Showing posts with label Buick Regal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Buick Regal. Show all posts

Monday, 7 August 2017

!NEW! Buick Regal Family Adopts Hybrid and GS Performance Trim


All-new Buick Regal GS

Buick brought to market the all-new Regal for China. It features a sleek, sporty, coupe-like design and offers the spirited performance of a premium sports sedan. Ten variants, including a hybrid electric, are available priced between RMB 175,800 and RMB 269,800.

The Regal was originally introduced in the United States in 1973 and China in 2002. Over the years, more than 1.1 million have been delivered in China. The nameplate has become especially popular among younger car buyers due to its sporty, stylish design and connectivity features.

Propulsion Choices with Available Hybrid Technology

The all-new Regal is the first Buick model in China with GM's latest nine-speed Hydra-Matic intelligent transmission. Leveraging more than 60 GM-patented technologies, it delivers smooth shifting and improved performance, reliability and fuel efficiency. The all-new Regal also comes standard with stop/start.


Buyers have a choice of two direct-injection turbocharged engines. A 2.0L SIDI engine that has been named one of Ward's 10 Best Engines produces maximum power of 192 kW and peak torque of 350 Nm. The engine enables the all-new Regal to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in only 7.2 seconds. GM's new 1.5L SIDI engine offers class-leading power of 125 kW and peak torque of 252 Nm. It has estimated combined fuel consumption of 6.3 liters/100 km.

The all-new Regal will also be available as a hybrid. It features the company’s hybrid-tailored 1.8L direct-injection engine, GM's patented EVT electronically controlled intelligent variable transmission, a highly integrated Traction Power Inverter Module (TPIM), and a double high-performance, permanent-magnet electric motor drive unit. The electric drive system is supported by an industry-leading high-performance lithium-ion battery pack. It will deliver estimated fuel consumption of 4.3 liters/100 km.

Performance-Inspired Buick Regal GS

All-new Buick Regal GS: Performance-Inspired
Buick is also offering the all-new Regal GS, which has a unique exterior and interior design. Its exterior has a black wing grille with bright black wing strips and upright “fangs.” The distinct grille is complemented by a body kit under the front bumper and new 18-inch black five-spoke sports hubs. Its integrated aerodynamic tail comes alive with chrome-plated dual exhausts, an expanded body kit and a red GS badge.


The GS-exclusive black sports interior includes a flat steering wheel with a metal shift paddle and sporty seats certified by Aktion Gesunder Rücken (AGR).

The new FlexRide adaptive driving system allows the driver to switch between Auto, Comfort and Sporty modes. Combined with new-generation Continuous Damping Control (CDC), it scans road conditions and adjusts damping in real time for comfort and maneuverability. Brembo four-piston front brake calipers in combination with FNC brake discs enhance braking.

Elegant and Sporty Design

The all-new Regal adopts Buick's latest premium sedan design language. It has a wing-style grille complemented by wing-shaped dual LED daytime running lamps for a strong horizontal visual effect.

The all-new Regal is longer and wider than its predecessor and has a lower center of gravity. With its aerodynamic sleek fastback styling, it combines the spirited performance of a coupe with the generous stance of a premium sedan, setting a new trend for its segment.

The wheelbase of the all-new Regal has been extended 92 mm to 2,829 mm. In conjunction with its increased width, it provides more room than the previous-generation Regal. The roominess is bolstered by a floating interior design and a 360-degree wraparound layout.

Over 80 percent of the interior is covered in soft materials. Refinement is further enhanced by leather accents and hand-sewn double stitching. Moon White ambient lighting combined with dual 8-inch center console LCD screens adds to the high-tech and luxurious feel.

Smooth Handling and Advanced Safety

The sedan has an optimized MacPherson front suspension that is matched with aluminum steering knuckles and a stiffer hollow anti-roll bar for improved comfort and more precise handling. It has introduced a four-link independent rear suspension and rear dampers with advanced concentric piston valves to ensure better flexibility and further contribute to agile and steady handling. The all-new Regal’s high-strength rigid body has shed about 160 kg, supporting improvements in safety, handling, comfort and fuel efficiency.

The all-new Regal applies the latest-generation eProtect smart safety technology with fully upgraded functionality. It includes pedestrian detection (PD), collision mitigation braking (CMB) and adaptive cruise control (ACC). Automatic parking assist (APA) can take over steering and control the brakes and accelerator, setting free the driver's hands and feet during parking.

New Matrix LED headlamps have eight intelligent lighting modes and a lighting distance of 400 meters for greater driving safety at night. In addition, the all-new Regal is equipped with a full-color head-up display (HUD), which shows speed, infotainment information, and navigation and safety prompts.


New Generation of Intelligent Connected Technologies

With Buick eConnect technology, the all-new Regal is the first model from the brand to offer cloud-based services. The technology supports Apple CarPlay and Baidu CarLife. Users can listen to Kaola FM and NetEase Cloud Music online, and access 4S store service information quickly and accurately.

Customers receive five years of free basic OnStar service, including Remote Access, Advanced Diagnostics and Dealer Maintenance Notifications. With 4G LTE, the all-new Regal turns into a Wi-Fi hotspot. The intelligent home interconnection function works with OnStar’s electronic fence and mobile phone app to enable activation of home appliances.

Wednesday, 19 April 2017

All-New Buick Regal Debuts at Auto Shanghai 2017


The all-new Buick Regal made its Asian debut today at Auto Shanghai 2017. It provides a sleek, sporty, coupe-like design plus the spirited performance of a premium sports sedan and unexpected versatility in one sophisticated package for a perfect balance of form and function.

All-New Buick Regal

The Regal was originally introduced in the United States in 1973 and China in 2002. It has become popular among younger car buyers due to its styling and high-tech features. Last year, Regal deliveries in China exceeded 71,000 vehicles.

Drawing design inspiration from the Buick Avista concept, the all-new Regal has a wing-shaped grille that is complemented by wing-shaped dual LED daytime running lamps for a strong horizontal visual effect. Its second-generation Matrix Full-LED headlights give the new model a high-tech feel.


The wheelbase of the all-new Buick Regal has been extended 92 mm from the previous generation to 2,829 mm, while its wind drag coefficient has been reduced to 0.26. Providing a longer, lower center of gravity and coupe-like design, the model combines the spirited performance of a coupe with the generous stance of a premium sedan, setting a new trend for the segment.


As one of Buick's key global models, the all-new Regal will be offered in three variants with two powertrain options.

The 28T and 20T variants come standard with a nine-speed Hydra-Matic intelligent transmission. The transmission has a compact, efficient design along with a wider gear ratio range, optimizing fuel economy and significantly reducing engine noise while cruising. The transmission also delivers smoother, quicker gear shifting and acceleration in combination with two intelligent direct-injection turbocharged engines: GM's new-generation 1.5T SIDI small-displacement engine and its high-performance 2.0T SIDI engine, which has been named one of Ward's 10 Best Engines.

The upcoming all-new Buick Regal 30H variant will adopt GM's latest electrification technology.

Tuesday, 7 March 2017

!NEW! Opel Exclusive Debuts in Geneva: Your Car, Your Choice, Your Color



    Make it yours: New Opel Exclusive program will allow customers to choose from an unlimited amount of colors for their new Insignia.

    • New level of personalization: New Opel Exclusive concept presented at Geneva Motor Show
    • Unlimited choice: Customers can now stand out with the color of their choice
    • Additional options: Exclusive wheels, leather options and design details available
    •   Style and profile: 4K digital showroom to configure and share

    When Opel launched the ADAM in 2013, it not only marked the introduction of a new small car to the market – it also tapped in to the increasing demand for more personalization and individualization. 


    Ever since then, the company has been looking into extending this service and introducing a program that allows a growing amount of customers to configure their car according to their own personal taste. With the introduction of the new Opel Insignia, the Rüsselsheim-based carmaker will offer a new level of individualization called Opel Exclusive. In a first step, it will provide Opel Insignia buyers with an unlimited choice of colors and a selection of alloy wheels. Later, customers will also have access to an assortment of leather options and other design details that will enable them to create a car that stands out from the crowd and reflects their personal choice.


    Selecting the perfect color for a new car can sometimes prove to be more difficult than first meets the eye. The red offered by the carmaker might be too dark, the blue too light or the green tone too close to mint according to personal taste. Therefore, customers sometimes have to accept a compromise when purchasing the car they really want. Opel will be the first volume manufacturer to introduce a solution for this conundrum with the launch of the Opel Exclusive program during the Geneva Motor Show. However, despite the name maybe suggesting otherwise – Exclusive does not mean elitist or only accessible to a select few. Instead, the name reflects Opel’s desire to give customers the chance to create something that is exclusive to their own personal taste, enabling them to reward themselves via personal expression in a way that adds value for them.

    “Opel Exclusive almost knows no limits. Individualized colors, customizable design details and inimitable comfort features help you create the Insignia of your choice and exactly how you want it. Literally unique to you,” said Opel CMO Tina Müller.

    Stand out from the crowd with your exclusive color


    When customizing their new Opel Insignia, Opel Exclusive customers can choose from up to 15 pre-defined colors ranging from Electric Yellow to Pure Black or from Scorpio Grey to Power Blue. These are available in addition to the regular colors and solely available to Opel Exclusive clients. However, this is by no means all. Customers looking for even more individualization can create their own color no matter whether it is the shade of their favorite silk tie or the color of the eyes of a loved one. 


    The Opel experts will match the color when a sample is provided so that everybody can have a car in their preferred color.

    With the choice of color made, Opel Exclusive customers can add a further level of customization by selecting what they want the paintwork to say about them. Opel will offer three distinctive finishes. The tri-coat paint finish is an innovative mixing ratio. It owes its intensive and smooth appearance to the three-layer coating. The metallic paint finish reflects more incident light, which gives the paint its sparkling shine. And the pearl paint finish dazzles with fine layers of crystals embedded in the paint finish that help bring out an exceptionally natural pearly shine.

    In addition to the choice of color and paint finish, Opel Exclusive will also offer a selection of four new and exclusive alloy wheels to help customers create their own unique car. Ranging from 18 to 20 inches, the wheels bring a new level of pure dynamism to the Insignia with their breathtaking design. Additionally, going forward Opel will offer a range of exclusive leather options and decorative design elements so that customers can customize the car even further.

    New digital showroom to configure and share

    As part of the Exclusive program, Opel will also be exploring new digital solutions such as showroom images in 4K, an ultra-high definition resolution, and augmented reality to allow customers to easily experience their new vehicle in amazing definition while enjoying an immersive experience. The focus is on creating state-of-the-art digital experiences following the mobile first principle and allowing customers wherever they are to experiment when configuring their own personal car. Once they have configured the car of their dreams, potential buyers can then share their ideas with their social media network.

    Opel Insignia buyers will be able to use the Exclusive program to personalize their car as of this summer. Prices will be communicated closer to the official market launch.

    Friday, 6 February 2015

    !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.

    Monday, 19 January 2015

    !NEW! 750,000th Opel Insignia: Jubilee for the Successful Flagship

    • Anniversary car in Rüsselsheim plant is an arden blue OPC Sports Tourer
    • Latest technology further increases appeal of Opel flagship

    Anniversary car: The 750,000th Opel Insignia rolled off the production line in Rüsselsheim today.
    A new chapter has been added to the success story of the Opel Insignia. The 750,000th car of Opel’s top-of-the-range model rolled off the assembly line at the Rüsselsheim plant. The final assembly team led by plant manager Axel Scheiben celebrated as an Insignia OPC Sports Tourer in OPC-exclusive Arden Blue made its appearance.

    The anniversary car is the top-of-the-line Insignia model. The 2.8 liter V6 turbocharged engine has 239 kW/325 hp and sends 435 Nm of torque to all four wheels. The station wagon accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds.

    Axel Scheiben says, “This is a special day for the entire team. We have every reason to be proud of the fact that we have already produced our successful Insignia model 750,000 times. Our team does an outstanding job day in, day out, manufacturing highly complex vehicles in top quality.” The Opel flagship is produced exclusively in the main plant in Rüsselsheim.

    Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann pointed out the importance of the Insignia for the entire company: “The Insignia is our flagship and thereby our brand’s figurehead. With this car, we show what we are capable of in terms of design, technology and quality. The Insignia has played a key role in getting Opel back on track.”

    The Opel Insignia, which won the prestigious 2009 European “Car of the Year” award one year after its introduction, has become even more popular since the second generation was brought to market in late summer 2013. To date, the new version has been ordered more than 155,000 times. Last year alone, Opel sold more than 100,000 Insignias – an increase of around 19 percent. This made the flagship the fourth most popular Opel model. “With this, the new Insignia provides further proof of the success of our model offensive,” says Dr. Neumann.

    Last year, Opel’s mid-size model was especially sought after in the UK, Germany and Spain, and achieved the largest percentage growth in the mid-size segment in Europe.

    The Insignia family comes in five variants – hatchback, notchback, Sports Tourer station wagon, Country Tourer station wagon and OPC. The most popular colors in Europe include graphite black and snow white.

    Insignia buyers can choose between gasoline, diesel or LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) propulsion. The entry-level version with a 140 hp, turbocharged 1.4 liter gasoline engine, Start/Stop and a low-friction six-speed manual transmission is already available from 24,515 euros in the well-equipped Business Edition.

    The Insignia is now also available with the new 2.0 CDTI Euro 6 high-tech Turbo-diesel engine. The new, ultra-modern 170 hp, four-cylinder engine from Kaiserslautern impresses with its power, reduced fuel consumption, lower emissions as well as lower noise and vibration levels.

    New Opel ECOTEC 2.0 CDTI: Euro 6 Turbo-diesel engine with 125 kW/170 hp and 400 Nm
    The Insignia is poised to cause even more of a sensation internationally. Later this year, the Insignia OPC sedan will be exported to Australia and New Zealand as the Holden Insignia VXR. Furthermore, an additional Insignia variant will be produced in Rüsselsheim later this decade, and will then be sold as a new model from the GM brand Buick in the United States. 

    2015 Buick Regal GS AWD

    Sunday, 11 January 2015

    !NEW! Buick Cascada: Developed in Germany and Built in Poland

  • North American International Auto Show: Buick Cascada makes debut in Detroit
  • Powerful engine: 200 hp 1.6 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo 
  • First Buick convertible in 25 years: Four-seater at US dealers in early 2016

  • Successful synergies: Both the Buick Cascada (photo) and its Opel sister model were developed in Germany
    Impressive presentation at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit (January 12 - 25). Buick revealed its Cascada convertible, an elegant four-seater will go on sale in the USA in the first quarter of 2016. 

    Successful synergies: Both the Opel Cascada (photo) and its Buick sister model were developed in Germany
    This marks another example of the two brands’ successful collaboration, which already includes the jointly-developed Buick Encore and Opel Mokka, the Buick Verano and Opel Astra sedan as well as the Buick Regal and Opel Insignia.

    Small SUV twins: The Buick Encore (photo) and the Opel Mokka are closely related to each other
    Small SUV twins: The Opel Mokka (photo) and the Buick Encore are closely related to each other 
    Elegant compact sedans: The Buick Verano (photo) and the Opel Astra share same technical platform
    Elegant compact sedans: The Opel Astra (photo) and the Buick Verano share same technical platform
    Elegant midsize sedans: The Buick Regal (photo) and the Opel Insignia share same technical platform
    Elegant midsize sedans: The Opel Insignia (photo) and the Buick Regal share same technical platform
    “The Opel Cascada was developed at our International Technical Development Center in Rüsselsheim, where more than 6,000 engineers work on Opel models, but also on products for other GM brands. So we are constantly searching for synergies, and are delighted that there is now another Cascada for a new market with this Buick. This shows our outstanding engineering expertise while also increasing capacity utilization at our Polish plant in Gliwice,” says Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. In Europe, the Cascada has won over customers and trade media alike, resulting in numerous awards including the Plus X Award in Germany and the Golden Steering Wheel in Switzerland. In Portugal, Turbo Magazine named it Convertible of the Year in 2014.

    The Buick Cascada is powered by the super-efficient 1.6 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo with 147 kW/200 hp. The four-cylinder unit delivers maximum torque of 300 Nm. The HiPerStrut (High Performance Strut) front suspension precisely and comfortably transfers power onto the road, ensuring a smooth driving experience. The newest-generation turbo engine in the Buick is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

    The Cascada’s special feature is its high-quality soft-top that opens in just 17 seconds at the touch of a button, also at driving speeds up to 50 km/h. The US four-seater comes with luxurious equipment such as 20-inch alloy wheels and leather seats that automatically slide forward to offer passengers easy access to the rear seat area. Highlights include the IntelliLink infotainment system with a seven-inch color touchscreen.

    With the Cascada, Buick offers American customers an extremely emotional product – it is the brand’s first convertible in 25 years. In the USA, convertible market sales increased by three percent to more than 131,000 units from 2009 to 2013. This segment is distinguished by high customer loyalty: 37 percent of customers remain true to convertibles when they buy a new car. However, a good two-thirds of them change brands, which offers plenty of conquest potential for the Buick Cascada.

    “We will continue to work closely with Buick in the coming years wherever it makes sense,” says Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. A sound approach, as both brands stand for similar values but do not get in each other’s way on international markets: Buick is sold in North America and China, Opel mainly in Europe. GM has already announced the production of a new Buick model in Rüsselsheim later in the decade. “This enhances capacity utilization at our Rüsselsheim plant, thereby increasing its efficiency,” adds Dr. Neumann.

    Buick Enclave SUV
    But that’s not all: the Australian brand Holden will also benefit from this global GM strategy. Opel will export vehicles to Australia and New Zealand this year. In addition to the Holden Astra GTC, the especially sporty VXR version and the flagship Insignia, there will also be a Holden Cascada. Dr. Neumann says: “This makes the Cascada a convertible triplet on three continents – a very nice compliment and even more proof of the appeal of our large convertible.”

    Holden Astra VXR, Insignia VXR and Cascada convertible

    Monday, 8 September 2014

    !NEW! GM and Opel reveal groundbreaking technology for automated driving

    • GM to put its first V2V-enabled car on the road in about two years
    • Opel Insignia demonstrates low speed and highway speed automated driving 

    Opel Insignia Research Vehicle: Demonstrates low speed and highway speed automated driving

    General Motors and Opel are demonstrating their commitment to the future of automated driving and connected mobility at the Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) World Congress (September 7-11) by showcasing an Opel Insignia research vehicle, an automated Chevrolet EN-V 2.0 concept vehicle and a Chevrolet Cruze equipped with vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) connectivity.

    “GM will put its first V2V-enabled car on the road in about two years. What’s more I am announcing that we will bring an advanced, highly-automated driving technology to the market in the same time frame,” said GM CEO Mary Barra.

    “At GM, we have a renewed passion, the financial resources, the technology and the talent to think big, to step up our investments and take calculated risks. I am listening to customers and they want unfettered personal mobility. They expect us to help mitigate if not eliminate the congestion, pollution and traffic accidents. To me, these aren’t noble causes but imperatives,” continued Barra.

    Opel Insignia Research Vehicle

    An Opel Insignia will demonstrate intelligent and connected technologies on the south side of the city island. This vehicle, equipped with cameras, LiDAR sensors (Light Detection And Ranging), vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication technologies, demonstrates a future vehicle that can handle both low-speed, stop-and-go city driving and highway-speed automated driving.

    For automated driving: Opel Insignia equipped with cameras, Lidar sensors, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication technologies

    The six LiDAR sensors in the bumpers of the Insignia constantly use light scanning to identify objects around the car. The forward pointing camera on top of the car reads lane markings and detects other objects. The V2V and V2I technologies located in an antenna on top of the car work to communicate with other objects that the vehicle encounters. The car also uses GPS satellite to constantly remain aware of its position on the roadways. All of these inputs are fused through GM’s sensor fusion technology to enable 360 degrees of awareness and object detection.



    EN-V 2.0 Concept

    The Electric Networked-Vehicle (EN-V) 2.0 showcases the latest in intelligent and connected automotive technologies. After debuting the original two-wheeled EN-V concept in 2010 at Shanghai World Expo, this iteration offers a four-wheeled drive system that combines cameras, Lidar and V2X to offer a hands-free, low-speed electric driving experience.

    Chevrolet Electric Networked-Vehicle (EN-V) 2.0 

    The EN-V 2.0 has many of the same technologies that power the Opel Insignia research vehicle at low speeds. The small electric concept vehicle, however, is built strictly for low speeds. The EN-V 2.0 and the Opel Insignia research vehicle will interact on the same road on Belle Isle.


    Vehicle-to-Pedestrian (V2P) Technology Demonstration

    GM is demonstrating other potential uses of V2X communication technology by presenting a Chevrolet Cruze equipped with vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) communication technology.

     Chevrolet Cruze with V2X technology 
    At Belle Isle, mock construction sites are set up on the road course, and participants will be driven in the Cruze toward the work areas. Mannequin “workers” in the construction area are blocked from the view of the driver and passengers, however, they are equipped with arm bands that communicate their location to the oncoming Cruze via warning lights blinking on the “head’s up” windshield display. In the future, V2P communication technology could be integrated into more aspects of pedestrian life, enhancing driver awareness of pedestrians.


    “Being at the vanguard, we clearly have a lot of work ahead of us. But we will put the time to good use by accelerating our R&D and vehicle engineering efforts, engaging with regulators around the world and most importantly, talking to the customers,” concluded Barra.

    Tuesday, 1 July 2014

    !NEW! 2014 GM China Consumer Fuel-Saving Challenge Kicked Off

    Demonstrates excellent fuel economy of Buick Regal

    All Buick Regal are ready for fuel saving challenge.
    The 2014 GM China Consumer Fuel-Saving Challenge kicked off on June 30th in Huzhou, Zhejiang. 10 participants drove Buick Regals equipped with 2.0-liter engines to find out who could achieve the best fuel economy.

    During the GM China Fuel-Saving Mini Academy, current owners received training on how to save fuel in their daily commutes through onsite driving simulations
    They began their journey near Taihu Lake, driving 106 kilometers to Tianmu Lake National Park. The route included the Changshen Highway, city streets and rural roads.

    For the first time, vehicle owners as well as potential customers were invited to participate. Special courses were provided to both groups. During the GM China Fuel-Saving Mini Academy, current owners received training on how to save fuel in their daily commutes through onsite driving simulations. At the GM China Fuel-Saving Mini Test Drive, potential customers experienced the Regal on a closed track.

    At the GM China Fuel-Saving Mini Test Drive, potential customers experienced the Regal on a closed track.
    Buick Regal is a popular upper-medium sedan. It has a sculpted, sporty exterior design and a finely crafted interior. Its aerodynamic “fast back” styling gives it the lowest drag coefficient of 0.27 in its class. The Regal’s optimally designed chassis ensures a smooth ride. Its advanced passive and active safety features have enabled it to receive maximum five-star ratings for safety in the U.S. and Europe.

    2014 GM China Consumer Fuel-Saving Challenge Kicked Off.
    Buick Regal buyers have a choice of a 2.4L SIDI intelligent direct injection engine, 2.0L ECO intelligent engine or 1.6 T turbocharged engine. The Regal also comes with a new six-speed auto-manual transmission.

    Mr. Fei and Ni were the winners, both achieving fuel economy of 4.9 liters/100 kilometers. The average fuel economy of contestants was 5.5 liters/100 kilometers.

    The winner achieved the best fuel economy of 4.9L/100km at GM China Fuel Saving Challenge Huzhou stop.

    The annual GM China Consumer Fuel-Saving Challenge began in 2011. It was created to demonstrate how GM is addressing demand for high fuel efficiency through the products it builds and sells across China.

    The theme of this year’s event is “Use Less Fuel, Have More Fun.” It will feature products from the Buick, Chevrolet and Baojun brands at its three stops across China.

    GM China is also once again involving ordinary consumers through its dedicated WeChat platform (GM_China_jieyousai). Visitors to the platform can see photos and videos from all three stops, fuel saving cartoons and tips from the experts. 

    Wednesday, 2 April 2014

    !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. 

    Saturday, 29 March 2014

    !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.