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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.

GM to offer U.S. Buick dealers buyouts

General Motors Co said Friday it will offer all of its estimated 2,000 U.S. Buick franchise dealers buyouts as it moves to make the brand all-electric by 2030 in the United States. The Wall Street Journal reported the news earlier, quoting Global Buick chief Duncan Aldred who is set to discuss the plans with dealers Friday in a virtual meeting. He noted shifting to EVs will require significant investments by Buick dealers. "So if they want to exit the Buick franchise, then we will give them monetary assistance to do so," Aldred told the newspaper. Buick said in June it plans to introduce its first EV in 2024, but did not provide specifics. "The future dealer requirements are a logical and necessary next step on our path towards electrification to ensure our dealers are prepared to properly sell and service these unique vehicles," a GM spokeswoman told Reuters Friday. Last year, GM's Cadillac brand said it had thinned its dealer network as it shifts to EVs, saying it has nearly 40% fewer U.S. dealers than in 2018. GM booked a total of $274 million in costs during 2020 and 2021 related to the effort to buy out Cadillac dealers who were not prepared to invest $200,000 to $500,000 per store in the equipment and training to support the brand's shift to an all-electric vehicle lineup, planned by 2030. Buick traces its roots back nearly 120 years — five years before GM's 1908 founding — to an era when electric cars briefly outsold gasoline models in the United States. All Buicks sold back then were gasoline-powered. Future Buick electric vehicles in the United States and China will carry the Electra name, which dates back more than 60 years, along with an alphanumeric designator. (Reporting by David Shepardson) Related video:

2017 Buick LaCrosse gets Avenir-inspired tease

Stylish touches from the beautiful Buick Avenir Concept are actually hitting the road on the front end of the new 2017 LaCrosse. The brand is showing off this single teaser of a more angular grille surround than what is currently seen on its lineup. In the center there's a three-color version of the well-known Tri-Shield badge. Chrome wings meet at the logo, and vertical chrome bars lead the eye up over the body. A version of this design is eventually becoming part of the entire Buick lineup by 2018. Debuting at the 2015 Los Angles Auto Show in November, the future LaCrosse rides on stronger, lighter underpinnings than the current model. It also gets a five-link rear suspension. The company promises that the changes mean a more engaging drive from the sedan. "The Avenir concept shattered expectations of what a Buick could be and the 2017 LaCrosse promises to do the same," Duncan Aldred, vice president of Buick, said in the release of the teaser image. The show car's look was highly praised by critics when it debuted at this year's Detroit Auto Show. The Avenir even won Eyes on Design awards for Best Designed Concept Vehicle and Innovative Use of Color, Graphics, and Materials. Related Video: Buick Previews All-New 2017 LaCrosse Expressive, Avenir-inspired design cues introduce the new face of Buick DETROIT – Buick today confirmed the all-new 2017 LaCrosse, with a preview of its Avenir concept-inspired design cues. A striking evolution from current Buick models, LaCrosse features a grille design that puts a new face on the brand, including a new, three-color tri-shield insignia set on a wing-shaped element. Contrasting with darkened waterfall grille bars and spanning the width of the opening, it connects the grille and headlamps, and emphasizes LaCrosse's new sculptural surfacing. The design was introduced on the Avenir concept and was inspired by the 1954 Wildcat II concept. It's a face all Buick models will adopt by 2018. "The Avenir concept shattered expectations of what a Buick could be and the 2017 LaCrosse promises to do the same," said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Buick. "Its expressive design represents a break from convention and highlights the progressiveness in all new Buick models." The next-generation LaCrosse's design is framed on an all-new chassis that is stronger yet lighter than the current model and serves as the foundation for a more dynamic driving experience.