Opel Vehicles Could Soon Be Heading To Buick Dealerships

Big changes are obviously coming to the Big Three. Perhaps the biggest changes will soon affect a number of GM brands, especially Saturn and Buick, as the automaker struggles to streamline its marketing, production, and sales processes. What we may soon see is a shift of Saturn’s design language to that of Buick.

Saturn has recently stood out from the GM lineup as many of its vehicles have been based on GM’s German brand, Opel. Even the latest Saturn models, such as the Astra, are re-badged Opel models. While Opel has stellar Euro styling, which used cars Salt Lake City shoppers say is refreshing compared with many other vehicles under the GM umbrella, Saturn has been unable to generate a sales volume that it needs to ensure its survival.

GM already has plenty of changes on the horizon, which are eagerly awaited among New Orleans Chevrolet dealers. Saab and Hummer are likely to be sold off completely. Pontiac is expected to remain, but will be downsized into some sort of specialty car brand. Meanwhile, Saturn and its 400 dealers, including Saturn Boulder, are awaiting other solutions.

Recently, it seems that the “American Opel” will no longer be Saturn, and will instead become part of Buick’s design direction. As GM is pushing Opel’s brand more up market, it seems like an ideal fit for Buick which has also attempted to move up market with mixed results, says Used Cars Birmingham. It’s unlikely that Opel will be on par with the likes of Mercedes-Benz or BMW, but it will be able to be an entry-luxury brand.

Putting a Buick badge on Opel vehicles may seem unusual, but it’s nothing new for General Motors. In China, according to Pontiac Pittsburgh, where Buick is one of the best-selling brands available, the Buick lineup is already made up of Opel Corsas and Astras. Bringing re-badged Opel vehicles to the US as Buicks will further streamline operations, and as Opel strives to be an entry-level luxury brand in Europe, it makes more sense to have the voluptuous vehicles as Buicks rather than as Saturns. Regardless, Waterbury Pontiac and other dealers are expecting substantial changes in GM's lineup and in their overall design direction.

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The latest GM dealer news right here all the time.

Saturn Vue Goes Green

The all-new Saturn Vue Green Line hybrid helps boost the profile of Saturn, while the automaker struggles to combat falling overall auto sales. While more buyers are craving fuel efficiency, while also dreading having to give up their SUVs, the Saturn Vue Green Line helps give buyers the best of both worlds, giving them not only efficiency, but also a stylish, versatile crossover vehicle.

Recently updated, the Saturn Vue is much sexier than the out going model, trading boxier lines and angles for smoother gentle curves. Inside, Saturn Denver buyers have found that the Saturn Vue is very attractive, offering an excellent layout and decent quality materials. Even the seats are supportive and feature comfortable fabric choices. There’s even plenty of room throughout, especially in the rear seat where room tends to be quite limited in this segment. The Vue’s cargo area is also excellent, providing ample room and versatility.

But where the Saturn Vue Green Line really shines is in the fuel economy numbers. Supplementing the gasoline engine with an electric motor, the Saturn Vue hybrid achieves an impressive 25 miles per gallon in city driving and 32 miles per gallon on highway driving. A similarly equipped normal four cylinder equipped VUEs get 22/27 miles per gallon.

The Saturn Vue Green Line has excellent fuel economy ratings, although they’re not the best in its class. The closest competitor to the Vue hybrid is perhaps the Ford Escape Hybrid and its Mercury clone. These vehicles offer the best mileage in an SUV, delivering 36 miles per gallon in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. Even with all wheel drive the Escape averages about 30 miles per gallon. But, its hybrid system delivers superior fuel economy over the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 which are also among its closest competitors, which is precisely what has attracted Connecticut Saturn buyers.

An appealing part of the Saturn Vue Green Line hybrid is the price, according to customers visiting a Santa Fe NM Saturn dealer. The Vue hybrid is priced under the hybrid CUV competition, and is only marginally higher than its gasoline-only Vue counterpart.

For more information about the latest Satun Vue Hybrid, check out the official press release from GM below.

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2009 SATURN VUE GREEN LINE 2 MODE HYBRID WILL BE THE WORLD'S MOST FUEL-EFFICIENT V-6 SUV

GM's Advanced Hybrid Technology Delivers Up To 50-Percent Fuel Economy Increase With No Compromises in Performance, Capability

    * First brand to offer two hybrid options on the same model
    * Third hybrid in Saturn's portfolio
    * Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (ATPZEV)

DETROIT - The all-new 2009 Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode, the first front-wheel-drive compact SUV in the world powered by General Motors' two-mode hybrid technology, is designed for customers who want the outstanding fuel savings of an advanced hybrid and the full power and towing capability of an SUV. The Vue Green Line 2 Mode was unveiled today at the North American International Auto Show.

The Vue Green Line 2 Mode will deliver an estimated 50-percent fuel economy increase over the non-hybrid V-6 Vue. It also is expected to have a driving range of more than 500 miles (800 km).

In addition, the Vue Green Line 2 Mode's 3.6L VVT V-6 engine with direct injection technology ensures there are no trade-offs between performance and fuel economy. Acceleration time from 0-60 is expected to be around 7.3 seconds, and the maximum towing load will be 3,500 pounds (1588 kg).

Production is slated to begin in late 2008.

"The Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode challenges the notion that a compact SUV can't be both powerful and efficient," said Jill Lajdziak, Saturn general manager. "Customers tell us they want a compact SUV that will respect the environment and save money at the gas pump, but they don't want to give up performance and utility. We've responded with the Vue Green Line 2 Mode."

The 2009 Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode sports the same European-inspired design language of the non-hybrid Vue, completely redesigned for the 2008 model year. Subtle exterior changes include "2 Mode" badging on the front doors and rear liftgate; and lightweight aluminum alloy wheels and low-rolling resistance tires that enhance fuel economy. The Vue Green Line 2 Mode's appearance is further accented by chrome door handles, chrome dual exhaust tips and chrome skid plates on the front and rear lower fascia.

The Vue Green Line 2 Mode features technologies and refinements in the fuel and exhaust systems that classify it as a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) in the state of California and other states that have adopted California's motor vehicle emissions rules. When it arrives in dealer showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2008, the Vue Green Line 2 Mode will be Saturn's third hybrid, joining the Vue Green Line 4-cylinder hybrid SUV and the Aura Green Line sedan.

The Vue Green Line 2 Mode is GM's first application of two-mode technology on a front-wheel-drive vehicle. The system is currently on the V-8-equipped Chevrolet Tahoe 2 Mode and GMC Yukon 2 Mode full-size SUVs, and becomes available in 2008 on the Cadillac Escalade 2 Mode luxury SUV and Chevrolet Silverado 2 Mode full-size pickup.

How the Vue Green Line 2 Mode Hybrid works

GM's two-mode hybrid system in the Vue Green Line 2 Mode improves fuel economy by the following operations:

    * Engine off at idle
    * Low-speed, electric-only propulsion
    * Cutting off fuel to the engine during vehicle deceleration
    * Regenerative braking
    * Energy-efficient accessory systems

Unlike single-mode hybrid technology found in competitors' SUVs, the two-mode system maximizes city and highway fuel economy by integrating two electric continuously variable modes with four fixed mechanical gear ratios. The system consists of twin, active-cooled 55-kW electric motors integrated into the 2MT70 automatic transmission. Energy to power the motors comes from a 1.8 kWh, 300V nickel-metal hydride battery pack, which consists of 22 nickel metal hydride modules and is packaged behind the second-row seat below the cargo floor.

The transmission is mated to GM's 3.6L V-6 VVT with direct injection technology. In the first mode, at low speed and light load, the Vue Green Line 2 Mode operates in one of three ways depending on conditions and battery charge level: all-electric power, internal combustion engine power or a combination of the two. All reverse operation is driven by the electric motors.

The second mode is used primarily at highway speeds to optimize fuel economy. It provides electric assist in addition to six-cylinder power when conditions demand it, such as trailer towing and climbing steep grades, and to allow the engine to run at its most efficient point under less-demanding conditions.

No engine speed changes are necessary for the mode shift to occur. The result is exceptionally smooth, seamless acceleration and responsiveness. At all times, the system's Hybrid Optimizing System (HOS) collects torque-based data, deciphers it, then determines the most fuel-efficient means of propelling the Vue Green Line 2 Mode.

Direct injection V-6 boosts efficiency

The Vue Green Line 2 Mode's standard engine is an advanced 3.6L V-6 VVT with direct injection, a member of GM's family of high-feature V-6s. The direct injection engine uses regular unleaded fuel and represents one of the most sophisticated applications of its kind on a hybrid SUV.

Direct injection delivers fuel directly to the combustion chambers and permits a higher compression ratio, improving fuel efficiency. Additionally, the technology reduces cold-start hydrocarbon emissions by up to 25 percent.

The 3.6L VVT with direct injection also features a U.S. auto industry-first isolated fuel injector that greatly reduces the ticking noise associated with other direct injection engines. Other noise-reduction features include the use of acoustic foam in the engine valley and cover.

Specially tuned chassis for a smooth ride

Because the hybrid system changes the weight distribution on the Vue Green Line 2 Mode, special chassis refinements such as revised front and rear spring rates; revised front and rear stabilizer bar rates and recalibrated front struts and rear shock absorbers help ensure a smooth driving experience.

The Vue Green Line 2 Mode is equipped with a "fully blended" electro-hydraulic brake system that enables 100-percent regenerative braking (batteries are charged during braking), 100-percent friction braking (traditional four-wheel disc braking) or a combination of the two. During regenerative braking, the system converts kinetic energy to electrical power, then stores the power in the Energy Storage System.

A 12V rack-mounted Electric Power Steering system replaces a conventional column-mounted hydraulic system and saves fuel - gaining up to a half-mile per gallon of gas. It also gives the Vue Green Line 2 Mode more precise steering inputs and better overall on-center feel.

Intuitive displays keep drivers in the know

The Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode's instrument panel lets drivers know that they're behind the wheel of a sophisticated hybrid, yet with gauges that are easy to understand. An efficiency gauge replaces the tachometer, informing drivers of when they are achieving maximum fuel economy; whether the vehicle is in electric-only mode, engine-only mode or a combination of the two; and, because of the silent start as the key is turned, a telltale indicates when the vehicle is on and ready to drive.

In the center console, a full-color VGA power-flow graphic, which is integrated into an available navigation system, continuously informs the driver and passenger whether the vehicle is sending power to the wheels from the battery pack, engine or both. It also indicates when energy is being captured during braking.

Vue Green Line 2 Mode is generously equipped

In addition to its high-tech propulsion system, the Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode boasts a number of standard safety features including four-wheel anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, rollover detection system, pedestrian impact protection, tire pressure monitoring system, Pedal Release System, front active head restraints, and six air bags (driver and front passenger frontal and seat-mounted side-impact, and roof rail curtains for both seating rows).

Other features include power-adjustable heated outside mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio and cruise controls; and a six-speaker AM/FM stereo with CD/MP3 player and auxiliary input jack. A navigation system and power sunroof are available.

Saturn's hybrid family is growing

The Vue Green Line 2 Mode is the third hybrid to join the Saturn lineup. Other members of the Green Line family include the Vue (4-cylinder) Green Line and the Aura Green Line sedan. They are equipped with the affordable GM Hybrid system, which reduces fuel consumption using sophisticated controls and a unique electric motor/generator mated to a 2.4L Ecotec VVT four-cylinder engine and Hydra-Matic four-speed transmission.

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Find the latest Saturn model reviews right here soon.

GM Sells Stake in Suzuki to Raise Cash

In an attempt to free up some extra cash, General Motors has just sold off its entire stake in Suzuki Motor Corporation. The sale of GM’s stake in the Japanese automaker has freed up $230 million in cash, which will help the company stay afloat while it continues to lobby on Capitol Hill for a government bailout.

Suzuki bought back the 3.02 percent stake that GM help, while the US automaker, along with Ford and Chrysler, attempt to hold on to momentum as bankruptcy looms and the current economy continues to cause devastating problems for the auto market. GM's decision follows similar decisions by Ford Motor Company, where dealers such as Ford of Brattleboro watched idly as the automaker ditched brands Jaguar, Land Rover, Aston Martin, and more recently Mazda.

Sales have tumbled dramatically this year, with no end in sight for a strong resurgence. Additionally, the credit crunch has forced GMAC, GM’s financial arm, to turn many customers away as credit is becoming less available. While this is an attempt to cut losses, Detroit Chevrolet dealers and many other GM brand dealerships are concerned as the move will further limit the ability to move inventory.

The bailout of the crippled US auto sector has become huge political issue, as many Republicans are opposed to such a bailout while Democrats strive to earmark $25 billion of the $700 billion intended for Wall Street to go to the Big Three automakers.

GM’s move to ditch Suzuki is a necessary move to raise vital capital, which it has been burning through month and month. A business relationship between GM and Suzuki is likely to continue belives used cars Reading PA who speacializes in Suzuki vehicles as the two automakers have worked on numerous joint ventures together, such as SUV and hybrid vehicles. GM has held ties to Suzuki since 1981, but the GM sold off much of its stake in 2006 when it was left with only 3 percent. GM reported a $2.5 billion loss in the third quarter, which makes many wonder how far the $230 million cash infusion will go.

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More on the Detroit bailout can be found here.

Is Chrysler Heading Towards Bankruptcy?

Chrysler has recently been brushing off rumors that the struggling automaker is on the verge of bankruptcy. Recently, the automaker accepted a loan of $2 billion to be used for improving the automaker’s current model lineup which is in need of revamping according to Used Cars Lamesa TX customers, but some expect that the money was to save the company from filing bankruptcy.

Although Chrysler has denied the rumors, the automaker has needed to issue a statement to deflect the fervor. The statement said that the statement has no merit and is completely false, implying that Chrysler’s financial standing is on stable ground.

Many of the Chrysler bankruptcy rumors have reportedly originated in Europe, and were spawned primarily by the $2 billion loan that Chrysler’s owner, Cerberus Capital Management and Daimler AG has taken out.

Cerberus currently holds an 80 percent stake in Chrysler. Despite its sale from Daimler AG, the German automaker still holds a minority stake in the company, and has provided about $1.5 billion of the total loan amount to help Chrysler.

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Find out more about new Chrysler vehicles on this blog.

Chrysler and GM Merger Could Happen This Month

Speculation continues to grow amid the possibility of a merger between Chrysler and General Motors. Sources say a merger could happen by the end of the month, while many others still have doubts.

Chrysler had reportedly been in talks with other automakers as well regarding the possibility of a merger in addition to GM. Talks had been done before but had stalled. However, with the economy in tatters, the time is ripe for mergers.

Talk of mergers for Chrysler had begun less than a year ago when private-equity firm Cerberus had acquired Chrysler from Daimler Benz. However, with the credit crunch and changing buyer demand, things have not gone well for Chrysler, or for Cerberus.

Auto sales overall are expected to be about 16 percent lower than this year compared with last year. In addition, JD Power analysts expect auto sales to decline another 11 percent next year, which is enough to worry the already struggling domestic automakers, and their dealers.

Analysts can agree that Chrysler is in the worst position when compared with Detroit’s other two automakers. However, Chrysler dealers Lubbock and others believe it’s unlikely that Chrysler will go out of business completely any time soon as the automaker will likely be mergers or absorbed into another company.

In the instance of a merger, Chrysler and GM would have plenty of redundant brands and models that the automakers would have to contend with. As a result, some suggest a potential merger between the two simply wouldn’t make much sense. Already GM, as well as Ford, is shifting engineering operations to accommodate the growing demand for smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles worldwide, such as the latest Aveo at Detroit Chevrolet Dealers. With great expense being invested in those manufacturing and engineering endeavors, managing the addition of Chrysler may prove to be too difficult for GM.

In addition to Chrysler’s discussions with GM, the automaker has also dealt with Nissan. Earlier this year, Chrysler entered an agreement with Nissan to produce the next generation of full-size Nissan trucks, while Nissan will be producing a compact vehicle for Chrysler. Although the relationship should benefit both companies, a merger between the two would be highly unlikely.

Word on the result of a merger between Chrysler and GM could come by the end of the month, and with auto sales and the economy looking dismal, the auto industry is eager to hear the outcome.

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Look for the latest Chrysler dealer news right here.

General Motors to Ship Buick Enclaves to China

General Motors has had plenty of problems in the North American market lately. But one place where General Motors is succeeding is in developing markets such as China where new car buyers will soon get their hands on the Buck Enclave crossover.

As a strong seller domestically, China-bound Buick Enclaves may be rolling off the production lines as early as next month. Despite the automaker’s appeal (or lack thereof) in the US, Buick is one of the strongest brands in China, with sales increases expected this year. Despite its very limited appeal domestically, the Enclace has remained a competitive vehilce for Raynham New Buick for its timeless styling and ample luxury. Even for Jim Burke Pontiac Buick GMC, the Enclave remains a popular model even while many consumers turning their backs on costly SUVs.

The Buick Enclave is the first luxury crossover from the GM brand. Although similar to Chevrolet, Saturn, and GMC crossovers, the Buicks offer more distinctive styling with graceful and elegant lines. The Enclave also offers seating for up to eight passengers and offers the best fuel economy in its segment.

The Buick Enclave has been a strong seller for General Motors. Already the automaker plans on producing an additional 17,000 units of Enclave production for the North American market this year. Despite the decreasing demand for large SUVs, the Enclave has been a rare exception and remains the strongest model in the Buick lineup.

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Find additional Buick vehicle news on this blog.

Saturn Vue Hybrid and Plug-in May Be Coming

Potential General Motor’s buyers and fans of eco-friendly technology are eagerly anticipating the Chevrolet Volt, Chevy’s mass produced plug-in electric vehicle. But another plug-in may be coming soon to a GM dealer in the guise of the Saturn Vue.

The Saturn Vue plug-in hybrid electric vehicle may be on the horizon as well. Recently shown off at the Plug-In Conference in San Jose, CA, a number of Saturn plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are being tested and may provide an alternative to the Chevrolet Volt.

GM has spent a significant amount of time developing and refining the battery technology to provide ample power and reliability. The Saturn Vue Plug-in was one of earliest hybrid SUVs, and the plug-in version is based on the two-mode hybrid system current in use on the Saturn Vue Hybrid, which Connecticut Saturn sells quickly as it provide fuel efficiency with SUV versitility. This same system has also found its way into two of other recent GM hybrid, the Chevrolet Tahoe and the GMC Yukon.

Soon, the Saturn Vue will also be available with front-wheel-drive, offering improved performance and even greater fuel efficiency. With the addition of yet another version of this hybrid, GM clearly hopes to further its eco-friendly offerings which will surely satisfy new car buyers. High MPG is in high demand as the price of a gallon of gasoline has surged past $4 and shows no sign of receding. The Volt and other advanced hybrid vehicles will also help to buoy Chevy and GM sales, which have seen significant slumps lately.

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Stay tuned for more on Saturn Hybrid technology and a review on the Vue.