GM’s Buick brand is not standing still: besides the potential Buick Envoy midsize crossover based on the short wheelbase C1 platform as well as the upcoming Buick Enspire compact crossover off the E2 architecture, General Motors is developing another all-new crossover SUV for the Tri Shield brand.
From a platform standpoint, this future Buick crossover will be based on GM’s new Global Emerging Markets architecture, also known as the GEM platform, developed in conjunction with its Chinese joint venture partner, SAIC.
Thanks to a confidential document seen by GM Authority, we were able to learn that the project code for this future Buick CUV is JBUB. The acronym translates to the following:
By comparison, the imminent second-generation Buick Encore will ride on the VSS-F platform (project code 9BUB).
The future Buick crossover in question will be a subcompact (B-segment) model. In that regard, it will be roughly the same size as the Buck Encore.
Having two similarly-sized models is a strategy Buick has been utilizing to great success with its sedan offerings in China. For instance, the Buick Verano is a compact sedan positioned at the premium level, while the Buick Excelle is a similarly-sized compact sedan but is positioned downmarket, making it significantly more affordable.
As such, we expect this upcoming subcompact Buick crossover to be sold alongside as a less premium model alongside the next-generation Buick Encore. In that regard, this upcoming Buick CUV will be a closely related to the upcoming Chevrolet Tracker (program code JBUC), which will be positioned in China as a less premium alternative to the next-gen Chevy Trax.
This future Buick crossover was recently captured undergoing validation testing in China. The photos, published by Chinese news outlets, show a prototype with a partially-exposed front end, giving us the ability to see its design.
The front clip has a rather sporty appearance, with a grille featuring horizontal slats. The logo, meanwhile, is flanked by more prominent “wings” that flow outward into the rest of the fascia. Below is a sculpted front bumper cover with marked air intakes. Meanwhile, the rear window slopes quickly downward.
According to the aforementioned document, SAIC-GM will begin production of the vehicle at its GM Norsom plant in Shenyang (Liaoning Province), the same facility where the future Chevrolet Tracker is expected to be manufactured.
Production is forecasted to commence in June 2019. Given this information, and the advanced stages of the developmental prototype, we expect that this future Buick CUV will be revealed during the first half of next year.
Unlike the aforementioned Buick Envoy and Buick Enspire crossovers, we do not believe that this upcoming subcompact crossover will be made available outside of China, primarily since it rides on the low-cost GEM architecture. As such, it’s more likely that JBUB will be a China-only crossover offering.
Even so, this model will enable Buick’s crossover range to double from the three models currently to six CUVs – a move in accordance with the ongoing shift in buyers dynamics that favors CUVs over sedans.
It’s currently unknown what name will be assigned to this upcoming, subcompact Buick crossover. However, we would not be surprised that the name will work very well in China due to its China-first focus.
Stay tuned to GM Authority as we bring you the latest Buick news.
Moving opposite to market trends.
With four model years recommended for purchase.
This example is a former NCRS award winner.
Many automakers oppose right-to-repair laws citing cybersecurity concerns.
Breaking out the spec sheets for a comparison.
View Comments
We're beginning to see modular platforms taking place and there will be more to come. Expect Cadillac to have a modular platform for sedans, crossovers, EVs and hybrids mostly to itself.
They'd better not forget the disable switch for the automatic start/stop system.
That shortsighted/stupid decision to exclude the disable feature on the Enclave, Traverse, XT5, Blazer, Malibu, LaCrosse, and Regal have ruined those vehicles.
Don't screw this one up too.
If it's not for the US and if that's where you happen to be, why worry about start/stop on this.
Apparently chinese people just really like Buicks, and there is space in the market for a multitude of these sub-compact CUVs.
I'm actually thinking that the Encore might away and be replaced with this.
To upgrade all their current models with some of the latest text safety stuff and not charge 45,000 for base models I would be really happy to consider a GM again unfortunately I'm a car buyer and not an SUV buyer and they're giving up on the market entirely
Raymond - what you're doing is looking at minuscule factors/events and then jumping to conclusions.
What you really need to do is to get a grasp on the whole picture... and that picture is that GM still contributes significantly more to the United States than any automaker (domestic or foreign), regardless of local manufacturing footprint.
First is the issue of "white collar jobs". For every one of these positions, 5 auxiliary jobs are created. GM has more "white collar" employees in the United Sates than any other automaker. These people perform functions such as business planning, marketing, vehicle development (engineering, design, supply/sourcing), production management, financial/accounting, and various other supporting areas on the business side of the house.
Second is the issue of "blue collar jobs". For every one of these positions, 2 auxiliary jobs are created. GM has more of these jobs than any other automaker doing business in the United States. Honda, Toyota, and others make some models in the U.S.... but not nearly as many as GM does.
Now, GM does make vehicles in plants outside the U.S. It does so for various highly complex reasons, all of which typically boil down to these three factors:
1. Risk management - as it relates to the political climate, exchange rate fluctuations, supplier risk management, etc.
2. Production volume, capacity and flexibility factors: it's better business sense to have a few plants churning out similar product (vehicles using the same platform) so as to have production flexibility while also protecting against risk. An example of this is the vehicles made on the C1 platform (Enclave, Traverse, Blazer, Acadia, XT5), which currently span three plants: two in the U.S. and one in Mexico. The forthcoming Cadillac XT6 and upcoming Buick Envoy will be two more vehicles to add to that list.
3. Profit: make no mistake about it, GM is in the business of making cars to MAKE MONEY. They're not here to support your ideologies; they are here to bring return on invested capital to themselves and their shareholders. Sure, they will do so while being as societally responsible as possible... which they are doing.
Toyota, Honda, and any other foreign automaker are no different in this matter... the only difference is that they are given handouts on a regular basis by their own government(s) in the form of subsidies or payments. GM has never received hese, unless one counts GM's Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2009, and that was a very unique transaction that wasn't in the form of a subsidy, handout or payments but rather a structured way of keeping afloat a company that is vital to the financial and economic health of the United States.
So stop grasping at straws and pointing out tiny little examples that only serve to distract from the bigger picture. Follow the money... and you'll see exactly who (and in what country) winds up with the revenue generated by Honda and Toyota. Hint: it isn't people in the United States.
Ford now employs more hourly employees than GM in the us