Besides taxes and the imminent legalization of marijuana in the State of Colorado, we can think of two other things that are indisputably and undeniably part of the world today: the continuing growth in Internet usage, and the relentless proliferation of smartphones and other mobile devices around the world. Buick is addressing both realities with the launch of iBuick for the Chinese market.
iBuick is an app for Apple iOS and Google Android devices for future and existing customers built around four pillars: iShop, iCare, iAsk and iGame.
- iShop provides an interactive, 360-degree view of Buick product exteriors and interiors, with detailed highlights shown clearly. Users can also use iShop to book test drives, calculate and apply for car loans, and obtain dealership contact information anytime, anywhere.
- iCare is a virtual shop with information about taking care of Buick products, serving as a handy replacement for bulky vehicle manuals.
- iAsk answers questions about fuel cost, getting a car wash and finding a place to park. It also reminds Buick owners about maintenance, insurance, annual inspections and license renewal.
- iGame enables users to design their own Buicks and share them with their friends via microblog.
The app can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or from Buick’s website for Android users.
The GM Authority Take
In effect, iBuick is as much about researching new vehicles as it is maintaining and keeping track of current ones, while integrating a social component (the iGame section). Coincidentally, Buick has been offering an app called MyBuick in North America that is more or less intended for current Buick owners. myBuick is integrated with the OnStar RemoteLink app and we wonder whether it will be overhauled to match the new iBuick app.
We also wonder if Buick got Apple’s blessing to use the letter “i” in front of the app’s name, as well as the four sections of the app itself… because last time we checked, myBuick was named this way for a reason.
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