Quote:
Originally Posted by ColinOpseth
If GM doesn't bring this car here it shows they're dedicated to leaving the US market.
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Why? It is so easy to say these things. How much money does it cost to introduce a car? And for what reason? To replace an existing car, most likely. So, replace what? The Aura? The Malibu? Both are brand new! How much money would they have wasted to replace the Aura so soon?
And it still wouldn't sell. It would be a Saturn. No one buys a Saturn. Worst brand recognition in the US, imo. How do you stop Prius sales... slap a Saturn badge on it. Result: total anonymity.
So, replace the Malibu? Ridiculous. That is a stellar car and it sells very well (as well as any mid-size GM car in its 1st year w/ no incentives has any right to). I still get list price for every one w/ '09s just hitting the lot.
In fact, this Opel looks very much like a '08 Malibu. Some details are nicer, some uglier. Far uglier (Nike swoosh on the door, anyone?). The fact that it may be Epsilon II would be lost on anyone not in the automotive know (the buyers of mainstream mid-size CamCords, for instance).
Bottom line: bring it here in 3yrs. Or more accurately, bring EP II in 3 yrs w/ Chevy styling. Before that, the new Buick can introduce EP II to the U.S. and incorporate upscale features. The leaked Buick shots from last week looked waaaay too much like a Malibu. The only thing I'm jealous of w/ the Opel is the sweet looking stick. U.S. will never get that.