Is it a Vauxhall or an Opel, no, it is Buicks version of the Insignia, the Buick Regal GS

Where spirited driving meets attainable luxury and sleek, sporty design meets modern usefulness, you’ll find the 2018 Buick Regal GS – a car for commutes that are anything but common. As the brand’s most dramatic expression of design and dynamics, this all-new model balances these key characteristics to provide customers excellent driving performance every day and in every season.

The 2018 Regal GS advances the nameplate with 51 more horsepower than the model it replaces, more refined transmission and AWD technology, all-new, heated/cooled and massaging performance seats and the added functionality and style of a five-door sportback design. Starting at $39,990 with destination charges, the Regal GS offers luxury features at a price more attainable than competitors from Audi and BMW.

“This is a sport sedan designed for everyday driving, but one that makes every drive special,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president, Global Buick and GMC. “The new Regal GS is in the sweet spot of the market: more refined and luxurious than the mainstream, more value for the price with style and premium features on par with higher-end competitors, and with standard features like AWD with active twin clutch and a rear sportback design that will surprise customers with its usefulness.”

 Regal GS Highlights:

• New 3.6L V-6 with 310 horsepower and 282 lb-ft of torque featuring direct injection, cylinder deactivation and stop/start technology
• Standard nine-speed automatic transmission and intelligent all-wheel drive (AWD) with active twin clutch for improved vehicle control, and five-link rear suspension
• GS-specific, AGR-certified, performance seats that are heated, cooled and massaging with adjustable seat and seat-back bolsters as well as thigh support
• Second-generation Continuous Damping Control (CDC) capable of 500 adjustments per second and Interactive Drive Control with GS and Sport modes
• Unique sport front and rear fascias, side skirts and rear spoiler
• Standard 19-inch wheels
• Performance brakes with Brembo front calipers
• Sport-tuned exhaust system
• Sport flat-bottom steering wheel and metal pedals
• Available head-up display

Buick’s most advanced new propulsion components come standard on the new Regal GS. With 310 horsepower, its refined 3.6-liter V-6 provides more power than an Acura TLX A-Spec or a Lexus IS350 F-Sport but offers seamless auto stop/start technology and can cruise on four cylinders. The V-6 engine is complemented by a sport-tuned dual exhaust system.

Regal GS’ intelligent AWD system with an active twin clutch can precisely transfer torque between the rear wheels for more refined and efficient performance, and the GS receives one of the first applications of the nine-speed automatic transmission in the Buick lineup that’s mated to AWD. This advanced new transmission will soon be offered across five different Buick models.

Every Regal GS also features Buick’s Interactive Drive Control, allowing the driver to tailor the car’s dynamics based on different drive experiences through a standard setting or Sport and GS modes selected via the center console. Interactive Drive Control utilizes Buick’s second-generation Continuous Damping Control (CDC), which is able to adjust suspension damping up to 500 times per second.

Versus a standard 2018 Regal Sportback, the GS also has standard Brembo brakes for more confident stopping power.

“With the all-new 2018 Regal GS, we set out to make a driver-focused, engaging and entertaining sport sedan without sacrificing the smooth ride and refined character expected of any modern Buick,” said Martin Hayes, chief engineer for the Buick Regal GS. “Our new V-6 and nine-speed transmission, intelligent AWD and CDC all work to deliver excellent driving performance.”

Outside, Buick’s signature sculptural beauty presents the car’s sporting nature in an understated way with aggressive front and rear fascias, standard 19-inch wheels, a rear decklid spoiler and GS badging front and rear. Full LED headlamps are an option.

Inside, the Regal features unique perforated GS-specific performance seats with integrated headrests and adjustable lumbar and thigh support bolsters. The seats are heated and ventilated and come standard with a massage function. The interior also features a standard heated flat-bottom sport steering wheel and GS-specific pedals and sill plates.

The 2018 Regal GS offers a cohesive and connected infotainment experience with an 8-inch diagonal touchscreen and 8-inch diagonal reconfigurable instrument cluster as standard equipment. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility both come standard. A full-color head-up display is available with an optional Driver Confidence II package that also includes several safety features including Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert and Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Automatic Braking.

The Regal GS is a highest performance expression of the 2018 Buick Regal GS Sportback. Other Regal Sportback models will offer a standard 2.0T engine and sleek new design at a starting price -- $25,915 – that’s approximately $2,000 lower than the 2017 Regal

The first-ever Regal TourX, which combines car-like handling and SUV capability, launches with limited availability of select higher trim levels later this year. TourX models with a starting price of $29,995 are expected to be available at dealers in February 2018.

Every Regal also comes equipped with a 3 month/3 gigabyte trial of OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot[1] and access to an unlimited data plan for $20 per month[2], as well as five years of the OnStar Basic Plan[3] at no additional cost. Among other benefits like the myBuick app[4], this connectivity plan features OnStar Smart Driver, an opt-in service designed to help Buick owners maximize their vehicle’s overall performance and become better drivers.

All prices above exclude tax, title, license and dealer fees.

[1] Visit onstar.com for vehicle availability, details and system limitations. Services and connectivity may vary by model and conditions. Eligible vehicle and data plan required. 4G LTE coverage not available everywhere. Data plans provided by AT&T. After 22GB of data usage, AT&T may slow speeds.

[2] Plus applicable taxes and fees. Plan provides access to AT&T wireless data services for your equipped vehicle for 30 days. Payments are non-refundable (subject to applicable law). Visit onstar.com or att.com for plan details.

[3] OnStar Basic Plan is available for five years from the delivery date of eligible 2015 model year and newer vehicles and is transferable. Basic Plan does not include Emergency, Security or Navigation services; these and other services require a paid plan. Visit onstar.com for details.

[4] Compatible mobile device required. Some features require a paid OnStar service plan.

USA - Buick earned the highest marks, 809/100 in J.D. Power’s 2016 U.S. Sales Satisfaction Index 2016.

• J.D. Power study notes new owner education key to higher satisfaction

As Buick continues to delight customers with its beautiful, whisper-quiet and quality-driven cars and SUVs, it is also ensuring they have the greatest possible experience learning about their vehicles. J.D. Power’s 2016 U.S. Sales Satisfaction Index (SSI) Study ranks Buick the highest among mass market brands. 

A brand’s ability to help new-vehicle owners understand technology and enhance the overall ownership experience are key to high SSI rankings. 

In brand sales satisfaction rankings, Buick earned the highest marks with a score of 809 (based on a 1,000-point scale).

“We know a positive customer experience goes well beyond great product,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Global Buick Sales, Service and Marketing. 

“Our sales satisfaction ranking shows that our ability to deliver a meaningful purchase-to-ownership process is paying off for our customers well beyond when they leave our stores.”

The SSI Study is a comprehensive analysis of the new-vehicle purchase experience that measures customer satisfaction with their dealer. It is based on responses from nearly 29,000 buyers who purchased or leased their new vehicle in April or May of 2016.

USA - Buick has hit the million mark with three months still to go in the year, this represents a 23% growth so far this year.

• 23 percent year-over-year growth highest among major international brands

Through September, global Buick deliveries worldwide totaled 1,046,746 vehicles for 2016. At no other point in the brand’s 113 years of business has this milestone been reached so quickly. 

Compared to the same span in 2015, nearly 200,000 more customers have taken delivery of a new Buick car or SUV.

Buick’s year-over-year growth of 23 percent is the highest in the industry for major brands selling vehicles in both North America and China. With three months left in the year, Buick is on track for its fourth consecutive all-time global sales record.

“Demand worldwide continues to grow for attainable Buick luxury and the beautiful, quiet and comfortable cars and SUVs we offer,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Global Buick Sales, Service and Marketing. “We complement that driving experience with customer service that consistently ranks among the highest in the industry.”

Buick currently ranks as the second-largest passenger-car brand in China and outsells key competitors including Acura, Audi, Infiniti and Lincoln in North America. In the U.S, year-to-date retail sales are the highest in 11 years.

Buick’s modern, smart SUV lineup is fueling the nameplate’s international growth. The compact Envision is on pace for more than 200,000 global sales in its second year in the market. Sales in North America began in May and demand has been strong, with Envisions averaging just 23 days on dealer lots. That’s far below the industry average of 65 days.

The Encore small SUV has increased its global sales each year since its launch less than four years ago and had its best U.S. sales month ever in September with 7,197 deliveries. A redesigned 2017 Encore just started arriving at dealerships with a standard 8-inch touchscreen, 4G LTE Wi-Fi, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ― a suite of connectivity features not offered by any competitor.

Recent U.S. Buick buyers cite quality and value among their top reasons for purchase, and the brand continues to provide top safety ratings as well. In September, the new Envision was given a Top Safety Pick Plus by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ― the organization’s highest rating. The Cascada recently became the only convertible on sale today with a NHTSA 5-star rating.

USA RECALL #14 - Buick is realling it's 2011 Regal model for wires that can possibly chafe on the seat frame.

RECALL Subject : Front Seat Wiring Harness May Cause Fire

Report Receipt Date: JUL 07, 2016 

NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V517000 

Component(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM , SEATS 

Potential Number of Units Affected: 42,984  

Manufacturer: General Motors LLC

SUMMARY:

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011 Buick Regal vehicles manufactured November 3, 2009, to March 25, 2011, equipped with 8-way power adjustable front seats. The power seat wiring harness may contact the seat frame, causing the wires to chafe.

CONSEQUENCE:

Chafed harness wires may cause a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

REMEDY:

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the wiring harness, and repair any chafed wires as necessary, free of charge. Remedy parts are currently unavailable. Interim notices were mailed to owners on August 18, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is 30710.

NOTES:

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

USA - Buick continues to build on a sound footing with nearly 700,000 units sold in the first six months of the year.

• Momentum speeds after three years of record global sales 

Among the top automotive brands — those selling more than 200,000 units internationally so far this year — Buick is growing at an unmatched pace. With 675,964 sales through June, Buick ended 2016’s first half up 20.1 percent over the same period in 2015.

In this year of rapid growth, Buick has risen to the fifth-largest passenger vehicle brand in China and is outselling key competitors including Acura, Infiniti and Lincoln in North America.

The growth has been fueled by core international products including the Encore small SUV, which this year surpassed a half-million sales since it was introduced 3.5 years ago. Encore has been a success story in every market, though North America has led the way thus far in 2016 with 36,365 sales through June.

Buick’s award-winning Envision compact crossover concluded its first full month of U.S. sales with 1,436 customer deliveries amid limited availability. A full model range starting at $34,990 launches for the 2017 model year this fall. The Envision has quickly become Buick’s best-selling model sold internationally, followed by Encore and LaCrosse.

Buick’s all-new LaCrosse flagship sedan is launching now. Beautifully crafted and thoughtfully innovative, the 2017 LaCrosse launches globally in the second half of the year as a showcase of design and technology for the brand. More than 950,000 customers worldwide have chosen the LaCrosse since the current model was introduced in 2009.

“2016 has been a year of optimism and excitement for Buick as we’ve outpaced our top competitors,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Buick Sales, Service and Marketing. “As new products continue to arrive to our stores, there’s never been a better time to take a fresh look at Buick’s range of premium SUVs and cars.”

Buick’s momentous 2016 has also included the launch of the Cascada convertible in the U.S. market and continued growth for the Excelle GT, Buick’s best-seller in China. Cascada, which offers a lower base price than an Audi A3 convertible but space and power similar to an Audi A5 convertible, has outsold both of those vehicles combined through the first half of the year.

In the U.S., Buick was named KBB’s “Best Value Luxury Brand” for the fourth year in a row.

US SALES 2015 - GENERAL MOTORS - ALL sub brands have some great products and the sales prove it.

• GM full-year retail sales up 8 percent; retail share up 0.4 percentage points
• Chevrolet grew retail market share faster than any other full-line brand in the industry in 2015
• GM Commercial deliveries up for 26^th consecutive month

General Motors’ (NYSE: GM) Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac brands delivered 290,230 vehicles in December 2015, driven by an 8 percent year-over-year increase in retail deliveries and the company’s 26^th consecutive month of Commercial sales growth. Total sales were up 6 percent.

For the year, Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac dealers delivered 3.1 million vehicles, driven by an 8 percent increase in retail deliveries compared to 2014. Total sales were up 5 percent.

“The momentum that the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra have carried all year, hits like the Chevrolet Trax and Colorado, and innovative designs like the GMC Canyon and Buick Encore, have had a tremendous positive impact on our sales results,” said Kurt McNeil, GM’s U.S. vice president of Sales Operations. 

“In a record year for the industry, GM gained significant retail market share and we grew our Commercial business by 12 percent.”

GM’s retail deliveries have grown every month since March 2015, driven by strong crossover and truck sales. Retail market share for 2015 is estimated to be up 0.4 percentage points, the largest increase of any automaker, according to J.D. Power PIN estimates.

Chevrolet, GM’s largest brand, has increased its retail sales every month since March, and the brand’s 2015 retail market share is up 0.4 percentage points compared to 2014, according to PIN – the largest increase of any full-line brand.

"Chevrolet is the hottest retail franchise in the strongest market we have seen in this country,” said McNeil.

The GMC brand gained 0.2 percent points of retail market share.

Combined, Chevrolet and GMC sold 1.2 million trucks in 2015, up 14 percent compared to 2014. This includes 939,198 pickups. GM’s retail share of the full-size pickup segment improved by more than one percentage point to 39.2 percent, according to PIN. 

GM’s retail share of the mid-size pickup segment is now 32.5 percent, up from less than 5 percent in 2014, the launch year for the all-new Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon.

In the crossover market, the Chevrolet Equinox has increased its sales for seven consecutive years. 

Five other crossovers, the Chevrolet Traverse, the Buick Encore, the GMC Acadia and Terrain, and the Cadillac SRX had their best-ever annual sales.

“The U.S. economy continues to expand and the most important factors that drive demand for new vehicles are in place, so we expect to see a second consecutive year of record industry sales in 2016,” said Mustafa Mohatarem, GM’s chief economist. 

“The single most important pieces are the ongoing gains in employment and the growth in personal income. When you add in lower energy prices, it’s easy to see why consumer spending is strong.”

December Sales Highlights vs. 2014 (except as noted)

Chevrolet

• Chevrolet had its best December sales since 2006 and its highest retail sales since 2005.
• Crossover deliveries were up 20 percent – the 13^th consecutive monthly year- over-year increase.
• Truck deliveries, which include pickups, vans and SUVs, were up 10 percent. Silverado had its best December since 2005.
• Retail deliveries of the Suburban were up 24 percent and the Tahoe was up 25 percent.
• Volt retail deliveries, which are nearly all 2016 models, were up 41 percent and the retail days’ supply is only 10 days.
• The Sonic was up 34 percent in total and Cruze retail deliveries were up 20 percent for a December retail sales record.

GMC

• Truck deliveries were up 23 percent. The Sierra was up 17 percent, the Yukon was up 12 percent and the Yukon XL was up 39 percent.

Buick

• Buick had its best retail sales for any December since 2005.
• Regal total sales increased 42 percent and Encore total deliveries increased 110 percent.

Cadillac

• Cadillac had its best December sales since 2007.
• ATS and XTS deliveries were up 40 percent and 35 percent, respectively.
• SRX deliveries were up 44 percent and the Escalade was up 25 percent.

Full-year Sales Highlights vs. 2014 (except as noted)

Chevrolet

• Chevrolet had its best sales year since 2007.
• Silverado and Colorado deliveries totaled 684,974 units, up 27 percent.
• Crossover deliveries were a record 470,902 units, up 23 percent. 
• Malibu sales increased 3 percent, and the new model is building momentum as dealers build their stock.   

GMC

• GMC had its best year since 2005 and has grown its total and retail sales for six consecutive years.
• Sierra and Canyon sales totaled 254,216 units, up 18 percent.
• Acadia and Terrain sales were a record 208,423 units, up 10 percent.
• Yukon and Yukon XL sales were up 3 percent and 5 percent, respectively.
• Denali penetration was 23 percent – the highest ever – and the Sierra, Canyon, Yukon and Yukon XL had the highest average transaction prices in their respective segments.

Buick

• Encore sales were up 38 percent to a record 67,549 units.

Cadillac

• Cadillac sales were driven by a 28 percent increase in SRX deliveries and an 18 percent increase in Escalade deliveries.

Average Transaction Prices (J.D. Power PIN)

• GM’s average transaction prices (ATPs) were a record $37,000 in December, up $1,150 year over year. Full-year ATPs were a record $34,500, up $630 year over year.
• In December, GM’s incentive spending was 10.7 percent of ATP, down 0.1 percentage point year over year. Industry average spending was 10.7 percent of ATP, up 0.4 percentage points.
• GM’s full-year incentive spending was 11.2 percent of ATP, up 0.3 percentage points. Industry average spending was 10.5 percent, up 0.5 percentage points.

Fleet and Commercial

• During December, deliveries to Commercial customers were up 2 percent and government deliveries were up 8 percent. Deliveries to rental customers declined 14 percent, or 3,300 units, per plan.
• In 2015, Commercial deliveries were up 12 percent and government deliveries were up 2 percent. Rental deliveries were down 11 percent, or nearly 50,000 units, per plan. In the last two years, GM has grown its Commercial business by 38 percent to approximately 213,000 units.
• GM expects another significant reduction in rental deliveries during 2016.

SAAR

• The seasonally-adjusted annual selling rate (SAAR) for light vehicles was an estimated 17.8 million units in December.
• Light vehicle volumes for 2015 are projected to be a record 17.5 million units, surpassing the year 2000, when 17.4 million vehicles were delivered.