Will a version of the new Buick Excelle be the next Voltec model?
The next-generation Buick Excelle has been spotted testing in the usual camouflage. The existing Excelle is only sold in China, but now that General Motors has decided that Buick will be one of its four core brands in the U.S. market, it seems likely that it could come over as part of an expanded lineup. The new Excelle is based on the same Delta II platform as other compacts - including the Opel Astra, Chevy Cruze and, of course, the Chevy Volt. Since Buick is intended to be a more upmarket brand than Chevrolet, it seems plausible that GM could create a version of the Excelle using the Voltec (formerly E-Flex) powertrain that will propel the Volt. Most likely, GM will simply focus on the Volt and Opel/Vauxhall Ampera for a couple of years. An ER-EV version of the Excelle will likely have to wait until the second-generation Voltec system arrives. If GM does build a Voltec based Buick will they finally revive the Electra name for it?
[Source: Left Lane News]
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Used Car Dealers 12:52AM (3/23/2009)
Voltec vehicles are all electrically-driven, feature common drivetrain components, and will be able to create electricity on board using either a fuel cell or a gasoline motor to generate electricity. Regenerative braking will also contribute to the on-board electricity generation. - Used Car Dealers.
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stas peterson 3:33PM (3/23/2009)
It seems like a natural extension.
From a marketing standpoint, the composite PBG dealers would need an EREV platform to draw potential customers, into their showrooms. Chevy and Caddy dealers have their electric offerings. Why not PBG dealers?.
It depends on what is the definition of a reduced Pontiac line is, Either sporty vehicles or cheap volume vehicles only, Knowing that, then the answer would be apparent.
If volumeoriented, then Pontiac would get the small cheaper vehicles, and probably the Excelle . If sporty, then Buick expands its product profile to a full line of vehicles to small, medium, large cars and SUVs including the EREV Buick Electra. I expect that thechoice si Pontiac si restricete dot sporty cars andBuick expands. That is a method ot eventually provindinfg a three-four brand Strategy for GM.
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