the-last sentence.

Sure, it matters. Buick is a famous and historical and valuable trademark. The public still knows what a Buick was and, thanks especially to the Enclave, what a Buick is.

That's if the decline continues. But what is expected when GM harvests and harvests profits but doesn't re-invest them in the brand or drags its heels in creating new, competitive products? Hopefully, the new Buick LaCrosse will be well-received in the market. Besides, Buick doesn't need to sell like in years past (so comparisons to those numbers are useless), because it's now no longer full-line and merely a portion of the B-P-G sales channel. Of course it's still worth keeping the brand - that's 118,149 (or whatever it turns out to be) sales that, otherwise, GM would lose plus Buick's sales in China. Since China Buick is quite successful, development costs for NA Buick, including a car better than the Lexus ES on half the budget, are minimized and the profits maximized. Dave Lyon said that we'll see "real traction" with NA Buick in 2010-11.

Now through September 28, 2008, Buick is running a promotion, "Who's Your Caddy?," with golfer Tiger Woods. To read the details, reported by Anita Lienert on edmunds.com, click here.

If GM cuts any brand(s) now, it's an admission that GM isn't capable of true leadership, creativity, and, frankly, common sense. As I've said before, it takes no talent to cut things, but it does show imagination and ability to keep the brands you have and work from their heritage. Besides, this stupid Wall Street Journal article is flawed from the start, because GM North America has four sales channels, not eight. Four isn't too many, but even one will be too much for GM if it can't find and maintain focused identities for each of its makes.

moltar: Congratulations! You've now got a great selections of '59 GMs! And going by the picture, it looks pretty complete. My uncle George had an actual 1959 Buick LeSabre, a 4-door in something like a bronze color. I remember when his car was parked in his garage at home, thinking those fins were gigantic.

Jim Morrison

I'm hoping that it will have more style than the blue 4-door. The front is ok, but the sides need some Buick curves and portholes, etc.

A Buick Alpha! Who'dve thunk it!

According to Jamie Lareau of "Automotive News," it may be based on the Buick Excelle which will debut in China by early next year. To read the story, click here.

He addressed that, in somewhat general terms, elsewhere on C&G. And in fact, only a few minutes ago, Pontiac_Custom-S posted ( ! ) in the "C&G Features" forum, regarding the "GM Heritage Center."

Wasn't it reported somewhere that the Buick Lucerne may move to a LWB Epsilon II platform? Is that likely? Do you think that the name "Lucerne" will be retained? ("Invicta"? "Roadmaster"? Do they have to leave "Park Avenue" only for a car that matches the Chinese PA?) Also, did you guys see that Borger (Pontiac_Custom-S) left a follow-up message on The Car Connection's website at 11:32 this morning: He wrote, "Well according to the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission, the vehicles that replace the Taxi and limos of New York city must meet the following standards. * meets highest safety standards * superior passenger experience * superior driver comfort and amenities * appropriate purchase price and on-going maintenance and repair costs * smaller environmental footprint (lower emissions and improved fuel economy) * smaller physical footprint (with more useable interior room) * universal accessibility for all users with a goal of meeting ADA guidelines, (wheelchair accessible) * iconic design that will identify the new taxi with New York City Zeta misses the boat on several of these standards. the short wheel base version of the Zeta is a fat heavy pig, coming in on average at 4200 pounds, I can just imagine what a stretched version of this vehicle will weigh in at, and with cude oil priced over 100 dollars a barrel I would think coach builders and fleet agencies such as police departments and Taxi cab companies would steer clear of this vehicle, as well as the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission, since the Zeta platform has a limited life span within GM itself. After all Mr. Bob Lutz himself, stated that Zeta will never meet the new CAFE standards that have been set by the U.S. Congress. Whether it’s a police car, taxi or limo, those types of vehicles need to get good gas mileage, after all fuel economy is the bread and butter of limos, taxis, and even police agencies when it comes to budgeting money for new police crusiers. Higher fuel cost, means that a limo and taxi company must charge higher rates for transporting customers and police agencies will need more tax payer dollars to fuel these vehicles. What the commission needs to look for is a car that has a V8 that can meet the new CAFE standards without having to drop down to a V6, as I doubt any V6 would be able to take the wear and tear of daily fleet use, without incurring heavy maintenance bills. In the end Zeta has a limited lifespan, even as we speak the clock is ticking, Tick-TocK."

I thought Pontiac_Custom-S left here because he didn't want to jeopardize his job, so why's he posting there?

For myself, that's the truth! I just got through looking again at Flybrian's photos from the GM Heritage Center, and I find myself just sitting and staring at the beautiful Buicks of the '50s and '60s I admit it, that was an era that really seemed to mean something - maybe because that's when I was an impressionable, young boy interested in cars, and my father had a number of Buicks. As they say, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. I guess I'm content to be stuck in neutral in that sentimental mindset.

On February 17, 2008, the San Francisco Chronicle printed an interview with GM's Chairman and CEO, Rick Wagoner. There are a number of interesting questions, such as a query about his job performance: "Q: When you became CEO, you had four main goals. One was to develop a sense of urgency for GM. The second was to become innovative. Thirdly, stretch beyond your limits or imagined limits and act as a single company. Do you feel you are delivering on that? A: I would say those are running pretty well. Basically, the last one talks about the fact that we tended to run our business as a U.S. business, Europe business, etc. To be competitive, and to take advantage of the best expertise, we really needed to integrate and run our product development capabilities globally. Now, Bob Lutz runs all product development all around the world for GM. I think the kind of one-company idea has moved along well. The new UAW contract is a good example of stretch thinking and so are advances in technology and innovation. I feel like we are on a good path right now." To read the entire piece, click here.

Motor Trend today shared its initial impressions about the 2008 Buick LaCrosse Super. Buick fans might be especially happy with the last line of Motor Trend's report, which states, "Way more to the point, at $32,605, it's a whole lot of Buick for $1980 less than a Lexus ES350." To read the entire "First Drive," click here.

I guess that means there could be some sporty, performance Pontiacs but with 4-cylinder engines. So for this year what do we know? 1. Pontiac G8 2. Pontiac G8 ST 3. GMC "Pro Grade" Sierra pickup 4. Buick LaCrosse Super 5. Buick Lucerne Super 6. ??? Then for next year? 1. Buick LaCrosse Epsilon II/NG 2. Buick LaCrosse Epsilon II/NG hybrid (knowing how GM counts) 3. Pontiac Solstice Targa???

I'd feel more comfortable if a trend of GM sales increases develops, not just one month. I don't think enzl is being negative, nor is he twisting things around. Someone at GM has to take responsibility for things, and I don't only mean step up and smile when things are good. What will the average US consumer likely say when they read the headline "GM Posts $39B Loss" etc.? Will they consider GM in a positive or negative light? That said, if Mr. Wagoner was removed, who is there to do any better of a job? And why, too, if GME is so powerful in the corporate scheme of things, why don't they send someone of their choosing into the top spot at GMNA?

President Huckabee