Last week, we told you that the 2020 Buick LaCrosse refresh – which already leaked in China last month – will be around for only a few short months before the LaCrosse is discontinued outright in the North American markets the United States, Canada and Mexico as a result of GM’s decision to idle the Detroit-Hamtramck plant where the large sedan is made. But as it turns out, that will not be the case.
Rather than only being available for a few short months and then being discontinued, the 2020 Buick Lacrosse refresh will not be available in America whatsoever, Buick has officially told us. We’ll leave it to you to decide whether that’s better or worse than being around for a few short months – as will be the case for the 2019 Cadillac CT6.
Meanwhile, the refreshed full-size sedan will go on sale in China in early 2019, bringing restyled front and rear fascias and various updates in the technology department. Years ago, who would have thought that the U.S. will one day become a market where Buick will come to discontinue its brand-defining full-size sedan, only to continue selling it in China?
For the Chinese market, the Buick LaCrosse is assembled at the Jinqiao South plant in Shanghai. The facility also builds the Chinese-market Cadillac ATS-L and Buick Regal.
The Buick LaCrosse is a full-size premium sedan that slots above the compact Buick Verano and midsize Buick Regal. The current, third-generation LaCrosse was introduced for the 2017 model year. The vehicle is based on the long wheelbase variant of the GM E2 platform. The short-wheelbase variant of the same platform is shared with the sixth-generation Buick Regal and ninth-generation Chevrolet Malibu. The 2018 model introduced several new colors and the GM 9-speed automatic transmission in place of the 2017 model's 8-speed. It also added a new standard powertrain in the form of the mild-hybrid 2.5L engine with eAssist coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission. In addition, the 2018 LaCrosse Avenir was introduced to serve as the range-topping model. The 2019 LaCrosse introduced two new colors and a Sport Touring (1SH) trim. A refresh is expected for the 2020 model year. The third-generation LaCrosse is built at the following plants: In November 2018, General Motors announced that it will discontinue the Buick LaCrosse in the United States market, a move that will result in the idling of the Detroit-Hamtramck plant where it's built. The vehicle will remain available in China.
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GM using brand new brain made in China. China first is its new motto.
Does it matter chinese design?
Looks X10 ten the current North American version ….
I gave up my us built xt5 had premium lux and platinum both had issues got a Buick Regal Gs sport back now…
Why would they bring it here if it is dead as far as production is concerned?
Would sell a lot better then current design…
Should have been launched like this from start.
Every refresh of a GM vehicle that won’t be built or sold in the United States is another reason for GM CEO Mary Barra to be fired because this is flushing hundreds of millions of US dollars down the toilet; GM should only be designing and building world cars as this will cut down on development and production cost.
And Barra should not have a job after December 31st. PERIOD
Sadly 8000 plus salaried workers won’t have one come January either!
The things that GM has been doing lately makes you wonder just what is going on in that Board room. Spend tons of money on updates only to cancel said vehicles. Their reason for this is the vehicles were not selling enough and they need to save money. If that was the case why spend the money to do the updates in the first place? Finally get the product right and people excited about your products again then promptly discontinue said products. Thats the way to instill confidence in your customer base. Why would I go out and spend my money on a vehicle that not going to be around in a few months?
The plant in China can make several different types of vehicles why can they do this in the USA? According to the article they make both front wheel drive vehicles and rear wheel drive vehicles. A USA plant that could make a variety of slow selling vehicles could possible operate a or near capacity and be profitable to operate. America once the most inovative country can no longer compete. SAD.
FCA has been pushing flexible manufacturing and the ability of a plant to do a quick changeover for several years. Where has GM been?
It’s too bad GM isn’t going ahead with the 2020 refresh. The brand built its reputation on offering big, comfortable sedans. A proper send-off for the model (“Final Edition?”) would have been good to see. Seems GM made the call it wasn’t worth the investment – but I’m sure there are loyal Buick customers out there who are disappointed by this decision.
Shame, Shame, Shame! Would someone at GM tell me why they are selling an American car in China, while at the same time, an American that wants one, can’t buy one?