wildcat

I guess their feeling that a logo looks more upscale without color explains why they did away with the red, white, and blue Buick tri-shield logo several years back, in favor of the silver or chrome one now used.

How close will the interior of the production Buick Enclave be to the concept vehicle? Here's the direction Buick and Cadillac are heading, according to "GM interior leans toward jet-set style." To see the article, click here.

Poor caption. It's not a "minivan," it's the beautiful Buick Enclave concept. And it isn't clear whether the two men are momentarily glancing at the Camaro (I'd hardly call it "gaping") or something on the table, while the other three working on the Enclave are busy doing their job. Both vehicles turned out very nice, and impressed each of their intended audiences.

Since Velite is dead (so be it, at least I won't have to read any more new threads asking "When is the Buick convertible coming?"), what should GM do for a halo car for Buick? turbo200: Not much to be envious about with Buick and Zeta. After three years of hoping by many people, evidently no Velite convertible. At one point, Zeta was said to be of prime importance to Buick... but look how it stands at this time: one car, not even in a new segment, just one 4-door sedan replacing another. < sigh > Hudson: Thank you for the reply. What is the likelihood that the name "Lucerne" will be retained, given all the positive reviews the car has received recently, the quick turnaround on dealers' lots, the high proportion of retail vs. fleet sales, etc.? At the risk of starting again from scratch, I wish that they would call it "Invicta" (rather than "Lucerne" or, as Bob Lutz mentioned, "Statesman"), so it's not a total carbon copy of the Holden Statesman including in name, and it could seem like they --for once-- considered the opinions of longtime Buick fans when naming a vehicle.

evok: Since the Zeta Buick is a large sedan, will it replace or be sold alongside Lucerne? Does GM feel the need to offer anything but large Buicks? Is a small or midsize Buick Theta crossover still a possibility? I understand about the limited market a Velite-type convertible would have, but isn't GM (as they did with the LaCrosse concept) failing to capitalize on positive press and public reaction to a Buick?

The 5/5/06 Detroit News included a substantive article on Girsky's work. To read it, click here. ZL-1: Why do you need to quote my post in its entirety when it was right above yours?

The website the truthaboutcars.com says that Buick has forgotten who they are and what they are about. Read their observations by clicking here. They make some good points, but how can Buick be much of anything with only three vehicles?

Automotive News reported today that Steve Girsky, who was hired last August as a special adviser to Rick Wagoner and Vice Chairman John Devine, will be leaving GM. When Girsky joined them, Wagoner said, "His deep knowledge and experience in the global auto industry will enable Steve to contribute significantly in support of our key business strategies, including the turn-around of GM North America." What exactly did Girsky do in that short amount of time? Did he make a difference?

Pontiac GXP: Hudson, who is knowledgeable, just said, only a few posts before yours, that "there's no Pontiac at all in the current plans." Going by that, no GTO and no Grand Prix.

Sam Moses, a writer for the Portland Tribune, has written a positive review about the Buick Lucerne. To view it, click here.

The commonalities of future Saturns and Opels was discussed in an AutoWeek Q&A with Bryan Nesbitt, Head of GM Europe Design. To view the article, click here. Evidently, planning began about 3 years ago and we're beginning to see the results.

GM's press push continues, with Rick Wagoner answering questions from Paul Solman, Economics Correspondent for PBS' NewsHour with Jim Lehrer. To view a transcript of the interview, dated April 20, 2006, click here.

Won't the Lambda crossovers be going on sale before the next 12 months are up?

VenSeattle: My hero! Besides, Lutz, in one comment a while back, said Buick would have "sporty coupes and trucks of all sizes." Remember? It seemed at the time as if the reporter mis-quoted him or he was dodging what Buick, specifically, would have. Yeah, I know better. < sigh >

So how well would the Holden Statesman (= Buick Statesman) compare to an S-Class or 7-Series? Assuming that the Statesman will replace Lucerne.

That's why I made that post to GM Fastlane Blog recently, asking for information on Buick's future. Why don't you guys write, too?

But hasn't GM, more or less, acknowledged that LaCrosse needs something to compete, so they're releasing the LaCrosse Super? Doesn't that say they realize it's not competitive as-is?

Finally someone in an official capacity is talking about Buick, though not revealing anything about specific products. The article, "Bringing Back Buick," is a Q&A with Buick's new Marketing Director, Brian Bowden. To view it, click here.

So when exactly is the LaCrosse Super coming out? It won't have a very long run, right? Or will there be a LaCrosse Super version of the NG LaCrosse, too?

Petra: Camino LS6: Velite (or call it Riviera, if you prefer) seems to be the popular opinion. And for me personally, a small entry-level crossover would be most welcome. But whatever vehicles they make, they have to be the best Buicks ever, have some pizzazz including better model names (Roadmaster=yes, Statesman=no, Invicta=yes, Lucerne=no, wildcat=oh yes!), etc.

The GM FastLane Blog presents a transcript of a recent speech by Bob Lutz, under the heading "Re-Igniting the Passion," dated April 13, 2006. In the transcript, Lutz is quoted that GM has big plans for Saturn and all of its brands. So I posted a message asking for more information. In case they do not use it, here is what I wrote: "Mr. Lutz, it was interesting to read your statement, "So we have big plans for Saturn, as we do for all of our brands." We can certainly see and GM has clearly explained what is in store for Saturn. But GM has done a poor job relating what is the future for one of your cornerstone brands, Buick. No one is asking you to reveal future product secrets to the extent that it will hurt you competitively, but do stir some excitement for your loyal Buick fans (which include many younger people) by discussing what is in Buick's future and how Buick will fit into your intended thriving, global, future GM. Doesn't Buick, which leads all other GM brands in J.D. Power quality surveys and is leading GM sales in China, deserve that much? Thank you." Incidentally, in his speech, Mr. Lutz recounted some of GM's latest successes, including the Buick Lucerne. He made these two comments: 1. That March was its best sales month since its launch last year, and 91% of sales were retail, meaning non-fleet, non-rental companies. 2. That Lucerne has the second-lowest turn rate in the segment, 25 days, trailing the Toyota Avalon by just one day.

The press barrage is mounting, and the Detroit News is reporting it, too: "Lutz: GM back in driver's seat by 2011." To read the article, which has additional or slightly different quotes than the New York Times, click here.

There are many varying opinions about what will happen to GM in the future. Auto analyst Maryann Keller has given her thoughts to a group of Virginia auto dealers. Among other statements, she believs that Pontiac and Buick will "disappear within the next five years." To view the entire article, click here.

Now the New York Times has talked with Bob Lutz about GM's present and future state. To view the article, "G.M. Vice Chairman Rebuffs Critics of Turnaround," click here.

An April 12, 2006 article from Business Week, "Saturn's Second Liftoff?," quotes Bob Lutz on the brand's future. To see the piece, click here.