Regal Nears U.S. Launch, Navigation Incurs Slight Delay

[nsap]

Regal Nears U.S. Launch, Navigation Incurs Slight Delay
Turbo, navigation models arriving a bit later.
www.gminsidenews.com
March 23, 2010
By: Nick Saporito

Buick’s all-new midsize sedan, the Regal, is nearing its launch in North America. The Opel-turned-Buick was slated to start production this month—supposedly on the first—in Russelsheim, Germany. Dealerships can already order Regal CXL with the 182 horsepower ECOTEC 2.4L, with the vehicles coming to shore in late May to early June. Every Buick dealer is supposed to have allocation for at least one Regal initially.

Regal 2.0 Turbo models are not available at launch. Orders for the turbo are expected to open up next month, however the cars will not be navigating North American roads until the fourth quarter of 2010. GM has not specified what has caused the delay of the CXL Turbo.

Although we have posted the entire Regal sales brochure, actual paper copies of the literature will be shipping to Buick dealerships this week.

Last week rumors surfaced on GMI that Regals equipped with the navigation system would incur a delay. GMI has confirmed with several dealerships that the Regal’s navigation system is currently on constraint until the latter part of April. This means that dealerships can order the Regal with navigation, however the car will not be built until late April or after. It is unclear what caused the delay.

2011 Regal Sales Brochure

[Perian]

How can you tell an imported Regal, from a soon-to-be domestic Regal?

The imported Regal has no port holes stamped into the hood.

[MechEng]

How can you tell an imported Regal, from a soon-to-be domestic Regal?

The imported Regal has no port holes stamped into the hood.

Imported cars will have a VIN # that starts with "W". Cars built in Oshawa will have a VIN # that starts with "2"

[Quickening]

Of course its not launching with navigation. That is the GM way. I just don't understand why they can't launch a vehicle without navigation. Especially game changing vehicles.

[nsap]

Of course its not launching with navigation. That is the GM way. I just don't understand why they can't launch a vehicle without navigation. Especially game changing vehicles.

If it wasn't launching with navigation, I wouldn't be able to order one with it today. I can.

[FenwickHockey65]

Of course its not launching with navigation. That is the GM way. I just don't understand why they can't launch a vehicle without navigation. Especially game changing vehicles.

Constraint means that the option is still there, it just won't be produced for some time for some reason or another until the constraint is lifted. It does NOT mean that the vehicle will launch without it.

[paul8488]

Yeah, there's a difference between not having a navigaton option available at launch and what is probably a supplier hiccup. While it's unfortunate, it's not for very long, and GM DID make the smart decision to offer it at launch on this car.

[Quickening]

Constraint means that the option is still there, it just won't be produced for some time for some reason or another until the constraint is lifted. It does NOT mean that the vehicle will launch without it.

It still could easily put buyers off. I know I'd be asking why there is a delay. Maybe that person can't or doesn't want to wait for that and decides on a completely different vehicle, lost sale.

Ok so its launching with it, but its still delayed. Its still a botched launch of the vehicle when you have issues with equipment and options not available to customers because GM can't get all the ducks in a row. Ever.

[big swede]

Of course its not launching with navigation. That is the GM way. I just don't understand why they can't launch a vehicle without navigation. Especially game changing vehicles.

The Regal is game changing?

[Greg Burr]

So the first impression of this car that journalists form will be based on a non-turbo 182 hp Ecotec and no navigation? Beautiful. First impressions count the most.

[Quickening]

The Regal is game changing?

uh for Buick. It giving the brand a new direction and opening it up to a brand new younger demographic. The young demographic that WANTS technology and navigation units.

[nsap]

It still could easily put buyers off. I know I'd be asking why there is a delay. Maybe that person can't or doesn't want to wait for that and decides on a completely different vehicle, lost sale.

Ok so its launching with it, but its still delayed. Its still a botched launch of the vehicle when you have issues with equipment and options not available to customers because GM can't get all the ducks in a row. Ever.

Buyers would probably not even notice...delivery would probably two weeks later than a non-nav model.

You should pay more attention to every OEM's launches. They all have constraints at launch on certain features. For example, when the 2007 MKX launched the 18" chrome wheels were on constraint for a month...delayed everyone's order. Happens all the time.

[megeebee]

Buyers would probably not even notice...delivery would probably two weeks later than a non-nav model.

You should pay more attention to every OEM's launches. They all have constraints at launch on certain features. For example, when the 2007 MKX launched the 18" chrome wheels were on constraint for a month...delayed everyone's order. Happens all the time.

Exactly.

[Quickening]

If its two weeks, that is one thing. Hopefully it is nothing more..

I wouldn't even consider two weeks a delay. I just think months when I hear delay.

I'll calm down now

[Jkujo]

I like that there are more exterior color options than what is currently showing in the GM Ordering Guide.