!NEW! Buick Reaches 6 Million Cumulative Sales in China

Buick recently reached the 6 million sales milestone in China since its introduction by Shanghai GM more than 16 years ago. In the process, Buick affirmed its position as one of the fastest-growing passenger car brands in its largest market.

Shanghai GM began offering vehicles from the brand after its first Buick sedan rolled off the production line in Shanghai on December 17, 1998. In 2014, Shanghai GM sold a record 919,582 Buicks across China.

Eight Buick nameplates are currently available. They include premium and upper-medium passenger cars, MPVs and SUVs.

• The original Excelle family was one of the 10 best-selling passenger cars in China in 2014, with sales of more than 293,000 units.
• The GL8 MPV, Buick’s second model built in China, has sold more than 600,000 units in 15 years.
• The Encore has been the leader in the premium small SUV segment with sales of over 150,000 units in two years while the Envision has been the most popular mainstream SUV since its launch last year.

Buick vehicles are available through a nationwide network of more than 740 retailers. GM has gone online with the eService and iBuick app. It opened the Buick Aftersales Flagship Store on Tmall.com last year to enhance the ownership experience.

With its "global architectures, western technologies" strategy, Buick is focused on becoming an industry leader in handling, comfort, convenience and safety. Its models offer a range of technology such as SIDI engine technology, twin-scroll turbocharging, the CDC suspension system, FlexRide and intelligent all-terrain all-wheel drive. Intelligent connectivity technologies include IntelliLink and OnStar to make driving more enjoyable and secure.

Among the new and upgraded models that Buick will introduce in 2015 is the all-new Excelle GT, which is scheduled to reach the market in March. Buick will also introduce a number of efficient small-displacement Ecotec engines along with seven-speed DCG and six-speed DSS transmissions. Start/stop engine technology, which helps reduce fuel consumption, will come standard on new Buick models.

Besides enhancing the appeal of its products, Buick has also been focused on elevating its customer experience platforms such as the Buick S-Bend Challenge. It has likewise been engaged in corporate social responsibility activities such as the Route Awakening Buick China Culture Tour, the Beyond the Vision @ Buick Art Tour and the Buick Care Orange Ribbon charitable initiative.

!NEW! Shanghai GM Reveals All-New Buick Excelle GT

Mainstream mid-range sedan has new design, interior and powertrains

The all-new Buick Excelle GT exterior

Shanghai GM has revealed photos of the exterior and interior of the all-new Buick Excelle GT in advance of its upcoming domestic launch. It will strengthen the presence of Buick – Shanghai GM’s most popular brand – in China’s mid-range mainstream sedan segment.

The all-new Excelle GT reflects Buick's efficiency-oriented philosophy that caters to the preferences of local consumers. Inspired by the Buick Riviera II concept car, the all-new Excelle GT carries forward Buick's "dynamic and sleek" design language, with styling that projects an image of simplicity and sportiness.

The sedan’s interior boasts Buick's iconic 360-degree wraparound cabin layout, with exquisitely crafted and high-quality materials. It offers significantly more head and knee room than its predecessor, segment-leading room in back courtesy of short front and rear overhangs, and an ergonomic design.

The all-new Buick Excelle GT interior

Two new-generation 18T and 15N powertrain combinations will be offered. The 18T includes a 1.4T DVVT engine and an intelligent seven-speed DCG transmission, while the 15N offers a 1.5L DVVT in-line four-cylinder engine and a new six-speed DSS transmission. Both provide strong, seamless power output and segment-leading fuel economy thanks to the standard start/stop feature.

The all-new Excelle GT’s independent rear suspension ensures agile handling. Its lightweight body consists of over 65 percent high-strength steel. It comes standard with Bosch's latest ESC 9.1 system, ensuring maximum protection for occupants.

The model is also packed with segment-leading and exclusive user-friendly technology such as rear-seat air vents, LED daytime running lights and a nanometer-grade PM2.5 air filter.

The all-new Buick Excelle GT will be manufactured at Shanghai GM's new plant in Wuhan, which has adopted world-class manufacturing processes and technologies.

!NEW! Shanghai GM Begins Vehicle Production in Wuhan

Shanghai GM today celebrated the start of manufacturing at its Wuhan Branch, as the first Buick Excelle passenger car rolled off the production line.

Shanghai GM Wuhan Branch starts production.

The new manufacturing base in central China’s Hubei province represents an initial investment of RMB 7 billion. It has an annual manufacturing capacity of 240,000 vehicles for sale across China by Shanghai GM.

The Wuhan Branch includes press, body, paint and general assembly shops as well as support facilities. It is leveraging world-class manufacturing processes and technology, with 452 robots and an automation rate of 97 percent in its body shop. In line with Shanghai GM’s Drive to Green strategy, the plant has also adopted environmentally friendly technology.

The facility is being supported by a parts supply zone and logistics support zone.

Shanghai GM also announced the start of construction of the second phase of the Wuhan Branch. The second phase will represent an investment of RMB 7.5 billion. It will include press, body, paint and general assembly shops. The second phase will double the plant’s manufacturing capacity when it starts production in 2017. Powertrain projects worth about RMB 10 billion are planned at the facility as well.

The Wuhan Branch is Shanghai GM’s fourth manufacturing base, joining its original Jinqiao facility in Shanghai; Shanghai GM Dong Yue Motors and Shanghai GM Dong Yue Automotive Powertrain in Yantai, Shandong; and Shanghai GM (Shenyang) Norsom Motors in Shenyang, Liaoning.

Shanghai GM is a joint venture between GM and SAIC that was established in 1997. It builds, imports and sells a comprehensive range of Buick, Cadillac and Chevrolet products. It is fully supported by a network of sales, aftersales and parts centers. In 2014, Shanghai GM sold a record 1,710,025 vehicles in China.

General Motors traces its roots back to 1908. GM has 11 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, and Wuling brands.