PSA Groupe

Fab Five

1. UAW Strike Labors On – The UAW, itself embroiled in scandal, went ahead and launched a protracted strike against GM. Originally expected to end within a few days, the strike lasted longer than a month, causing the longest shutdown in the past half-century. GM lost billions of dollars during the strike, agreeing to keep one plant open and save some jobs. We think the labor victory will ultimately prove shallow as it’ll force GM to find additional ways to save money long term, with job loss gradually increasing.

2. Carlos Ghosn Debacle – Is he guilty or not? Former Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn was jailed in November 2018 for a variety of charges, including fraud. What was shocking wasn’t so much the alleged scandal, but how the Japanese justice system treated the former executive. Ghosn was isolated, often without legal representation, and the charges against him seemed stacked. On the next to the last day of the year, Ghosn flew to Lebanon where he most likely will stay and avoid a return to Japan. The story isn’t over yet nor are the many twists and turns that defined this relationship.

3. FCA-PSA Merger – One year after its Sergio Marchionne died, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has fulfilled one of the CEO’s important goals: a full merger with another automaker. FCA, the product of a big merger earlier this decade, is set to join forces with France’s PSA Groupe to form the world’s fourth-largest automaker. The deal should conclude by late 2020, but we may not know for a few more years the status of various brands (including the eponymous Chrysler) and certain models (the Dodge Challenger and Charger, for example).

4. Introducing An All-New Corvette – We won’t see a new Corvette for a few months, as production was delayed due to the strike as mentioned in our first story. What’s significant about the Corvette is that GM will finally transition its sports car to a mid-engine layout. As a result, even the base Stringray will immediately become the fastest Corvette ever. Also of note is the base price, as that will come in at under $60,000. Soon after the new model arrives, we should hear about follow-up versions with more powerful engines and the lofty price tags to go with it.

5. Ford Adds an Electric Mustang – Ford’s Mustang is America’s pony car, but it will soon be joined by an all-electric SUV. The Ford Mustang Mach-E is its name, an all-new model built on a separate platform, but sporting the iconic model’s name. With many Mustang styling cues, the EV gives a connection to the coupe, but the resemblance ends there. We dislike Ford’s decision and have followed the anger of Mustang faithful, including some who feel deeply betrayed. There’s still time for Ford to change the name, but we doubt it will.

Honorable Mention

Among the other stories of note for 2019 include Nissan’s drop in market share, the Tesla Cybertruck debut, the expanding financial backing for upstart Rivian Automotive, the electric truck/utility vehicle maker, and the ongoing shift away from cars to crossovers and trucks.

Stories about driverless cars and full electrification dominated; we’re also on the cusp of seeing the first Chinese automotive brand arrive stateside.

Possible Scenarios

Looking ahead, we expect many of the current stories to play out, with perhaps a few twists along the way. Auto Trends expects another blockbuster merger announcement in 2020 with perhaps Volkswagen and Ford tying the knot. A suitor for GM seems possible, but will Hyundai/Kia make the bold move to acquire or will it allow a Chinese company to jump in first? Finally, we’ll continue to see more car models die, but a few will hang on and likely thrive in a smaller market.

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Fiat Chrysler Peugeot: Now What?

December 19, 2019 by admin Leave a Comment

Chairman of the Managing Board of Groupe PSA Carlos Tavares and FCA CEO Mike Manley share a congratulatory handshake after concluding the merger agreement between their two companies.

Save for regulatory scrutiny, antitrust review, and shareholder approval, Fiat Chrysler and the PSA Groupe are set to merge. The two automakers agreed on a framework for merging the two companies, which will create the world’s fourth-largest automaker after the Volkswagen Group, Toyota Motors, and the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance.
We’re still about a year away from the merger’s completion. In the meantime, we’ll be waiting for word on the new name for the entity. I like “Global Motors” but I think GM would object.

Capacity, Electrification, & Autonomous Vehicles

No matter what happens over the coming months, a lot of what you’ll be hearing will be speculative especially as the companies have been relatively mum on where things are going. We do know no plants will be closed or jobs lost, but with a build capacity of 14 million units and current annual sales of 8.7 million units, there is ample room for consolidation. And it is doubtful we’ll see a significant increase in sales to narrow that gap, although Jeep and Ram may fuel much of the growth moving forward.

But there are certain trends such as electrification and autonomy that will impact the newly minted automaker. Like it or not, the industry is going through an upheaval, but I will say that full electrification isn’t likely to happen in the short term, if ever. Instead, we’re likely to see some sort of “hybrid” system based largely on hybrid electric vehicles. As for autonomy, large cities are the likely place to roll out the technology, but getting it to the masses will take many years and require an enormous amount of capital.

From the left side of the Atlantic, there are a few things we’re all wondering about and are certain to become the topic discussed at your favorite cars and coffee or other automotive meetups in the coming months. Here’s a sample of key questions we believe are foremost on Mopar fan minds.

Which brands will die?

The current FCA stable includes Fiat, Chrysler, Alfa Romeo, Dodge, Lancia, Jeep, Maserati, Abarth, and Ram. That’s nine brands to manage and will soon climb to 14 with the Peugeot, Citroën, DS, Opel, and Vauxhall brands. It isn’t inconceivable that an automaker would manage so many brands – the Volkswagen Group is comprised of 12 brands. Even so, we could see a few brands dismissed. Dodge and Chrysler are most vulnerable and Vauxhall could simply be folded into Opel.

End of muscle cars?

FCA has done quite well with its muscle car lineup, with the Dodge Challenger firmly in second place behind the Ford Mustang and ahead of the Chevrolet Camaro. Having the four-door Dodge Charger to complement the sport coupe has always been a plus. Yet, these two models are aged and may not have enough life in them to continue for many more years. One way the models survive is if PSA has a platform to support them. That’s not known, although the new company could tap the Alfa Romeo Giulia/Stelvio’s platform for them.

When will Peugeot begin selling its cars here?

Long absent from the US market, Peugeot has fixed its eyes on returning by 2026. These plans were put in place in 2018, with the company establishing new US headquarters in Atlanta. That timeline was moved up by a few years earlier this year, even before the announced merger. No matter what happens going forward (merger or no merger), Peugeot plans to make its return, according to Car and Driver. Likely, they’ll import models built in Europe, foregoing US manufacturing, at least initially. That’s a sensible approach as FCA capacity is nearly full stateside, while European plants for both FCA and PSA are underutilized.

What’s the role of Opel going forward?

GM owned Opel (and Vauxhall) from 1929 to 2017, before selling the brands to PSA. Since then, Buick has continued selling several Opel products under its name including the now-discontinued Cascada convertible and the Regal sedan/hatchback/wagon. That agreement is coming to an end and soon Buick will sell crossovers only. That could leave the door open for Opel to arrive stateside on its own, but we doubt that’ll happen, at least not before Peugeot.

Getting it Done

No doubt, the FCA-PSA deal will get done. There are some issues to settle, including GM’s suit against FCA alleging racketeering over labor negotiations (which allegedly favored FCA at the expense of GM). Some are arguing the suit is GM’s attempt to thwart the merger and nothing else. Regardless, the matter should be settled before the merger is finalized.

With FCA and PSA united, expect other automakers to explore ways to combine synergies through alliances, acquisitions, and mergers. My personal “favorite” alliance is VW-Ford, as the two automakers are currently collaborating on self-driving cars and electric vehicles. That may leave GM as the last “American” automaker standing, besides Tesla, Rivian, Bollinger, and a few other upstarts.

Photo copyright Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.

Up Next: Ford-Volkswagen Tie-up?

October 31, 2019 by admin 4 Comments

What a week it has been. More like a half-week, actually.

For it was within that abbreviated timeframe we officially heard that Fiat Chrysler and the PSA Groupe (Peugeot and Citroën) were talking merger. The news spilled out late Monday and by Wednesday the two automakers came to terms. Today, news of the planned merger was announced, setting in place what will become a near $50 billion entity, which currently produces 8.7 passenger vehicles annually.

Merger talk doesn’t take place in a vacuum. Indeed, soon after the FCA broke off talks with Renault to merge in June, rumors of PSA’s interest in FCA came out. All we’ve heard is what was reported this week. But talks have been going on for some time, carried under the cloak of secrecy.

We shouldn’t be surprised that the two automakers are connecting as the entire industry is ripe of consolidation. With the deal nearly certain to pass, it likely will trigger further consolidation with perhaps Ford and Volkswagen following. Yes, these two automakers seem like prime candidates for an alliance or outright merger. There are several reasons why, which we’ll explore here.

Volkswagen and Ford: The Next Tie-up?

1. The two companies forged a global alliance.

In January 2019, Ford and Volkswagen announced that the two companies were forging a global alliance, but without cross-ownership. Pickup trucks and commercial vans were the first vehicles mentioned where collaboration will take place.

2. An EV/AV alliance follows.

In July, Ford and Volkswagen announced that the two automakers would begin sharing electric vehicle (EV) and autonomous vehicle (AV) technology. VW is investing in Argo AI, which is Ford’s self-driving technology, while Ford will build at least one vehicle based on Volkswagen’s Modular Electric Toolkit (MEB) architecture for sale in Europe.

3. Ford cuts back on cars.

The Ford Motor Company still produces cars, but the U.S. market will soon offer only the Mustang, pickup trucks, and lots of utility vehicles. With a VW tie-up, Ford might find it affordable and sensible to sell small cars again in the U.S., especially as the merged entity shaves costs. In any case, if the market suddenly shifts to cars again, Ford will have the platforms in place to build what’s needed.

4. The Rivian factor.

We already know that Ford owns a slice of Rivian, the upstart electric vehicle maker. Rivian will begin producing an SUV and pickup truck by the end of 2020. Ford will have access to Rivian’s skateboard electric vehicle architecture, which is certain to produce at least one model for the Ford brand. Volkswagen wants a pickup too and might utilize Rivian besides tapping the Ford Ranger for its own purpose.

5. Big is better.

When it comes to building passenger vehicles, the bigger you are, the better. Or at least that is the thinking in this industry. Yes, “economies of scale” and “synergies” are realized through smart collaboration. But there is another factor, bragging rights, which the new company led by Volkswagen would claim as sales would top an estimated 14 million units annually, putting the new automaker well in front of the pack.

What About GM?

With FCA and PSA hooking up and Ford and Volkswagen presenting a strong argument for consolidation, what about GM? At one time we might have seen GM go it alone or acquire another automaker, but that’s not going to happen.

Fresh on the heels of a costly labor agreement with the UAW, GM is ripe for the picking. We don’t see Toyota or Hyundai/Kia interested nor is it likely Honda with its independent streak planning to do likewise. There’s a chance GM might find a place in the Renault-Nissan alliance, but we think a Chinese suitor is just as likely.

In any case, the industry is changing and most likely will see additional mergers, acquisitions, and alliances in the months ahead. FCA and PSA triggered the tsunami. Now we’ll witness how other automakers avoid getting consumed by the waves of change.

Sportback Performance: Buick Regal GS

March 19, 2019 by admin

2019 Buick Regal GS — The latest Buick Regal line is all-new as of 2018 and includes this GS model.

Buick’s identity in the GM fold places this brand squarely between Chevrolet and Cadillac. It shares this position with GMC, as the two brands are typically sold under the same roof.

The Buick brand has successfully made its appeal to younger buyers and is no longer considered an “old people’s brand.” Its strongest market by far is China, which is why Buick is around today and not Pontiac. Still, GM’s middle brand has its work cut out for itself as it builds more utility vehicles and drops car models as consumer tastes shift.

One car model that is still around is the Buick Regal. It remains one of Buick’s most recognized names, with the earliest models dating to the early 1970s. Those rear-wheel-drive models were the midsize coupes and sedans of that era and later included a wagon. Later models switched to front-wheel drive before the nameplate was canceled in 2004.

Buick resurrected the Regal in 2011, relying on GM’s Opel division to supply it with a four-door sedan. For seven model years, the Regal brought premium features to the midsize sedan segment, although it measured slightly smaller than most competing models.

2019 Buick Regal GS

The Current-Generation Buick Regal

Beginning in 2018 and continuing for another year, Buick once again relies on Opel to supply it with Regal models. But there are a few important differences of note:

1), Opel is no longer owned by GM. The brand is now owned by France’s PSA Groupe, which includes Peugeot, and

2), The sedan is dead, but two new body styles roll out. The Buick Regal is now defined by three models — the Regal TourX, Regal Sportback, and the Regal GS. The first model is a wagon, the second two are “sportback” models, which is another name for a hatchback.

2019 Buick Regal GS Overview

Buick supplied us with a 2019 Regal GS sedan, therefore that’s the model we’ll discuss herein. We already evaluated the Regal TourX. Likely, the standard Regal Sportback offers a similar experience, at least from a driving perspective.

What’s the main difference between the Sportback and GS? Its what’s found under the hood, that’s what. The TourX and Sportback have a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and upwards of 295 pound-feet of torque (265 with front-wheel drive). The Regal GS has a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 310 horsepower and 282 pound-feet of torque. It also has standard all-wheel drive.

2019 Buick Regal GS

A Matter of Design

The Regal GS has a handsome look with a bold front fascia, crisp lines, and a modern style. Front to back, the look is elegant and sporty. You’d be forgiven if you thought it was a sedan even as the big rear window eases down to a rear deck.

It is only when you inspect the rear window that you realize that its size is proportionally larger than what’s found in most sedans. Flick the tri-shield log and the hatch rises up, just like a utility vehicle.

Hatchbacks of old stood out from the rear and sometimes included a pair of clasps (here’s looking at you, Ford Pinto). The Regal Sportback/GS does its best to look like a sedan and that’s a very good thing.

2019 Buick Regal GS

Buick dresses the GS in its own sport front and rear fascias as well as side skirts and a rear spoiler. You’ll also find 19-inch alloy wheels and performance brakes with Brembo front calipers. LED lighting elements amplify the tail lamps. Buyers may also select an Appearance Package ($485), which adds such features as LED headlamps, headlamps with auto leveling, and cornering lamps. Buick also bundles wireless charging with this package.

Inside, the GS’ cabin is roomy, uncluttered and comfortable. But especially up front. Though all-wheel drive, the GS sits barely above other cars in this segment. Still, the sight lines are wide and unobstructed. The dashboard is layered, but not overstocked. Other standout features include a three-dial instrument panel, a padded steering wheel with a flat bottom, and an orderly center stack with a touchscreen, knobs and switches to control the cabin features. Buick also includes metal pedals to enhance this model’s sporty persona.

The front sport seats with twin stitching are sufficiently bolstered and supply sufficient back and neck support. They have the look of very expensive sport seats, but they’re as thickly padded as some. Happily, they’re not over bolstered to the point where your hip points feel squeezed.

The rear seat holds three, but tall passengers may find the sloping roofline not to their liking. It shaves away about 1.5 inches of headroom compared with the TourX and that makes for a noticeable difference. On the other hand, legroom and hip room is an improvement over the previous sedan. Indeed, the GS has about an extra 3.5 inches between the wheels over the previous sedan.

2019 Buick Regal GS

Standard features include full power accessories, a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, a heated steering wheel, leather seats, heated and cooled front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a 40/20/40 split-folding rear bench seat. The lone package offered is a Buick Interior Protection Package ($200), which brings in a cargo tray along with first- and second-row all-weather floor mats.

Behind the rear seat is 31.5 cubic feet of storage space, which is about double what you’d find in a comparable sedan. It also rivals what some small crossover SUVs offer. Drop down the rear seat and that space expands to 60.5 cubic feet. Now you know why the Regal Sportback/GS is an attractive alternative to a utility vehicle.

Safety & Technology

We don’t yet have a safety rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), but we expect the 2019 Regal in all its configurations will fare well. Standard safety features include a rearview monitor and Teen Driver, the latter making it possible for parents to monitor teen driving behavior.

Additional safety features can be had through the available Driver Confidence Package II GS ($1,690). This package bundles such features as forward collision alert, forward automatic braking, front pedestrian braking, adaptive cruise control, following distance indicator, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, and a head-up display. This is one area where Buick trails the competition — most manufacturers offer some if not all driver-assist safety features as standard equipment.

On the tech front, Buick equips the Regal GS with an 8-inch touchscreen, voice recognition, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility. You’ll also find HD Radio, satellite radio, OnStar services, and 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capability.

Also available is a Sights and Sounds Package ($945). This package ties together remote start, navigation, and an 8-speaker audio system.

On the Road

Is the Buick Regal GS a performance model? That depends on how you define the term. Typically, any model with performance attributes has enhanced power, steering, handling, and an adaptive drivetrain. This Buick has all that.

Under the hood is a 3.6-liter, V6 engine with 310 horsepower and 282 pound-feet of torque. Buick pairs this engine with a 9-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The performance numbers are laudable as they beat every other model with a naturally aspirated V6 engine, although there aren’t many left.

2019 Buick Regal GS

For instance, the Toyota Camry with its 3.5-liter V6 earns 301 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. There’s also the turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine powering the Ford Fusion Sport. This one bangs out 325 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. Notably, the Fusion Sport and the Nissan Altima are two models available that offer all-wheel drive, which happens to come standard with the Subaru Legacy.

Competing luxury models usually offer standard rear- or front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive. However, the Audi A5 Sportback supplies standard all-wheel drive.

Step-off acceleration is strong and passing power is equally satisfying with the Regal GS. You’ll find both “sport” and “GS” drive control switches, with both adding more weight to the steering, faster transmission shift points and more “boom” from the exhaust system. The sport setting, however, barely seemed different from the default or “normal” setting.

Torque-vectoring all-wheel drive sets the Regal GS apart from the pack. That said, it isn’t on the level of the Audi A5 Sportback in driving dynamics as the pricier of these two German models navigates twisty roads and pulls out of corners with all four wheels firmly planted. Body roll is more evident in the Buick than it is in the Audi.

Is there something missing here? Yes! Paddle shifters. This is an egregious omission for a car claiming performance attributes as it removes an important slice of driver engagement. You can’t get a manual gearbox with the Regal and, sadly, you can’t control shifting with AutoStick or paddle shifters.

2019 Buick Regal GS

Auto Trends Recommends

The Buick Regal GS is a special trim level of the Regal Sportback. If the general design interests you and you’re less concerned about performance, then the standard model may appeal to you. It also starts precisely $14,000 less than the GS. That said, we think one of the better-equipped trims, such as the Essence — with its leather seating, heated front seats, and available all-wheel drive is the place to begin your search.

As for the Regal GS, its appeal targets a narrow range of drivers. Besides the mainstream sedans, there are two models that share its body style in this segment — the Audi A5 Sportback and the Kia Stinger. The Buick is priced between the two, but the best value and performance lies with the Kia. The Stinger also offers standard rear-wheel drive with available all-wheel drive and two choices of engines, including a blistering twin-turbo V6.

2019 Buick Regal GS

2019 Buick Regal GS Specifications

Buick	2019 Regal GS
Segment	Midsize Sedan/Hatchback
Base Sticker Price	$39,070 (plus $925 destination charge)
Price as tested	$43,115
Standard Engine	3.6-liter, V6
Horsepower	310 @ 6,800 RPMs
Torque (lb.-ft.)	282 @ 5,200 RPMs
Transmission	Nine-speed automatic
Seating	5
Curb Weight (pounds)	3,796
Wheelbase (inches)	111.4
Length (inches)	192.9
Width (inches)	73.3
Height (inches)	57.3
Head room (f,r…inches)	38.8; 37.4
Leg room (f,r…inches)	42.1, 36.9
Shoulder room (f,r…inches)	56.9, 55.4
Hip room (f,r…inches)	55.2, 54.1
Storage (cubic feet)	31.5; 60.7
Gross vehicle weight (pounds)	NR
Towing (pounds)	NR
Payload (pounds)	NR
Fuel	Regular
Fuel Tank (gallons)	16.3
EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway)	19/27
Manufacturing Plant	Ruesselsheim, Germany

2019 Buick Regal GS

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Peugeot Prepares for its U.S. Return

February 27, 2019 by admin

This Peugeot 2008 SUV may someday find its way to the U.S.

French automaker Peugeot departed the U.S. market in 1991, following years of operating in relative obscurity. Indeed, the company never sold more than 20,000 vehicles annually during its time in the states, with just a fraction of that number sold in its final years.

The automaker’s parent, the PSA Groupe, has been planning its U.S. return since 2016, although it wasn’t clear whether it would market its Peugeot, DS or Citroën brands stateside. Furthermore, the company later acquired the Opel and Vauxhall brands from GM, casting a bit more uncertainty about its intentions.

Push to Pass: Bring Us a Peugeot

We now know that the Peugeot brand is PSA’s choice for leading the company back to North America. Moreover, Peugeot’s return is part of a wider Push to Pass” plan, which was outlined this week.

The global plan includes bringing Citroën to India and Opel to Russia, while enhancing DS’s international footprint. The company is seeking to increase its non-European business by 50 percent by 2021, an ambitious undertaking that won’t include U.S. and Canadian sales. Indeed, Peugeot’s North American return won’t happen before 2026, thus the company’s initial sales thrust will depend on other markets.

Don’t expect PSA to commit to building a U.S. manufacturing plant, at least not initially. The company plans to import cars from China and Europe to meet North American capacity (including Canada), according to Automotive News. PSA CEO Carlos Tavares said the North American launch will be done in a “frugal, conservative and profitable way.”

Free2Movie App — PSA’s U.S. operation already includes this Free2Move app.

There’s an App for That

PSA’s North American headquarters is based in Atlanta. Already, the company has its Free2Move app, which tracks all the shared cars, scooters, bikes, and rides in a city. The app consolidates various car- and transportation-sharing businesses to one app, making it easier for users to find what they want. At present, the app tracks Car2Go services in Portland and Seattle and adds cycling service to Washington, DC.

PSA plans to launch a whopping 116 vehicles by 2021, including concepts. The automaker wants to reduce the average age of its product range to just 3.5 years. That’s below the industry average and could give this automaker an edge in a market where consumers want the latest models.

French, But Not Renault

Peugeot’s pending return ensures a French automaker is once again represented in the U.S. market. The company’s chief rival, Renault, doesn’t have a presence either, as it exited the market a few years after selling its AMC subsidiary (including Jeep) to Chrysler in 1987. Renault’s alliance partner, Nissan, however, is well-represented in the Western Hemisphere, including in the U.S. and Canada.

DS SUV — PSA’s premium DS brand won’t be headed to North America. At least not yet.

The Peugeot 2008 SUV might be one of the first models we see from the French automaker. It is a compact model with a 2019 starting price of about $23,500. Its current competitors include the Nissan Rogue and Chevy Equinox. In the midsize utility vehicle segment is the Peugeot 5008 SUV, which costs around $35,000. Like models include the Hyundai Santa Fe XL and the Honda Pilot.

Of course, the new vehicle market may look far different than it is today, with a host of electric and autonomous vehicles dominating the segment. Peugeot also has a fleet of cars in its arsenal, including hatchbacks and sedans. The automaker also has a line of vans, ranging in size from compact to full-size. Whatever Peugeot supplies, it will give North American consumers yet another choice in a crowded sphere.

Photos courtesy of the PSA Groupe.

Bye, Bye Buick Cascada!

February 19, 2019 by admin

2019 Buick Reatta — The Buick Cascada is the brand’s first convertible since the Reatta.

Almost since its debut in 2016, the Buick Cascada seemed destined for early cancellation. For one, the market for cars, especially convertibles, was especially limited. Further, the Cascada was also the product of Opel, a company now no longer owned by GM, but by Groupe PSA, the maker of Peugeot, Citroen and other Euro-centric brands.

The competition was never fierce as few manufacturers participate in the drop-top arena. Early on, the Cascada battled with the now-discontinued Volkswagen Eos, along with the Audi A3 Cabriolet and BMW 2 Series convertible. Some might have thought the Cascada would fill the domestic void left by the Chrysler 200 Convertible, which was last produced in 2014. But its impact was negligible.

GM says that 2019 is the last model year for the Cascada. Slow sales are only part of the reason why this model is set for cancellation. We’ll uncover the reasons why and explore everything you need to know about the retiring Cascada:

1. From Opel, With Love

The Buick Cascada is also sold as the Opel Cascada throughout Europe. GM owned Opel from 1929 to 2017, and occasionally turned to its German subsidiary to supply models for the U.S. market.

We’ve seen Opel models sold as Saturns and even the Cadillac Catera utilized an Opel product. Buick has been the main beneficiary all along, especially in recent years as both the Cascada and Regal lines are courtesy of Opel.

Despite the end of Opel ownership, GM still relies on its former subsidiary and may continue to do so.

2. Just One Powertrain Choice

The front-wheel-drive Cascada comes with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. This engine makes 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque.

It is also the only powertrain choice and not a very strong one, given this model’s two-ton weight. It earns 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, which isn’t especially inspiring given this vehicle’s size.

3. Mainstream, Premium or Luxury?

GM doesn’t call Buick its intermediate brand, although in many ways it is. Chevrolet and Cadillac serve as the bookends for GM, while Buick (and GMC) occupy the middle ground.

The Cascada’s handsome exterior and quiet cabin with the roof up are two of its strong suits as well as its long list of standard features. But the cabin seems cluttered, sits just four people, and this Buick lacks certain advanced driver-assist features, including automatic emergency braking.

4. One of three Buick car models.

Take a look at Buick and you’ll find Encore, Envision, and Enclave crossover utility vehicles. Together, these three models comprise more than two-thirds of the brand’s sales.

That leaves three Buick car models to fill out the product line. Besides the Cascada and Regal, Buick sells the large LaCrosse sedan, and that model will come to an end before 2019 closes. Sales fell by nearly 23 percent last year, with just over 15,000 units sold. Sales increased by about 22 percent in 2018 as Buick rolled out new designs.

Interestingly, the Regal is also supplied by Opel, but will likely live on. Currently, Buick offers this midsize model in sportback and wagon versions, the latter similar to the crossover designs that have captured consumer interest.

5. Tepid sales, at best.

In 2018, Buick sold just 4,628 Cascada units, down from 5,595 a year earlier. In its first year, Cascada sales tallied 7,153 units.

The sales drop isn’t surprising as it follows a consumer-wide trend away from car models.

6. Opel cancels the Cascada.

GM may be canceling the Cascada, but it starts with Opel, which markets the model under the same name. Opel builds the Cascada at a factory in Poland and says that it is ending production there in response to slow and declining sales.

Thus, the Cascada cancellation is ultimately a PSA Groupe decision, not GM. Still, this gives GM an easy “out” as they depart the segment.

The China Connection

With the Opel connection shrinking, where will Buick turn for future models? Likely, they’ll continue to offer their share of GM-derived models that they share with Chevrolet and GMC.

But, they have another source that already supplies the Envision: its China operation. A cursory look at the brand’s China lineup shows hatchbacks, sedans, and crossovers, along with vans. Should Buick need additional product going forward, it may tap its China operation to supply the same. Of course, tariffs and geopolitical tensions may have some say in limiting that.

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