Next Gen Buick Regal May Come From Germany

There was a time, however brief, when GM’s Saturn division was set to be a sister brand to Opel. Of course, this was not long before Saturn was killed off during GM’s bankruptcy. But GM liked the idea of a "Euro" focused brand in the US, so Buick was called in as the replacement. The Opel Insignia became the Buick Regal, and the plan has so far worked very well. In fact, the next-generation Regal, set to arrive in 2017, looks like it’s going to be imported directly from Germany to US shores.
Read Article

nguyenvuminh - 8/4/2014 5:27:39 PM

+4 Boost

Having returned to the States after 10 years abroad and seeing the current Buick (which are indeed Opel cars), I would say that this is one of the smartest and most effective move GM has made.

MattDarringer - 8/4/2014 6:50:32 PM

+2 Boost

Given GM Europe's financial woes, it follows that building near-premium products in Germany that can be exported profitably is a good idea.

The Cascada is a brilliant product waiting to be a Buick as is the Adam. The Adam would make a good 500/Mini competitor. A Buick "Astra" as a GTI competitor is a no-brainer as well. The trick would be make the small Buicks NOT compete with the Sonic and Spark on price and instead be a near-premium step up from them while still being attainable.

I'd do a Lacrosse that is a tick or two bigger than the current one and build it in Germany.

chewy - 8/4/2014 11:31:46 PM

+1 Boost

Ideally you want to build in North America cars that are designed in Europe. Sell at somewhat of a premium but keep costs at your standard.

MattDarringer - 8/5/2014 8:13:49 AM

+2 Boost

Ideally yes, but GM has to figure out how to get Opel out of the red. If Opel were robust, there would be no need to ponder building Buicks in Germany.

Vette71 - 8/5/2014 9:55:21 AM

+1 Boost

Keeping GM plants out of the red by building products there that don't maximize profit is what got them into bankruptcy. Germany isn't a cost effective place to produce products for the masses; premium products yes. Besides Buick's biggest market is China. Let Opel design and engineer them but build them where you make money.

85bmw745i - 8/13/2014 12:05:33 AM

+1 Boost

doesn't the current one already come from europe in the form of a rebadged opel?

dodgedart - 8/25/2014 3:22:00 AM

+1 Boost

Cadillac should take a page from the Buick playbook and build their cars in Germany too.