Buick VP Downplays Chances Of Seeing A Diesel Or Hybrid Regal In America

[cawimmer430]

Buick VP Downplays Chances Of Seeing A Diesel Or Hybrid Regal In America



The 2018 Buick LaCrosse just received a new entry-level model with eAssist but don't expect the Regal to take a similar approach.

In an interview with Wards Auto, Buick and GMC Vice President Duncan Aldred revealed the company purposely avoided adding hybrid technology to the Regal in North America. As he explained, "I honestly don't see demand" for such a system in the United States.

Aldred also dismissed the possibility of a diesel engine as he doesn't believe it would be a good fit for Buick. The executive probably has a point but General Motors is one of the few companies to fully embrace diesel engines as they offer diesel versions of the Canyon, Colorado, Cruze, and Equinox.

Things could change in the future as Buick is popular in China where the government pushes eco-friendly vehicles. As a result, Aldred said the company could quickly respond with an electrified variant if there was increased demand in the United States and Canada. Nothing is official, but the executive is likely talking about the upcoming Regal 30H which will be launched in China with "GM's latest electrification technology."



Link: http://www.carscoops.com/2017/07/buick-vp-downplays-chances-of-seeing.html

[SJ_GTI]

Mods, please move to Luxury Talk. 

[cawimmer430]

Mods, please move to Luxury Talk. 

Huh, why do you want this moved to Malaise Era Magic? 

[shp4man]

Wimmer, Americans see diesels as truck engines. That's just the way it is.

[Raza]

Boo-icky will never be a real player in the luxury crowd.  The new ones are nice looking and when I get one as an Uber, they're pleasant to be in, but I am seriously skeptical that they're actually good to drive.  Plus, it's a GM product, and I want to live. 

[cawimmer430]

Wimmer, Americans see diesels as truck engines. That's just the way it is.

Modern diesels are pretty amazing in terms of refinement, responsiveness and power. They just have to try them. 

It's not stopping Mazda and Chevrolet from offering diesels in your market. 

[Submariner]

Well, the bulk of Chevy diesel sales are in trucks, mostly to buyers who need the practical advantages of diesel over gas.  Most people aren't willing to sacrifice a good deal of (perceived) comfort for a few extra MPG, but people who need the longevity, torque and towing MPG will choose diesel over gas.

[giant_mtb]

Boo-icky will never be a real player in the luxury crowd.  The new ones are nice looking and when I get one as an Uber, they're pleasant to be in, but I am seriously skeptical that they're actually good to drive.  Plus, it's a GM product, and I want to live. 

I've got a newer Buick Regal that I detail annually and I actually quite like driving it.  Granted, most sedans feel good to drive compared to a Tacoma.  Regals certainly aren't the floaty gramma cars they uses to be.