Buick illustrates why car enthusiasts, despite well-meaning intentions, should never run auto companies.For years, General Motors has been under pressure to dump the Buick nameplate. The division has been suffering a steady loss in market share. However, according to The Car Connection, Buick most likely will now keep humming along because of the booming economy of China. The brand is now the number one brand in China. GM chief executive officer Rick Wagoner has said that more Buicks have been sold in China this year than in the United States and the trend is expected to continue. It is said that a future Buick vehicle has been designed by Chinese stylists who beat out Detroit designers. (Pictured in the Buick Lacrosse version sold only in China.)
Our take? China is becoming a big player for Buick and for GM. Would enthusiasts have had enough foresight to have predicted this development? No. We like GM’s Bob Lutz’s approach which is to stay out of operations and concentrate on what he does best: design.
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