Kaiyue is a mid-level sedan produced by SAIC-GM, belonging to the Buick brand, which has been loved by domestic consumers since its launch in 2003, with cumulative sales of more than one million units. However, the prototype of the Excelle is not from the United States, but from the Laketti series of Daewoo in South Korea, which is a global model with different brand logos hanging in different countries and regions, such as Chevrolet, Holden, Suzuki, etc. So, how did Kaiyue go from a Korean global car to a Chinese special car?
The prototype Laketetti was designed and developed by South Korea's Daewoo Automotive Technology Co., Ltd. (GMDAT), which debuted in South Korea in 2002 and was subsequently launched in Europe, North America, Australia and other regions, with different brands and names, such as Chevrolet Nubira, Holden Viva, Suzuki Forenza, etc. Lacetti is a compact sedan based on the J200 platform, positioned in the low-to-mid-end market, focusing on cost performance and practicality, equipped with 14l、1.6l、1.8l and 2Engines of different displacements, such as the 0L, are equipped with manual or automatic transmissions, and are available in different body forms such as sedans, hatchbacks, and station wagons.
In 2003, SAIC-GM introduced Laketti's technology, and after adjustment and improvement for the Chinese market, it launched the Buick Excelle, officially entering the mid-class car market. The Buick Excelle retains the basic silhouette of Lacetti on the exterior, but adds the iconic elements of the Buick brand, such as the drop-shaped grille, double-ring logo, chrome decoration, etc., to enhance the sense of luxury and recognition. In the interior, the Buick Excelle adopts more refined and comfortable materials and designs, such as leather seats, wood grain trim, multi-function steering wheel, etc., to enhance the riding experience. In terms of power, the Buick Kaiyue is equipped with 16l and 1The 8L is available with two naturally aspirated engines, mated to a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, and has good power performance and fuel economy.
In terms of safety performance, Buick Kaiyue is equipped with ABS, EBD, dual airbags, side airbags and other configurations, and has passed the crash test of the European NCAP and obtained a four-star rating. In 2009, Buick Kaiyue carried out a mid-term facelift, mainly in the appearance, interior and configuration upgrades, such as the replacement of larger headlights, front bumpers, taillights, etc., the addition of reversing radar, cruise control, electric sunroof and other configurations, improve competitiveness. In 2014, Buick Kaiyue launched a new model based on a new platform, named Kaiyue XT, positioned as a compact sedan, coexisting with the old Kaiyue.
The Kaiyue XT adopts Buick's latest design language, the appearance is more fashionable and dynamic, the interior is more youthful and technological, the power is more advanced and efficient, and it is equipped with 15L naturally aspirated engine and 1The 4T turbocharged engine is mated to a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, with the option of a dual-clutch gearbox. The launch of the XT also marks the enrichment and expansion of Buick's product line. In 2019, Buick Kaiyue ushered in the upgrade of China VI and launched the 1The three models with a 3L naturally aspirated engine are priced at 839-9.990,000 yuan, continuing to meet the needs of low emissions and low fuel consumption.
At the same time, Buick Excelle has also launched a station wagon version based on the Kaiyue XT, named Kaiyue GS, positioned as a sports sedan, with a cooler and more individualized appearance, a more sporty and luxurious interior, more powerful and sensitive, and equipped with 1The 3T turbocharged engine, mated to a CVT continuously variable transmission, also offers the option of Sport mode and paddle shifters. The launch of the Kaiyue GS also marks the extension and innovation of Buick Kaiyue's product line.
Buick Excelle since its listing, has been widely welcomed by domestic consumers, with the high-end image of the Buick brand, the mediocre style of the Kaiyue model, reasonable ** and excellent quality, has won many loyal users, has become a dark horse in the domestic mid-level car market. Buick Kaiyue's sales have been maintained at a high level, and it has won the sales championship of the same level for many times, and has also brought considerable profits to SAIC-GM. According to statistics, the cumulative sales of Buick Excelle have exceeded one million units, which is one of the best-selling mid-level sedans in China and one of the important pillar products of the Buick brand.
Buick Excelle's market performance also benefited from its continuous innovation and improvement, according to the changes in the market and the needs of consumers, timely product upgrades and adjustments, to maintain the competitiveness and attractiveness of products. Buick Excelle has not only optimized and improved the appearance, interior, configuration, etc., but also innovated and made breakthroughs in power, platform, body, etc., introduced more advanced and efficient technologies and concepts, and created products that are more in line with the times and the market. Buick Excelle has also continuously expanded and enriched its product line, launched different models and versions, met different consumers and needs, and showed more possibilities and potential.