2007 Buick Park Avenue for China.
#20
#21
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Buick has as much prestige as Mercedes and BMW in China. Therefore Buick can design and sell expensive cars over there. If Buick brought this car to the US and tried to sell it for the same money as a big Bimmer and MB I doubt it would work..
#22
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true. Every Buick there comes with alloys, foglights, colour-keyed handles/mirrors/bodyside mouldings even on "base" models.
I guess it's sorta like Toyota selling the Crown here. There is no market for it here and people would rather buy the GS for the same money.
I guess it's sorta like Toyota selling the Crown here. There is no market for it here and people would rather buy the GS for the same money.
#24
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We Americans tend to have a negative image associated with the Buick brand and even if this car came out it would be tough to sell at least in the beginning.
In China Buick is the BEST SELLING premium brand car in their entire country. This will be a guaranteed hit with them.
In China Buick is the BEST SELLING premium brand car in their entire country. This will be a guaranteed hit with them.
Even here in America, the current image of Buick as a Geezermobile is less than accurate. For example, my uncle had 3 of them in his 30's and 40's, and I had two of them myself as a teen-ager...and not GS 350/400 or Grand National hotrods either.
#25
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And there is no real shame for Buick to dump their cars in China. They are just following the money. Why blame Buick for being able to successfully unload their prodcuts faster that they otherwise wouldn't be here in the North America market? Can you tell me any sensible business model that wouldn't do the same?
Your argument is kind of like saying Toyota dumps models in the U.S. but that of course isn't the case they see it as hugely important and strategic market.
#26
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Dumping is illegal mmmkay?
Its simple. GM sees a HUGE market (second largest auto industry, and rapidly growing at that) in China. Design something they like, and sell it there.
That Buick looks very aggressive. I think it would do well in North America.
Its simple. GM sees a HUGE market (second largest auto industry, and rapidly growing at that) in China. Design something they like, and sell it there.
That Buick looks very aggressive. I think it would do well in North America.
#27
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I don't agree that GM is just 'dumping' or 'unloading' cars in China. I'm sure they see it as a gigantic new market they want to become a key player in and are developing features unique for that market. And if they're bringing out models there before the U.S. I'd say that's smart as China is a potentially LARGER market and first in to win matters here.
They are more capitalist now, and have fewer economic regulations there, then we do here in America. You can pretty much introduce and build a new vehicle there without having to deal with pollution and emission laws, gas mileage requirements, getting engines and drivetrains EPA-certified, installing expensive air bags and other safety gear, negotiating with auto-worker unions like the UAW, worrying about Insurance rankings, or any of the almost endless problems that acompany introducing and building a vehicle in North America or Europe.
Little wonder that auto manufacturers are scrambling to build and sell in China. I'm not saying that it is the way to get the best car for the money.....clearly it is not. Many vehicles in China, for reasons just noted, are lacking in comparison to those from elsewhere, and Chinese auto workers obviously do not have the pay and benefits of those in some other countries.......but building and selling the Chinese way obviously leads to low prices and high growth.
Last edited by mmarshall; 04-14-07 at 04:37 PM.
#29
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in china, owning a car is flat out a sign of wealth. owning a hyundai is regarded as prestigious. so it makes total sense that as the middle class grows, brands and trends will start (from a brand new fresh beginning). this is where you can grab a following and ensure future success. plus add the fact that japanese brands arent going to do well in china means you just cut out like 1/3 the worlds competition right there. its little wonder GM doesnt do anything here in the US. the % gain they can have is little. same is for europe. and the part about the super rich ordering custom hummer H2s is true. its crazy.
#30
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I had the chance to meet with what is GM China last year, you have to put Buick in Context to understand what is going on.
Buick is a Status symbol in China similar to that of Mercedes here in the US. They had an Emperor that drove a buick and so that was where the prestige originated from.
Also the China design is different than the US designs. In China, in China folks with Buicks dont actually drive them, they have drivers and ride in the back. So while in the US the driver seat is sweet spot, in China it is the passenger side back seat.
This means that the suspension is adjusted, the soundsystem and the sound deadeaning etc.
Also for background prodcuts that are manufactured in China are looked down upon by the Chineese, they often assume that it is of inferior quality
Also as background, in many families in China of the few families that can afford a car, this is often the first generation of that family where someone actually owns a car. In addition often and entire family will save up and chip in to buy a car. This means fathers, mothers adult children cousins etc a car in china is a big deal for the entire family and what we call extended family
Buick is a Status symbol in China similar to that of Mercedes here in the US. They had an Emperor that drove a buick and so that was where the prestige originated from.
Also the China design is different than the US designs. In China, in China folks with Buicks dont actually drive them, they have drivers and ride in the back. So while in the US the driver seat is sweet spot, in China it is the passenger side back seat.
This means that the suspension is adjusted, the soundsystem and the sound deadeaning etc.
Also for background prodcuts that are manufactured in China are looked down upon by the Chineese, they often assume that it is of inferior quality
Also as background, in many families in China of the few families that can afford a car, this is often the first generation of that family where someone actually owns a car. In addition often and entire family will save up and chip in to buy a car. This means fathers, mothers adult children cousins etc a car in china is a big deal for the entire family and what we call extended family