Opel Insignia = New Buick Regal in China?
The original Buick Regal was Buick Chinas first ‘big hit’, it was the first non Asian big car to hit the big time in PRC, middle class executives lapped up the motor which ranged from a pokey 2.0l 16v to 2.5V6 and 3.0 V6 model that offered a decent amount of power and luxury, whilst not breaking the bank. The Buick Regal is certainly getting on a bit in China, and its time for a replacement from GM, who seem to be slowly weening China off the first gen Regal. Much of the Regal line up has been discontinued, only 2.0l 16v standard and higher 2.5V6 models are available now, the 3.0l V6 has disappeared from the line up.
The above photo shows what looks to be an Opel Insignia wearing what could be a Buick front grille.The Chinese motoring press say the lines of the above car, match the below, as of yet unreleased, Opel Insignia.
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I’m not very clued up about US cars. What actually was the Buick Regal? I presume it is a US car rather than a Korean or European one badged as a Buick. Was it sold as the Buick Regal in the States?
Yes, the vehicle was sold in the states as the Buick Regal. I’m guessing GM shipped the tooling for the vehicle and started manufacturing it in China. Here’s an American Buick Regal for reference http://images.automotive.com/reviews/images/00buickregal.jpg The Buick Park Avenue was sold in the states but was discontinued. The current Chinese Buick Park Avenue is based off the Holden Commodore.