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Next Buick Verano headed to Shanghai Motor Show

Buick is a big deal in China and ranks third in automotive brand popularity there, according to a recent poll. It should come as little surprise, then, that the company is using the upcoming Shanghai Motor Show to debut the next-gen version of the Verano. We are even getting a shadowy tease of the small sedan's look ahead of the April 19 unveiling. Actually called the Wei Lang in China, Buick says the redesigned Verano takes styling cues from the Riviera concept from 2013 Shanghai show and the recent Avenir, as well. Neither inspiration seems too obvious based on this teaser image, but the small sedan does gain two creases down its side: one arches through the front door handle and the other picks up over the rear fender. Buick isn't even hinting at what powers the Verano in China and simply asserts that the model sets class benchmarks for "performance, safety and comfort" there. Of course, as with many foreign market models, it's possible that the sedan could use different engines or wear different altered styling when it arrives in the US. Buick Verano Sports Sedan Named "Wei Lang" in Chinese, Will Make Debut in Shanghai on April 19 2015-04-14 SHANGHAI – Shanghai GM today announced that the Verano, Buick's new-generation sports sedan, has been given the name of "Wei Lang" in Chinese. It will make its debut in Shanghai on April 19, on the eve of Auto Shanghai 2015. As a new strategic model for the Buick brand, the Verano will offer a refreshing driving experience through its stylish and dynamic exterior, exquisite and comfortable interior, and precise and powerful performance. The Verano was inspired by the 2013 Buick Riviera concept car and captures the design essence of the Buick Avenir concept car, which debuted at this year's North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The Verano demonstrates Buick's insight into the aesthetic preferences of Chinese consumers. It embodies the innovative reimagining of Buick's classic design elements, exemplifying the elegance and dynamism of Buick's new-generation products. It is expected to set new benchmarks for performance, safety and comfort in its class. Like the all-new Excelle GT, which was launched earlier this year, the Verano will serve as a strategic model in Buick's bid for a stronger presence in China's mid-range vehicle segment. General Motors traces its roots back to 1908. GM has 11 joint ventures, two wholly owned foreign enterprises and more than 58,000 employees in China.

Opel Insignia wagon would make a mighty fine Buick Regal

Once again, the Buick Regal's European stablemate will be getting a long-roof iteration, and our spy photographers have caught it out testing. Normally we wouldn't be overly concerned about the new Opel Insignia wagon, but considering the rumors surrounding a Regal wagon, we have reason to pay attention. Like the next-generation Insignia sedan that we've previously seen, this wagon adopts a much longer and wider look compared with the current model. The nose is also noticeably more upright than the gently sloping iteration of its predecessor. These changes are accompanied by more slender lights and a generally more broad-shouldered look. It's difficult to discern much else, though. As for the odds of this wagon appearing in the States, they look decent, but far from guaranteed. The next Regal sedan will probably continue as a rebadged Insignia, and may be built in Germany. Rumors of a wagon have persisted, supported by word of focus group testing with other wagons and the registration of a trademark for "Tourx." If Opel produces another high-riding, plastic-clad Country Tourer model, we could see it come here with the Tourx name to challenge the Subaru Outback, Audi Allroad, Volvo Cross Country models and, most recently, the Mercedes E-Class All-Terrain. It would also provide the company with another crossover-esque model for little extra development cost. We've also heard a report that a Regal wagon of some sort was confirmed at a dealer meeting. Related Video:

GM mulling Chevy Cruze hatchback for US, Buick 'Panamera' among other new models

We've spoken at length previously about the fallacy of poor hatchback sales in the US, and with the runaway success of its Chevrolet Cruze sedan, it's somewhat unsurprising to hear that General Motors is rethinking its decision not to sell an overseas five-door variant in North America as it looks to plug a number of holes in its lineup. GM North American President Mark Reuss admitted during a media luncheon this week that not offering the model "... was a pre-bankruptcy planning mistake," says Forbes. With the next-generation model already well-along in development, it's likely that the current Cruze hatch (shown above) won't see US dealers.
Reuss admits not offering the model "was a pre-bankruptcy planning mistake"
In what must have been a far-reaching conversation, Reuss hinted at a number of new products for many GM brands, including "a much more beautiful Panamera" range-topper for Buick (which sounds a bit like the line of reasoning the TriShield brand has been pursuing with its Riviera concepts) and a "Ford Transit Connect-fighter" to supplant the recently announced badge-engineered Chevy City Express from Nissan.