Straightline
Buick
June 30, 2009
The General Motors bankruptcy proceedings are wrapping up today and the judge is expected to let this one sail through much like Chyrsler's reorganization. GM will be split into an "old" company saddled with all the problems, and a "new" GM that will emerge with few brands and none of the legacy issues that have plagued the company for decades.
Sounds great right? Well, maybe not. Bill Visnic of AutoObserver breaks down what's left of the "good" GM and doesn't find much to get excited about. Although Chevrolet looks like it can become a strong brand, Buick and GMC are big question marks. Even Cadillac has a tough road ahead gives its limited lineup and dependence on large cars and SUVs. Kind of makes you wonder if this whole government sponsored bankruptcy thing is really doing us any favors.
AutoObserver: "Good" GM: Maybe Not All That Good
June 22, 2009
How's this for a sign of the times: Buick announced today that it will offer a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine in the 2010 LaCrosse entry-luxury sedan.
The 182-horsepower direct-injection 2.4-liter, which the company estimates will give the LaCrosse about 20 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, will compliment the two direct-injection V6s that Buick already announced for the new sedan (3.0-liter and 3.6-liter). Buick expects that 25 percent of customers will opt for the little motor. As an odd side-note: Both V6s produce the same 17/27 mpg despite a 0.6-liter and 25-hp gap.
This is the second formerly V6-only model that General Motors has fitted with this four-banger. This motor helps the upcoming 2010 Chevrolet Equinox midsize crossover get a 32 mpg highway rating from the EPA.
So Buick goes four-cylinder and Acura adds a V6 to the formerly I4-only TSX? Strange days, man. Strange days.
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- Posted by: Daniel Pund June 22, 2009, 9:30 AM
- Categories: Buick, Sedans
June 19, 2009
General Motors held a webchat session this morning with Troy Clarke, President of GM North America. He attempted to address several issues, but as you might expect most of his answers were light on specifics and heavy on generalities and themes.
When one participant asked about Buick, Clarke said he was very confident that they would get the brand right. "I will tell you that you will be pleasantly surprised at the product line up we have for the new Buick. It will go places product wise we haven't gone with Buick before," Clarke said.
When asked about NUMMI, Clarke said GM has no plans to buy Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive technology. "We are not in current discussions with Toyota on licensing their synergy drive. I would point out that we are working like crazy on our own hybrid technology. Also, we are really moving fast on the Volt of which you are well aware," Clarke said.
Other participants, many of which were clearly GM employees expressed frustration with the way GM was being handled. Clarke told him that he thought getting government assistance was the company's best chance of turning itself around. The full text is available at GM's Fastlane blog.
June 15, 2009
Did you see the new Buick commercials that aired during this weekend's NBA title game? They implored viewers to "take a look at me now" as if Buick was some middle-aged housewife fresh out of plastic surgery.
GM's junior luxury division is going to need more than snappier commercials to get attention and according to a GM fan site a hybrid might be its next attempt to gain some recognition.
GM-volt.com says that the two-mode plug-in hybrid system developed for the Saturn Vue may make its way into a new Buick compact crossover. A CBS news report is thought to have revealed a glimpse of the upcoming sport utility and not surprisingly it looked like a downsized Enclave.
GCA: Does New Buick Crossover Get GM Dual-Mode Plug-In Hybrid System?
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig June 15, 2009, 8:52 AM
- Categories: Buick, Future Vehicles, Green Tech, Hybrids, SUVs, Saturn
June 10, 2009
The latest in GM drama takes a turn away from the government (for once) and moves on to the comments of a sassy blogger from the Huffington Post.
Blogger Gerald Sindell (the author of The Genius Machine) wrote this post called "An Open Letter to GM CEO Fritz Henderson," where he commented "Can an organization that has made so much truly ugly stuff suddenly start making great design?" and even called out the design office in Detroit for being "Older white guys wearing suits."
Ed Welburn, global vice president of General Motors Design, said "No, he didn't," and challenged Sindell to a bare-fisted battle in the Octagon.
Actually, he just dared him to take a seat in the Chevy Malibu or Camaro, Cadillac CTS or the Buick LaCrosse before making such wild accusations. What do you think? Would a drive in any of those vehicles change Sindell's mind?
Inside Line news: GM Irate at Huffington Post Blog Critical of Design and Old White Guys
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- Posted by: Mike Lysaght June 10, 2009, 3:30 PM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, General Motors
May 13, 2009
With the 2009 Indianapolis 500 fast approaching, the hype machine is in full swing. Danica this, Danica that, Helio on pole, and of course the official 2009 Indy pace car.
This year it's the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS, a solid, almost inevitable choice. Such decisions haven't always been so clear cut. During much of the 70s and 80s, the choices were slim. But they had to slap stickers on something, so you had some dodgy representatives like the Oldsmobile Calias and Cadillac Eldorado.
So what do you think? Which car deserves the title "Worst Indy Pace Car Ever"?
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig May 13, 2009, 10:27 AM
- Categories: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Classic Cars, General Motors, Motorsports, Oldsmobile, Pontiac
April 8, 2009
#NYIAS The newly not-boring-looking 2010 Buick LaCrosse sedan will go on sale this summer for as little as $27,835 (including destination).
This will get you a CX-level Buick with front-wheel drive and the 255-hp 3.0-liter, direct-injection V6 bolted to a six-speed automatic transmission. The CXL model adds leather seats, 18-inch wheels (up from 17) and dual-zone climate control, among other little items for $30,395. The all-wheel-drive CXL (still with the 3.0-liter V6) adds $2,175 to the price tag. The top-of-the-line CXS, which is powered by a 280-hp 3.6-liter DI V6, starts at $33,765 and comes with heated and cooled seats and chrome-plated 18-inch wheels.
Those prices undercut the 2009 Lexus ES 350 which starts at $35,145, which is good because Buick's reputation still significantly undercuts Lexus'.
And yes, we do know what LaCrosse means to French Canadians.
Read Inside Line's full story on the 2010 Buick LaCrosse.
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- Posted by: Daniel Pund April 8, 2009, 8:42 AM
- Categories: Buick, New York Auto Show, Sedans
March 19, 2009
J.D. Power's latest dependability study, which surveys the first three years of ownership, says Buick and Jaguar owners experience the fewest problems. Lexus, Toyota and Mercury rounded out the top five.
The single most dependable model was the Lexus LS 430. Toyota had the most segment winners with five (Highlander, Prius, Sequoia, Solara and Tundra).
There were a few other interesting pieces of information contained in the report. The average age of a used vehicle trade-in has risen from 65 to 73 months in the last three years. J.D. Power also said that overall problems have decreased at a rate of 10% a year since the beginning of the study.
J.D. Power
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig March 19, 2009, 10:09 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Automaker Feedback, Buick, Jaguar, Lexus, Luxury Cars, Mercury, Toyota, Trends
March 16, 2009
The Fast and the Furious series is admittedly light on plot lines and believable acting, so it's up to the cars to carry it along. From turbocharged imports to blown American muscle cars, it's an ever-changing mix that makes up for all the cheesy one liners and Vin Diesel close ups.
The latest installment is called simply Fast & Furious and contributor John Pearley Huffman went behind the scenes to chronicle nearly every noteworthy car and truck features in the movie. Could this be the best F & F lineup ever? Maybe. Will it make for a good movie? Uh, maybe.
More Cars and More Action in Fast & Furious
January 17, 2009
Photo courtesy of Barrett-Jackson
It started Tuesday and ends Sunday, but the big days for the Barrett-Jackson auction are always Friday and Saturday. That's when the expensive stuff rolls across the block and last night was no exception.
Prices are down this year, but 32 cars still managed to break the $100,000 mark. Expect to see if even more money being thrown around tonight when the auction's most sought after vehicles roll across the block. We'll be keeping tabs on all the big news, but in the meantime check out what brought the biggest money last night.
Continue reading...
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig January 17, 2009, 8:34 AM
- Categories: Buick, Chevrolet
January 8, 2009
#DAS09 GM let loose with the goods on the 2010 Buick LaCrosse last night. It's easily one of the better looking Buick sedans to come along in awhile, but it does appear to have some awkward lines when viewed from certain angles.
For a better look at this new entry-level luxury sedan, check the attached video showing the LaCrosse as it takes a few leisurely laps around GM's proving grounds. Doesn't look too bad on the road.
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig January 8, 2009, 2:42 PM
- Categories: Buick, Detroit Auto Show, Luxury Cars, Sedans
#DAS09 What do you know, GM is not quite dead just yet. Turns out, it'll have more than just the 2010 Buick LaCrosse, 2010 Cadillac SRX and 2010 Chevrolet Equinox at this year's Detroit Auto Show.
In a surprise announcement on everybody's favorite fluffy news program, Vice President of Global Design Ed Welburn told the Today's Show's Matt Lauer that GM would bring a production version of the Chevrolet Beat to the Detroit Auto Show. He even did the now trademarked "GM executive sheet lift" which revealed the nose of the subcompact hatchback. Welburn divulged no details, but we're guessing it will be fuel efficient, inexpensive and, of course, a "surprise".
MSNBC
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January 7, 2009
#DAS09 The 2010 Buick LaCrosse isn't going to save the brand from the chopping block all by itself. It's not that dramatic in either its proportions or performance, but it does the move the styling needle enough to get some attention from import-minded buyers who think a Lexus ES350 is a stylish sedan.
Our Senior Editor in Detroit, Dan Pund, has a full run down on the 2010 Buick Lacrosse, but here's an abbreviated version. It's about the same size as before, there are two V6 engines, the only transmission is a six-speed automatic, front-wheel drive is standard, all-wheel drive optional and it gained roughly 400-500 pounds depending on the model.
2009 Detroit Auto Show: 2010 Buick LaCrosse
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig January 7, 2009, 9:22 PM
- Categories: Buick, Detroit Auto Show, Luxury Cars, Sedans
January 4, 2009
So it's not going to be a banner year for the home team at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. Chrysler, Ford and General Motors are about as beat down as major industrial giants can get, but this is a chance for each company to convince the public that there's still some life in the Motor City.
Here's the latest rundown on what to expect:
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig January 4, 2009, 10:00 PM
- Categories: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Detroit Auto Show, Dodge, Ford, General Motors, Jeep, Lincoln, SUVs, Saab, Sedans
December 30, 2008
No wonder Buick does so well in China. They sell a pretty nice car over there, as evidenced by their new Regal. Interesting to note a different take on the famous Buick "portholes:" They remind me a bit of those found on my dad's old '41 Special 2-door Sedanette ('41 Century pictured, but close enough).
Full story here.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland December 30, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Buick
November 27, 2008
Everyone knows GM and Ford have too many models, too many brands, too many dealers, too many of just about everything and anything one can think of. So might this financial mess be a blessing in disguise? Might this be just the impetius for the General and Ford to do what just about everyone thinks should be done: Shed--not just some of their excess models--but instead shed some of their excess brands?
AutoObserver seems to think that this could be in the cards, as the market just can't support so many redundant brands. Put them out of their misery. Make them extinct, just like the Woolly Mammoth and countless other critters that have ceased to have a reason to exist.
At GM, Pontiac, Buick, Saturn, GMC and Saab certainly all fall into that category. Might we see a lean and mean General Motors consisting of just Chevrolet and Cadillac, with maybe leaving Buick strictly for China?
And Ford? Might this be the time to cut Mercury; and maybe even cut Lincoln loose, by replacing it with Volvo?
If GM and Ford are going to do this, now is the best time to do so.
COMMENTARY: For Bailout Blueprint, GM, Ford Might Finally Burn Rubber on Underperforming Brands
Related story here.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland November 27, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, GMC, General Motors, Lincoln, Mercury, Saab, Saturn, Volvo
November 25, 2008
It was a friendly split, but a split nonetheless. Tiger Woods, a 9-year spokesman for Buick, will end his relationship with Buick as of the end of the year. The deal was worth about $8 million a year to Woods. This is just one more signal of how bad things are in Detroit.
Full story here.
Here's AutoObserver's take: GM, Tiger Woods Part Ways
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- Posted by: Bob Holland November 25, 2008, 7:47 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Buick, Trends
October 6, 2008
Merry Christmas. Production of the Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Saab 9-7X will end December 23, as GM will shutting down their Moraine, Ohio plant. Sales of these vehicle have tanked, as have most SUVs. The good news is that the Chevy Traverse, Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave have been hits in this tough segment.
Actually this is not a surprise, at least the ending of production of these vehicles, that is. I what will miss is that, with the exception of the Hummer H3, GM will no longer offer an off-road capable SUV in the mid-size segment--and who knows how long the Hummer will be around.
Full story here.
Here's Inside Line's take: GM to Close Ohio SUV Plant in December
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- Posted by: Bob Holland October 6, 2008, 7:11 AM
- Categories: Buick, Chevrolet, GMC, General Motors, SUVs, Saab, Saturn
July 18, 2008
In an effort to allay both Wall Street and consumer fears, GM laid out their product cards for the future. Detailed images of the upcoming Chevrolet Cruze (Cobolt replacement), the Cadillac CTS Sportwagon (and Coupe), the Buick Invicta and Saab 9-4X were all there for everyone's pleasure.
Here's AutoObserver's take: GM Next-Gen Models Revealed, Including Chevy Cruze
Here's Inside Line's take: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Prepares To Become GM's Global Small Car
Invicta Showcar Previews 2010 Buick Sedan
2010 Saab 9-4X Crossover To Debut Next Spring
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- Posted by: Bob Holland July 18, 2008, 7:45 AM
- Categories: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, General Motors, Saab
July 16, 2008
No sooner had GM CEO Rick Wagoner delivered the sobering news regarding GM cuts, Bob Lutz was right there to confirm that there is a lot of life left in what we can expect from the General in terms of future products. More to the point, the recently rumored cutting of brands was not a part of the discussion. Nope, all the current brands are to remain in place according to Lutz.
The biggest change that we can expect is that products from GM (and other vehicle makers too) will have a decidedly European/international flavor to them. That means less trucks--and the trucks that do remain will be smaller and more efficient. Expect more smaller cars and fewer cars with big V8s. No longer will the American car market be different from that of Europe and elsewhere.
"This is a difficult transition but once the transition is made, it's going to ease our problem of no longer having to produce unique vehicles for the American market," Lutz said. "In the future, anything we create worldwide is available to use to either import or produce in the U.S."
For a quick glance as to what's in store, check out AutoObserver's editorial:
GM: Remapping for a More Euro-Style Vehicle Landscape
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- Posted by: Bob Holland July 16, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, General Motors, HUMMER, Saturn
June 21, 2008
The dramatic shift in consumer vehicle preferences have renewed rumors of a possible GM division being disbanded. This time, however, the smart money is saying that GMC could be the victim. Why GMC? Well GMC is all about trucks, and that's the market that's dying...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland June 21, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Buick, GMC, General Motors, Pontiac, Trends
May 26, 2008
Call it a casualty of the impending fuel regulations, as GM has axed plans for large RWD Chevys and Buicks. The vehicles themselves will remain, but as FWD models.
RWD is not dead, however. There are still plans in place for a range of small RWD coupes and sedans...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland May 26, 2008, 11:04 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Buick, Chevrolet, General Motors, Trends
April 20, 2008
For all the hype surrounding the introduction of the Buick Invicta concept, it's not getting much attention in Beijing. There's rarely much of a crowd around it despite the fact that this concept was developed with input from both U.S. and Chinese designers.
Rumors suggest the Invicta is a preview of the next Buick LaCrosse. We can barely remember what the current LaCrosse looks like, so anything that resembles the Invicta should be an improvement. Although this concept has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder under the hood, expect a more traditional V6 when it arrives in production form sometime next year. -- Ed Hellwig, Lead Senior Editor, Inside Line
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig April 20, 2008, 2:25 PM
- Categories: Beijing Auto Show, Buick, Sedans
April 10, 2008
Checking in on Peter De Lorenzo over at AutoExtremist.com, and as usual, he has some interesting if not thought-provoking ideas. This time it's a "What if" scenario for a future GM, and this of course, is in a perfect world. By that I mean if franchise laws, etc., could be resolved to make this work.
Here's the short story version: The only divisions that would exist here would be Chevrolet, Cadillac and Hummer...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland April 10, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, General Motors, HUMMER, Saab, Saturn
March 12, 2008
Just a quick tease here as to some of what GM is planning on showing at NewYork next week:
• Pontiac will debut 3 new production models
• Saab's 9-x BioHybrid will make its North American debut.
• Buick reportedly to have some surprises—one of which is that their news will also be available in Chinese on the GM media site. Now that may not mean much to those not in the auto news business, but it just goes to show just how important Buick has become to China, and vice-versa. But you already knew that, right?
January 13, 2008
EXCLUSIVE!!! We are the first journalists to operate the Chinese-designed Buick Riviera concept. Sadly, we are also the first journalists to break the Chinese-designed Buick Riviera concept.
First shown in China, the Riviera sat forlornly behind GM's presentation stage...
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- Posted by: Daniel Pund January 13, 2008, 11:35 AM
- Categories: Buick, Detroit Auto Show, General Motors
January 11, 2008
General Motors Vice President Global Design Ed Welburn stands with the Buick Riviera concept as it makes its North American debut in conjunction with the North American International Show Thursday, January 10, 2008 in Detroit, Michigan. The Riviera nameplate returns after an eight-year hiatus. It was developed with global design input by the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center, a design and engineering joint venture between GM and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation.
Here's Inside Line's take: 2008 Detroit Auto Show: Buick Riviera Concept
Image: John F...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland January 11, 2008, 5:00 AM
- Categories: All Auto Shows, Buick, Detroit Auto Show
January 4, 2008
There are more than 140,000 slot machines in and around Las Vegas. That's about the same number of people who will attend this year's International Consumer Electronics Show which is also in Las Vegas.
And we're not talking just fancy toasters, Wii and big screen TVs. We fully expect a strong automotive showing at this year's show as both Ford and General Motors will be there in force...
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- Posted by: Brian Moody January 4, 2008, 11:43 AM
- Categories: BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Car Tech, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Mercedes-Benz
Latest word is that the successor to the GM Northstar V8 engine has been killed, and that the Northstar may be replaced by GM's excellent 3.6L V6. That engine, the direct-injection DOHC 3.6, puts out 302 horsepower, which is uncomfortably close to the 320 horespower that the 4.6L Northstar puts out. The 3.6 also gets two mpg better gas mileage than Northstar V8.
This raises question about the Lambda platforn CUVs (GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave and Saturn Outlook), as a version of the Northstar was slated for those vehicles...
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December 29, 2007
Expect future Buicks to take on some of the character displayed on their new Enclave. That means means more expressive and bolder design, rather than conservative me-too designs.
I welcome this as Buick has a lot of really good design cues to to work with. I think if they can capture the spirit and style from Buicks of the early and mid-1950s, that would be great...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland December 29, 2007, 5:00 AM
- Categories: Buick, Future Vehicles
December 14, 2007
This could be a big year for the General at the Detroit Auto Show, as they have secured four of the six contender slots for the 2008 North American Car and Truck of the Year. The Chevy Malibu and Cadillac CTS will face off against the Honda Accord for 2008 North American Car of the Year award; and the Buick Enclave, Chevy Tahoe Hybrid will take on the Mazda CX9 for 2008 North American Truck of the Year award. The winners will be announced at the NAIAS in Detroit.
So, what do you think are the chances of GM sweeping these awards?
My first thought is that I think we really do need a new
definition of what a "truck" is, as I sure don't consider the Enclave
or CX9 trucks; but that's an entirely different discussion...
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December 3, 2007
There’s either a very fake grille on the front end of this test mule, or this is the next-generation 2010 Buick LaCrosse. Caught testing under some very close supervision according to our spy shooters, this prototype gives a few hints to the styling direction of Buick’s midsize sedan. The Enclave-like front end is pretty obvious, but the rear window line and overall greenhouse are a little harder to make out. This vehicle is expected to ride on GM’s new global midsize platform which means the continuation of front wheel drive...
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig December 3, 2007, 12:41 PM
- Categories: Buick, Future Vehicles, Sedans, Spy Photos
August 10, 2007
More evidence that Detroit is on the path to righteousness, as Buick has tied Lexus for the top spot in the latest J.D. Powers 2007 Vehicle Dependability Study. Not only did Buick do well, but several other domestic brands improved, including Hummer.
Even the defunct Oldsmobile improved!..
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 10, 2007, 5:52 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Buick, Lexus, Trends
August 9, 2007
It seats eight, is capable of 275 horsepower, and has a 3.6-liter V6 under the hood. Meet the Buick Enclave, GM's latest entry into the large crossover segment.
This could be a near-luxury alternative to a minivan. What do you think?
Read the Enclave Full Test on Inside Line...
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- Posted by: Donna DeRosa August 9, 2007, 10:32 AM
- Categories: Buick
July 6, 2007
Without a doubt, the biggest tease from GM's Bob Lutz, is that he indicated that the stunning Riviera concept that was shown at the Shanghai auto show, may someday see production.
Other than that Lutz spoke of Buick's future and place in the GMosphere. Nothing really new here; Buick will always be slotted just below Cadillac, and that Buick will never produce "cheap" cars again. He also touched on the assertion (and complaint) that the Chinese seem to be getting more desirable Buicks than we do, which he flatly disagrees with...
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April 27, 2007
Alex Taylor III, a Fortune senior writer, is one more person calling for GM to trim its nameplates.
Here are his recommendations:
• Keep Chevrolet where it is - the volume brand that is the heartbeat of America.
• Maintain Cadillac at the top of the market and expand its product offerings with derivatives of the popular CTS.
• Continue to use Saturn, with its dedicated dealer channel and loyal buyers, as the brand for import intenders...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland April 27, 2007, 7:10 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Buick, HUMMER, Pontiac, Saab
April 18, 2007
According to the folks over at Winding Road, Buick will be getting a hybrid. Yep, a Buick LaCrosse hybrid...
That's the good news. Bad news is it's not coming here, but will only be for the Chinese market...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland April 18, 2007, 4:00 AM
- Categories: All Auto Shows, Buick, Hybrids, Shanghai Auto Show
March 28, 2007
Buick just released more details on the up coming Lucerne Super and the LaCrosse Super models. Both will have V8 engines, with the Lucerne Super getting a 4.6-liter V8 that makes 292 hp at 6,300 rpm and 288 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm, while the LaCrosse Super gets a 5.3-liter V8 that churns out 300 horses at 5,600 rpm and 323 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm.
Slowly but surely Buick is finding their mojo. Even the large waterfall grilles shown on these new 2008 models are beginning to approximate the ultimate Buick grille from the 1950s, that being the 1950 model in which the grille was an integral part of the bumper...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland March 28, 2007, 5:00 AM
- Categories: All Auto Shows, Buick, New York Auto Show
March 23, 2007
I'm a child of the '50s, and as such grew up with Buicks being labeled as Roadmaster, Super, Century and Special. When they started phasing those names out back in 1959 (Roadmaster > Electra 225, Super > Electra, Century > Invicta, Special > La Sabre), I was greatly disappointed, and my opinion hasn't changed in the 40-plus years since. I think it was one of the biggest automotive marketing blunders of the last half of the 20th Century.
So when I heard that Buick was about to revive the "Super" name, it made my day...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland March 23, 2007, 5:00 AM
- Categories: Buick, Classic Cars
February 8, 2007
This is no surprise, as Buick now has the sexy and far more competent new Enclave to address SUV/crossover customers. Production will cease in the second quarter of this year at the Moraine, Ohio plant; which is the only place the Rainier is built.
Full story here.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland February 8, 2007, 5:00 AM
- Categories: Buick, SUVs
December 21, 2006
All I can say is wow. If the news of Buick selling more cars in China than here isn't a wake up call, I don't know what is. It's also a huge sign as to how important the Chinese market is becoming—and just how quickly that is becoming a fact.
Automotive News, which broke this story, states that Buick sold 206,582 vehicles in the United States in the first 10 months of this year, which is down 15.4 percent from the same period of 2005...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland December 21, 2006, 5:00 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Buick, Trends
November 28, 2006
No sooner had Tiger Woods emerged from the 2008 Buick Enclave that "punched" through a wall on its way to the stage, than GM Chair/CEO Rick Wagoner was at his side. "This is the first time Tiger has launched a vehicle for Buick," he noted.
"I'm getting a little older now," Woods agreed, "thinking about a family, so it's nice to have room for 8."
This is also the first time we're aware of that Buick has launched a vehicle at an art school, and Pasadena's Art Center College of Design isn't your typical left-of-center, bohemian, postmodernist art school -- it's the premier school for would-be vehicle designers and indeed the shapely Enclave is more designed than any Buick of the last decade. On the outside, the production version is scarcely different from the concept seen last January in Detroit (though the production car doesn't have a glass roof)...
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- Posted by: Erin Riches November 28, 2006, 11:57 PM
- Categories: Buick, LA Auto Show, SUVs
November 10, 2006
Industry Observer: 11/10/06
Dubbed Snow White (yes, there's also Prince Charming and seven dwarfs), the mannequin head houses a digital recording tool to match the way humans process sound.
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Buick gave the press a glimpse of - and a listen to -- its 2008 Enclave that it will unveil officially at the Los Angeles Auto Show later this month and on sale in the second quarter of next year.
Until then, we're sworn to secrecy on the details of the vehicle, which is the sibling to the Saturn Outlook and the GMC Acadia. (The specs on the Outlook are public - a new platform specifically designed as a crossover, three rows of seats and available with Cadillac's 3.6-liter V6 paired with General Motors' new six-speed automatic transmission.)
Beyond that, we'll say no more until the embargo lifts at 12:01 a.m...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland November 10, 2006, 5:00 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Buick, SUVs
November 9, 2006
Looks like GM is trying its hand at "viral" video. Recently posted on YouTube by a member who joined all of 10 hours ago, this shaky hand held video shows the taping of a Tiger Woods commercial for the upcoming 2008 Buick Enclave. Designed to look like behind-the-scenes spy footage, it's quickly revealed as a fake thanks to an obvious audio edit and an ending too cheesy for words. A shot goes out to cheersandgears.com for catching this one...
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig November 9, 2006, 6:19 PM
- Categories: Buick, Future Vehicles, LA Auto Show, SUVs, Spy Photos
October 24, 2006
Question: What does the Rolls-Royce grille, Buick portholes, and the Subaru boxer engine and AWD all have in common?
Answer: Automotive DNA—as in heritage that helps define the brand—and the success of that brand.
This is an interesting topic, in that it's often these kinds of details, that have evolved over years, that often define the identity what any given product is about. Would Rolls-Royce be the brand that it is today if it weren't for their imposing in-your-face formal upright grille? Buick seems to have found its mojo now that portholes (actually 'ventiports' is the proper term) are finding their way back onto their cars...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland October 24, 2006, 12:53 PM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Buick, Rolls-Royce, Subaru, Trends
October 8, 2006
Not much new to see here as the 2008 Buick Enclave is a crossover SUV that has been photographed more times than we can count. This particular prototype does, however, show just how close the headlights and taillights of the production model come to the concept. They're pretty much dead on which is a good thing as this was one of General Motors most promising concepts at last year's Detroit auto show. Look for the official introduction of the Buick Enclave at the 2007 Detroit auto show, or possibly even earlier at the 2006 Los Angeles auto show in November.
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August 29, 2006
Inside Line reports that GMC will offer a minivan for model-year 2009.
Okay, the first question that will likely come screaming out of many mouths: WHY? Doesn't GM offer enough minivans already? The answer to that is that GM plans to discontinue the Saturn Relay, Buick Terraza and Pontiac Montana by 2009...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 29, 2006, 6:57 AM
- Categories: Buick, GMC, Minivans, Pontiac, Saturn, Trends
July 6, 2006
We reported some preliminary information about the Buick LaCrosse Super months ago, now we have proof the V8-powered sedan is a go. These engineering mules were spotted on a recent test run complete with Impala SS wheels and taped over portholes. Expect this top-of-the-line LaCrosse to have the same 303 horsepower V8 as its Chevrolet cousin along with an upgraded interior and its own unique set of wheels and tires.
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig July 6, 2006, 5:01 PM
- Categories: Buick, Sedans, Spy Photos
June 15, 2006
Last week, it was the 2007 GMC Acadia, this week the 2008 Buick Enclave. Spotted on public streets in Michigan, this Enclave prototype shows just how close the production vehicle will adhere to the concept. Built on the same platform as its GMC and Saturn cousins, the Enclave is expected to go on sale next spring.
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig June 15, 2006, 10:44 AM
- Categories: Buick, Luxury Cars, SUVs, Spy Photos
June 6, 2006
Buick is mining their heritage as if their life depended on it. Hmmm... Maybe it does...
In any event, Buick is preparing a Lacrosse Super, which will have a 300 horsepower V8...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland June 6, 2006, 12:00 AM
- Categories: Buick, Sedans, Trends
February 10, 2006
GM's story is getting darker by the day, but at least there are a few promising vehicles in development that might help things out. One of those vehicles is the Buick Enclave, an upscale crossover shown in Detroit a month ago. It was labeled a concept, but it wasn't hard to figure out that it was clearly headed for production. Our latest spy photos taken at GM's Milford proving grounds show an Enclave prototype that looks pretty faithful to the concept judging by the design of the grille and shape of the headlights. If the interior proves similar, the Enclave should be a good addition to a Buick brand that desperately needs fresh products.
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- Posted by: Ed Hellwig February 10, 2006, 1:57 PM
- Categories: Buick, SUVs, Spy Photos
January 23, 2006
These days Buick has a real image problem. Over the years they have changed model names, and subtracted models to their lineup, almost as frequently as you and I change clothes. The net effect is, whatever image (and brand equity) they had built up in the decades prior, has almost disappeared. For many of today's customers, Buick is a meaningless brand...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland January 23, 2006, 1:00 AM
- Categories: Buick, Trends
January 21, 2006
The Washington, DC car show, in my opinion, has always been a disappointment. Historically it has always occurred right after Christmas, but before either the LA or Detroit car show. It was really the last show of the previous auto show season—meaning very little new was to be displayed. I've gone every year, and each time I go I ask myself: "This is best our nation's capital can do?" Even the Baltimore show, which is held in February has always been significantly better than the DC show...
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January 17, 2006
Disappointed that your favorite new model didn't show up at either the Detroit or L.A auto shows? Well fear not, as we still have the Chicago auto show (Feb.) and the the New York auto show (late March). These two shows are also big shows for the automakers, so you can expect some major announcements. Plan on seeing the new Toyota Tundra, Lexus LS460 hybrid, and the Wrangler 4-door...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland January 17, 2006, 9:12 AM
- Categories: All Auto Shows, Buick, Chicago Auto Show, Ferrari, Infiniti, Jeep, New York Auto Show, Nissan, Saturn, Toyota
December 27, 2005
Ford,
Volvo and Jaguar. It's amazing to me that Ford can be so successful
with the Volvo brand, yet they continue to struggle with the Jaguar
brand. Is it because Volvo has always strived to build the best vehicle
they can within their market segment, whereas Jaguar seems stuck on
promoting an idyllic fairytale image, rather than building the best
product they can? In many ways I see Jaguar's plight
much the same as I do with many of the domestic auto brands; Buick, for
example...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland December 27, 2005, 1:00 AM
- Categories: Buick, Ford, Jaguar, Volvo
December 13, 2005
Hmmm... I thought Buick was getting out of trucks? I guess not, according to this link. It will be a 3-row seater (of course), come standard with a V6, and may offer an optional V8...
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- Posted by: Bob Holland December 13, 2005, 1:00 AM
- Categories: All Auto Shows, Buick, Detroit Auto Show, General Motors
December 2, 2005
So Martha Stewart is now selling Buicks. Is this a good thing? Would you be more likely to buy a Buick because of her endorsement?
One of the first things you learn in "Marketing 101" is that advertising, in order to be successful needs to be remembered. Well, the Martha Stewart/Buick ads will surely do that, as her name attached to anything will draw attention.
So, do you think this ad campaign will be more successful than the Tiger Woods or the Harley Earl Buick ad campaigns?..
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- Posted by: Bob Holland December 2, 2005, 7:16 AM
- Categories: Buick
The General Motors bankruptcy proceedings are wrapping up today and the judge is expected to let this one sail through much like Chyrsler's reorganization. GM will be split into an "old" company saddled with all the problems, and a "new" GM that will emerge with few brands and none of the legacy issues that have plagued the company for decades. 
