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» Archive for the 'China' Category

Chinese Buick Regal caught dressed in red

Wednesday, October 1st, 2008 by admin



Two weeks ago we showed you spy shots of a 2010 Buick Regal caught testing in China that appeared to be nothing more than a rebadged Opel Insignia. (As you may recall, we’ll be getting the 2010 Buick LaCrosse in the States.) All three of those cars are based on GM’s Epsilon II platform, which we will also likely see under future vehicles from Saab, Saturn and Chevrolet. The Buick brand, and the popular Regal, are doing very well in China. As such, it’s no surprise to see these latest spy shots of the barely disguised four-door Regal dipped in red, and it looks great despite being a badge job. The production version is expected to debut at the Guangzhou Auto Show in November.

Posted in Buick, China, Misc. Auto Shows, Sedans/Saloons, spy photos | No Comments »

Spy Shots: Chinese Chevy Lova reveals next-gen Aveo?

Thursday, September 4th, 2008 by admin

We were hoping to get a new sub-compact from Chevy that would ape the design of the Beat concept, but we’re seeing more of a Malibu influence in these spy shots of what appears to be the next-gen Lova in China, or what we know as the Aveo in the U.S. The front grille especially looks inspired by the Malibu’s schnoz, which is fine, but the rest of the car — in particular the tall greenhouse — is still easily identifyable by its econo-car roots.

You can also see a few shots of the interior in the gallery below. Though not very clear, the instrument panel looks agreeable, though you can bet the materials were chosen to hit a specific price-point rather than look and feel like high quality pieces.

Truthfully, however, we don’t really know if this updated Lova has anything to do with the U.S. market Aveo, and these pics aren’t the greatest. Still, it could hardly be any worse than what we’ve got now… right?

Posted in China, Economy, chevrolet, spy photos | No Comments »

Doh! All plans for return of MG to U.S. dead

Wednesday, August 27th, 2008 by admin

Blame gas prices. Blame the housing market. Blame the dollar for being worth much less than it was in 2005. But ultimately, you’ll probably need to blame the Chinese for the total lack of MGs being sold in the U.S.

Despite initial plans by MG’s new owner, Nanjing Automobile Group Corp., to sell a U.S. version of the TF roadster, the company now says conditions are just wrong here in the States. “The U.S.A. isn’t on the short-term radar as an anticipated market for us, but with the right product, it would be good to return there,” Gary Hagen, marketing director of NAC MG, says in a story on Austin Rover Online. Of course, with the car also goes any hopes of a U.S. assembly plant in Oklahoma. The final twist of the knife is Hagen killing any hope of the company shipping Chinese-made kits to the U.S. for assembly.

Buck up, MG fans. You’ve waited 20 years. What’s another 20? Right?

Posted in China, Convertibles, Sports/GTs | No Comments »