!NEW! Buick Launches Updated Encore SUV in China

Updated Buick Encore was launched in Chengdu, China.

Buick introduced the updated version of its popular Encore SUV in China on June 18. Encore was Buick’s best-selling vehicle in North America in 2015, accounting for nearly a third of overall sales, and one of GM’s most popular SUVs in China, with deliveries of 81,766 units last year.

SAIC-GM Medium and Small Vehicle Platform Executive Director Gu Yebin introduced the highlights of the new Buick Encore.

The new Encore adopts Buick's latest exterior design language and comes with an upgraded interior design, more advanced technologies, a segment-leading powertrain and the intelligent all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. Five variants are available, priced from RMB 139,900 to RMB 189,900.

Youthful and Dynamic Exterior

New Buick Encore: Full LED headlights with double-wing-shaped daytime lights

An urban SUV for a new generation of young consumers, the new Encore comes with an all-new winged chrome grille complemented by wing-shaped Full LED headlights and sharp double-wing-shaped daytime lights, which are appearing for the first time on a Buick model.

New Buick Encore: Wing-shaped LED taillights

All-new wing-shaped LED taillights surrounded in chrome trim echo the design of the front. A roof-mounted luggage rack and new 18-inch, 10-spoke aluminum alloy wheels add to the youthful and dynamic look.

New Buick Encore: New 18-inch, 10-spoke aluminum alloy wheels

Premium Interior

The new Buick Encore’s interior is on par with interiors in upper-medium passenger cars. The SUV has a wealth of soft materials, including new maple-leaf red premium Alcantara® suede complemented by French double-stitching craftsmanship, to cater to the tastes of younger buyers.

New Buick Encore: Premium interior with soft materials, red Alcantara and French double-stitching

The new Encore incorporates Buick's signature 360 degree wraparound interior layout. It introduces a new center console design, a new-generation 7-inch HD touch screen and a standard three-spoke multifunction steering wheel.

New Buick Encore: New center console design, new-generation 7-inch HD touch screen and standard three-spoke multifunction steering wheel.

Buick's patented QuietTuning technology gives the new Encore a peaceful interior that is best in class. Adding to the comfort is a spacious cabin with 986 mm of headroom and 908 mm of legroom in back. The new Encore also provides 1,372 liters of cargo space.

Precise Handling and High Efficiency

A powerful 1.4L turbocharged engine comes standard across the new Encore lineup. It generates segment-leading power of 103 kW at 4,900-6,000 rpm and peak torque of 200 Nm at 1,700-4,800 rpm, enabling the driver to overtake effortlessly.

The engine is paired with a choice of a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed DSS intelligent transmission with smooth acceleration and gear shifting. All variants come with engine stop/start technology, which enhances fuel economy and reduces emissions in stop-and-go driving.

The new Encore rides on a professionally tuned European-style chassis and adopts the electric power steering (EPS) system. The Sport driving mode maximizes driving pleasure through precise handling and agility, while the adoption of electronic stability control (ESC) adds to the smooth handling and safety.

The new Encore is available with the intelligent AWD system, which can switch between different driving modes in two-tenths of a second. The system  continuously controls torque distribution, automatically varying the front-to-rear torque split between 100:0 and 50:50. This allows the SUV to confidently tackle low-friction conditions such as wet, muddy, slippery, snow-covered and gravel-covered roads.

Advanced Infotainment and Safety

The new Encore comes with Buick's new-generation IntelliLink infotainment system with Baidu CarLife compatibility and a navigation system with voice control. Users have multiple ways to connect with their smart devices.

Advanced technologies such as cruise control, keyless entry, push-button start and remote engine start (RES) are complemented by the OnStar full-time online assistant, the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), an anti-dazzle rearview mirror and heated outside rearview mirrors.

Joins 2016 “Route Awakening” Buick China Culture Tour

The new Encore will accompany other members of Buick's SUV family on the 2016 “Route Awakening” Buick China Culture Tour. This is Buick’s third year joining the National Geographic Channel in sponsoring the activity, which is among the largest and longest culture tours in China. The “Route Awakening” documentary series will showcase China’s magnificent landscape and splendid ancient civilization.

!NEW! Opel Mokka enters growing compact SUV segment in South Africa

·  Opel’s first-ever compact SUV to liven up local SUV B and C segments
·  Mokka part of Opel’s international resurgence; follows new ADAM and Corsa
·  Exceptional popularity in Europe sets positive tone for local sales

Opel Mokka Cosmo

The all-new Opel Mokka – Opel’s first-ever sub-compact SUV – makes its South African debut at the end of March. Mokka, which has received unprecedented international acclaim with orders in Europe in 2014 easily surpassing the 240 000 units mark, is the third of the ‘new Germans’ from Opel to be launched in South Africa in just three months.

“The all-new Opel Mokka is an exciting addition to the Opel portfolio and follows ADAM and Corsa as a truly adaptable lifestyle option,” comments Christopher Cradock, Opel Brand Manager at GMSA.

“The vehicle’s high levels of quality, driver aids and safety technology as well as versatility place Mokka firmly at the top of this segment. Mokka is aimed at consumers who have active lifestyles and a taste for adventure. In this regard it is perfectly matched to the aspirational lifestyles of the target groups, but more than that it offers a quality alternative to those customers who live urban lifestyles and fully appreciate the high seating position, extra space, versatility and go-anywhere nature of an SUV. The high level of specification in the new Opel Mokka is backed up by an efficient turbocharged petrol engine giving all models sporty driving dynamics.

The Opel Mokka is available as a four-model range with a choice of two trim levels and a choice of 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmissions with front wheel drive only. Opel’s proven 1.4 litre turbocharged ECOTEC petrol engine does duty in all four derivatives. The engine produces 103 kW between 4 900 and 6 000 rpm and a usable 200 Nm of torque between 1850 and 4 900 rpm.

Opel ECOTEC 1.4 Turbo

“As a compact luxury SUV the Opel Mokka straddles the popular and growing SUV B and C segments of the market in South Africa. With this vehicle we are bringing German engineering, state-of-the-art technology and safety features from larger and more expensive SUVs into a market space dominated by emerging products. Our trio of new Germans – the Opel ADAM, Corsa and Mokka – have democratised luxury technology and life-saving safety features by making them accessible to consumers in the A, B and C segments of our market at reasonable prices.”

Opel Mokka Cosmo 1.4 T automatic - Interior

Mokka’s compact proportions disguise its spacious interior which is characterised by high levels of standard specification, making Mokka a true all-round vehicle where a vast array of lifestyle applications can be easily adapted in a sleek, modern, new German package.

Opel Mokka Cosmo 1.4 T automatic - Rear View Camera

Available at GM dealers from the end of March, pricing will start at R288 500 for the Opel Mokka Enjoy 1.4T manual - R 298 500 for the Opel Mokka Enjoy 1.4 T automatic, R325 500 for the Opel Mokka Cosmo 1.4T manual, and R335 500 for the range-topping Mokka 1.4 T Cosmo automatic.

Opel Mokka Enjoy 1.4 T automatic

Opel Mokka Enjoy 1.4 T automatic - Interior

!NEW! Buick Encore Sales in China Surpass 100,000 Units

“SUV for Youth” is leader in compact SUV segment

Last month, sales of the Buick Encore in China surpassed 100,000 units since the SUV’s introduction in late 2012. Shanghai GM had sold 102,468 Encores as of May 31.

2014 Buick Encore

The Encore is Buick’s first SUV manufactured in China. Positioned as the "SUV for Youth," it is the leader in the compact SUV segment.

With its length of 4,278 mm and roomy interior, it addresses the needs of those looking for a compact SUV with practical space. The Encore is powered by a 1.4 T engine paired with a six-speed manual/automated-manual transmission. It also has features more commonly associated with upscale sedans such as an electric sunroof, Bluetooth (available with an audio player) and the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system.

2014 Buick Encore with Alcantara interior.

The 2014 Buick Encore offers new features such as the Coral Orange exterior color and Alcantara interior. The Encore 100,000-Unit Commemorative Edition offered through buick.tmall.com, Buick’s flagship store on Tmall, adds new amenities such as exterior chrome accents, an integrated door sill, daytime running lamps, shark gill portholes, metal sports pedals, an embedded navigation system and a rearview camera.

The Encore Car Cleaning service campaign for buyers kicks off this month in Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou. It will include a variety of music, sports and other fun activities. In addition, Buick will attempt to set a new Guinness world record by gathering 100 Encores and their owners in one location.

General Motors traces its roots back to 1908. GM has 10 joint ventures, two wholly owned foreign enterprises and more than 58,000 employees in China. GM and its joint ventures offer the broadest lineup of vehicles and brands among automakers in China. Passenger cars and commercial vehicles are sold under the Baojun, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Jiefang, Opel and Wuling brands. In 2013, GM sold nearly 3.2 million vehicles in China. 

!NEW! Opel Flagship On Course For Success: Already 100,000 Insignia Orders

Strong demand for new Opel Insignia since its premiere last fall

New Opel Insignia four-door notchback: Opel design language with premium flair

New Opel Insignia four-door notchback: Wing-shaped LED tail lights

The new Opel Insignia is in great demand: since its IAA premiere and market launch last fall, Opel has already received 100,000 orders for the new generation of its mid-size model. With even more attractive styling inside and out; strong, ultra-efficient, direct injection engines; state-of-the-art IntelliLink infotainment technology and an extended range of models, the new Insignia has been well received by the car-buying public. In the first four months of this year, it was number one in its segment in Great Britain, Spain and the Netherlands. And in many other markets, including Belgium, Italy, Austria, Switzerland and Norway, Opel’s upgraded flagship has asserted its presence as the number two choice of customers. In Germany, it also occupies second place in its segment among the volume manufacturers – with an impressive growth rate of 46 percent compared to the same period last year.

New Opel Insignia: Completely new infotainment generation with IntelliLink

"In the few months since its presentation, 100,000 car buyers have already ordered the new Opel Insignia – this shows that our new, even more modern and elegant flagship is appealing to both the hearts and minds of our customers," enthused Peter Christian Küspert, Opel Board Member for Sales and GME Vice President Sales and Aftersales, commenting on the success of Opel's mid-size contender.

New Opel Insignia Country Tourer: Adventure-loving Insignia family member 

An outstanding eye-catcher in the extended model range is the Insignia Country Tourer. It complements the role of the Sports Tourer as an elegant family and business station wagon, exuding an air of adventure with striking body paneling, an underride guard, four-wheel drive and high-torque turbo engines. With these qualities, the Country Tourer is already the choice of about five percent of all Insignia customers.

New Opel Insignia Sports Tourer: Elegant family and business station wagon

The new Opel Insignia range offers three propulsion alternatives: gasoline, diesel and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). The available power spectrum ranges from 88 kW/120 hp up to 239 kW/325 hp for the top OPC sports model. The Insignia 2.0 CDTI is the champion of the range in terms of economy and environmental performance. With a state-of-the-art, 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine, it emits just 99 grams of CO2 per kilometer in output variants of 88 kW/120 hp and 103 kW/140 hp. This means that four and five-door models with six-speed manual transmissions consume only 3.7 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers over the combined cycle.

New Opel Insignia liftback: Most streamlined five-door liftback in the world with a drag coefficient of just below 0.25

Featuring prize-winning technology and design, more than 600,000 units of the first Opel Insignia generation have been sold since its launch at the end of 2008, and it has collected more than 50 national and international awards. The new edition of Opel’s flagship is now continuing this prize-winning tradition. At this year's Plus X Awards, the Insignia Country Tourer and Insignia OPC alone each received three plaudits for quality.

New Opel Insignia OPC: The ultimate Opel powerhouse

The new Opel Insignia with a 103 kW/140hp, 1.4 liter gasoline turbo engine, Start/Stop and a low-friction, six-speed manual transmission is available at an entry-level price of 24,545 euros (RRP incl. VAT in Germany). 

!NEW! Opel Mokka LPG: Great driving fun at Low fuel cost and Emission values

• 103 kW/140 hp Opel Mokka 1.4 Turbo LPG now available for 23.870 Euros
• Bivalent drive on LPG and petrol makes particularly high range
• Costs fall by around 50 percent, CO2 emissions by 13 percent compared to gasoline
• Full luggage capacity thanks to the space-saving built-in auto gas tanks

New Opel Mokka 1.4 Turbo LPG ecoFLEX

The Opel Mokka can be driven not only by gasoline or diesel fuel, it can also convert LPG in advance: the successful Opel compact SUV is now available as an LPG variant (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) with prices starting at 23,870 euros (SRP including VAT ordered in Germany). The new Opel Mokka 1.4 LPG connects with its bivalent drive the best of two worlds. Optimized for the LPG mode, it can also run on petrol, what distance should increase considerably until the next fuel stop. The Mokka pilot selects just what fuels he wants to keep his car immediately.

Opel Mokka SUV - LPG mode button

The 103 kW/140 hp Opel Mokka 1.4 LPG Autogas needed in the operation 7.7 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers and abuts exemplary 124 grams of CO2 per kilometer on the combined cycle. The environmentally friendly LPG Mokka also satisfies already the strict requirements of the future Euro 6 emissions standard . And not only that: compared to a petrol engine, the fuel expenses decline with LPG by about half.

Low fuel consumption and emission values ​​- therefore carries the mocha LPG Autogas as well as all variants of Opel ecoFLEX range. The LPG supply thus now comprises a total of eleven Opel models. The remaining ten are Insignia four-and five-door hatchback and Sports Tourer, the Astra five-door hatchback and Sports Tourer, Corsa three-and five-door hatchback, ADAM, Meriva and Zafira Tourer.

The compact SUV Opel Mokka is a bestseller in Europe: In Finland and Norway he leads his segment, he is in Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, Belgium, Austria and Switzerland in second place. To date, 145,000 orders for the Opel Mokka already received - reason enough to expand its production capacity. From the second half of 2014, the Mokka is therefore made ​​in the Spanish Opel plant in Zaragoza.

Range advantage: With bivalent drive up to 1,300 kilometers

The 103 kW/140 hp 1.4 Turbo LPG engine is designed for dual-mode operation , the driver can easily switch by pressing a button between LPG and petrol mode . The LPG tank has 34 liters, the petrol tank is 53 liters. In this way route are possible up to 1300 km without refueling. Another advantage: The LPG tank is space- saving manner in the spare wheel well in the rear of the Opel Mokka, making the full boot capacity remains unchanged.

Compact: The LPG tank is space- saving manner in the spare wheel well in the rear of the Opel Mokka, bringing the full boot capacity remains unchanged.

Power with responsibility : Portfolio of powerful yet economical engines

For the Opel Mokka so now four powerful yet efficient engines at the start: the 1.6 liter gasoline engine with 85 kW/115 hp, 103 kW/140 hp, the 1.4 Turbo, the 1.7 liter turbo-diesel with 96 kW/130 hp and the new 1.4 LPG with 103 kW/140 hp. The units combine sporty performance with low fuel consumption values, which are among the best in the SUV B- segment.

Low fuel costs, low emissions : LPG is becoming increasingly popular

By far the greatest demand for LPG models is in Italy, followed by high-volume markets such as Germany . LPG is used as a drive solution with customers becoming more popular throughout Europe - and for good reason : the fuel is a practical and cost-effective alternative to conventional petrol and diesel models. With LPG in the tank can be not only the consumption costs by about 50 percent, also benefit the environment . City consumption emits Mocha 1.4 LPG 158 grams of CO2 per kilometer - eleven percent less than its gasoline-powered counterpart with 177 grams . In the combined cycle, there are even a whopping 13 percent less CO2: With LPG the mocha encounters as just 124 grams per kilometer than petrol 139 grams. 

To LPG drivers have to worry about finding a suitable petrol station. In Europe, an extensive network of more than 35,000 service stations for LPG supply provides , in Germany the fuel to more than 6,500 gas stations and so on almost every second is available.

!NEW! Opel Astra GTC Launched in China Price Starts at RMB 239,000

GM’s Opel brand today announced the launch of the new Astra GTC in China. Two variants of the stylish urban coupe imported from Germany are being offered. Opel Astra GTC Enjoy is priced at RMB 239,000 and Opel Astra GTC Sport is priced at RMB 289,000.

New Opel Astra GTC with Panoramic Windscreen

The profile of the new Opel Astra GTC follows German aesthetic design principles. It has a distinct dynamic and graceful feel that is accentuated by its dramatic proportions and clean, sweeping body lines. Another prominent feature of the new model is its panoramic windshield, which melts into the A-pillar and extends seamlessly from the instrument panel to the roof and back to the middle of the car. With no cross-member to spoil the view, it offers the driver and passengers a completely new sense of space and visibility with an almost unlimited field of vision. Five exterior colors are available.

New Opel Astra GTC interior

Inside the new Opel Astra GTC, the center console extends from the middle outward to the two sides. The stylish center stack, which adds a luxurious yet streamlined feel, is easy to operate. Amenities such as a three-spoke sports steering wheel, wing-like door panels and a tube-shaped dashboard, together with refined chrome-plated accents, create a stylish and dynamic atmosphere. A storage compartment on the left side of the steering wheel and a multifunctional center console with adjustable armrests and a closed storage compartment deliver a high degree of utility for day-to-day use. Two black interior trims, in cloth or perforated leather, are offered.

New Opel Astra GTC - Ergonomic sports seats (AGR)

The new Opel Astra GTC takes care of the driver and passengers. The front seats have the highest degree of flexibility in the segment. The ergonomic sports seats with four-way lumbar support and an adjustable seat cushion extension can be adjusted to eight different positions. The seats carry a quality seal from the AGR, a German Medical Association that sets Orthopedic requirements for car seats. The Air Quality System (AQS) turns on and off automatically to improve the quality of air introduced to the vehicle based on the surrounding air quality.

New Opel Astra GTC - ECOTEC 1.4 Turbo Engine 

The new Opel Astra GTC has an efficient 1.4L turbocharged engine mated to a second-generation six-speed automatic transmission. The engine produces maximum power of 103 kW at 4,900-6,000 rpm. The HiPerStrut front suspension in the new Opel Astra GTC delivers flexible and precise ride and handling as well as more direct steering response, allowing owners to fully enjoy the high performance of the vehicle under hard acceleration and when overtaking.