Where have we heard this before? Report says future Buicks to be based on Opels
Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 Buick LaCrosse
General Motors may be taking a page out of its own book as it reportedly plans to raid the Opel parts bin for future Buick models. The last time GM decided to import Opels to the United States, it did so with the Saturn brand, and we all know how well that exercise turned out.
Regardless of its past failures, it does make sense to design platforms that can be used in all of the global markets that GM has access to, and the upcoming 2010 Buick LaCrosse uses the same Epsilon II underpinnings as the latest Opel/Vauxhall Insignia. That car debuted to mostly rave reviews at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this year and it proves that not all vehicles using the same platform need to be identical, as they were in large part between the Open and Saturn brands.
As noted U.S. philosopher George Santayana once famously said, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." Here's hoping that GM's been paying close attention these last few years.
Gallery: 2010 Buick LaCrosse
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
Peter 4:31PM (3/09/2009)
Don't forget the horrible Cadillac Catera...
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BlackEmblem 6:28PM (3/09/2009)
But let's not forget the Saturn Aura either
BigWill 7:22PM (3/09/2009)
Forget the Catera? Who could forget Ziggy the Duck and the "Caddy that zigs?"
Taglane 4:32PM (3/09/2009)
Well the Regal was approved for Buick NA, and Lutz already said we "could" expect a hatch based on the New Astra, so what else is there? Ab Antara-based CUV? hmmm.....
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christophermachielse 4:41PM (4/08/2009)
New American Astra better be turbocharged.
BoxerFanatic 4:34PM (3/09/2009)
I thought Opel was going to get turned loose along with Saab, and then Saturn's closure?
Now they are just running around like chickens with their heads cut off...
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Taglane 4:46PM (3/09/2009)
The spinoff isn't going to end the Partnership.
Swede 5:45AM (3/10/2009)
On the other hand, until the cord to GM is severed, Opel can forget all about state aid.
UCJR 6:05PM (3/09/2009)
Concerning the '10 LaCrosse... even as a to-be college grad, that looks to be a car that I would definately consider buying (especially a hybrid version), if a first-gen CTS-V doesn't pan out.
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Aprime 4:35PM (3/09/2009)
If you've heard it before, why are you posting it? Not enough to report on today or what?
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carguy 4:35PM (3/09/2009)
Yeah Buick buyers really dig those Euro cars...
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Serge 4:36PM (3/09/2009)
I love the 2010 LaCrosse... it has the freshest and nicest interior design I've seen on any vehicle in a while.
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adrian 5:35PM (3/09/2009)
It looks decent to me.
BigWill 7:24PM (3/09/2009)
Except the Hyundai Azera out-Buicks the LaCrosse.
MemphisNET 4:37PM (3/09/2009)
Buick has a lot more brand recognition than Saturn, so hopefully with the right product mix they can make it work this time.
Now lets get something from Australia and call it a Grand National :D
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Soccer Mom 4:39PM (3/09/2009)
I like its interior a lot more than that of new MB, BMW and Lexus. From the pictures it screams luxury, quality and comfort. More of these should be enough to turn things around for Big 0.8
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David 3:01AM (3/10/2009)
The pictures lie!
hypermiler 4:40PM (3/09/2009)
But German government wants to take Opel off GM's hand and distribute Opel cars directly in the US and China.
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Yikes 4:47PM (3/09/2009)
How long before all GM products are designed overseas?
TriShield 4:53PM (3/09/2009)
Yes, because this has worked so well before.
Because Opel isn't bankrupt or trying to be bailed out by the German government or spun off or anything.
Because the last time Buick sold Opels it was such a raging success.
Because the last time Opel products were sold under any US brand it went really well.
Because Buick has a bright future and there's no chance whatsoever it will be discontinued.
Yeah right. Can we stop supporting this stupid company and their stupid mistakes and stupid ideas with our tax money now?
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