Shanghai GM to Launch New Buick Regal This Year

SHANGHAI - August 12, 2008:

Shanghai GM is set to launch a new version of its self-developed brand the Buick Regal later this year. Along with the newly rolled-out Buick LaCross, the new Regal is expected to capture large market share in China's mid-class auto market.

The launch of the Buick Regal in 2002 is seen as a landmark event on Shanghai GM's auto-making road. As a model specially designed for the Chinese market, the elegant, comfortable, luxury Regal has been well received by Chinese customers. It has been a model of Shanghai GM to rival Accord, Passat and often topped the sales list in the mid-class car market in China.

But recently, its rival models have new-generation products on sale and this renders the Buick Regal obsolescent. In order to maintain its leadership in the market of this model, Shanghai GM has planned to make a new product of this brand, in addition to rolling out the Buick LaCrosse in mid-July this year. The Buick LaCrosse is the first mainstream eco-hybrid model for China's mid-end vehicle segment.

The Buick Regal's new version, derived from or renamed Opel Insignia, will share the Epsilon II platform with LaCrosse, but will have slightly higher market orientation than the latter. The Opel Insignia, as a new Regal with the larger size, higher configurations, stronger power and more Chinese elements, is expected to hit the China market by the end of this year.

For more information about the burgeoning auto industry in China please visit http://www.gasgoo.com/Autobiz/list/7/China-News.html