Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Sweeney takes over Buick/GMC general manager duties]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/sweeney-takes-over-buick-gmc-general-manager-duties/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/sweeney-takes-over-buick-gmc-general-manager-duties/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/sweeney-takes-over-buick-gmc-general-manager-duties/#comments Filed under: , , ,



For the third time in two months, General Motors has a new Buick/GMC general manager, this time hiring longtime employee Brian Sweeney to the high-profile post. Sweeney gets the job one week after Michael RIchards quit after just nine days on the job.

Sweeney gets the general manager post after spending a year and a half as general sales manager of Buick GMC. GM Sales Service and Marketing VP Susan Docherty said in a press release that Sweeney "consolidated 13 different agencies to one dedicated partner to drive a consistent brand message, led the dealer network through a difficult transition and has earned a reputation for tirelessly driving results that benefit consumers." That sounds like a lot of work to us. Here's to hoping this Sweeney guy lasts a lot longer than the last guy.

Sweeney's old job goes to 25 year GM vet Jennifer Costabile. The 25 year GM employee is coming off assignment as regional sales and marketing manager for Cadillac in GM's Southeast Region. Hit the jump to read the GM press release.

[Source: GM]

Continue reading Sweeney takes over Buick/GMC general manager duties

Sweeney takes over Buick/GMC general manager duties originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> brian sweeneyBrianSweeneybuick gmc general managerBuickGmcGeneralManagergeneral motorsGeneralMotorsmichael richardsMichaelRichardssusan dochertySusanDocherty Fri, 18 Dec 2009 07:59:00 EST <![CDATA[Four-cylinder Buick LaCrosse arrives Q1 next year, to be priced from $26,995*]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/17/four-cylinder-buick-lacrosse-arrives-q1-next-year-to-be-priced/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/17/four-cylinder-buick-lacrosse-arrives-q1-next-year-to-be-priced/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/17/four-cylinder-buick-lacrosse-arrives-q1-next-year-to-be-priced/#comments Filed under:

2010 Buick LaCrosse - Click above for high-res image gallery

A few months back following the debut of the 2010 LaCrosse, Buick surprised us with the announcement that it would add a third powertrain option to the sedan's lineup. After launching with a pair of V6 engines, Buick is now getting ready to start offering a LaCrosse CX model with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. This is the same direct injected unit that debuted in the new Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain last summer.

When the four-pot LaCrosse goes on sale early in the new year, it will carry a base sticker price of $26,995 (*including delivery). That's $840 less than what it takes to get the current 3.0-liter V6 powered CX model in your driveway. In addition to the up-front savings, buyers should expect reduced operating costs for the four. Final EPA certification numbers aren't in yet, but Buick is estimating that the LaCrosse four will net 20 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. For comparison's sake, the 3.0-liter is rated at 17/26 mpg city and highway.

The new 2.4-liter LaCrosse is slated to arrive in dealers in the first quarter of 2010. Official details in the presser after the jump.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Buick LaCrosse


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Buick]

Continue reading Four-cylinder Buick LaCrosse arrives Q1 next year, to be priced from $26,995*

Four-cylinder Buick LaCrosse arrives Q1 next year, to be priced from $26,995* originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2010 Buick2010 Buick LaCrosse2010Buick2010BuickLacrosseBuickbuick lacrossebuick lacrosse 4 cylinderbuick lacrosse four cylinder pricingbuick lacrosse pricebuick lacrosse pricingBuickLacrosseBuickLacrosse4CylinderBuickLacrosseFourCylinderPricingBuickLacrossePriceBuickLacrossePricingLaCross Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:33:00 EST <![CDATA[North American Car and Truck of the Year awards get shortlisted - Who are your winners?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/16/north-american-car-and-truck-of-the-year-awards-get-shortlisted/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/16/north-american-car-and-truck-of-the-year-awards-get-shortlisted/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/16/north-american-car-and-truck-of-the-year-awards-get-shortlisted/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

The finalists for the coveted 2010 North American Car and Truck of the Year awards have just been released ahead of next month's ceremony in Detroit.

Slated to be unveiled on the floor of the Detroit Auto Show on January 11, the nominees have been whittled down from 25 contenders to the following vehicles: In the car category, the Buick LaCrosse, Ford Fusion Hybrid and Volkswagen Golf will be waiting nervously in the wings, and in the truck category, the Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Transit Connect, and Subaru Outback will vie for the title.

The awards are the result of the deliberations of 49 North American automotive journalists and the winners will succeed last year's winners, the Hyundai Genesis sedan and Ford F-150 pickup. Check out a high-res gallery of this year's finalists below, peruse the official press release after the jump, and then let us know which vehicles you think deserve to take home the hardware in Comments.


Gallery: 2010 North American Car & Truck of the Year finalists


[Source: North American Car & Truck of the Year]

Continue reading North American Car and Truck of the Year awards get shortlisted - Who are your winners?

North American Car and Truck of the Year awards get shortlisted - Who are your winners? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:00:00 EST <![CDATA[Buick-GMC general manager Michael Richards leaves after just nine days on the job]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/buick-gmc-general-manager-michael-richards-leaves-after-just-nin/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/buick-gmc-general-manager-michael-richards-leaves-after-just-nin/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/buick-gmc-general-manager-michael-richards-leaves-after-just-nin/#comments Filed under: , , ,



Nine days ago, we posted about Michael Richards getting Susan Docherty's old post at General Motors, brand manager for Buick-GMC. Today, he walked away. According to The Detroit News, the official (yet still unofficial) reason is that Richards' previous employer - Trinity Automotive in Austin, TX - made him a very strong counter offer. Though it seems to us that Trinity would have made the counter offer before Richards packed up and moved north, and we've also heard rumblings from Detroit insiders that there's more to this story than meets the eye.

Whatever the actual reason for Richards' abrupt departure, Buick-GMC is currently without a leader. Chevrolet is in a bit of a better position, even though just yesterday its vice president and 31-year company vet Brent Dewar suddenly retired. Dewar was appointed to his position in July by ex-CEO Fritz Henderson, who just resigned/was outsted from GM... nine days ago. Dewar was immediately replaced by Jim Campbell, Chevy's Fleet and Commercial Operations manager.

It seems mostly obvious to us, that both Richards and Dewar's sudden departures have to do with Henderson leaving. Because honestly, it sure as hell ain't the weather outside the Renaissance Center. As for Richards specifically, it must have been odd and unsettling to start a new career on the very same day that the guy that hired you exits stage left.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Buick-GMC general manager Michael Richards leaves after just nine days on the job originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Brent DewarBrentDewarBuickBuick-GMCChevroletchevyFritz HendersonFritzHendersonGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGMGMCMichael RichardsMichaelRichards Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:20:00 EST <![CDATA[Spy Shots: Baby Buick sedan caught in Germany]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/spy-shots-baby-buick-sedan-caught-in-germany/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/spy-shots-baby-buick-sedan-caught-in-germany/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/spy-shots-baby-buick-sedan-caught-in-germany/#comments Filed under: , ,


Buick small sedan prototype - Click above for high-res image gallery

Yesterday, we showed you the first official rendering of Buick's forthcoming small car, a shrunken LaCrosse lookalike that is expected to be based on the European market Opel Astra. The image was flashed on the screen during General Motors' presentation of the new 2011 Buick Regal at this week's LA Auto Show, and judging by these latest spy shots from our friends at CarPix, it would appear that the rendering gives us a very good look at the upcoming sedan.

As we saw in an earlier batch of shots, the Delta-II platform-based model (known as the Excelle in China) will retain Buick's signature waterfall grille, yet unlike the Regal, it will have a set of horizontally-mounted ventiports to add a bit of the marque's characteristic flash. In the past, the number of ventiport holes indicated the number of cylinders of the engine lurking beneath the sheetmetal, but in this case, we don't expect for the as-yet-unnamed U.S. sedan to carry more than four cylinders.

With the Regal and this forthcoming small sedan, GM is clearly making a big push to lower the average buyer age of its Buick division by injecting a bit of sport and perhaps a greater measure of affordability. Is this the right strategy for the brand, or is The General at risk of revisiting the same brand perception (and brand overlap) issues it had in the Eighties with smaller cars like the Somerset and Century? Be sure to check out our high-res gallery below and then hop into Comments to let us know what you think.


Gallery: Spy Shots: Baby Buick caught in Germany


[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Baby Buick sedan caught in Germany originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> baby buickBabyBuickBuickBuick ExcelleBuickExcelleExcellesmall buickSmallBuickspy picsspy shotsSpyPicsSpyShots Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:27:00 EST <![CDATA[LA 2009: Buick rendering teases new compact sedan]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-buick-rendering-teases-new-compact-sedan/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-buick-rendering-teases-new-compact-sedan/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-buick-rendering-teases-new-compact-sedan/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Buick Compact Sedan Rendering - Click above for high-res image

Buick officially took the wraps of its 2011 Regal at the LA Auto Show, and in addition to showing off its sportier side, General Motors' reborn Lexus competitor confirmed its intentions to produce a compact sedan - and here's the first rendering.

Likely based on the Chinese market 2011 Buick Excelle XT (a rebadged Opel Astra with an upmarket interior), the new compact four-door is expected to lose its hatch in favor of a traditional trunk and gain a 181 horsepower, 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder mated to a six-speed gearbox.

The sketch above (flashed on screen during the Regal unveiling here in LA) certainly bears a resemblance to the Excelle and to the larger LaCrosse, although a few tweaks to the fascia, headlamps and the addition of a few hood-mounted portholes could be found on the concept and later, the production model. We should know more later this year, when Buick unveils an official design study followed by the eventual production car that is expected by the end of 2010.


Gallery: Buick Excelle XT

LA 2009: Buick rendering teases new compact sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> buick compact sedanBuickCompactSedanlala 2009la auto showla showLa2009LaAutoShowLaShow Thu, 03 Dec 2009 14:28:00 EST <![CDATA[Michael Richards named Buick GMC general manager]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/michael-richards-named-buick-gmc-general-manager/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/michael-richards-named-buick-gmc-general-manager/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/michael-richards-named-buick-gmc-general-manager/#comments Filed under: , , ,



Fritz Henderson's unexpected resignation may have taken top billing today, but it wasn't the only move announced by General Motors today. Michael Richards has been named the new General Manager of Buick GMC effective immediately, with the automaker looking from outside the company to fill the roll. Richards replaces Susan Docherty, who was named Vice President of US Sales in October. Richards joins GM after a short stint at Trilogy Automotive in Austin, Texas, where he led the use of digital and Internet-based solutions. Richards also worked as a consultant for JD Power where he launched tools for improved vehicle launch profitability and customer satisfaction.

The bulk of Richards' experience comes from cross-town rival Ford where he worked from 1981-2008. Richards was most recently the marketing brand manager for Lincoln Mercury from 2006-2008. Prior to that he worked as the general sales manager for Ford Customer Service from 2002-2006.

Regardless of where Richards received his management chops, Vice Chairman and Marketing and Communications chief Bob Lutz likes what he has with the long-time Ford man. "We are pleased to have Mike as a member of the GM family. His vast sales and marketing experience will be invaluable in his new role, as he leads the team building the Buick and GMC brands."

[Source: GM]

Continue reading Michael Richards named Buick GMC general manager

Michael Richards named Buick GMC general manager originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bob lutzBobLutzbuick gmc general managerBuickGmcGeneralManagergmmichael richardsMichaelRichardssusan dochertySusanDocherty Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:01:00 EST <![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #155 - 'Twas the night before the LA Auto Show...]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/autoblog-podcast-155-twas-the-night-before-the-la-auto-show/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/autoblog-podcast-155-twas-the-night-before-the-la-auto-show/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/autoblog-podcast-155-twas-the-night-before-the-la-auto-show/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , ,


Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

With the LA Auto Show near at hand, Chris, Dan, and Editor Extraordinaire Paukert sat down and talked over some of the latest for Episode #155 of the Autoblog Podcast. First up is the surprisingly thorough re-rework of the Mustang, before we move on to talk about the early release of U.S.-spec Ford Fiesta pictures. Gazing at photos brings us to the Chevrolet Cruze, which has also been lensed in North American garb. The Chinese-market Buick Excelle is rumored as a possibility for our market, and we scratch our heads about that for a while. Toyota's handling of its gas pedal recall and Nissan's low-priced and well-integrated navigation unit wraps it up before we move on to some of your questions. Right before signing off, we jump back to talk briefly about the newly unveiled Audi A8 and Saab's sad fortunes. At one hour, 50 minutes, it's an epic. We blame Paukert.

If you get bored once the new Autoblog Podcast bliss has worn off, check out our colleagues at Joystiq and Engadget. Let us know what you think by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening, we'll see you next week!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #155 - 'Twas the night before the LA Auto Show...

Autoblog Podcast #155 - 'Twas the night before the LA Auto Show... originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2010 Ford Mustang2010FordMustang2011 mustang v62011MustangV6audi a8AudiA8auto showautoblogautoblog podcastAutoblogPodcastAutoShowbuickbuick excelleBuickExcellechevroletchevrolet cruzeChevroletCruzechevy cruzeChevyCruzefeaturedfiesta hatchfiesta hatchbackFiestaHatchFiestaHatchbackFord Fiestaford fiesta picturesFord fiesta sedanford fiesta unveilFordFiestaFordFiestaPicturesFordFiestaSedanFordFiestaUnveilla auto showLaAutoShowlos angeles auto showLosAngelesAutoShowlost angelesLostAngelesmustangmustang v6MustangV6nissan navigationNissanNavigationpodcastsaabsaab dealsaab koenigseggSaabDealSaabKoenigseggtoyota accelerationtoyota gas pedaltoyota pedaltoyota recallToyotaAccelerationToyotaGasPedalToyotaPedalToyotaRecallv6 mustangV6Mustang Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:31:00 EST Autoblog Podcast #155Autoblog1:49:25LA auto show; cruze; chevrolet cruze; buick excelle; toyota recall; fiesta; ford fiesta; toyota; nissan; nissan navigation; mustang; v6 mustang; mustang v6; autoblog podcast <![CDATA[New Buick Excelle debuts in China, sedan coming to America soon]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/new-buick-excelle-debuts-in-china-sedan-coming-to-america-soon/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/new-buick-excelle-debuts-in-china-sedan-coming-to-america-soon/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/new-buick-excelle-debuts-in-china-sedan-coming-to-america-soon/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2011 Buick Excelle XT - Click above for high-res image gallery

Back in August, when General Motors gave the media a tour of its design studios to show off pieces of its upcoming lineup, one of the cars we saw was a compact four-door Buick sedan. That sedan was essentially a re-grilled and trunked version of the recently introduced Opel Astra, but GM did not say what badging the car would receive in North America. However, the five-door hatchback version has just debuted in China at the Guangzhou Motor Show as the newest baby Buick.

In what is Buick's largest market, the compact is badged as the Excelle, and we wouldn't be surprised to see that name come to the U.S. provided there aren't any issues with the similarly named (and defunct) Hyundai Excel. The car we saw in August was identical to the Excelle shown above from the B-pillars forward. It only differs at the rear where the hatch was originally a traditional trunk.

Unlike the last Saturn Astra (and previous attempts at smaller Buicks), the inside of the new car looks much more upscale and should be more appealing to American consumers. We'll probably only get the 181-horsepower, 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder in the Excelle in order to set it apart from the 140-hp Chevy Cruze that shares the same platform. If our version gets the 138-hp 1.8-liter at all, it will probably be paired with the automaker's new, second-generation BAS hybrid system.


Gallery: Buick Excelle XT


[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading New Buick Excelle debuts in China, sedan coming to America soon

New Buick Excelle debuts in China, sedan coming to America soon originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 20112011 buick2011 buick excelle2011Buick2011BuickExcellebuickbuick chinabuick excelleBuick Excelle Sedanbuick excelle xtBuickChinaBuickExcelleBuickExcelleSedanBuickExcelleXtchinaexcelle Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:29:00 EST <![CDATA[GM confims Chevy Camaro Convertible for Oshawa production alongside 2011 Buick Regal]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/gm-confims-chevy-camaro-convertible-for-oshawa-production-alongs/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/gm-confims-chevy-camaro-convertible-for-oshawa-production-alongs/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/gm-confims-chevy-camaro-convertible-for-oshawa-production-alongs/#comments Filed under: , ,


Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ever look for something high and low only to find it hiding in plain sight? That's how we'd sum up the latest announcement from General Motors. The company has announced that the new Buick Regal - based on 2009's European Car of the Year, the Opel Insignia - will enter production at the beginning of 2011 at its assembly plant in Oshawa, Ontario. There it will join the existing assembly line for the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain crossovers and the Chevy Camaro.

The kicker? General Motors subtly slipped in the announcement that the Camaro Convertible will begin production there as well around the same time. The drop-top pony car was first mooted with the concept unveiled at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show, and GM has been hemming and hawing about its production prospects ever since. Well, apparently they've made up their minds, and told all of us about it in the most understated way they could think of. Follow the jump to read the official press release.


Gallery: Chevy Camaro Convertible Concept


[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM confims Chevy Camaro Convertible for Oshawa production alongside 2011 Buick Regal

GM confims Chevy Camaro Convertible for Oshawa production alongside 2011 Buick Regal originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Nov 2009 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2011 buick regal2011 chevrolet camaro convertible2011BuickRegal2011ChevroletCamaroConvertiblebuick regalBuickRegalcamarocamaro convertibleCamaroConvertiblechevroletChevrolet Camaro ConvertibleChevroletCamaroConvertiblechevychevy camaro convertiblechevy camaro convertible conceptChevyCamaroConvertibleChevyCamaroConvertibleConceptoshawaoshawa ontariooshawa plantOshawaOntarioOshawaPlant Fri, 27 Nov 2009 09:55:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: New Chinese-market Cadillac SLS and Buick Excelle XT to debut in Guangzhou]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/report-new-chinese-market-cadillac-sls-and-buick-excelle-xt-to/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/report-new-chinese-market-cadillac-sls-and-buick-excelle-xt-to/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/report-new-chinese-market-cadillac-sls-and-buick-excelle-xt-to/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



General Motors' China's sales are up 60 percent year-on-year, and The General wants to keep the momentum going at its Chinese outpost. Automotive News China reports that the Guangzhou Auto Show will play host to the unveiling of the market-specific Cadillac SLS and Buick Excelle XT, the latter described as a four-door "coupé-like sedan."

The Excelle XT will take a place between the Excelle and the new Regal. The Cadillac gets 3.0-liter and 3.6-liter engines with GM's SIDI technology that also grace Australia's new Holden Commodores. The luxury sedan, a lengthened version of our STS with a superior interior, will also be China's introduction to OnStar.


[Source: Automotive News China - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: New Chinese-market Cadillac SLS and Buick Excelle XT to debut in Guangzhou originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> buick excelle xtBuickExcelleXtcadillac slsCadillacSlschinaexcelle xtExcelleXtgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsGuangzhouGuangzhou 2009Guangzhou Auto ShowGuangzhou2009GuangzhouAutoShowsls Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:59:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: GM offering special discounts to rejected franchise customers, move angers dealer group]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/report-gm-offering-special-discounts-to-rejected-franchise-cust/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/report-gm-offering-special-discounts-to-rejected-franchise-cust/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/report-gm-offering-special-discounts-to-rejected-franchise-cust/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



Realizing that one of its keys to survival is retaining existing owners, General Motors is proactively enticing nearly one million customers - those loyal to now-closed dealerships - with significant financial incentives. According to Automotive News, GM started sending 950,000 letters out last week to customers of stores which have shut down or lost a brand franchise. Included in the correspondence are $1,000 to $2,000 discounts towards purchasing vehicles from one of GM's four surviving U.S. brands (the incentive amount is based on the customer's "likelihood to purchase a GM vehicle and the relative distance to the next closest dealer," according to a letter GM sent to dealers outlining the program).

General Motors has about 5,860 dealerships right now. A total of 1,839 have agreed to shut down by October of 2010, helping the company downsize to between 3,600 and 4,000 retailers over the long term. While this incentive is scheduled to end January 4, a second wave of incentives (including one targeting Saturn customers) is expected to begin early next year. In addition, GM has also issued a service offer which runs through May that includes free vehicle inspections and tire rotations to displaced customers.

The retention programs - obviously meant to move customers between stores - have dealer advocate groups up in arms. Some dealers are still actively trying to get their franchises off the "kill list," and GM has said recently that some may in fact be welcomed back into the fold. As such, Automotive News quotes Tamara Darvish, a leader of the Committee to Restore Dealer Rights as saying "This is an inappropriate time to take such an aggressive measure... If in fact dealer rights are to be restored, why would GM go in and move all those customers?"

[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd | Image: Mark Ralston/Getty]

REPORT: GM offering special discounts to rejected franchise customers, move angers dealer group originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> CouponDiscountdiscount programDiscountProgramfinancialGenerall MotorsGenerallMotorsGMIncentiveservice programServiceProgramsusan dochertySusanDocherty Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST <![CDATA[Spy Shots: Next-gen Buick Excelle for China snapped]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/spy-shots-next-gen-cruze-based-buick-excelle-for-china-snapped/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/spy-shots-next-gen-cruze-based-buick-excelle-for-china-snapped/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/spy-shots-next-gen-cruze-based-buick-excelle-for-china-snapped/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Next-gen Buick Excelle for China - Click above for high-res image gallery

Soon Buick will have an entire lineup of competitive vehicles with the Enclave, all-new LaCrosse and soon-to-arrive-from-Europe Regal. Since the latter model is basically a direct port of the Opel Insignia, its success may help General Motors decide whether or not to snag a fourth model from another overseas market. The likely candidate is this car, the next-gen Buick Excelle that is currently sold only in China.

Recently snapped by spy photographers while undergoing testing with very little camouflage, the next-gen Excelle will adopt GM's Delta II small car platform that also underpins the new Chevy Cruze and Opel Astra. It's more closely related to later, however, as previous generations have been not much more than rebadged Astras. Just because Buick could sell the Excelle in the U.S., however, doesn't mean it should. Would the market really accept a Buick this small, especially when the Cruze is on sale across the street? Time will tell but you can let GM know what you think now in the comments.


Gallery: Spy Shots: Next-gen Buick Excelle for China


[Photos: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: Next-gen Buick Excelle for China snapped originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> buickbuick chinabuick excelleBuickChinaBuickExcellechevroletchevrolet cruzeChevroletCruzechinacruzeexcellespy picsspy shotsSpyPicsSpyShots Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:33:00 EST <![CDATA[First Drive: 2011 Buick Regal prototype looks to be a good sport]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/2011-buick-regal-first-drive/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/2011-buick-regal-first-drive/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/2011-buick-regal-first-drive/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

2011 Buick Regal - Click above for high-res image gallery

There's an odd bit of historical deja vu at work here. Back in the late '60s and early '70s, General Motors wanted to shift a few sporty-ish four-cylinder models from its Opel division into America, so they turned to their Buick dealers. This didn't work out exactly as planned - merchandising these odd European ducks in an outlet best known for sober doctor's cars meant that the GT, Manta and Kadett never managed to make much of a dent in North America's automotive landscape. This time out, with the Opel Insignia-derived 2011 Buick Regal, GM knows it needs massively better results.

This is a Buick the likes of which we have never seen before.
While attending an early drive event for the new Regal last week, we reminded vice-chairman Bob Lutz about the last time his company attempted to sell Opels in Buick showrooms. He laughed his trademark raspy laugh, and reminded us that Car and Driver so loathed the 1968 Kadett that their review featured it photographed in a junkyard. With characteristic candor, Lutz tells us, "It actually wasn't a very good car." Of course, Maximum Bob knows full well that GM can't afford another lost in space Kadett. Does the Regal have what it takes to mollify these "sins of the father" and put Buick on the right track? Click through to the jump to find out.


Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Buick Regal


Photos copyright (C)2009 Chris Paukert / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Buick Regal prototype looks to be a good sport

First Drive: 2011 Buick Regal prototype looks to be a good sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2011 buick2011 Buick regal2011 regal2011Buick2011BuickRegal2011RegalBob LutzBobLutzbuickbuick regalBuickRegalFeaturedfirst driveFirstDriveGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGMopelOpel GTopel insigniaOpel KadettOpel MagnaOpelGtOpelInsigniaOpelKadettOpelMagnaregal Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:55:00 EST <![CDATA[BREAKING: Buick confirms 2011 Regal 2.0T to come with manual transmission. Wait... wha?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/breaking-buick-confirms-2011-regal-2-0t-to-come-with-manual-tra/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/breaking-buick-confirms-2011-regal-2-0t-to-come-with-manual-tra/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/breaking-buick-confirms-2011-regal-2-0t-to-come-with-manual-tra/#comments Filed under: ,

2011 Buick Regal live unveiling - Click above for high-res image gallery

Trivia Time: When was the last time a U.S. market Buick was available with a manual transmission? Honestly, we can't recall anything more recent than a buddy in high school having a hand-me-down mid-Eighties Somerset coupe with a stubby, workmanlike five-speed. Even back then its presence in our friend's hooptie was a genuine curiosity and a source of perpetual amusement.

Naturally, we posed this same question to a few Buick PR-types this morning at a first drive event upon learning from vehicle line executive Jim Federico that the reborn 2011 Regal will receive a six-speed manual transmission option (mated to a blown 2.0-liter four, no less). The answer? Shoulder shrugs and sheepish looks. Curiously, nobody even tried to answer our query with a red herring like the ill-fated Reatta coupe (it only came with a four-speed automatic).

So we now know when a Buick will next feature God's Own Gearbox (probably in the third quarter of 2010), but we still can't crack this historical chestnut - so we beseech thee, Autoblog Nation... what year was the last Buick built with a DIY transmission - and what car was it in? Hit us with your best shot in Comments.


Gallery: 2011 Buick Regal Live Unveiling


Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

BREAKING: Buick confirms 2011 Regal 2.0T to come with manual transmission. Wait... wha? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2011 Buick2011 Regal2011Buick2011RegalbreakingbreakingnewsBuickBuick RegalBuickRegalJim FedericoJimFedericomanual transmissionManualTransmissionRegalstick shiftstick-shiftStickShift Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:31:00 EST <![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #153 - with Phil Berg]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/autoblog-podcast-153-with-phil-berg/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/autoblog-podcast-153-with-phil-berg/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/autoblog-podcast-153-with-phil-berg/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,


Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!


Long-serving automotive journalist Phil Berg joins regulars Chris, Sam, and Dan to chew over some recent items. Starting us off, the car we all want in our driveways, the Cadillac CTS-V Sportwagon continues to be grist for the rumormill. Staying with GM, we move on to the debut of the Buick Regal and its potential use of GM's latest mild hybrid system. We next hit up the coming Impala, which will not be a version of the stillborn Pontiac G8, before we comment briefly about third quarter reports and the fervor surrounding GM's financials. The final two items before we hit questions are the delay of BMW's new X3, and a possible wagon or SUV version of the Toyota Prius.

Let us know what you think by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening, we'll see you next week!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #153 - with Phil Berg

Autoblog Podcast #153 - with Phil Berg originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> autoblog podcastAutoblogPodcastbuick regalBuickRegalCadillac CTS Sport Wagoncadillac cts wagonCadillacCtsSportWagonCadillacCtsWagonChevrolet ImpalaChevroletImpalaCTS WagonCTS-VCtsWagonfeaturedgm mild hybridGM quarterly resultsGmMildHybridGmQuarterlyResultsphil bergPhilBergpodcasttoyota priusToyotaPrius Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:15:00 EST Autoblog Podcast #153Autoblog1:19:43buick regal; toyota prius; gm quarterly; cts v; cts wagon; autoblog podcast; <![CDATA[Rumormill: Bob Lutz drops more Buick Regal GS, high performance wagon hints]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/15/rumormill-bob-lutz-drops-more-buick-regal-gs-high-performance/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/15/rumormill-bob-lutz-drops-more-buick-regal-gs-high-performance/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/15/rumormill-bob-lutz-drops-more-buick-regal-gs-high-performance/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Opel Insignia OPC Sports Tourer -- Click above for high-res image gallery

While we were talking about the Escalade EXT launch with Susan Docherty (don't ask) during the Regal reveal at the Hollywood Palladium last week, Car & Driver's Steve Siler was pushing Maximum Bob about sportier versions of the newest Buick. Now, we heard mumblings about a new Buick Regal GS last month, but that was just dealer hearsay. Siler's report is straight from Lutz's mouth, and while he's not exactly the most reliable GM exec we've ever talked with, he does seem to have his finger on the General's performance pulse.

To summarize a bit, a 335-hp, all-wheel-drive manny-tranny version of the Regal might be coming, labeled with the legendary GS badge. There might even be a wagon version of the top of the line Regal - maybe even one with GM's eLSD torque vectoring. In fact, Lutz made it sound like GM might just import the 325-hp turbocharged 2.8-liter V6 Opel Insignia OPC Sports Tourer, crank up the boost a smidge and slap a Regal GS badge on it - which is more than totally fine with us. In fact, Siler suggests that what GM ought to do is make the tip top Regal wagon-only - sort of like the MazdaSpeed3 or WRX STI. Maybe call it the Buick Regal GSX? But like most such things involving GM these days, we'll believe it when we see it.


Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Opel Insignia OPC Sports Tourer


[Source: Car & Driver]

Rumormill: Bob Lutz drops more Buick Regal GS, high performance wagon hints originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 Nov 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> BuickBuick RegalBuick Regal GSBuick Regal GSXBuickRegalBuickRegalGsBuickRegalGsxOpelOpel InsigniaOpel Insignia OPC Sports TourerOpelInsigniaOpelInsigniaOpcSportsTourerRegalRegal GSRegal GSXRegalGsRegalGsx Sun, 15 Nov 2009 10:58:00 EST <![CDATA[Buick Regal likely to be launch platform for next GM hybrid system]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/buick-regal-likely-to-be-launch-platform-for-next-gm-hybrid-syst/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/buick-regal-likely-to-be-launch-platform-for-next-gm-hybrid-syst/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/buick-regal-likely-to-be-launch-platform-for-next-gm-hybrid-syst/#comments Filed under: , ,

2011 Buick Regal - Click above for high-res image gallery

Last night, General Motors publicly unveiled the 2011 Buick Regal that goes on sale in North America in the first half of next year. The Regal will be Buick's new mid-sized sedan entry and is essentially just a re-grilled version of the Opel Insignia that went on sale in Europe last year. The North American Regal will be built at the Oshawa Ontario assembly plant in Canada beginning in calendar 2011 and will only be offered with a choice of direct-injected four-cylinder engines. However, the Regal is actually slated to go on sale in calendar 2010, and some are suggesting that the sedan will be sourced from Germany for 12 to 15 months.

The base engine will be the 2.4-liter normally aspirated unit that debuted earlier this year in the Chevrolet Equinox, among other models. With a six-speed automatic transmission, the Regal should hit 30+ mpg on the highway. The optional unit will be a 220-hp version of the 2.0-liter turbo, but that powertrain likely won't come on-line right away.

Earlier this year, documents were leaked that listed the Oshawa plant as building a new mid-size hybrid sedan in 2011. It looks like the Regal will be that car with GM's new second generation mild hybrid system that was announced in 2008. The new system uses a more powerful motor/generator and a lithium ion battery. According to Ward's Auto World, the Regal could also get GM's plug-in two mode hybrid system, but that likely won't appear before late 2011 at the earliest.


Gallery: 2011 Buick Regal


[Sources: Ward's Auto World - sub req'd | GM-Volt.com]

Buick Regal likely to be launch platform for next GM hybrid system originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2011BuickBuick Regalbuick regal hybridBuickRegalBuickRegalHybridhybridmild hybridMildHybridplug inplug in hybridplug-inplug-in hybridplug-in-hybridplug-in-hybridsPlug-inHybridpluginPlugInHybridpluginsregalregal hybridRegalHybrid Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:59:00 EST <![CDATA[2011 Buick Regal revealed live at the Hollywood Palladium]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/2011-buick-regal-revealed-at-the-hollywood-palladium/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/2011-buick-regal-revealed-at-the-hollywood-palladium/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/2011-buick-regal-revealed-at-the-hollywood-palladium/#comments Filed under: , ,


2011 Buick Regal live unveiling - Click above for high-res image gallery

Last night General Motors' superstar train blew into Los Angeles for a gala event at one of Hollywood's most iconic theaters, the Palladium. Designed by Hoover Dam architect Gordon Kaufman and opened by a $1 Frank Sinatra concert in 1940, the Palladium has played host to a who's who of music superstars including James Brown, Led Zeppelin, the Rolling Stones, Madonna and the Pixies.

The Palladium wasn't just for music. President Jack Kennedy held a dinner there in 1961, and Martin Luther King Jr. was honored at the Palladium in 1965 after he received the Nobel Peace Prize. However, the Palladium's fortunes declined. Things got so bad that it was forced to close down for eight weeks in the early '90s. Recently, however, the Hollywood Palladium underwent a multi-million dollar renovation that successfully returned the theater to its former glory. Which leads us to Buick and the new 2011 Regal.

Continued after the jump...


Gallery: 2011 Buick Regal Live Unveiling


Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading 2011 Buick Regal revealed live at the Hollywood Palladium

2011 Buick Regal revealed live at the Hollywood Palladium originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2011 Buick Regal2011 Regal2011BuickRegal2011RegalBob LutzBobLutzBuickBuick RegalBuickRegalEd WelbornEdWelbornfeaturedGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGMHollywood PalladiumHollywoodPalladiumPalladiumRegalSusan DochertySusanDocherty Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:57:00 EST <![CDATA[2011 Buick Regal returns with four-cylinder only engine lineup]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/2011-buick-regal-returns-with-four-cylinder-only-engine-lineup/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/2011-buick-regal-returns-with-four-cylinder-only-engine-lineup/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/2011-buick-regal-returns-with-four-cylinder-only-engine-lineup/#comments Filed under: ,

2011 Buick Regal - Click above for high-res image gallery

Once up a time in the '80s, it was fashionable in Detroit to create so-called Euro-sedans by taking conventional mainstream grandma-mobiles and painting all the chrome black, dispensing with the white walls and installing overly stiff springs. Fortunately, those dark days are gone and General Motors and Ford at least have gotten their heads around how to build the kind of cars they sell in Europe. Just bring over European cars.

When bankrupt GM decreed that Buick would survive as one of the company's four core brands, it quickly became clear that Buick would need more models to flesh out its showrooms alongside the LaCrosse and Enclave. It wasn't long before it became obvious that the next addition would be a new Regal. The Regal is already available in Buick's biggest market of China and it's coming back to North America in 2010 as a 2011 model. Anyone familiar with the Opel Insignia will immediately recognize the Regal as the same car with the brand's trademark waterfall grille swapped in. Read on after the jump for more information.


Gallery: 2011 Buick Regal


[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading 2011 Buick Regal returns with four-cylinder only engine lineup

2011 Buick Regal returns with four-cylinder only engine lineup originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 20112011 buick2011 buick regal2011Buick2011BuickRegalbreakingbuickbuick regalBuickRegalregal Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:12:00 EST