!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! Buick Cascada Launch Leads Buick’s Perception - Shifting 2016

Convertible attracts new customers ahead of three more launches

2016 Buick Cascada Convertible 

Shattering expectations has led to three consecutive years of Buick global sales growth, and that momentum is carrying through into 2016. Last month, Buick reached an all-time high in conquest sales, or customers trading in models from competitive brands. Two models — the new Cascada and the popular Encore — have been growing the Buick community the fastest. In 2016 alone, more than 35,000 new customers have switched to the brand.

2016 Buick Cascada Convertible 

Through April, 64 percent of Cascada buyers traded in vehicles from outside Buick or any other General Motors brand. Previous Audi, Toyota and Honda customers have been among the most common. Demand for the Cascada has outpaced supply with 2,487 sales year-to-date through April and 1,090 sales in April alone.

“The lasting impact of the Cascada will be a change in perception that only a sexy, sleek convertible can provide,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Buick Global Sales, Service and Marketing. “It’s changing minds and attracting customers in the country’s biggest convertible markets, with nearly half of sales coming from New York, New Jersey, Florida, Texas and California. These are all key markets for Buick’s continuing success.”

The Cascada is the first of four new vehicles arriving in U.S. showrooms for Buick and one of two in new segments for the brand. The first-ever Envision is now arriving at dealers and will have a 2017 model year starting price of $34,990. In the industry’s most popular segment, Envision will offer the longest available list of standard safety and a starting price $1,300 below the Acura RDX and $6,000 less than an Audi Q5.

More than 57 percent of Encore customers in 2016 have come from competitive brands, with customers citing value, quality and exterior styling as the top reasons for purchase. Priced to offer a premium entry point into the brand, the Encore now represents 40 percent of Buick sales.

As some competitors prepare their first entries into the small SUV segment, Buick is already doubling down on the Encore with an updated 2017 model available later this year. In addition to more sophisticated styling, it offers the connectivity features customers want most, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 4G LTE Wi-Fi for up to seven devices.

Positioned as attainable luxury, Buick’s pricing strategy gives customers the refinement and technology expected in the luxury market with starting prices closer to that of mainstream competitors. This approach has earned Buick recognition as Kelley Blue Book’s “Best Value Luxury Brand” four years in a row.

“With the 2017 Encore, along with an all-new LaCrosse sedan, the Envision and the Cascada, Buick will have four new vehicles this year in U.S. showrooms alone,” said Aldred. “It’s a year in which we’ll stop asking customers to question their preconceptions of the brand and instead make a strong statement about what the brand is today.”

!NEW! 2017 Buick Encore Gets Latest Tech, Sculpted Design

New Full LED headlights, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto for Buick’s bestseller

Buick introduced the new 2017 Encore, strengthening the appeal of America’s most popular small SUV with more refined styling and new connectivity technology – including available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

2017 Buick Encore

A new front-end appearance and a new premium interior highlight the visual refinements, while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported by a next-generation IntelliLink system featuring an 8 inch-diagonal color touch screen.

2017 Buick Encore - Premium interior

Push-button start, keyless unlock via the exterior door handles and an 8-inch color touchscreen highlight the Encore’s roster of new standard features.

“The Buick Encore created the premium small SUV segment and remains the top choice for customers seeking premium features and dependability coupled with timeless design,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Buick Sales, Service and Marketing. “In a rapidly evolving segment, the Encore continues to lead with smart, purposeful updates and a new level of technology-infused elegance and refinement.

Introduced in 2013, the Encore quickly carved out a niche of its own, offering the premium features typically associated with larger luxury SUVs but with greater maneuverability. It quickly rose to the top of the fast-growing small SUV market, topping it in 2014 and 2015.

Encore was Buick’s best-selling vehicle in North America in 2015, accounting for nearly a third of overall sales. Its sales were up 34 percent for the first two months of 2016, extending a year-over-year sales increase streak to 26 months.

Overall, SUVs now account for approximately 60 percent of all Buick sales, up from 34 percent prior to the introduction of the Enclave in 2007. Starting this summer with the arrival of the Envision – which slots directly between the Encore and Enclave – Buick will offer SUVs in the market’s three most popular segments.

The 2017 Encore goes on sale this fall, initially offered in five trim levels: Encore (1SB), Encore Sport Touring (1SH), Encore Convenience (1SD), Encore Leather (1SL) and Encore Premium (1SN). Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available.

It is the fourth all-new or significantly updated Buick coming in 2016, joining the Cascada convertible, Envision compact SUV and LaCrosse sedan.

Sculptural Beauty

2017 Buick Encore - LED signature tail lamps

The new design features the sculptural surfacing and elegant line work that continues to distinguish the Buick brand. The addition of the winged grille with Buick’s new tri-color insignia, new front headlamps and rear LED signature tail lamps contemporize the Encore and set up the visual flow around the entire vehicle. Uplevel models receive Buick’s full LED headlamps, which provide efficient, clear lighting of the road ahead.

2017 Buick Encore - Full LED headlamps

“Sporting cues first shown on the award-winning Avenir and Avista concepts, the 2017 Encore embraces Buick’s modern design aesthetic,” said Holt Ware, design director, Buick Exteriors. “The Encore is a crossover known for its presence – the appearance is sleek, muscular and modern.”

Also new are a chrome exhaust outlet, body-color heated outside mirrors, a new 18-inch wheel design and three exterior colors: Black Cherry Metallic, Ebony Twilight Metallic and White Frost Metallic.

Premium interior

Building on Buick’s reputation for premium and quiet passenger environments, the 2017 Encore elevates with a new interior design and a greater emphasis on material selection, placement and subtle details like bright accents and contrast stitching.

2017 Buick Encore - 4.2 inch color driver information center and 8-inch color touchscreen

An updated instrument panel flows across the interior and incorporates a new gauge cluster with a 4.2 inch-diagonal color driver information center. Also, a new center stack blends with the instrument panel to offer more intuitive access for the user interface and its new, frameless 8 inch color touch screen.

IntelliLink is designed to support the latest interface technologies, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Buick’s connectivity also includes OnStar 4G LTE with a Wi-Fi hotspot, which is now standard across the brand’s U.S. model line. With the 4G LTE connection, Encore allows passengers to connect up to seven devices to high-speed wireless Internet.

“As a representation of modern Buick styling, the Encore’s cabin is sophisticated in look and feel, and precise in its execution,” said Liz Wetzel, design director, Buick Interiors. “The instrument panel and center stack forms are artfully sculpted, while offering an effortless interface with the infotainment technologies.”

Core features

All 2017 Encore models offer room for five and up to 48.4 cubic feet (1,371 liters) of storage space with the 60/40 split rear seat folded. Standard features include 10 airbags, StabiliTrak stability enhancement and a 1.4L turbo four-cylinder/six-speed automatic powertrain.

A unique 1.4L Turbo with Direct Injection, more power, more torque and stop/start technology is available on most trims.

EPA estimates will be announced at a later date.

Buick’s exclusive QuietTuning is standard on all models and includes Bose Active Noise Cancellation technology. Encore also offers available active safety features including Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Park Assist, Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning.  

FAST FACT: Encore was named Best Compact Crossover/SUV in Kelley Blue Book’s 2016 5-Year Cost to Own Awards – the third consecutive year for the accolade.

!NEW! Buick Sets Third Consecutive Global Sales Record

Momentum continues in advance of new product infusion

Buick will set a global sales record for the third consecutive year in 2015.

In mid-December, annual sales surpassed last year’s record 1,170,115 vehicles driven by record sales in China and record crossover deliveries in the United States. Yearend sales for Buick are expected to surpass 1.2 million vehicles.

“Buick’s momentum is undeniable as new customers worldwide discover Buick’s lineup of beautiful, approachable premium vehicles,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Global Buick.

“We think 2016 will be another watershed year for the brand with the global launch of the new 2017 LaCrosse, the North American launch of the Envision, the U.S. launch of the Cascada, and the Chinese launch of a new Verano hatchback. Our products and our customer service have never been better.”

In China, Buick sales have surpassed 100,000 units for two consecutive months and annual sales are expected to reach 1 million units for the first time.  The all-new Excelle GT launched this year is the country’s bestselling model.

The popularity of crossovers has significantly contributed to brand growth in all markets. In the U.S., Encore small crossover sales have grown for 23 consecutive months and are on track to become the best sales in eight years for a single Buick model. Combined with China, Encore sales will top 140,000 vehicles globally.

Crossover sales industrywide have increased 3 percentage points in the U.S. this year, accounting for 40 percent of all new vehicles sold. At Buick, Encore and Enclave crossover sales account for 60 percent of U.S. Buick sales so far this year.

The GL8 and all-new Envision compact crossover ranked first and second respectively in the 2015 J.D. Power China Initial Quality Study (IQS) in the large SUV segment. The Envision, which was also named Motor Trend SUV of the Year in China, will end its first full year in production with more than 130,000 sales. It goes on sale in all North American markets in 2016. 

Buick has topped J.D. Power U.S. Customer Service Index rankings among mass-market brands for two straight years.

The new Cascada, Buick’s first convertible in 25 years, goes on sale in early 2016 in the U.S. The new 2017 LaCrosse – Buick’s most advanced sedan ever – launches globally next summer, and the award-winning Envision crossover arrives at North American dealers next summer. The new Verano hatchback and Verano GS are available for pre-order in China now.

!NEW! Buick’s U.S. Crossover Sales Rise 22 Percent in May

Encore small SUV has best May ever; brand sales post best May since 2005

Buick Encore retail and total sales rose 22.1 percent and 20.7 percent, respectively, in May as demand for the brand’s small luxury SUV shows no signs of letting up. It made up 30 percent of the brand’s sales.

Buick U.S. sales increased in May compared to a year ago on the strength of the brand’s crossover models. Buick Enclave deliveries were up 23 percent and the Encore was up 21 percent, for its 17th consecutive year-over-year sales increase.

Buick has sold more Encores this year than any other model, accounting for 30 percent of the brand’s retail sales.  

2015 Buick Encore small SUV

“Buick was among the first to capitalize on the rapidly growing small SUV segment with the Encore, which appeals to buyers seeking luxurious features in a smaller and more efficient package,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president, Buick. “The Encore has performed extremely well in its segment and we expect it will continue to do so.”

In its debut year, Encore scored at the top of its segment in the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study – practically unheard of for a new model. In a recent owner survey, 96 percent said they were either satisfied or completely satisfied with their vehicle and 95 percent said they would recommend a Buick based on their experience with the Encore.

Autotrader.com recently named Encore one of its 10 Best Cars for Recent College Grads, citing its sleek exterior styling, premium interior, maneuverability, quality and fuel efficiency.

Earlier this year, Buick was the first U.S. automaker in the Top 10 in a popular consumer magazine’s annual ranking of automotive brands. At No. 7, Buick moved ahead of traditionally high-rated automakers such as Honda and BMW. Eighty-three percent of Buick models made it onto the magazine’s recommended list – the most for any brand.

!NEW! Opel Mokka SUV rolls off the production line in Zaragoza

• Spanish King Felipe VI guest of honor at official start of production
• Investment secures around 5,700 jobs at the Spanish plant
• Already more than 275,000 orders for the successful sub-compact SUV

The first Opel Mokka SUV from Zaragoza: King Felipe VI of Spain (on left) with Michael Lohscheller, CFO Opel Group was the guest of honor. 

The successful subcompact SUV Opel Mokka is now manufactured in Europe: Today, Opel celebrated the official start of production in Zaragoza, Spain. Guest of honor at the ceremony was the Spanish King Felipe VI.

Big day for the Spanish plant in Zaragoza: King Felipe VI was present and even signed the first Opel Mokka SUV to roll off the production line. On the right: Michael Lohscheller, CFO Opel Group

“Today is a good day for us. Producing the Mokka in Zaragoza helps us to better utilize our capacities in Europe and to serve our customers more quickly,” says Michael Lohscheller, Chief Financial Officer of the Opel Group. “Demand for the Mokka remains huge: we have received more than 275,000 orders since its market launch in the summer of 2012. This has made the SUV our third most important model within just two years. The Mokka embodies the appeal of our newest models and our brand’s comeback.”

The first Opel Mokka from Zaragoza: King Felipe VI of Spain (on left) with Michael Lohscheller, CFO Opel Group was the guest of honor. 

In total, Opel plans to invest nearly 210 million Euros this year in the important Spanish manufacturing site. Last year 168 million Euros were invested. To make the Zaragoza plant ready for the Mokka production Opel invested 80 million in the initial phase. Since the opening of the plant in 1982 the investment totaled more than 4.3 billion Euros.

King Felipe VI of Spain was the guest of honor at the start of production of the Mokka in Zaragoza, here he is being shown around by Michael Lohscheller, CFO Opel Group (on right).

Manufacturing the sub-compact SUV in Spain will secure the around 5,700 jobs in the plant there. In addition to the Opel Mokka SUV, the Opel Corsa and Opel Meriva models are also built in Zaragoza. With the fifth generation of the Opel Corsa there will be another important production start this year.

The Zaragoza plant readied itself for the Opel Mokka’s start of production in record time. After all, it was just one year ago that the decision to produce the car in Europe was announced.

The challenges this posed were mastered thanks to excellent international collaboration within General Motors. Up until now, the Opel Mokka was produced solely in South Korea.

Manufacturing will start with CKD (Completely Knocked Down) parts kits from Korea, and then the amount of locally produced parts will be increased step by step in the coming years. “Producing the Mokka here is in line with our company philosophy to build cars where we sell them,” explains Michael Lohscheller. “This year, around 20,000 Opel Mokka will roll off the assembly line in Zaragoza. Next year this number will increase considerably”.

The Opel Mokka is now a European: Today, Opel celebrated the official start of production of its successful subcompact SUV in Zaragoza, Spain.

The Opel Mokka has been a real success right from its introduction. The stylish SUV has won over experts and customers alike. In both 2013 and 2014, readers of the automotive magazine Auto Bild voted the Opel Mokka “All-wheel Drive Car of the Year” in the category “Off-road vehicles and SUVs under 25,000 euros”.

“Opel Mokka is a key part of our large model offensive,” says Lohscheller. “To 2018, we will introduce 27 new cars and 17 new engines as we grow our market share step by step.”

!NEW! Shanghai GM Offers Preview of New Buick Envision SUV

High-end midsize SUV goes on sale across China later this year

Shanghai GM yesterday offered a preview of the all-new  Buick Envision, announcing its Chinese name as “Ang Ke Wei” (昂科威), showing its specifications and the first official photos. The new high-end midsize SUV will go on sale across China later this year.

Shanghai GM Offers Preview of New Buick Envision SUV

The Envision is a completely new model that represents a convergence of Buick's latest global design philosophy and cutting-edge technologies. It will set a new benchmark in its segment in China for styling, space, safety, performance and technology.

Elegant and Dynamic Exterior

The model carries forward the design essence of the Buick Envision concept vehicle, which made its global debut at Auto Shanghai 2011.

Buick Envision concept (2011)

The exterior blends artistic elegance with dynamic lines. Its front end is highlighted by Buick’s signature waterfall grille along with wing-style intelligent Xenon headlamps, boomerang-shaped LED daytime running lights and sleek outside rearview mirrors. The windshield with a one-piece chrome-plated frame gives the Envision an aggressive stance. Class-leading 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels and a luggage rack echo the stylish design.

Headlights in wing-style with intelligent Xenon headlamps, boomerang-shaped LED DRLS

The Envision measures 4,667 mm in length, 1,839 mm in width and 1,696 mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 2,750 mm, which contributes to its spacious interior.

Powerful Turbocharged Engine

Another highlight of the  Buick Envision SUV is its 2.0T Direct Injection Turbocharged engine, which was named one of Ward's 10 Best Engines in 2013. The engine generates maximum output power of 191 kW and peak torque of 353 Nm. It includes stop/start technology, for better fuel economy.

A new-generation six-speed transmission offers smooth gear shifting while significantly reducing fuel consumption in city driving. Its all-wheel-drive technology ensures solid handling on all surfaces.

The Envision will complement the Encore and new Enclave in Buick’s domestic SUV portfolio, providing a range of choices for SUV buyers across China.

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.

All-New Buick Envision SUV to Make Premiere in China

Shanghai GM today announced that its all-new high-end midsize SUV, the Buick Envision, will make its premiere in China later this year.

All-new high-end midsize SUV, the Buick Envision, will make its premiere in China later this year.

Inspired by the Buick Envision concept vehicle, the newest member of the Buick SUV family has dynamic and assertive styling. It fuses iconic Buick design cues with the brand’s new high-end, refined global design concepts.

Buick Envision SUV concept

The Envision adopts a new-generation powertrain along with GM’s new all-wheel-drive technology. The fuel-saving start/stop technology will come standard across the line. The model is destined to set a new benchmark in China’s high-end midsize SUV segment for space, safety, performance and specifications.

Buick Envision SUV concept - Interior

The new model will complement the Encore and new Enclave in Buick’s China SUV portfolio, providing a range of choices for SUV buyers.  

!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! Buick Encore Prepared for April Showers

 How do Rainsense automatic wipers know it’s raining ?

We’ve all experienced that startling moment when a passing vehicle splashes a flood of water onto your windshield and suddenly, your visibility is seriously compromised. Instinctively, you start to reach for the windshield wiper stalk, but the wipers have already begun to swoop. Relieved, you wonder, ‘How does my Buick know the windshield needs to be cleared?’

Vehicles like the Buick Encore small luxury crossover, can be equipped with the convenience of Rainsense wipers, which when activated, can automatically turn on the wipers when rain or water is detected on the windshield.

The 2014 Buick Encore with Rainsense automatic wipers inside the rain chamber lab

Using a rain sensor positioned behind the rearview mirror, a signal sent to the vehicle’s computer triggers the wipers when water is detected. But the technology goes beyond simply sticking a sensor on the windshield.

2014 Buick Encore - Rain sensor is attached to the windshield behind the rearview mirror

“There is a multi-stage process and testing procedure that we must to go through with the Encore, for example, in order to integrate the Rainsense function,” said Matt Piazza, General Motors’ global design engineer for rain sensor technology. “Each vehicle is unique and there are a lot of factors like windshield pitch, rain intensity, vehicle speed, and light conditions, that all have to be accounted for and validated.”

 2014 Buick Encore with Rainsense automatic wipers

The rain sensor itself is about the size of a wristwatch. It is actually a light sensor that uses infrared light beams invisible to the human eye to detect water through light refraction when droplets contact the windshield.

2014 Buick Encore - Rain sensor, shown here, is about the size of a wristwatch

Using advanced software, the sensor takes a reading once every 40 milliseconds, or in about the time it takes a humming bird to complete a flap of its wings. The sensor measures droplet size and frequency and sends a signal that determines how slow or fast the wipers move.

Unlike the traditional “intermittent” wiper settings, adjustment of the Encore’s wipers with Rainsense adjusts the sensitivity of the sensor rather than changing the time between wipes. The speed at which the Encore is traveling also factors in wipe frequency. 

Rainsense also works in the dark. While the human eye perceives total darkness, a raindrop still refracts some amount of light. The programming of the rain sensor changes sensitivity in darkness to trigger more wipes, reducing windshield glare.

While in theory, it may seem like a simple system, assimilating Rainsense technology into each vehicle requires countless hours of testing where Piazza and team work alongside the sensor supplier, HELLA Electronics.

Integration into the Encore begins with a so-called “bench test,” where the sensor is tested to validate its relationship with the software. On the bench, Piazza and team confirm a signal receipt when triggered.

From there, it’s onto the complex task of mounting the sensor to the windshield. Placement is key and the best location is behind the rearview mirror, which is prime real estate for other electronics, including a camera for the Encore’s available Lane Departure Warning feature. This requires use of a smaller sensor mounted to the windshield at a 25–30 degree angle.

After mounting, the Encore enters HELLA’s rain chamber where a series of tests with artificial rain enable engineers to tweak the software. Light, droplet size, and droplet frequency are all factors in testing the system.

Matt Piazza, General Motors’ global design engineer for rain sensor technology, runs a rain sensor integration test on the 2014 Buick Encore.

Real world testing comes next, where engineers validate the calibration and functionality by collecting data with a video overlay in natural rain leading to final adjustments.  

“The advanced technology of Rainsense wipers are another added level of luxury and convenience for Buick Encore drivers,” Piazza said. “It constantly monitors the windshield, so that’s one less thing on the driver’s mind, allowing them to concentrate on the road ahead. Once you experience it, you won’t want a vehicle without it.”

Photo credits: © GM Company

!NEW! GM’s Retail Sales up 7 percent, Outpacing Industry

Average transaction prices hit record $34,000; incentives down during month

General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) dealers delivered 256,047 vehicles in the United States in March 2014. Total sales were up 4 percent compared with a year ago. Retail sales were up 7 percent and GM gained retail market share.

Fleet sales were down 5 percent due to a planned reduction in rental deliveries. However, commercial fleet sales were up 5 percent for the fifth consecutive monthly increase.

“GM’s retail sales, like the weather and the economy as a whole, have been on an improving trend since early February,” said Kurt McNeil, U.S. vice president of Sales Operations. “We expect to see solid economic growth in the months ahead, with the job market, household income and consumer spending all showing positive signs. It is a strong backdrop for the launch of our all-new heavy-duty pickups, large SUVs and other new products, like the Cadillac ATS coupe coming this summer. 

“Our dealers continue to work hard to exceed people’s expectations for customer care, whether they are shopping for one of our award-winning new products or coming in to have their vehicle serviced,” he said

March Retail Sales Highlights (vs. 2013)

• Deliveries of the Chevrolet Silverado, the 2014 North American Truck of the Year, were up 14 percent and the GMC Sierra was up 23 percent. 
• During the month, Vincentric, which uses a proprietary model to measure cost of ownership attributes including depreciation, fuel, insurance, maintenance and repair costs, said the Chevrolet Silverado family has the lowest cost among full-size pickups.
• Deliveries of Chevrolet passenger cars were up 10 percent. The Spark was up 17 percent; Sonic was up 20 percent; the Volt was up 7 percent; the Impala was up 103 percent; and the Corvette, the 2014 North American Car of the Year, was up 221 percent.
• Deliveries of the Cadillac SRX were up 37 percent. In addition, the CTS family was up 11 percent on the strength of the new 2014 CTS sedan, which is the 2014 Motor Trend Car of the Year.
• Sales of the Buick Regal were up 52 percent and the Encore was up 71 percent.
• Sales of large SUVs were up 62 percent, with availability of the all-new 2015 models building, per plan.
• GM’s incentives as a percentage of average transaction prices, or ATPs, were 10 percent compared with 10.3 percent for the industry, according to J.D. Power PIN estimates through March 23. That is down from February and year over year.
• GM’s ATPs set a new record of about $34,000, up about $2,000 per unit from February and more than $3,800 from a year ago, according to J.D. Power PIN estimates.                                                               

GM delayed this release for several hours due to a computer systems issue that impacted dealer sales reporting. These results reflect sales reported through GM’s primary and backup dealer systems and we believe they accurately reflect March sales, although it is possible that a few hundred March deliveries may be reported in April. 

!NEW! Buick Advances Connected-Car Convenience with OnStar 4G LTE

2015 LaCrosse, Regal, Verano, Encore to get high-speed connection

Starting this summer, owners of most 2015 Buick models can be connected by the high-speed data of OnStar 4G LTE. A built-in Wi-Fi hotspot will keep passengers connected on the go, allowing them to browse the Internet, download movies, play games or send email on up to seven devices at once.

2015 Buick Regal - Adavanced 4G LTE connectivity

Buick announced today at the DENT Conference that the 2015 LaCrosse, Regal, Verano and Encore would come standard with OnStar 4G LTE hardware, with data packages available for an additional charge. The 4G LTE technology in these four models is faster than the 3G connectivity offered by some competitors. Available in the U.S. and Canada, OnStar 4G LTE hardware will be in every Buick model by the 2016 model year.

“Today’s Buick lineup is full of technologies that help make our owners safer and more secure than they would be without them,” said Tony DiSalle, vice president of Buick Marketing. “With the introduction of high-speed OnStar 4G LTE, Buick owners will be better connected as well.”

The Wi-Fi hotspot will allow passengers to connect their personal devices, such as compatible smartphones, laptops and tablets, to high-speed wireless Internet. Business travelers can check and respond to emails from a rest area, families can play games between devices, and drivers can stream their favorite Internet radio apps via a new Buick AppShop.

Every 2015 model offered with OnStar 4G LTE will also come with Buick AppShop, a feature of IntelliLink. Through Buick AppShop, owners can use their 4G LTE connection to download apps and stream data – such as Internet radio playlists – through the in-vehicle interface.

Buick AppShop will continue to grow, and all apps can be updated to newer versions as they become available. While final content has not yet been determined, initial apps are expected to include iHeartRadio, Priceline.com, the Weather Channel, NPR, Slacker Radio, Cityseeker, Eventseeker, Glympse and Kaliki, with more coming throughout 2014 and beyond.

Buick AppShop is accessible through Buick IntelliLink on most 2015 MY Buick vehicles, and provides drivers with location-based information apps, like The Weather Channel.

Later this year, a Vehicle Health app will provide in-vehicle diagnostic reports and allow owners to schedule a maintenance appointment from the car. The Vehicle Health app pulls diagnostic data from the vehicle, providing a level of vehicle integration not possible with a smartphone.

The Vehicle Health Monitor displays vehicle data and provides on-demand diagnostic reports and maintenance notifications, and also provides contact information, appointment scheduling and, on properly equipped vehicles, navigation routing to the owners preferred dealer.

With OnStar’s 4G LTE connection, the vehicle provides a mobile hub, giving customers easier access to apps and services that require a high-speed cellular or data connection.

In collaboration with AT&T, the data connection in the car will be fast – and flexible. Current AT&T customers can add their vehicle to a shareable bucket of data through AT&T Mobile Share plans. All drivers can pay for data through OnStar, independently from their other mobile data accounts. Pricing and data packages for OnStar 4G LTE will be announced later this year.

Buick’s 4G LTE launch coincides with OnStar’s 10th generation hardware, an upgrade allowing voice and high-speed data services. 

“We are focused on constantly improving the OnStar service so that the system continues to remain a trusted value-add for GM customers,” said Terry Inch, chief operating officer, OnStar. “4G LTE will enable the most powerful OnStar connection ever.”

OnStar Advisors currently respond to about 185,000 calls every day or more than two calls every second. OnStar is standard across the Buick lineup, with a six-month Directions and Connections plan included on every vehicle.

Buick owners also get the OnStar RemoteLink Key Fob Services, which allows owners to lock or unlock doors, activate the horn and lights, and remotely start a properly equipped vehicle using the OnStar RemoteLink smartphone app. The Key Fob Services are included for five years for Buick vehicles in the U.S. and Canada. 

!NEW! GM Delivered 9.7 Million Vehicles Globally in 2013

General Motors Co. (GM) dealers delivered 9,714,652 vehicles around the world in the 2013, up 4 percent compared with 2012. Among GM’s top five global markets by volume, China and the United Kingdom posted the largest year-over-year sales increases on a percentage basis, with each up 11 percent. GM’s China sales set a new full-year record. Sales in the United States increased 7 percent.

“A healthy auto market in the United States and China, and very successful product launches at all of our brands worldwide drove GM’s growth in 2013 and helped us navigate difficult conditions in Europe and parts of South America and Asia,” said Dan Ammann, GM executive vice president and chief financial officer.

Ammann, who has been named president of General Motors, will discuss the company’s outlook and strategy at the 2014 Global Auto Industry Conference hosted by Deutsche Bank on Wednesday, January 15, in Detroit. GM’s presentation will begin at approximately 7:30 a.m. EST followed by a Q&A session.

A live webcast of the presentation will be available here. Presentation materials will be posted in the Investor section of gm.com shortly before the webcast.

Going forward, GM plans to announce its global sales on a quarterly basis using this new template as part of the company’s effort to provide insightful and easily accessible information about its global growth strategy.

Highlights (vs. 2012)

• Chevrolet sold a record 4,984,126 vehicles in 2013, an increase of 19,304 from the previous record set in 2012. Key product launches included the Silverado, named the 2014 North American Truck of the Year, and the Corvette Stingray, named the 2014 North American Car of the Year.
  
• Cadillac’s global sales were up 28 percent. The brand ended 2013 as the fastest-growing full-line luxury brand in the United States, with sales up 22 percent following the introductions of the all-new XTS and ATS. In China, Cadillac’s sales grew 67 percent to a record 50,005 vehicles. Cadillac broke ground on a new assembly plant in China last year and plans to add one new model per year in the country through 2016.
  
• Buick’s global sales were up 15 percent as it introduced redesigns of the LaCrosse and Regal in all of its major markets and added new models in North America, including the Encore crossover. Dealers delivered 1,032,331 vehicles for the best year in the brand’s 110-year history. The previous record of 1,003,345 vehicles sold was set in 1984, before the brand entered the China market.
• Opel / Vauxhall sold more than 1 million vehicles globally and delivered a slight increase in European market share to the mid-5 percent range, its first in 14 years, following the successful launches of the Mokka and ADAM.

General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world's largest and fastest-growing automotive markets. GM, its subsidiaries and joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling brands.

   

!NEW! Claudia Schiffer is European Opel Brand Ambassador

• Fashion icon and Supermodel will be the star of the new advertising campaign ‘It’s a German’
• First spots with the Opel Meriva and Mokka will be on TV mid-January already

Claudia Schiffer drives Opel: Fashion icon and Supermodel will be the star of the new advertising campaign ‘It’s a German’

Claudia Schiffer has graced the cover of over 1,000 magazines and is named as one of the most beautiful women in the world. Her ability to appeal to a global audience has ensured an internationally successful career spanning over 25 years. She is UNICEF ambassador and incontestably a real world star. Originally from the Rhineland, Claudia now slips into her next role as the German face of Opel in Europe. She is taking center stage in the new campaign ‘It’s a German’ that already in January will celebrate its TV premiere right across Europe – except in Germany and the United Kingdom.

In small, fine and very emotional stories, Claudia Schiffer charmingly illustrates Opel’s ‘Made in Germany’ concept. The uniqueness of Opel’s models, imbued with the German art of engineering and with clever door concepts such as that demonstrated by the Meriva MPV, and well-honed all-wheel drive technology as presented in the Mokka SUV, is a significant theme of the TV advertising. At the end of each commercial, Claudia Schiffer delivers the entrancing punchline: “It’s a German”.

Opel Chief Marketing Officer Tina Müller says full of enthusiasm: “The campaign puts across those modern German values that have also been appreciated internationally. Today, Opel stands for the perfect German art of engineering, an emotional design and an unbeatable price-value relationship. With Claudia Schiffer we were able to win a German world star who fully identifies with the brand.”

Claudia Schiffer also raves about her first working days as Opel brand ambassador: “We filmed the first commercial in mid-December in Barcelona. The new Opel models stand for great German engineering as well as innovation and practicality. The Meriva MPV with its rear-hinged rear doors is unique and a first for Opel. It is fantastic for families like mine.”