Thinks Fast – All-New Buick Regal Turbo Adapts to Driver and Road on the Fly

Exclusive Technology Elevates Regal Driving Experience to the Next Level 

DETROIT – Imagine racing up a twisting mountain road, taking each turn as confidently as a rally champ, and then cruising comfortably down a suburban boulevard, ensconced in luxury without ever changing vehicles. Too much to ask of one car? Not if that car is the all-new 2011 Buick Regal CXL Turbo.

Regal Turbo, arriving at dealerships now, offers not one, not two, but three unique driving experiences, each selectable by a push of a button. The 2.0L turbocharged sedan features an exclusive chassis technology that allows the driver to choose between standard, touring and sport driving styles.
The Interactive Drive Control System changes the Regal Turbo’s driving dynamics by altering suspension, shift pattern and steering sensitivity through the variable effort steering system. The touring setting offers a comfortable, relaxed driving experience for long journeys. The sport setting enhances road-holding capability. And the standard, or default, setting is optimized for all driving situations.

“Interactive Drive Control links vehicle systems together, changing perceivable vehicle characteristics as it adapts to driver inputs,” said Bill Rietow, GM lead development engineer. “The driver can really feel the difference.”

The driver also can personalize the sport setting through the vehicle’s radio configuration menu to allow or disallow for any combination of the three features: steering, suspension or powertrain. If a driver likes the added steering effort but not the firmness of the suspension, he or she can simply turn off the suspension portion. 

The other major benefit of Interactive Drive Control is that it intuitively adapts the vehicle’s performance settings to individual driving styles. When a driver begins to drive more aggressively it will automatically tighten the suspension and increase steering effort. When the vehicle senses that the driver is cruising, it adjusts settings for rolling smoothness and comfort.

 Read More: http://media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/news/news_detail.brand_buick.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2010/Dec/1221_regal

Buick Dealers

2012 Buick Regal GS Production Model Takes Sports Sedan Performance To A New Level For Buick

• High-performance midsize sport sedan with 0-60 mph performance of under seven seconds
• Features exclusive, GS-only high-output version of the Ecotec 2.0L turbo engine with 255 hp and 295 lb.-ft. of torque
• Buick’s Interactive Drive Control System allows drivers to change the suspension settings and steering sensitivity
• Exclusive, racing-inspired exterior and interior appointments
• Goes on sale in the second half of 2011

MIAMI – Buick this evening reveals the production version of the 2012 Regal GS, an even sportier expression of the Regal sport sedan that went on sale earlier this year and has attracted new buyers to the Buick family. Powered by a high-output, exclusive Ecotec 2.0L turbocharged engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission, the GS delivers an estimated 255 horsepower (190 kW) and 295 lb.-ft. of torque for a 0-60 mph performance of less than seven seconds (estimated). Buick’s Interactive Drive Control System is standard on the GS, allowing drivers to customize the driving experience by changing the suspension settings and steering sensitivity between three modes: standard, sport and GS.

“Built on the performance foundation of the Regal, the Regal GS was designed as an even sportier expression of responsive performance and style,” said John Schwegman, vice president of Buick marketing. “The driving experience is powerful and spirited; and the GS represents the next entry in Buick’s product renaissance.” 

The Regal GS will be unveiled this evening at a consumer event in Miami. It goes on sale in the second half of 2011. Pricing has not yet been announced.

Product highlights include:

• Exclusive Ecotec 2.0L turbocharged and intercooled engine rated at an estimated 255 horsepower (190 kW) and 295 lb-ft of torque (400 Nm)
• Six-speed manual transmission, with six-speed automatic with Driver Shift Control to be offered later
• Interactive Drive Control System with GS mode
• Four-wheel independent system with HiPerStrut front suspension
• High-performance four-wheel disc brake system with Brembo front calipers
• Standard 19-inch, 5-Twin Spoke alloy wheels and all-season tire and optional 20-inch, 5-Twin Spoke polished alloy wheels with performance tires.

The exterior design features unique front and rear fascias, with the front fascia incorporating prominent, vertical air intake slots and specific grille treatment – with the vertical elements accented in a satin-metallic finish. The rear fascia has a pair of integrated, satin-metallic trapezoidal exhaust outlets. Rocker panel extensions and an integrated rear spoiler are also woven into the design. The GS cuts a sportier stance, too, with a slightly lower ride height than other models and aggressive 19-inch, 5-Twin Spoke alloy wheels and all-season tires (20-inch, 5-Twin Spoke polished alloy wheels with performance tires are optional).

Inside is a racing-inspired, flat-bottom sport steering wheel and metal sport pedals, along with leather-appointed 12-way power-adjustable sport driver and front passenger heated seats, which include four-way power lumbar. The GS-specific black interior is accented with satin-finish elements on the instrument panel, steering wheel and console, while the instrument panel glows white when the driver engages the GS mode of the Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS).

Read More: http://media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/news/news_detail.brand_buick.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2010/Nov/1104_regal_gs

Buick Dealers

GM Resurrects Mild Hybrid System For 2012 Buick LaCrosse

As we first reported more than a year ago, a beefier version of GM’s mild hybrid system, the kind that was on the previous Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, is coming next year. Set to debut on the 2012 Buick LaCrosse, GM’s new “eAssist” mild hybrid system is said to improve fuel economy by as much as 25 percent.

In the case of the LaCrosse that means improvements as much as 6 mpg in the city and 7 mpg on the highway compared with the 2011 four-cylinder model. Final estimates are a claimed 25 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway--impressive for a luxury sedan with seating for five adults.

eAssist essentially pairs a small electric motor with the LaCrosse’s 182 horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine to boost acceleration during high load situations and help reduce fuel consumption. The electric motor also acts as the car’s alternator-generator, topping up the batteries when needed and running ancillary features like the air conditioner. The system also features a regenerative braking system to help charge the car’s air-cooled 115 volt lithium battery pack.

Unlike a full hybrid system, eAssist cannot power a vehicle on electric power alone. Not surprisingly, the electric motor only adds about 15 horsepower during high load situations and the system can generate up to 20 horsepower from its regenerative brakes. The previous generation of GM’s mild hybrid technology only added an extra 3 horsepower of power assist and 7 horsepower of regenerative power. eAssist can, however, shut down the vehicle’s engine when stationary or when coasting to a stop and almost instantly restart it once the accelerator pedal is depressed.

The car also comes with an ECO gauge on the instrument panel that continuously responds to driving behavior, enabling the driver to drive with maximum efficiency. It also features a hill-assist system that captures brake pressure to help the driver more comfortably accelerate from a stop on a moderate or steep grade. It does this by reducing the tendency of the vehicle to roll backward with the engine in shut-down mode.

Read More: http://www.greencarreports.com/blog/1051533_gm-resurrects-mild-hybrid-system-for-2012-buick-lacrosse


Buick Dealers

Buick Enclave Earns Top 5-Star Safety Rating

Luxury Crossover Excels Under New, More Rigorous Government Testing System

DETROIT – The 2011 Buick Enclave has earned a five-star crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), further building on the luxury crossover’s leading safety rating record.

The Enclave previously received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick signifying best- possible “Good” ratings in frontal offset, side and rear crash tests.

Enclave was tested under NHTSA’s new rating system, implemented this fall for the 2011 model year. The new rating is based on more rigorous frontal and side crash tests in addition to rollover resistance testing. Under the new system, these three test conditions are combined mathematically into an “Overall Vehicle Score.”   Under this methodology, the Enclave achieved an overall vehicle score of five stars – the highest rating possible - even though several individual tests resulted in four-star ratings.

“Earning five stars under the new rating system is an impressive feat – one that clearly demonstrates the strength of Enclave’s advanced structure, overall crashworthiness and effectiveness of its state-of-the-art safety technologies,” said Jeff Boyer, General Motors executive director of vehicle safety.
Enclave has a comprehensive safety system designed to protect passengers before, during and after a crash. Standard safety-enhancing features include a StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with rollover mitigation technology,  Panic Brake Assist and OnStar Automatic Crash Notification.

Enclave is equipped with six standard air bags: two dual-stage frontal air bags, two seat-mounted side-impact air bags in the first row and two roof rail-mounted head curtain side air bags that cover all three seating rows. Complementing the air bags is GM’s rollover sensing system, which activates the head curtain side air bags if sensors determine an imminent rollover. Additionally, first-row positions feature safety belt pretensioners with load limiters, which activate at the moment of a crash to take up slack in the safety belt and tailor the safety belt load to the severity of the crash.

Read More: http://media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/news/news_detail.brand_buick.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2010/Nov/1119_enclave

Buick LaCrosse gets mild hybrid system standard for 2012

It may not be much of a hybrid, but for 2012 the Buick LaCrosse will come standard with a mild-hybrid drivetrain. A development of the belt-alternator-starter hybrid system that last appeared in the slow-selling Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, the LaCrosse eAssist system is good for 37 mpg on the highway, according to General Motors.

The belt-alternator-starter (BAS) hybrid system is mated to GM’s 2.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine and a new-for-the-mild-hybrid six-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid drivetrain uses a new 115-volt lithium-ion battery, that weighs 65 pounds and still allows half of the rear seat to fold down to carry larger cargo. The new electric motor/starter cranks out 15 hp, which GM says is three times the hp available in the Malibu’s BAS system. The hybrid system shuts down the engine at stops and recaptures energy from the car’s momentum when stopping to boost fuel economy. GM claims there will be no price premium for the hybrid system. GM claims the system will boost fuel economy by 24 percent, compared with the four-cylinder 2011 LaCrosse. In our testing that four-cylinder LaCrosse already returned 37 mpg on the highway, and 15 mpg in the city, for an overall average of 23 mpg.

Read More: http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2010/11/buick-lacrosse-gets-weak-hybrid-system-standard-for-2012.html

Buick LaCrosse

2012 Buick Regal GS Production Model Takes Sports Sedan Performance To A New Level For Buick

• High-performance midsize sport sedan with 0-60 mph performance of under seven seconds
• Features exclusive, GS-only high-output version of the Ecotec 2.0L turbo engine with 255 hp and 295 lb.-ft. of torque
• Buick’s Interactive Drive Control System allows drivers to change the suspension settings and steering sensitivity
• Exclusive, racing-inspired exterior and interior appointments
• Goes on sale in the second half of 2011

LOS ANGELES – The 2012 Buick Regal GS will make its auto show debut on Nov. 17 at the Los Angeles Auto Show. It is an even sportier expression of the Regal sport sedan that went on sale earlier this year and has attracted new buyers to the Buick family. Powered by a high-output, exclusive Ecotec 2.0L turbocharged engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission, the GS delivers an estimated 255 horsepower (190 kW) and 295 lb.-ft. of torque for a 0-60 mph performance of less than seven seconds (estimated). Buick’s Interactive Drive Control System is standard on the GS, allowing drivers to customize the driving experience by changing the suspension settings and steering sensitivity between three modes: standard, sport and GS.


“Built on the performance foundation of the Regal, the Regal GS was designed as an even sportier expression of responsive performance and style,” said John Schwegman, vice president of Buick marketing. “The driving experience is powerful and spirited; and the GS represents the next entry in Buick’s product renaissance.” 

The Regal GS goes on sale in the second half of 2011.  Pricing has not yet been announced.

Read More: http://media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/news/news_detail.brand

Buick Dealers
 

2012 Buick Regal GS – Official Photos and Info

When the Buick Regal GS concept debuted at last January’s Detroit auto show, future production was as safe a bet as you’ll find in the automotive world. Sure enough, this past spring, GM confirmed that the GS would head to showrooms, but released no further details. Now, finally, we’ve got the skinny on the first real performance Buick in a long time.

Staying true to the recent trend, wherein a concept car is nothing more than a production-ready vehicle with really expensive paint and a few exaggerated styling cues, the 2012 Regal GS looks almost identical to the car we saw in Detroit. Basic differences boil down to smaller vertical air intakes on the front fascia, slightly different trapezoidal exhaust finishers in the rear, and Recaro-like front seats in place of the concept’s actual Recaros. But the satin-metallic trim; integrated rear spoiler; rocker panel extensions; Brembo front brake calipers; and big, 20-inch wheels all make the cut for production.

More Boost Means More Power

The same uprated direct-injected, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder found in the concept will be the production GS’s powerplant. It’s identical to the turbo 2.0 found in the Regal Turbo, but GM’s engineers have cranked up the boost and reduced backpressure with a larger exhaust, upping its output to (an estimated) 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, increases of 35 and 37. At launch, the GS will be offered solely with a six-speed manual transmission—Save the Manuals!—while a six-speed automatic will be available later. The concept was initially claimed to hit 60 mph in under six seconds, Buick is now tempering its expectations, saying the production car will hit the mile-a-minute mark in “less than seven seconds.” We recently tested an automatic-equipped, 220-hp Regal Turbo to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, and we predict the automatic GS will complete the sprint in 6.7 seconds or so.

While the concept sent power to all four wheels, the real GS will only drive its fronts. Admittedly, we were disappointed at this development, but at least the GS will employ the new HiPer Strut suspension system, which uses a modified MacPherson geometry up front to better maintain negative camber in cornering and reduce torque steer. We’ve sampled a Buick LaCrosse prototype with this system and found it rather impressive. The GS’s ostensibly tighter chassis also will include a 0.4-inch suspension drop all around and an adjustable driving-mode system like the Regal Turbo’s for tuning suspension settings and steering sensitivity. The system’s Standard and Sport programs are carried over, but the Turbo’s softest mode, Touring, is ditched in favor of a unique, super-sporty GS setting. Larger front brakes with Brembo four-piston calipers will hide behind the standard 19-inch wheels with all-season Goodyear Eagles; a 20-inch wheel of the same design wrapped in sticky Pirelli P Zero summer rubber is optional.

The interior of the GS will differ only slightly from those of lesser Regals, adding a special flat-bottomed steering wheel, metal pedals, more-heavily bolstered front seats, the satin-finished trim, and white lighting for the instrument panel when GS mode is engaged. The standard goodies list will include keyless entry and start, a 320-watt Harman/Kardon sound system, Bluetooth connectivity, backup sensors, and xenon headlights.



Read More: http://www.caranddriver.com/news/car/10q4/2012_buick_regal_gs-official_photos_and_info

Buick Chicago

Buick Continues to Attract New Customers in October

LaCrosse, Enclave and Regal Driving Showroom Traffic

DETROIT – Buick, the fastest-growing major automotive brand in the United States, posted its 13th consecutive month of year-over-year retail sales gains in October, with a 36 percent increase. The brand’s retail sales have grown 50 percent to date in 2010, driven by customer demand for LaCrosse, Enclave and the new Regal. Total Buick sales are up 39 percent compared to the same period a year ago and 55 percent year to date.

“Buick’s sales momentum is fueled by continuing strong interest in LaCrosse, Enclave and the all-new Regal,” said Brian Sweeney, U.S. vice president of Buick & GMC Sales and Service. “These models are attracting new customers to Buick, with nearly 42 percent sales coming out of a non-GM make.”

LaCrosse October retail sales were up 41 percent year over year and 158 percent for the calendar year to date. Total sales for LaCrosse were up 37 percent year over year and 162 percent year to date.

Enclave also saw an increase in retail sales, up 52 percent versus October 2009 and up 25 percent year to date for its second-best month of the year. Likewise, total sales for the luxury crossover were up 53 percent for the month and 30 percent so far this year.

Regal also is a big draw in Buick showrooms, with interest fueled in part by accolades from the automotive press. Regal is a semifinalist for the 2011 North American International Car of the Year awards, as voted by a jury of 50 automotive journalists from the United States and Canada.

Beginning on Nov. 4, owners of the new Regal and other 2011 Buick models can access their vehicle information and OnStar services from their smart phones. The myBuick and OnStar MyLink applications, available as free downloads, will provide drivers with unprecedented connectivity to their vehicles from their Android or Apple iPhone device.

Read More: http://media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/news/news_detail.brand_buick.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2010/Nov/1103_buicksales

Chicago Buick

IIHS reveals most, least expensive cars to insure by type

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has released a rating of which cars have the highest and lowest insurance claims by category. In general, 2007-2009 SUVs and sports cars fared better than most other vehicle types in minimizing insurance losses.

The top 10 vehicles with the lowest overall insurance losses were the Chevrolet Corvette convertible, Mazda Miata, Chevrolet Corvette coupe, Volkswagen New Beetle convertible, Saturn Sky, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Veracruz, Honda CR-V, Subaru Outback, and Toyota 4Runner.

Among the vehicles with the lowest claims rate for medical payments other than sports cars are the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 2500 pickups, Honda Pilot, Audi A6, and Buick Enclave.

The results are relative, expressed on a scale with 100 representing the average car.  Unlike in past reports, IIHS says it adjusted, or standardized, the results to reduce distortions from non-vehicle factors such as operator age, gender, and marital status and vehicle population density. Collision and comprehensive results are also adjusted to standardize the deductible.

Read More: http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2010/10/iihs-reveals-most-least-expensive-cars-to-insure-by-type-chevrolet-corvette-mitsubishi-lancer.html

Buick Dealers

Buick Helps Bring International 140 Character Conference to Detroit

Social media conference allows Buick to engage consumers

DETROIT – Buick is sole automotive sponsor for the 140 Character Conference at the Fillmore Theatre in Detroit on Wednesday. The name of the conference refers to the number of characters allowed in a Twitter post, and is a leading international social media conference that attracts thought-leaders within the social media community, celebrities, politicians and business executives.

The #140conf encourages attendees to discuss and examine how social networking platforms and tools have had an impact on businesses, the media and their communities. The theme of the conference is “Exploring the State of Now,” where speakers discuss how the social web has changed the way they do business and, in many cases, the way they live.

“#140conf Detroit is an opportunity for everyone, from large brands to small businesses and entrepreneurs to non-profits to explore the opportunities available to us because of the rise of social networks,” said Christopher Barger, director of Social Media for General Motors. “By helping to bring this conference to Detroit, we hope to provide the Detroit community ideas and connections that will help them take better advantage of these channels – and we hope to learn more about how we can be more effective online.”

Buick’s sponsorship of the #140conf allows the brand to harness the power of social networking tools to engage and participate in conversations with customers. At the event, consumers will have the chance to interact with Buick’s two newest models – the LaCrosse sedan and the Regal sport sedan.
Conference organizers have arranged to bring together speakers from a range of practices, including politicians, media, educators, bloggers and business owners from across the United States.

Read More: http://media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/news/news_detail.brand_buick.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2010/Oct/1019_buick

Cadillac Illinois

2011 Buick Lucerne

2011 Buick Lucerne 4dr Sdn CXL
Stock#: 110282
Exterior: Quicksilver Metallic
Interior: Titanium
Miles: New
Doors: 4
VIN: 1G4HC5EM3BU113516
3.9L V6 Cylinder Engine

M.S.R.P. $34,190

4 yr/50,000 Mile Ltd 'Bumper-to-Bumper'
Plus 5 yr/100,000 Mile Powertrain

Buick Repairs Chicago

2011 Buick LaCrosse

2011 Buick LaCrosse 4dr Sdn CXL FWD
Stock#: 110168
Exterior: Mocha Steel Metallic
Interior: Cocoa/Light Cashmere
Miles: New
Doors: 4
VIN: 1G4GC5EC9BF145829
2.4L 4 Cylinder Engine

M.S.R.P. $29,805

4 yr/50,000 Mile Ltd 'Bumper-to-Bumper'
Plus 5 yr/100,000 Mile Powertrain

Buick Chicago

2011 Buick Enclave

2011 Buick Enclave FWD 4dr CX
Stock#: 110013
Exterior: Gold Mist Metallic
Interior: Cashmere With Cocoa Accents
Miles: New
Doors: 4
VIN: 5GAKRAED6BJ108444
3.6L V6 Cylinder Engine

M.S.R.P. $36,490

4 yr/50,000 Mile Ltd 'Bumper-to-Bumper'
Plus 5 yr/100,000 Mile Powertrain

Buick Dealers Chicago

2011 Buick Regal

2011 Buick Regal 4dr Sedan CXL RL1
Stock#: 110304
Exterior: Granite Gray Metallic
Interior: Cashmere
Miles: New
Doors: 4
VIN: W04GN5ECXB1010803
2.4L 4 Cylinder Engine


M.S.R.P. $27,190

4 yr/50,000 Mile Ltd 'Bumper-to-Bumper'
Plus 5 yr/100,000 Mile Powertrain

Buick Dealers

Buick-GMC considers loaner cars to build brand awareness

DETROIT (Bloomberg) -- General Motors Co.'s GMC and Buick, the fastest-growing brand in the U.S. this year, are considering a courtesy loaner program for customers getting warranty service on their vehicles to build awareness of the company's products.

GM may start the service in the “next couple weeks,” Brian Sweeney, vice president of sales for Buick and GMC, said in a telephone interview. The program would seek to get GMC Acadia owners into a Buick Enclave, for example, and build recognition of more GM vehicles, he said.

“We want to expose customers to other Buick and GMC products,” said Sweeney, who last week met with about 900 dealers that sell the two brands.

Dealers selling Buick need to change and meet the expectations customers have when shopping for a premium car, said Mike Bowsher, co-chairman of the national dealer council for Buick-GMC and president of Carl Black Automotive Group.

“We can't sell Buicks like we did Pontiac,” Bowsher, who runs dealerships in Georgia, Tennessee and Florida, said in a telephone interview. “A lot of us were old Pontiac dealers, and we now have to learn how to handle the Lexus, Ritz-Carlton, Cadillac, Mercedes kind of crowd.”

Read more: http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20101011/RETAIL03/101019965/1147#ixzz129y4I4Zy

Buick Dealers

GM to announce production of first Buick compact car in 20 years

DETROIT -- General Motors Co. is set to announce Thursday that it will begin production on a new compact car, the Buick Verano, at its assembly plant in Orion Township, Mich., according to published reports

The Buick Verano, which will be a luxury version of the Chevrolet Cruze, will go on sale in 2012 -- the first Buick compact car since the Somerset Regal more than 20 years ago.

The Detroit News, the Detroit Free Press, and The Wall Street Journal all reported the plans this week. A GM spokeswoman declined to confirm the reports.

GM is set to use the Orion Township plant to create several smaller, fuel-efficient cars, including a new version of the Chevrolet Aveo for next year. GM is also set to begin production of the Chevrolet Spark minicar in 2012.

The domestic production of the Aveo is a part of the recent agreement GM reached with the UAW that allows the union to negotiate separate labor agreements for plants making small cars, Automotive News first reported Monday.

This amendment to the 2009 agreement was made to allow GM to profitably produce small cars in the United States. The agreement requires 60 percent of all hourly workers at the plant to receive traditional production wages of $28 an hour with full benefits, while the remaining 40 percent receive about half that wage.


Read more: http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20101006/OEM01/101009911/1259#ixzz11gxUdpO2

Buick Dealers Illinois

Buick GMC Dealers Go Behind the Scenes

Dealers to receive first of its kind treatment at annual business meeting

DETROIT – Nearly 900 of more than 1,000 Buick and GMC dealers invited from across the United States are going behind the scenes to see how the products they sell are built and to do their own test drives.

In a first for General Motors, the dealers are test driving Buick and GMC vehicles at GM’s Milford Proving Ground and touring the Lansing Delta Township Assembly Plant to get a firsthand look at where the Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia are assembled. The dealers are paying their own way to participate.

“We have never brought our dealers this close to our business. This program was created to give them a unique behind-the-scenes look,” said Brian Sweeney, U.S. vice president of Buick & GMC Sales and Service. “We want to empower our dealers to take what they learned here and share their experience with their customers and dealerships.”

The program, consisting of three waves, began Oct. 5. During each wave, approximately 300 dealers participate in vehicle test drives at GM’s Milford Proving Ground, a tour of Lansing Delta Township Assembly Plant and a business meeting.

“This is a great time to be a Buick & GMC dealer,” said Bobby Cavender of Cavender Buick GMC in San Antonio. “GM dealers are excited about the future and the next generation of vehicles.”

While at the proving ground, participants are behind the wheel of the newest Buick and GMC cars, trucks and crossovers, including the 2011 Buick LaCrosse, 2011 Buick Regal CXL Turbo, 2011 GMC Sierra HD and 2011 GMC Acadia Denali. Four unique test tracks were set up to highlight vehicle performance, capabilities, ride and handling. At each test drive, dealers were able to drive competitive products for a head-to-head comparison.

The highlight for many dealers at the proving ground was driving the Regal CXL Turbo through an “autocross” course to evaluate vehicle handling at higher speeds; and using the 2011 Sierra 3500HD to tow an 8,000 lb. trailer up a 7 percent hill against the 2011 Ford F-350 Diesel and the 2010 Dodge Ram 3500 Diesel.

At Lansing Delta Township, attendees toured the Stamping Plant, Body Shop and General Assembly operations. The plant recently started production for the 2011 GMC Acadia Denali, and the award-winning facility is the first and only manufacturing facility to be a Gold Certified Leader in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).

Read More: http://media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/news/news_detail.brand_buick.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2010/Oct/1006_buick

Buick Dealers

Ettleson Buick Service Department

Our shop is dedicated to keeping your vehicle in top shape and you happy. We offer over-the-top service at great values and we look forward to earning your trust.

 Our experienced service advisors and CSE certified technicians will make sure that you and your vehicle are well taken care of!

http://mybuickplace.com/Service

2011 Buick Regal Earns IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK

Highest possible ratings achieved in all Insurance Institute safety tests

DETROIT – The 2011 Buick Regal received the highest-possible ratings of “Good” in front, side, rear and rollover crash protection tests by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which recognized Regal as a 2010 Top Safety Pick.

“A vehicle that earns the TOP SAFETY PICK award is recognized for achieving the best performance in the Institute’s battery of tough crash test evaluations,” said IIHS president Adrian Lund. “Only vehicles with the highest rating of ‘good’ across the board, and electronic stability control for helping drivers to avoid crashes can claim this honor.”


The 2011 Buick Regal provides consumers great driving performance and a number of standard features which exemplify Buick’s commitment to continuous safety – before, during and after a crash.  Regal’s sculpted, flowing design and responsive performance may be the top reasons for purchase, but the vehicle’s safety systems provide a level of confidence consumers have come to expect from their vehicle.  Regal’s standard safety features include the StabiliTrak electronic stability control and full-function traction control, dual-stage frontal air bags, side-curtain air bags, driver and front passenger safety belt pretensioners and load limiters, pedal-release system and the safety and security of OnStar.


“The Buick Regal is not only catching the attention of consumers with its design and responsive driving performance but also by being a leader in its class for safety,” said John Schwegman, vice president of Buick Marketing.  “The IIHS Top Safety Pick Award acknowledges our commitment to offering our customers great safety systems that enhance their driving experience.”

Read More:  http://media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/news/news_detail.brand_buick.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2010/Aug/0830_regal

Buick Dealers

Buick, after years of struggle, shows signs of turnaround

NEW YORK -- While the focus at General Motors Co. in the past several months has been on the change to new marketing chief Joel Ewanick, on reshaping Chevrolet and Cadillac and on the automaker's impending initial public offering, very quietly the Buick brand has become a driving force for the company.

A new design and a marketing shift targeting a younger audience have helped U.S. sales of Buick's Enclave, Regal and LaCrosse skyrocket since last year -- and even more so in China, where it is the No. 1 brand.

To steal a line from the classic Oldsmobile campaign, this is not your (grand)father's car any more.

That campaign didn't increase sales of Oldsmobiles that much, and it remains to be seen whether the Buick surge can be sustained. But Ewanick is confident that the brand is back.

Read more: http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100816/OEM/100819896/1259#ixzz0xYVE2fsN

Buick Chicago

Driving impressions: Buick Regal

Who would ever have thought that a relatively compact, German-built, four-cylinder-only sedan would be sold through Buick dealers? Well, if you're old enough to remember the Opel Kadett from the early 1970s—or if you actually remember the Kadett existed at all—then you qualify. Otherwise, the new Regal might come as something of a surprise.

The 2011 Buick Regal marks a dramatic change from the Regals of yore. Aside from the legendary Grand Nationals, Regals were known for their tufted velour interiors, floaty suspensions, and long hoods. The new car redefines the moniker.


The brand new Buick Regal is the latest European import to wear a domestic badge. Despite the Buick badge it’s an Opel Insignia from General Motor’s German subsidiary, designed to compete with European mainstays like the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat. Once destined to take the place of the Saturn Aura, the Regal should meet a happier fate as part of the renascent Buick lineup. After the first year of production the Regal will be built in Canada.

Buick hopes the new Regal will help transform its customer base from the AARP crowd to the SCCA fan base. To that end, the Regal is not a Honda Accord fighter but something closer to an Acura TSX, Audi A4, or Volvo S60. Available only as a sedan for now, the Regal starts at around $26,500. Typically equipped versions will go for close to $29,000.

Read More:  http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2010/08/driving-impressions-buick-regal.html

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GM Confirms New Dealer Network

Structured to provide best retail experience and create positive, lasting customer relationships

DETROIT – General Motors today announced that it has concluded the dealer arbitration process and that effective Nov. 1, it will have a network of about 4,500 U.S. dealerships to sell and service customers for Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles.
The company also reported that many of these dealerships are participating in a major facilities upgrade program, with more than 300 updates already completed and about 1,000 projects scheduled through the end of 2010.
“Our dealers are the face of GM to our customers and valued members of the communities where they do business across America,” said Mark Reuss, president, GM North America. “We’re confident our dealer network will be the best in the business. It will be the right size with the right dealers to give our customers great service during and after the purchase.
“A strong, profitable dealer network selling and servicing the world’s best cars and trucks is a genuine market advantage,” Reuss said.
Although GM’s new dealer network is about 25 percent smaller than in early 2009, it remains the nation’s largest. This gives existing and potential GM customers more choice and convenience when it comes to where to buy a car and have it serviced.

Read More: http://media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/news/news_detail.brand_buick.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2010/Aug/0805_dealer_bg

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Buick Retail Sales Doubled in July, Driven by LaCrosse, Regal Demand

Total Buick sales up 60 percent 2010 calendar year to date

Detroit – Buick posted a 137-percent total sales increase in July compared to the same month last year. This includes a 104-percent increase in retail sales, driven by customer demand for the LaCrosse and the all-new Regal.

Following the introductions of the LaCrosse last summer and Regal this summer, Buick retail sales have climbed 41 percent for 2010 calendar year to date, with July the best retail sales month of the year.

“The LaCrosse and Regal continue to contribute heavily to our sales momentum,” said Brian Sweeney, U.S. vice president of Buick & GMC Sales and Service, “Both represent the modern, world-class cars coming from Buick. The Enclave crossover, introduced in 2007, also continues to add to our division’s strong retail sales gains.”

LaCrosse total sales increased four-fold in July, and retail sales almost tripled, compared to July 2009. Calendar year to date, LaCrosse total sales are up 228 percent compared to 2009.

The redesigned LaCrosse has garnered several awards since its introduction last summer, including being named MotorWeek’s Drivers’ Choice Award for “Best Luxury Sedan,” and a 2010 Top Safety Pick by the Institute for Highway Safety. To help meet keep consumer demand for LaCrosse, a third shift was added to the Fairfax Assembly facility in Kansas City, Kan.

The all-new 2011 Regal began arriving in dealerships in late May. Consumer demand for Regal has been encouraging, and the Regal is expected to be one of the brand’s highest-volume sellers as it reaches dealerships in higher numbers.

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Buick Introduces the Second Television Commercial for the 2011 Regal

Buick is introducing the second in a series of several television commercials as part of its advertising campaign for the 2011 Regal. The campaign launching throughout July uses both unconventional and traditional outlets to introduce Regal to a new consumer audience.

“The first of the Regal television commercials will allow consumers to discover the all-new Regal sport sedan,” said Craig Bierley, Buick advertising director. “The subsequent television spots and the advertising campaign will present the Regal in a range of media that will allow consumers the ability to draw their own conclusions on the vehicle.”

About Buick
Buick is a modern brand with premium, high-quality vehicles characterized by sculpted designs, luxurious interiors with personal technologies, and responsive-yet-efficient performance. Buick is attracting new customers with its portfolio of award-winning vehicles, including the Enclave crossover, LaCrosse sedan and Regal sport sedan. A new compact sedan and small crossover will join the portfolio in the next few years. Buick’s sales continue to increase in North America, and it remains a best-selling brand in China, with continuing record growth. Learn more about Buick cars and crossovers at www.buick.com, on Twitter @buick or at facebook.com/buick.

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2010 Buick Enclave

2010 Buick Enclave

M.S.R.P. $43,060
Stock#: 100760
Exterior: Gold Mist Metallic
Interior: Cashmere With Cocoa Accents
Doors: 4
VIN: 5GALRBED1AJ253402
3.6L V6 Cylinder Engine

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2010 Buick LaCrosse

2010 Buick LaCrosse

M.S.R.P. $32,240
Stock#: 100833
Exterior: Mocha Steel Metallic
Interior: Cocoa/Light Cashmere
Doors: 4
VIN: 1G4GC5EG7AF317020
3.0L V6 Cylinder Engine

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2010 Buick LaCrosse Named a “Top 10 Best Dark-Horse Car of 2010” By Edmunds.com

The LaCrosse Continues to Earns Industry and Consumer Recognition

Detroit – Edmunds.com today named the 2010 Buick LaCrosse one of the “Top 10 Best Dark-Horse Cars of 2010.” This recognition from Edmunds.com is the latest in a list of awards that the LaCrosse has received, along with strong customer demand, which demonstrates Buick’s continued commitment to customer satisfaction and vehicle quality and reputation.

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Lucerne Ranks in Large Car Top Three in J.D. Power Initial Quality Study

DETROIT – The Buick Lucerne placed No. 2 in initial quality in the Large Car segment of the 2010 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS), the latest example of Buick’s commitment to vehicle quality.

The Initial Quality Study measures the number of problems consumers experience during the first 90 days of vehicle ownership.

“Lucerne’s ranking in the Initial Quality Study is yet another example of how Buick is focused on providing high-quality and reliable vehicles for consumers that offer modern styling and refined performance,” said John Schwegman, U.S. marketing vice president of Buick-GMC.

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