Buick Considering Opel Models for its U.S. Range, Including the Insignia
For those that know a thing or two about the auto industry, GM's decision to get rid of Saturn automatically meant that there was a strong possibility that the brand's current and future planned Opel-based portfolio could pass onto Buick which will remain along with Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC and most likely, Pontiac, under the umbrella of General Motors. Apparently, the same thought has crossed the minds of GM's people.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: Bloomberg
- Rumors: Opel Astra Gtc May Come To The U.s. As A Buick
It seems the success of the Buick Regal, which is essentially a rebadged Opel Insignia, has determined GM management to consider bringing another Opel to the U.S., the Astra GTC hatch. Buick will soon have a compact sedan in its range, the Astra-based...
- 2011 Buick Regal Photographed During Testing In Germany, Sales To Start In The U.s. In Spring 2010
As well as releasing two pictures of a camouflaged 2011 Buick Regal Sedan on an engineering validation test drive that took place in Germany earlier this month, General Motors also announced that Buick's new entry-level saloon will come to the U.S....
- Chevrolet To Reveal 10 New Models, Buick And Gmc Another 10 Through 2011
The new General Motors announced today that it is going to launch 25 brand-new models into the market by the end of 2011 including five new entries for Cadillac, 10 for Chevy while Buick and GMC will add another 10 new models. We've already told you...
- Buick To Get 2010 Opel Astra In China?
It seems that China has become some kind of paradise for Buick as the brand is getting some of the best products that General Motors has to offer. After the Park Avenue and Regal which are essentially rebadged variants of the Holden Statesman/Caprice...
- New Buick Regal: Opel Insignia-based Sedan Introduced In China
Shanghai GM, a joint venture between General Motors and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) has taken the wraps off the new Chinese market Buick Regal. With the exception of a few minor styling details like the new grille, the side air-vents...