New Daewoo Veritas - The Park Avenue The US Can't Have!

[61BelAir]

Originally Posted by megeebee

Oh, for pity-sake how often do we have to re-hash this?

Buick needs softly sprung, FWD luxury cars. The Park Avenue, as it is today, would only confuse people about Buick.

I'm not sure Buick needs more softly sprung FWD cars. That thinking is why Buick is in the mess that its in now. Buick should not be thought of as some car for the geriatric set. If that mindset continues at GM then they might as well close Buick now and get it over with. Back in the day Buick use to compete with everyone, Cadillac included. Why is that a problem? Doesn't competition breed better cars?

[JEFF G.T]

Here are more pics of the Daewoo Veritas

[motorman]

Originally Posted by roteague

You guys haven't been paying attention. The Chinese Park Avenue won't meet US safety specs - that was hashed and rehased, when it was announced. Even Bob Lutz has addressed this issue.

i keep telling you guys that your congressman and senators have more to do with your car than GM engineers. don't blame it on GM

[red_rider]

Originally Posted by 61BelAir

I'm not sure Buick needs more softly sprung FWD cars. That thinking is why Buick is in the mess that its in now. Buick should not be thought of as some car for the geriatric set.

Nope, Buick is in its current situation because a lack of real luxury or style. It is possible to have a luxurious and stylish FWD car that trades handling for comfort.

[kenman923]

This is why GM is doing so bad.

[megeebee]

Originally Posted by Ambalanche

Megeebee, the point is, if GM HAD brought the Park Ave here unmolested from the Chinese version, I'm sure plenty of luxury buyers would take notice and actually...buy it. Buick is different in perception from Pontiac, look at how successful the Enclave has been.

...and how NOT successful the G8 has been. The G8 and Park Avenue are too much alike. Why would having two cars that look so similar, wearing different badges, in the same showroom be a good idea? The G8 is already expensive enough and sells in very small numbers. Why do you think a longer, more expensive version with a bit more upscale interior would have done any better?

Originally Posted by Ambalanche

Roteague, GM has had may opportunities to federalize it, it is on a platform already Federalized, IE G8, Camaro. It could've been done..

But remember, until very recently GM was preparing the American-designed Zeta car for Buick. The decision against bringing the Chinese car here was made long before that car was cancelled. I believe that a majority of Buick dealers told GM brass at a NADA meeting in Vegas a year or two ago that they didn't think the Park Avenue would be a good idea.( Now, they get the Lucerne for heaven knows how long).

GM simply doesn't have any luck importing its own foreign product into the US. The press and many on sites like this (not necessarily yourself) keep telling everyone that it's a panacea for GM's troubles. But when the product arrives, few will buy. The Astra is collecting mildew all over the country. The G8, the same. Even the Vue has yet to beat the originals best-year sales.

[TuffG929]

I agree, for the most part, with megeebee. Besides, the new Lacrosse (stupid name) is just the medicine that buick needs right now.

[roteague]

Originally Posted by megeebee

But remember, until very recently GM was preparing the American-designed Zeta car for Buick. The decision against bringing the Chinese car here was made long before that car was cancelled. I believe that a majority of Buick dealers told GM brass at a NADA meeting in Vegas a year or two ago that they didn't think the Park Avenue would be a good idea.( Now, they get the Lucerne for heaven knows how long).

The decision against bringing it here was because the frame had been stretched, and would no longer meet US safety regulations.

[vt6banger]

the reason this is no good for US and G8 and GTO is because americans dont want to pay what the car is worth. in Oz we pay alot more than what they are charging in the states, as do the UK. Do you guys perceive gm as a cheap brand where no matter what they bring out you cant pay more than X for it? it seems that way...

[RedVee8]

Originally Posted by megeebee

...and how NOT successful the G8 has been. The G8 and Park Avenue are too much alike. Why would having two cars that look so similar, wearing different badges, in the same showroom be a good idea?

Sorry, I thought you guys were living in the land of the rebadges. Fit right in I'd have thought.

[FISH]

Originally Posted by roteague

The decision against bringing it here was because the frame had been stretched, and would no longer meet US safety regulations.

NO. That was the SLS. The only reason ever given for the PA not going to NA, was that the Buick dealers stated that they did not want it.

The Sigma chassis was never designed to stretch in the same way Zeta was. therefor when the STS was turned into the SLS it lost much of its inherent strength. This is not a problem for Zeta, as it was designed to be stretched ( I think that it still has the ability to go even longer than the current PA/ Caprice).

[TKR]

Originally Posted by FISH

NO. That was the SLS. The only reason ever given for the PA not going to NA, was that the Buick dealers stated that they did not want it.

The Sigma chassis was never designed to stretch in the same way Zeta was. therefor when the STS was turned into the SLS it lost much of its inherent strength. This is not a problem for Zeta, as it was designed to be stretched ( I think that it still has the ability to go even longer than the current PA/ Caprice).

Correct. The descision not to bring the Park Avenue to the US (and mentioned on this site at the time) was driven by the Buick US dealer group.

Lucerne sales for this calendar year are under 50% compared to last year and I would hate to see the dealer retained margin on every sold car.
(Mind you, check out Hummer sales. Down 43% compared to last year - ouch)

[RedVee8]

Back on topic, I think it is a shame for Buick that this car is being badged as a Daewoo in Sth Korea.
I would like Buick to expand to be a pan-Asia brand, rather than just China. Both cases being in addition to Nth America, of course.
A wasted opportunity.

[roteague]

Originally Posted by FISH

NO. That was the SLS. The only reason ever given for the PA not going to NA, was that the Buick dealers stated that they did not want it.

You are right, I'd forgotten.

[Hurricane]

Originally Posted by vt6banger

the reason this is no good for US and G8 and GTO is because americans dont want to pay what the car is worth. in Oz we pay alot more than what they are charging in the states, as do the UK. Do you guys perceive gm as a cheap brand where no matter what they bring out you cant pay more than X for it? it seems that way...

No, when GM builds great products like the Malibu and the CTS, Americans respond by snapping them off of the lots. When GM introduces a product like the GTO or the G8, it doesn't matter how it is priced when its styling is bland/boring and the interior materials and fit/finish are inferior to its German and Japanese competition in the U.S. market.