Because it IS greener... LOL

 

If that was an import, I'd say, "Meh, it's alright."

But since it's a Buick, I say, "Whoa, that looks great! Nice work Buick!"

 

LMAO

 

That looks nice considering. Put some 19'-20's, Air Runner...

So what happened to the one here?

 

ha! So true. It's all about expectations.

 

Buick has as much prestige as Mercedes and BMW in China. Therefore Buick can design and sell expensive cars over there. If Buick brought this car to the US and tried to sell it for the same money as a big Bimmer and MB I doubt it would work..

 

true. Every Buick there comes with alloys, foglights, colour-keyed handles/mirrors/bodyside mouldings even on "base" models.

I guess it's sorta like Toyota selling the Crown here. There is no market for it here and people would rather buy the GS for the same money.

 

Because us Americans will never consider getting a Buick.

 

I've told you guys, numerous times, that Buicks were not just Grandma and Grandpa cars....there is your proof.

Even here in America, the current image of Buick as a Geezermobile is less than accurate. For example, my uncle had 3 of them in his 30's and 40's, and I had two of them myself as a teen-ager...and not GS 350/400 or Grand National hotrods either.

 

I don't agree that GM is just 'dumping' or 'unloading' cars in China. I'm sure they see it as a gigantic new market they want to become a key player in and are developing features unique for that market. And if they're bringing out models there before the U.S. I'd say that's smart as China is a potentially LARGER market and first in to win matters here.

Your argument is kind of like saying Toyota dumps models in the U.S. but that of course isn't the case they see it as hugely important and strategic market.

 

Dumping is illegal mmmkay?

Its simple. GM sees a HUGE market (second largest auto industry, and rapidly growing at that) in China. Design something they like, and sell it there.

That Buick looks very aggressive. I think it would do well in North America.

 

Another factor in the introduction of new models into China, although of course it doen't just apply to Buicks, is the fact that China makes it so simple. The days of the hyper-regulated Communist economy there are gone.
They are more capitalist now, and have fewer economic regulations there, then we do here in America. You can pretty much introduce and build a new vehicle there without having to deal with pollution and emission laws, gas mileage requirements, getting engines and drivetrains EPA-certified, installing expensive air bags and other safety gear, negotiating with auto-worker unions like the UAW, worrying about Insurance rankings, or any of the almost endless problems that acompany introducing and building a vehicle in North America or Europe.

Little wonder that auto manufacturers are scrambling to build and sell in China. I'm not saying that it is the way to get the best car for the money.....clearly it is not. Many vehicles in China, for reasons just noted, are lacking in comparison to those from elsewhere, and Chinese auto workers obviously do not have the pay and benefits of those in some other countries.......but building and selling the Chinese way obviously leads to low prices and high growth.

 

and some of the Buicks for sale there are designed and built in China too. Shanghai to be exact.

 

in china, owning a car is flat out a sign of wealth. owning a hyundai is regarded as prestigious. so it makes total sense that as the middle class grows, brands and trends will start (from a brand new fresh beginning). this is where you can grab a following and ensure future success. plus add the fact that japanese brands arent going to do well in china means you just cut out like 1/3 the worlds competition right there. its little wonder GM doesnt do anything here in the US. the % gain they can have is little. same is for europe. and the part about the super rich ordering custom hummer H2s is true. its crazy.

 

I had the chance to meet with what is GM China last year, you have to put Buick in Context to understand what is going on.

Buick is a Status symbol in China similar to that of Mercedes here in the US. They had an Emperor that drove a buick and so that was where the prestige originated from.

Also the China design is different than the US designs. In China, in China folks with Buicks dont actually drive them, they have drivers and ride in the back. So while in the US the driver seat is sweet spot, in China it is the passenger side back seat.

This means that the suspension is adjusted, the soundsystem and the sound deadeaning etc.

Also for background prodcuts that are manufactured in China are looked down upon by the Chineese, they often assume that it is of inferior quality

Also as background, in many families in China of the few families that can afford a car, this is often the first generation of that family where someone actually owns a car. In addition often and entire family will save up and chip in to buy a car. This means fathers, mothers adult children cousins etc a car in china is a big deal for the entire family and what we call extended family