Born Again In China > Buick Park Avenue
[Image Source: Buick.com.cn]
The General announced that operations in the PRC – Shanghai General Motors – have started production of the Buick Park Avenue expressly for the Chinese market.
The announcement is further evidence that Cadillac's lesser sibling is finding a new lease on life in China and arrives as U.S. sales continue their perilous slide. Stateside, Buick's year-to-date sales last month fell by 30%.
In 2005, Buick ceased production of the original Park Avenue in favor of reviving the lineup with new models like the Lucerne and lacrosse. Neither sedan has delivered sales growth to the beleaguered marque.
And like much of the rest of Buick's Chinese offerings, the models on that side of the Pacific have nothing to do with those offered in the States. Shame, for it appears that Shanghai GM's people have used ginseng in the design; delivering a successful kick to Buick's new Asian look.
Large and in charge, but looking leaner and meaner than any Buick we've ever known, the new Chinese Park Avenue runs on a mighty, but frugal (it is China) V-6 engine that powers the flagship from standstill to 62 mph (100 km/h) in a respectable 7.8 seconds. Stand aside, Mercedes E230!
No word on whether GM plans on sending this new Park Ave. to the actual Park Ave. They should.
[Source: GM & GMInsideNews]
Comments
Leave a Reply