Opel CEO Announces First Plug-In Hybrid from Opel at IAA

• Three world premieres: Opel Grandland X, Opel Insignia GSi and Country Tourer
• Efficient propulsion: Grandland X to be Opel’s first plug-in hybrid
• Opel stand opened: Press conference with Opel boss Michael Lohscheller and Groupe PSA CEO Carlos Tavares

World premiere: Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller announced the arrival of the first Opel plug-in hybrid at the IAA – Grandland X SUV

Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller opened the Opel stand (D09 in Hall 8.0) at the 67^th International Motor Show in Frankfurt (open daily until September 24) with a press conference today. With 300 journalists and Groupe PSA CEO Carlos Tavares in attendance, the Opel CEO presented three world premieres.

Strong showing: World premiere for sporty Insignia GSi with Group PSA CEO Carlos Taveres and Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller.

The Rüsselsheim-based carmaker is bidding to take the booming SUV segment by storm with the compact Opel Grandland X. Lohscheller also announced that the newcomer will soon be available with a new top-of-the range diesel and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Furthermore, the Grandland X will be the first Opel to be offered as a plug-in hybrid.

“Our new Opel Grandland X as plug-in hybrid is the next big example of the opportunities that await us as a member of the PSA group,” said Lohscheller at the press conference. “We will follow this path closely.”

Elsewhere, the new top-of-the-line Opel Insignia models also took center stage. The dynamic GSi continues Opel’s long tradition of sporty limousines with that certain something while the all-wheel drive Country Tourer is the right choice for adventurers.

“We are continuing the biggest model offensive in Opel’s history with these three world premieres. We have made decisive additions to our portfolio this year with the electric range champion, the Ampera-e, the Opel Crossland X crossover, the Vivaro Life recreational vehicle and the Opel Grandland X SUV,” explained Lohscheller in Frankfurt. “We at Opel are proud to be part of the PSA Groupe now. Together we will create a European champion. We will do so by continuing to make technology ‘made in Germany’ available to as many customers as possible, thus staying true to our brand credo the future is everyone’s.”

 

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.

!NEW! Buick LaCrosse Hybrid Electric Vehicle Makes Global Debut in Shanghai

The all-new Buick LaCrosse Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) made its global debut today at the 2016 Buick Day event in Shanghai, where the award-winning Buick Avista concept was also shown for the first time in China.

All-new Buick LaCrosse Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)

Both models will be appearing on the Buick stand at Auto China 2016 in Beijing, which begins on April 25.

“GM’s leadership in electrification technologies, now and in the future, are coming to Buick in China,” said Larry Nitz, GM executive director of Global Propulsion Systems, at the event. “In fact, over the next five years, we will roll out more than 10 new energy vehicles in China, including several models for Buick. That includes full hybrids, plug-in hybrids and extended-range electric vehicles.”

Buick LaCrosse HEV supports Drive to Green strategy

A major component of SAIC-GM's Drive to Green strategy, the LaCrosse HEV adopts the same design language and technological advances as the recently introduced All-New LaCrosse, along with segment-leading hybrid powertrain technologies. 

The LaCrosse HEV is powered by a 1.8L SIDI engine that is paired with an electric variable transmission and a 1.5 kWh high-performance lithium battery unit. Its green pedigree is supported by numerous advanced technologies such as an electronic climate control compressor, electronic power steering, exhaust thermal energy recycling, and active grille open and close that maximize its efficiency. 

The LaCrosse HEV offers comprehensive fuel economy of 4.7 L/100 km. This represents a 35 percent decrease in fuel consumption from the LaCrosse with eAssist that is powered by a smart hybrid powertrain, yet the LaCrosse HEV sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.9 seconds.

SAIC-GM also released the all-new “Buick Blue” logo for the brand’s green product lineup at Buick Brand Day. The introduction of the LaCrosse HEV and “Buick Blue” logo represents Buick’s focus on upgrading its conventional powertrains and promoting green technologies.

Buick earlier introduced eco-friendly models in China that include the LaCrosse with eAssist and LaCrosse Eco-Hybrid.

Buick Avista concept highlights brand’s future sporty styling

Developed by GM's global design team, the Avista concept embodies Buick's new design language, sophisticated performance and advanced technologies. Shown for the first time at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January, it points to the future direction of the brand’s sporty styling.

Buick Avista has an arresting appearance, with flowing, uninterrupted body lines and a 2+2 modern cockpit that is clean, simple and elegant. It is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6 engine that produces 298 kW of maximum power. The engine is supported by an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The vehicle has adopted a great deal of carbon fiber and aluminum materials along with 3D printed door and seat trims. It includes trendsetting technologies such as Buick’s next-generation QuietTuning, the advanced Air Quality System and the Buick IntelliLink infotainment system. Its Magnetic Ride Control suspension delivers more precise body motion control than ever.

!NEW! All-New Buick LaCrosse Hybrid Electric Vehicle to Be Unveiled in China

Expands brand’s green product lineup, promotes eco-friendly mobility solutions

All-New Buick LaCrosse Hybrid

SAIC-GM announced that the all-new Buick LaCrosse Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) will be unveiled in Shanghai on April 18. GM’s joint venture with SAIC will also outline Buick’s vision for green transportation and introduce the award-winning Buick Avista concept for the first time in China.

A major product under SAIC-GM's Drive to Green strategy, the all-new LaCrosse HEV adopts the design language and technological advances of the all-new LaCrosse, as well as segment-leading hybrid powertrain technologies.

It is powered by a 1.8L SIDI engine that is paired with an electric two-motor drive unit that provides additional power to assist the engine during acceleration. The result is an eco-friendly, premium driving experience for owners as well as a practical green solution for sustainable urban transportation.

The Avista coupe made its global debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit earlier this year. It was developed by GM's global design team and embodies Buick's future design language.

The Avista pays homage to Buick’s heritage while showing the future direction of the brand’s timeless styling. It has a striking appearance, with a 2+2 modern cockpit that is clean and elegant.

Its twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6 engine, which churns out 298 kW of power, is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. In combination with a Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) suspension, it offers precise handling.

Throughout its 19-year history in China, Buick has remained attentive to customer needs. It has actively introduced advanced technologies backed by GM's global technical expertise. SAIC-GM’s Drive to Green strategy is focused on making its vehicles leaders in fuel efficiency.