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GM SUV window switch recall urges owners to park vehicles outside

It's not unusual for there to be a lag between an automaker announcing a recall and the official documentation showing up on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website. So it's no surprise that a recent GM campaign took about a month to appear in its official capacity. However, there appears to be some big differences between the two reports with potential safety implications.
In late June, GM announced that it needed to recall 181,984 examples of the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Buick Rainier, GMC Envoy, Isuzu Ascender and Saab 9-7x from the 2005-2007 model years, plus the 2006 Chevy Trailblazer EXT and 2006 GMC Envoy XL. The new documents paint a slightly different picture with 184,611 needing repaired and different model years listed.
The reason for the fix is still the same, though. It's possible for fluid to contact the master power window switch module in the driver's door, which can corrode the part. Eventually this could cause a short circuit, leaving the buttons inoperable and potentially leading to a fire. But the new NHTSA documents add an important note: "A fire could occur even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made."

Buick confirms US-market Envision CUV to be built in China

As expected, the Buick Envision will come to the US market in 2016, and as rumored, it'll be GM's first product imported from the People's Republic. Buick confirmed the news today, while also releasing a number of technical details on the mid-size CUV, which has sold nearly 130,000 units in the Chinese domestic market in the first 11 months of 2015. When it arrives in US dealers next summer, the Envision will feature a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder EcoTec four-cylinder. Good for an estimated 252 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, the four-pot turbo is paired to a well-received six-speed Hydra-Matic 6T70 transmission. That's the same automatic gearbox that's offered in the turbocharged Regal and Regal GS and the current six-cylinder LaCrosse. The entire affair is underpinned by torque-steer-fighting HiPer strut front suspension, a crossover first for Buick, with a four-link setup in back. According to Buick, the Envision will also get the same Active Twin Clutch all-wheel-drive system being offered on the Cadillac XT5 and the new LaCrosse. Like the Chinese-market Envision, Buick is offering the USDM model with active grille shutters, LED running lights, LED taillights, heated front/rear seats, a heated steering wheel, 19-inch wheels, and a Bose stereo as standard. Buick also lists highlights like Active Noise Cancellation and an eight-inch IntelliLink infotainment system, although it's not clear whether these are standard features. There's no word on which auto show the Envision will debut at. Considering the timing, next month's Detroit Auto Show is a strong contender, although if Buick wanted to really drum up headlines ahead of its on-sale date next summer, it'd formally introduce its newest CUV in April, at the New York Auto Show. Either way, expect to see more of this handsome, Chinese-built CUV soon. Related Video: Buick Envision North American Market Fact Sheet 2015-12-04 The Buick Envision was designed, engineered and tested in Michigan as a world-class luxury crossover to challenge the world's best competition. It was awarded Motor Trend SUV of the Year in China and has 127,085 sales so far this year. When it goes on sale in 2016, it will play an important role in a crossover lineup that currently represents 60 percent of Buick sales in North America. It targets customers shopping between the Encore, the best-selling Buick in eight years, and the Enclave, which has continued to grow its customer base since its 2007 introduction.

Opel Insignia, the harbinger of a Buick, rolls out at Geneva

GM's sale of Opel/Vauxhall to French automaker PSA Groupe will take effect later this year, but new models roll out regardless, as Opel debuted its all-new 2018 Insignia flagship (and Buick Regal clone) Tuesday at the Geneva Motor Show. The midsize Insignia, which bears a great resemblance to a Mazda6, will come in Grand Sport and Sports Tourer (that is, a wagon - will Buick offer a wagon?). It is built in Russelsheim, Germany. As part of the GM-PSA deal, the two companies agree that PSA, maker of Peugeot and Citroen, will continue to supply some Holden and Buick models; Opel models form the basis for several of Buick's core products, including the Encore small crossover and Regal sedan. But as the two brands part ways, we may well see Buicks remaining Buick-y, and Opels evolving away from GM parts and designs. Seeking a little clarity on what the sale of Opel means, we asked Buick and were directed to a statement: General Motors announced an historic agreement to sell the company's Opel business to PSA Group. This is a major milestone and one that we believe will improve the business prospects of each company and deliver significant value to shareholders, customers and employees around the world. Buick and Opel have historically cooperated on a number of product programs. Buick products will not be impacted by today's announcement. We will continue to deliver our product plans with excellence and precision. Buick has delivered three consecutive years of record global sales, we are General Motors' second largest international brand, and we have built an excellent reputation for quality and customer service. The new products Buick will announce in 2017 will help us build on this momentum. The new Regal/Insignia is expected to use the same platform as the new Buick LaCrosse, which is also shared by the Chevy Malibu and Impala. They should once again be available with front- or all-wheel drive. With the Opel versions debuting at Geneva, the Buick Regal will possibly follow at the New York auto show in April. The Insignia will start at about $25,500 and has the now-customary roster of high-tech options such as active lane keeping, a heads-up display, 360-degree-vew cameras, a hood designed to increase pedestrian safety and a new Opel OnStar Personal Assistant to help book hotel rooms on the fly or search for parking spots. The car comes with turbocharged four-cylinder engine options, an eight-speed automatic, and it's 400 pounds lighter than its predecessor.