Autoblog

GM expects sales in China to grow 20% in 2009

Michael Harley — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Trends, China, Buick, GM, Earnings/Financials

General Motors boasted in April that it would double sales in China by 2013 with the introduction of 30 new or upgraded models over the next five years.

Last month, GM forecasted that its vehicle sales in China would grow 10% this year alone and now it seems those numbers may have been a bit conservative. Kevin Wale, GM's China Group President, has just announced that the company expects vehicle sales in the region to grow by a little more than 20% in 2009.

While the rest of the global automotive industry is stuck in a rut, the emerging Chinese market seems largely unaffected by stagnant North American sales or GM's bankruptcy filing in early June. As of now, China is the company's second largest market (thanks in part to their insatiable appetite for Buicks).

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

GM expects sales in China to grow 20% in 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Opposite World: GM dealers reportedly fretting over too tight crossover and truck inventories

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 19:02:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Plants/Manufacturing, Buick, Chevrolet, GM, GMC

Buick Enclave - Click above for high-res image gallery

In these dark days of bankruptcy proceedings, ever-dwindling sales figures and decades of receding market share, General Motors' base of dealerships certainly has plenty of things to keep it up at night. You may be surprised to hear, though, that a dwindling supply of available inventory is one of the major problems some dealerships are currently reporting. We're not shocked to hear there's only a six-day supply of Chevrolet Camaro models on hand, but dealers are also seeking remedies for shortages of Buick Enclaves, GMC Yukon SUVs and extended-cab Sierra pickups, as well as limited supplies of Chevrolet Silverado trucks. For a company that has historically had an unhealthy attachment to high inventories across their brands, this is an unusual development indeed.

GM is aware of the shortages and Mark LaNeve, vice president of vehicle sales, service and marketing, tells Automotive News that the shortage is a normal part of the adjustment process from the old days of carrying a 120-day supply of vehicles to today's goal of a leaner 75-day supply. The General's messenger further suggests that dealers trade inventory with each other to bolster inventory until the automaker is ready to rekindle its assembly lines beginning on Monday, July 13 after the company's extended summer shutdown.

Gallery: 2008 Buick Enclave

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Opposite World: GM dealers reportedly fretting over too tight crossover and truck inventories originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SAIC to buy Opel Insignia platform for Roewe?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, China, Buick, GM

Chinese-spec Buick Regal - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to an unnamed source from the 21st Century Business Herald in China (via Gasgoo), Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp (SAIC) has been in talks with General Motors since last March to purchase the Eplison II platform (as used by the latest Opel Insignia and the Chinese-market Buick Regal) for its next Roewe 750 midsize sedan. The fact that SAIC is GM's Chinese partner may seem to lend a bit of credibility to these rumors, though SAIC and General Motors have both initially denied any knowledge of the platform-sharing plan.

While all of Roewe's sedans have so far been based on the aging underpinnings of the former Rover brand from the U.K., recent concepts - such as the attractive N1 from the Shanghai Motor Show earlier this year - show that the Chinese automaker is serious about designing attractive machines for its home market and beyond.

Gallery: 2009 Chinese-spec Buick Regal

[Source: Gasgoo]

SAIC to buy Opel Insignia platform for Roewe? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #133

Dan Roth — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Etc., Government/Legal, Buick, Chrysler, LLC., Ford, GM, Hyundai, Opinion/Editorial

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

The dynamic duo of Chris and Sam carry off Episode #133 of the Autoblog Podcast without a hitch. Though down a man, the pair didn't cheap out on topics or duration, it's the same podcast goodness. It kicks off with Hyundai's impressive showing in the recently released Initial Quality Survey results. From there, they hit Chrysler's RWD/FWD dilemma with its Sebring/Avenger replacement, the rumor that Mustangs could have had IRS for $100 per car, and reports of an Ecotec engine for the Buick LaCrosse. Keeping it on the Buick tip, spyshots of a Tri-Shield variant of the new 2010 Astra get mentioned. The nullification of all pre-bankruptcy liability claims against GM and Chrysler is next before talk settles briefly on Hyundai's 2010-on lineup and then turns to your questions. It almost seems like the Chris and Sam show is a juggernaut without that other guy. Thanks for listening, and please, keep your questions and comments rolling in to Podcast at Autoblog dot com.

In our ongoing efforts to promote and direct the Podcast, please fill out our quick survey so we can snag the best sponsors for your favorite listening experience!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #133

Autoblog Podcast #133 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM hits two million Buick sales in China

Chris Shunk — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 18:34:00 EST

Filed under: China, Buick, GM

2009 Buick Regal (China Spec) - click above for high-res image gallery

It took General Motors eight years to sell one million Buicks in China, but the second million came in only three. Brisk auto sales in the land of the Great Wall are part of the reason for the increase, but the General has also stepped up its product lineup with new offerings, including the Regal, LaCrosse, and Park Avenue. Shanghai GM's two-millionth Buick was a red Regal, delivered to a customer in the southern city of Guangzhou.

While those vehicles have brought some high-end class to GM Shanghai's Buick operation, they haven't come close to the success of the smaller Excelle. Shanghai GM has sold 900,000 copies of the Excelle sedan, hatch, and wagon since 2003, and sales are still going strong with 94,000 units moved in the first five months of 2009.

While Buick has struggled as a brand here in the States, the marquee has enjoyed blockbuster success in China. Buick was a smash success in China in the 1930s, as provincial presidents and emperors chose the brand over more austere offerings from the likes of Rolls-Royce and Mercedes-Benz, and it appears some of that goodwill has been projected into modern times.

Gallery: 2009 Chinese-spec Buick Regal

Continue reading GM hits two million Buick sales in China

GM hits two million Buick sales in China originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 18:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Buick getting its own Astra variant

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedans/Saloons, China, Buick

2010 Buick "Astra" - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Further proof that General Motors is readying a Opel Astra derivative for the Buick brand has just arrived in the form of spy shots showing a mid-size mule testing at Germany's Nürburgring. Somewhat obscured behind the excessive camo is Buick's trademark "waterfall" grille, however, the A-pillar and C-pillar survive the transition from Opel to Buick.

Inside, the badge engineering is markedly more apparent with what looks like an instrument panel, center console, and steering wheel directly ported over from the recently revealed 2010 Opel Astra. In all likelihood, the Buick version will be sold almost exclusively in the Chinese market and, although it would be built along side the Cruze at GM's Lordstown, OH plant, it's doubtful that the compact Buick will ever be sold in the States. But if it does, we'd suggest reviving the Skylark or Somerset moniker, because, hey... we know how well they went over before.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Buick Cruze

Spy Shots: Buick getting its own Astra variant originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Four Play: GM confirms 2010 Buick LaCrosse will be available with 2.4-liter Ecotec I4

Chris Paukert — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Buick, GM

2010 Buick LaCrosse - Click above for a high-res image gallery

General Motors has announced that its new 2010 Buick LaCrosse will be available with its fuel-sipping 2.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder. Equipped with the direct injected engine and paired with the sedan's standard six-speed automatic, GM says the combination should deliver 30 mpg on the highway and 20 mpg in town.

It will be interesting to see if the 182 horsepower, 172 pound-foot of torque inline-four will be able to effectively motivate a car of the LaCrosse's size, but either way, plugging the capable engine in the Buick ought to give GM a unique selling point against V6-only competitors like the Lincoln MKZ.

Buick says it expects about 25% of LaCrosse buyers will check the four-cylinder box at purchase time. Check out the official press verbiage after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Buick LaCrosse - LIVE

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Four Play: GM confirms 2010 Buick LaCrosse will be available with 2.4-liter Ecotec I4

Four Play: GM confirms 2010 Buick LaCrosse will be available with 2.4-liter Ecotec I4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Upcoming Buick CUV may get 2-Mode hybrid powertrain [w/VIDEO]

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Crossovers/CUVs, Buick, GM, Rumormill

Click above to watch the video after the jump

For all those weeping and gnashing their teeth over the loss of the 2-Mode Hybrid Saturn Vue, a ray of hope may be on the horizon from a seemingly unlikely source. According to a posting on GM-Volt.com, there's a possibility that an upcoming sub-Enclave crossover from Buick could be granted access to the sophisticated hybrid technology that GM had initially intended for the latest Saturn Vue.

The world may have gotten a sneak peek at the new Buick 'ute on a recent CBS News piece that featured an interview with GM design head Ed Welburn. As the rumors go, the new CUV will share the same platform as the soon-to-be-departing Saturn Vue, so it theoretically shouldn't be too difficult to port the technology over to Buick for a 2011 model year release. Of course, there still remains the possibility that the 2-Mode could also make an appearance in the latest Chevrolet Equinox or Cadillac SRX. Either way, you can check out the CBS News footage after the jump or read more about the possibility of a Buick 2-Mode at the link below.

[Sources: GM-Volt.com, CBS News]

Continue reading REPORT: Upcoming Buick CUV may get 2-Mode hybrid powertrain [w/VIDEO]

REPORT: Upcoming Buick CUV may get 2-Mode hybrid powertrain [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Against all odds, Buick to say: "Take a look at me now"

Michael Harley — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 15:41:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Buick, GM

Surviving the initial bankruptcy shakedown, yet still struggling to stay afloat, the Buick division of General Motors is introducing a new advertising campaign starting this weekend - adding to the handful of all-new campaigns it has launched since 2002. The new offensive, aimed directly at the intended audience of baby-boom drivers, carries the theme "Take a look at me now."

Before you start humming that familiar Phil Collins song, GM wants to assure all of us that we are heading down the wrong path. After all, Mr. Collins actually named his hit "Against All Odds" (and it served as the title song for an Eighties movie bearing that same name). This is a different agenda, unrelated to the song, conceptualized by the company's hired ad agency to drive traffic into the showrooms and get warm bodies behind the wheel. This campaign delivers a pointed approach, says GM. We'll buy it... until they tell us next year's ad campaign is "Take me home."

[Source: The New York Times]

Against all odds, Buick to say: "Take a look at me now" originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 14 Jun 2009 15:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pontiac G8 could live on, sans Pontiac... but don't hold your breath

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Buick, Chevrolet, GM, Pontiac, Rumormill

Pontiac G8 GT - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The brand's demise next year will mark the end of the Pontiac G8, but there's a faint glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel for the Aussie-built sports sedan. Speaking with Automotive News, Tom Stephens, General Motors' vice chairman of global product development, said "there's still discussions on" resurrecting the G8, "but Chevrolet already has several sedans. How many sedans do you need to cover the waterfront?"

His comments don't imbue us with much hope for the G8's future, particularly after GM CEO Fritz Henderson has clearly stated that no Pontiac models will live on within the "new" GM. Although there's a groundswell of enthusiast support for the General to replace the Impala SS - due to be killed next year - with the G8, or possibly offer the rear-wheel drive sedan as a Buick model, the idea doesn't seem to be gaining traction within the automaker.

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Pontiac G8 GT

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Pontiac G8 could live on, sans Pontiac... but don't hold your breath originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Opel Insignia OPC Sports Tourer caught naked

Dan Roth — Sun, 17 May 2009 16:45:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Wagons/Estates, Euro, Buick, GM, Saab, Opel, Special/Limited Editions

Opel's Insignia OPC is one of those "available elsewhere" cars that's got us licking our chops. The Insignia is headed to North America as a Buick, and enthusiasts everywhere hope the hotshot OPC version gets widely propagated. What's not likely to make any trans-Atlantic journeys is a wagon version of Opel's performance-enhanced sedan. Spy-shooters have nailed an Insignia OPC Sports Tourer running about uncamoflaged, and the wagon's got its sights trained on Audi's S4 Avant.

Built up from familiar General Motors pieces, the Insignia OPC Sports Tourer uses componentry we've seen before. The 2.8 liter turbocharged V6, six speed manual, and all wheel drive system with eLSD torque vectoring is a recipe cooked up by the Saab Turbo X, albeit Opel's version is spicier, with 325 horsepower on tap. Euro-flavored performance wagons are a delectable treat, but it doesn't look like the Insignia OPC Sports Tourer will be added to Buick's menu for North American automotive diners.

[Source: Carscoop, Photo: Carscoop]

Spy Shots: Opel Insignia OPC Sports Tourer caught naked originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 May 2009 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Buick Astra coming in 2011?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 06 May 2009 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Hatchbacks, Buick, Opel, Rumormill

Further bolstering rumors that the Buick brand is set to receive rebranded products from GM's European Opel division are reports from GM Inside News indicating that a small car based on the Astra platform - initially planned for the now-defunct Saturn brand - has been transferred to Buick's entry-level luxury division.

Assuming these rumors are true, we can expect to see the new Buick in North America in late 2011 as a 2012 model. At this point, nobody is sure if the car will show up as a hatchback or as a sedan or what the car will be named. Skylark anyone? No?

We're hardly convinced this is good news for Buick. While Buick-GMC dealerships that are about to lose the Pontiac brand might disagree with our take, we have to wonder if an entry-level Buick might compete with upper-level versions of the upcoming Chevy Cruze. Sound familiar to anyone else?

[Source: GM Inside News]

Rumormill: Buick Astra coming in 2011? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 May 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM shows off Buick Business MPV concept with new images

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 09:33:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrids/Alternative, Minivans/MPVs, China, Green, Buick, Shanghai Motor Show

Buick Business MPV - Click above for a high-res image gallery

On Monday, we brought you live images of the Buick Business MPV that's currently on display at the Shanghai Motor Show. Judging from the comments from that post, this hauler for the Chinese market is a pretty polarizing design, but in a sea of boring and derivative shapes, we don't necessarily think that's a bad thing. In any case, these new shots and accompanying press release from the GM mothership show the new concept in much better detail.

One of the most controversial design elements are the shoulder-level dips about halfway into the rear sliding doors. These were reportedly added to give the MPV a distinctive look and to incorporate the rail guides for the power sliders. Up front is a large toothy grille done up in chrome that looks typical for a Chinese Buick.

Inside, dual second-row captain's chairs slide for and aft and are capable of swiveling 225 degrees. A power sliding center console houses a writing tablet or laptop computer and is accessible from both the second and third rows.

Under the short front hood sits 2.4-liter four cylinder engine mated up with a six-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain is equipped with the latest version of GM's belt-alternator-starter mild hybrid system, which reportedly improves fuel efficiency by up to 20%. Check out galleries below of both live shots and high-res images from GM, and click past the break for the official press release.

Gallery: Shanghai 2009: Buick Business MPV

Gallery: shanghai 2009:buick mpv concept

Continue reading GM shows off Buick Business MPV concept with new images

GM shows off Buick Business MPV concept with new images originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Apr 2009 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shaghai 2009: Buick Regal 2.0T has us humming "Wish You Were Here"

Chris Paukert — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, China, Buick, Shanghai Motor Show

2010 Buick Regal 2.0T - Click above for high-res gallery

Admittedly, Pink Floyd and Buick traditionally go together like asparagus and ice cream, but that hasn't stopped our inner-monologues from playing "Wish You Were Here" after seeing Buick's new Regal 2.0T.

According to our compatriots over at Autoblog Simplified Chinese, the Opel Insignia-based model features the company's 2.0-liter direct-injection turbocharged engine, tuned to give 162 kW of power (217 horsepower) and 350 Nm of torque (258 pound-feet). That's sufficient gusto to get the General Motors sedan to 62 mph in 7.7 seconds and on to a healthy top whack of 232 kmh (144 mph).

Fuel economy? Well, that's a good question. Our counterparts in China cryptically point to a figure of 7.2-liters per 90 km (the standard metric is per 100 km), so we'll have to get back to you on that.

The new Regal 2.0T is expected to join Buick's Chinese lineup in the second half of 2009.

Gallery: Shanghai 2009:Buick Regal(new)

Photos copyright (C)2009 IceBin/ Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Autoblog Simplified Chinese]

Shaghai 2009: Buick Regal 2.0T has us humming "Wish You Were Here" originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shanghai 2009: Buick's handsome new MPV concept is all business

Chris Paukert — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 10:27:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Minivans/MPVs, China, Buick, GM, Shanghai Motor Show

Buick "Business" MPV concept - Click above for a hi-res gallery

General Motors has unveiled its new Buick "Business" MPV concept in Shanghai, and while details remain scarce as we try to practice our Chinese, we can tell you that while the idea of another Buick minivan may be hard for U.S. audiences to swallow (after the poor sales and driving experience of the Terraza), Buick MPVs do a very solid trade in China as executive transports. Thus, instead of prioritizing sippy cup storage, this is clearly more of a high-roofed luxury limousine.

Our compatriots over at Autoblog Chinese (who bring you these images) tell us that this vehicle is the result of a joint-venture between General Motors China and the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center, as was the 2007 Rivera concept before it. If our Google translator is to be believed, this vehicle is still based on the Buick GL8 (read: Terraza), and the "land-based business class" concept is designed to point the way toward future visions of Buick luxury for customers in the land of the Great Wall. We'll have more details for you as they become available. For now, take a look at the gallery below.

Gallery: shanghai 2009:buick mpv concept

Shanghai 2009: Buick's handsome new MPV concept is all business originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM recalling 1.4 million passenger cars over potential engine fires

Chris Paukert — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 12:56:00 EST

Filed under: Coupes, Sedans/Saloons, Government/Legal, Recalls/TSBs, Safety, Buick, Chevrolet, GM, Pontiac

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has just announced a major recall covering nearly 1.5 million General Motors passenger cars from the late 90's and early 2000s. The recall affects various Buick, Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, and Pontiac models equipped with normally aspirated versions of GM's much-utilized 3800 3.8-liter V6.

Apparently, some of these engines can drop oil onto the exhaust manifold during hard braking. If that manifold has gotten hot enough and the oil dribbles below the heat shield, it can start a small fire. The flames can then engulf the plastic spark plug wire channel, potentially resulting in a full-on engine compartment fire.

The fix? Dealer service departments will be asked to remove said spark plug wire retention channel from the front of the engine bay, and then retrofit two new retainers.

Models Affected:

1997-2003 Buick Regal
2000-2003 Chevrolet Impala
1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina
1998-2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
1998-1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue
1997-2003 Pontiac Grand Prix

The recall is slated to begin in May. Official NHTSA Release after the jump.

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading GM recalling 1.4 million passenger cars over potential engine fires

GM recalling 1.4 million passenger cars over potential engine fires originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 12:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: GM China spokesman denies pondering selling Buick to SAIC

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 15:26:00 EST

Filed under: China, Buick, GM

Chinese-spec Buick Regal - Click above for high-res image gallery

Yesterday's rumors regarding a possible Buick sale to China's Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. (SAIC) might have been a wee bit premature according to an unnamed executive at GM China. This news should be anything but surprising - we didn't put much stock in the rumor when we first reported it - since the success of the Buick brand is one of GM's few current bright spots.

In America, General Motors has singled out Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC and Buick as the core brands that it will concentrate on, which gives further reason to believe that the Buick nameplate will be staying right where it is in the General Motors portfolio. Hummer, Saab and Saturn, on the other hand, remain very much for sale.

Gallery: 2009 Chinese-spec Buick Regal

[Source: Gasgoo]

REPORT: GM China spokesman denies pondering selling Buick to SAIC originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Apr 2009 15:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: GM has three possible offers for Hummer between $100-$200M; SAIC may buy Buick

Chris Shunk — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 10:39:00 EST

Filed under: Buick, GM, HUMMER

General Motors has been mandated by the U.S. government to shed brands as part of its restructuring process. Recent reports indicate that the General is hard at work, as three buyers are reportedly seeking to purchase Hummer, while a Chinese company may have interest in Buick.

The Hummer fire-sale has been ongoing, but a brutal economy and non-existent credit markets have made a sale even less probable. Reuters is reporting that GM has than three bidders for the Sierra Club's symbol of excess, with one potential buyer from the U.S. and two others overseas. The price of Hummer is reportedly somewhere between $100-$200 million in cash, plus assurances that the buyer will pump money into engineering, sales and marketing. Whichever firm takes the reigns would also take over responsibility for Hummer's 125 dealers. GM would in turn continue to build the H3 at its Shreveport plant, and turn over future plans for the brand.

A separate report from China Business News states that GM's partner in China, Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. (SAIC), is looking to purchase Buick outright. The report values the Buick brand at $1 billion, mainly due to its popularity in the Land of the Great Wall. We're more skeptical about this report, however, because it's short on details and just quotes "sources." GM has also never said it would consider selling Buick. The brand is also one of the most popular marques in China, making a sale, unless the price was right, seem like a bad idea.

[Sources: Reuters, China Knowledge]

REPORT: GM has three possible offers for Hummer between $100-$200M; SAIC may buy Buick originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 10:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Buick announces starting price of $27,835 for 2010 LaCrosse

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 15:40:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedans/Saloons, Buick

2010 Buick LaCrosse - Click above for a high-res image gallery

General Motors introduced the world to the 2010 Buick LaCrosse at the Detroit Auto Show to a chorus of ~~angels~~ primarily positive reviews. Now, GM's finally decided it's high time to announce pricing for the entry-level luxury sedan. Base price for the 2010 LaCrosse CX is $27,835, including a $750 destination charge. That sum will net you a 3.0-liter direct injected V6 engine putting out 255 horsepower and 217 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission.

For those keeping track of such things, that's a good bit less than the starting price for the 2009 Acura TSX ($29,160), Lincoln MKZ ($32,695) and Lexus ES350 ($34,320). Sounds pretty good so far. Let's add some options. Step up to the $30,395 CXL model and you'll get heated leather seats, automatic climate control and 18" alloy rims, among other things.

All-wheel drive is available on the CXL model, starting at $32,570. A top-level LaCrosse CXS will run $33,765 and brings a 3.6-liter version of the DI V6 engine with 280 horses and 259 lb-ft or torque. Want one? Production is scheduled to begin "early this summer," which, last time we checked, was just around the corner. Full press release after the break.

Gallery: 2010 Buick LaCrosse

[Source: Buick]

Continue reading Buick announces starting price of $27,835 for 2010 LaCrosse

Buick announces starting price of $27,835 for 2010 LaCrosse originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Sultan of Michigan's car collection is one of nicest we've ever seen

Chris Paukert — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sports/GTs, Etc., Videos, Supercars, Audi, BMW, Buick, Chevrolet, Chrysler, LLC., Dodge, GM, Lamborghini, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Rolls-Royce, Ferrari, Saleen, Alfa Romeo, Callaway, AMG, Special/Limited Editions

Click above to watch the video after the jump

We've been through a lot of great car collections and museums over the years, but even we have to admit that we've never seen a private collection like this. Assembled by a shadowy figure known only as "The Sultan of Michigan," this cache has something for car enthusiasts of most every stripe, although the focus is clearly on vintage and present-day muscle and Eighties-and-up supercars. Truck enthusiasts, vintage foreign guys and brass car enthusiasts will largely have to look elsewhere, but it's a magnificent collection, with the most flabbergasting thing being that it appears to be up-to-the-minute current.

The whereabouts and ownership of the collection are two things that the owner prefers to keep private - we actually have confirmation on both, but prefer to respect privacies. What we can confirm is that this treasure trove is, in fact, located in Michigan, which is both heartening (to know that such wealth and mechanical beauty still exists in the state) and somewhat confounding (as the area lacks truly great winding roads on which to exploit much of the machinery). In either case, the collection is generally kept under wraps, although periodically we understand that the owner invites in selected parties to share in the gorgeousness. Some of the folks at MidwestSSC.com are obviously part of the 'inner circle' judging by the video and this photo gallery. Follow the jump to take the tour for yourself. Thanks to Andrew Weber for use of his video, and we appreciate the tips, Justin and Evan!

[Sources: Andrew Weber; MidwestSCC.com]

Continue reading VIDEO: Sultan of Michigan's car collection is one of nicest we've ever seen

VIDEO: Sultan of Michigan's car collection is one of nicest we've ever seen originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Mar 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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