You’ve heard it a million times by now, but crossovers are extremely popular in North America. Automakers are filling up their lineups with enough crossovers to cover every existing vehicle segment and consumers are flooding dealerships to buy them. It’s impossible for an automaker to have too many crossovers right now, but there’s one General Motors crossover that just isn’t winning over consumers.
According to The Detroit News, there is currently a 201 day supply of Buick Envision crossovers sitting on dealer lots in the United States, making it one of the ten slowest selling vehicles in America. That puts it in company with hilariously unpopular cars like the Fiat 124 Spider sports car and Fiat 500L.
It’s really anybody’s guess why Americans aren’t taking to the Envision, but The Detroit News has a hunch that it’s due to the crossover’s price. Starting at $31,995 and ranging to $43,600 for the range-topping model, the Envision has trouble justifying its price premium over other crossovers – both in the GM portfolio, and outside it. It doesn’t look particularly upmarket, does not have a premium-feeling interior and its base 2.5-liter engine just isn’t powerful or refined enough.
The Envision also carries the special distinction of being the first Chinese-built car to be sold in North America. This caused some controversy when the GM first announced it would be shipping the Envision from China to the US, although it seems unlikely that this little-known fact would have a major impact on sales.
Buick will need the Envision to start pulling its weight soon, with the automaker’s vehicle lineup set to dwindle once the LaCrosse and Cascada are discontinued this year. That will leave Buick with only the Regal and Regal TourX in its car lineup, along with the Enclave, Encore and the Envision in its crossover lineup.
The Regal TourX is another one of the slowest selling vehicles in America, with a 182-day supply currently sitting on dealer lots. While we believe the TourX has a winning recipe, high lease rates may be a primary reason for the ongoing inventory build up.
During the 2018 calendar year, U.S. Envision sales fell to 30,152 units from the 41,040 units delivered during the 2017 calendar year. That represents a decrease of 26 percent or 10,888 units – numbers that run contrary to the ongoing boom in crossover sales.
Comments
That’s a kick in the pants.
Made in China? Not selling in the U.S.?
Hmmmm, didn’t many readers predict this but GMA bloggers were all over themselveves pushing this thing (Envision), telling us how super duper amazing it would sell?
WINNING!
Who wants to buy a car that will probably fall apart inside of 2 months like everything else that’s made in China. If GM went to China to save money what makes them think China is not going to cut corners to save on their costs? I’ll bet the price doesn’t reflect the cost savings of being made in China, all that is a way of increasing profits, ill never buy one, and I’ll bet there’s a lot of people that think the same way. They’re going to have to wait until all us older generations before they can sell there Chinese crap here.
I’ve owned my 2017 Envision for about a year now with about 8500 miles on it and it hasn’t had any significant problems. (Bought it at the end of the 2017 model year in Feb. 2018). It is certainly not “falling apart”. GM has its own quality control assurance people on site in China. They seem to be doing a great job. – – I’m 71 years old, and I have no problem with buying Chinese made products. Heck, almost everything is made in China, Vietnam, or Indonesia these days. – I’ll leave it up to Trump to deal with unfair price competition and wage disparities between USA products and others. – I think he is doing a great job of that.
I mentioned my age for the sole purpose of questioning Bob’s comment that, “They’re going to have to wait until all us older generations (die off) before they can sell there(sic) Chinese crap here.”
I suspect I’m more informed about China than you are. – (And prejudice against the elderly is not nice.)
I like my Envision. Before it, I had a Verano, which was a great car too. – – As I said, I’ll leave it to Trump to deal with the myriad of issues posed by China.
The majority of a car is from China anyway. Just bolting together prefabricated pieces from China . At one time a fridge or tv wasnt acceptable from China.
In Saginaw, MI we sell Envisions at our Dealership Garber Buick. They are widely popular in our line with more and more people coming by the droves to pick one up. I sell them often!
I wrote Marry asking her to have it built in N.A. last year, but got the usual form reply. And I won’t buy a Chinese made vehicle no matter what brand name is on it. Sorry, but I just can’t.
Yes, I agree a lot of people will object to buying a car made in china for a lot of reasons. First, who doesn’t have a personal story of buying a chinese product that falls apart prematurely and feel like its poor quality? this is the general and accurate perception of the vast majority of chinese products. Second, the only offsetting motivation to buy something made in china is if it’s cheaper. But this vehicle is not. As a matter of fact, its priced higher than a lot of the competition. Third, most traditional buyers of the Buick brand are expecting a car that better than the average car, in terms of quality and luxury. Buicks always cost more than lower line cars like a toyota or chevrolet. So if GM wants to continue to command higher pricing for the Buick brand, building models china to be sold in the US, flies in the face of that objective. So to me the made in china thing is a huge debacle. Other than that, the envision is roughly the size and type of vehicle that should be selling like hot cakes. Why doesn’t GM produce a US built version at one of the plants they are closing in the US? It would offset some of the bad press they got for closing factories and likely increase the appeal to the American consumer of this model.
I don’t know about GM. Seems that they are just in a slow downward spiral to extinction. I mean, last year, in banner year for the auto industry, they are announcing closing of 5 factories, displacing thousands of workers, due to sedans not selling well. The immediate thought that came to mind when watching those articles was how come Toyota can profitably build the camry and Honda, the Accord, in the US, but GM can’t do the same with the Malibu or other sedans? Since i gather that the actual GM sedan cars are of good quality and design, it has to be poor GM management, as well as marketing. In any event, watching the news when GM is mentioned, its akin to watching the saga of Sears. You just get the impression they are slowly sinking to extinction and will not be around in the years ahead.
Wasn’t this the whole reason GM chose to import the vehicle? I thought they needed another crossover, but couldn’t make the case for building it here because of the predicted sales numbers. It sure does seem ironic that they’re cancelling their cars because of the crossover craze, but these crossovers aren’t selling. What’s the GM Authority take on why it’s not selling? It’s generic, just like all the other crossovers, and the interior seems nice enough. Is it just price? Lack of advertising and name recognition? Continued lack of consideration for the Buick brand?
Also, didn’t the Volvo S60 already have the distinction of being the first built in China?
https://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2015/05/china-built-volvo-s60-sedans-heading-to-us.html
Maybe this was the first GM vehicle to be built in China? Or the first from a US manufacturer?
You actually think potential CUV buyers in the Market have any clue where the Envision or pretty much any car is being built?
Most don’t even know what kind of engine they are getting.
I think the China thing is weighing on the sales more than the author thinks.
I think that, in addition to being just “meh”.
The design looks like a minivan. the engine is small. and its not as luxurious as an XT5.
I think this car suffers from the same problem as the Lacrosse, and soon the Encore will face the same dilemma.
Its an “in-between” vehicle. The Chevy is below it, and can butt right up against the “top end”, Cadillac in terms of price and features. Why even buy a Buick these days? want Luxury? Buy a Caddy. Want cheap and practical with some luxury? Buy a Chevy. I think that Buick should stay with the niche vehicles (Cascada, Wagon), instead of being a rebadged Chevy or de-contented Caddy.
“Chinese built car “, that’s the awnser, plus you have more mid-lux and new CUVs on line then 16′. Would you get this over a RDX, UX XT4, even a Red Blazer RS?, I know I wouldn’t.
The Subaru Ascent is built in Lafayette, Indiana, for those who care more about the hand that puts it together than the one that pockets the profits.
Subaru takes less off the top anyway, $2000 “rebate” off MSRP on a product with $15k profit is an American car company game, and it shows when you look at resale values. Their CEO also barely broke $1 million in salary and bonuses combined last year (vs. Barra’s $21 million while closing US plants).
You might want to research how “American” companies routinely do not re-patriate profits back to the U.S. to avoid taxes, etc. And GM building in China and Mexico means all those jobs, support services, parts suppliers, taxes, etc. are lost to other countries.
The reality is you can’t fault a foreign company from taking it’s profit back to it’s country when it needs to…But you have to admit many of those “foreign” companies are investing huge in the U.S., creating good-paying jobs and stable communities in the process. Can’t say the same for GM who keeps trying make excuses for why it “needs” to make vehicles in China and even Mexico. It won’t work for them.
I agree with you. I was making the point Barra is getting rich while importing Buicks from China while the Subie CEO is having Outbacks, Imprezas and Ascents built in Indiana.
I understand GM is a global company, but the recent decisions can’t be explained with anything but corporate greed.
We deserved a lot better, especially after the bailout. New GM is looking old.
I wonder what would’ve needed cut in the ’00s for GM to not sell, but to max out it’s stake in Subaru? And probably hitch a (not Saab) brand to selling restyled Subies.
I hoped the awd Buicks conquested their buyers. A rock and hard place between Audi snobbery and the Subie PR cult. It hasn’t looked good for the TourX (I’ve suggested it too) or Envision.
A Buick XT4 keeping production up at that US plant would be received better here. Someone else mentioned the prudent idea Buicks should be one engine and trims with less build combos. With no V-sport, a power Buick is out anyway.
It’s great that Subaru build in Indiana and that that sways US buyers. But there’s a lot of worn struts, empty can noisy, oil consuming Japan Inc. cars out there, and nickle&dime (bust out another thousand) German cars that people should be put off by. I have to think there’s good opportunity for Buick yet.
GM strikes out again. It will be very interesting to see how the made in Mexico Blazer plays out with the same base 2.5 engine, too high prices and not made here image riding on it’s back.
Well, judging how hard GMA is trying to sell that overpriced red Chevy Blazer RS almost every darn day on here, I don’t hold out much hope for it sales-wise. Plus the all-new made-in-the-USA Ford Bronco is coming really soon.
The front clip/grill just looks very bland. They just did the updates and the sides and the rear look very sharp, but the front looks like aerodynamics won out over style.
Take a good look at the new grill/front of the 2018-2019 Enclave, and it turned out to be really sharp. GM Buick needs to transpose that exact grill design, in it’s upright position, and place it on the Envision.
Fix the look, and demand will justify building the Envision in the U.S..
Don’t think the anti-China thing was an issue when it first appeared.
Buick seemed ahead of the CUV/SUV game when it had the Enclave, added the Encore from So Korea, and a mid-size Envision, ready to import.
A three SUV lineup before Cadillac, it was a tidy, ready to go package. And it worked for awhile, but there’s so much competition out there now – internally and externally.
Not sure if it’s anti-China, or there are just so many other options – better looking, more for the money…
The pricing, the interior styling and the exterior styling all leave a lot to be desired. Doesn’t feel premium at all.
Well, I really think it’s the “made in China” origin of this vehicle, and the fact that it’s just plain bland. Why would I buy this thing??? There are so many other “made in U.S.A.” vehicles out there that are sooo much better for the same or lesser price that I can see no reason to support China or GM for this thing. It is my hope and prayer, that GM, Ford and FCA will someday figure out that shipping production of cars and trucks (SUV’s) to other countries and then trying to get Americans to buy them is a dying precept. Profits are essential for any manufacturer to stay in business, but this producing a vehicle in Mexico, China, etc. is just going too far. The U.S. companies need to get with the program and start producing new vehicles that are on par with and even upscale with their European counterparts. This idea that the Japanese and Koreans are the only countries that can produce profitable cars (yes, CARS) is absolutely absurd. Like I said, it’s all about profits, and there is little to no profit in U.S. built cars because of the added cost of supporting out-of-control union wages and benefits. Look at Germany! They’ve been outsourcing vehicle production for years and their doing it more and more as the unions demand even more from the bottom line.
Buick, get with the program and leave this thing in China where it belongs!
I am currently leasing an Envision. It is just not a very good car for the money. It does not do anything particularly well, It doesn’t have the same features as its competitors in the same price range. It certainly does not feel like it is a vehicle that you could put 80-100,000 miles on without a problem. It is the right size for my needs, is roomy and is reasonably comfortable, but I will not be leasing another one. It has been a disappointment.
I won’t buy a Buick made in China. I guess I’m not the only one.
Too matererialism.
I’m with you on that, except I’m Australian. I won’t buy a Holden made anywhere else but Australia, and since they no longer build cars in Australia, I no longer buy Holdens.
Of course it is. It has a low tech Interior with decent materials on the higher Trim mostly.
The Base 2.5 is like I have been saying for years basically a joke. No idea why GM even makes that engine.
The base (replacement of the 2.5) should be the 1.6 Turbo with 190/200 HP.
It is cramped inside. Oh and lets not forget that Buick tries to get almost 60K on the Top trim LOL.
I mean get this or a Fully loaded BMW X1 or middle of the road X3. Not a hard choice.
I have been saying for years that Buick needs to be like Acura. Very small amount of options. Price it correctly and watch sales sky rockets.
The 2.5 is a good engine in itself. It just doesn’t belong in a vehicle like this and instead should be relegated to Chevys like my Impala which I love. Now the old Ford 2.5 Duratec with 175 Hp and 175 torque is a joke. I had several rental Fusions with that engine and they were slower, noisier and thirstier than my larger heavier Impala with it’s 197 Hp 2.5. Not everybody wants a micro sized over stressed turbo engine that will start burning oil and having weird issues when the miles pile up like many of my friends with there Ecoboost 2.0 and 2.3 engines.
I have a 2015 Buick Regal and love it to death. But, I bought it off a Cadillac dealer’s lot as a former rental unit. No problems with it at all. I love the way it looks and drives. It doesn’t even have the turbo-4 engine. It’s great for toting myself to work every day. Built in Oshawa. On the other hand, the Envision just doesn’t seem to bring much to the table. The styling is not very distinctive. The interior is kinda “meh” too. The pricing is just ridiculous. And it’s built by (for all we know) Chinese political prisoner labor. It makes me sad a little for GM, but I’m beginning to think both Ford and GM are doing a long swoon. One day we will see what’s left of GM makes spin off as independents and probably die a sad death.
Word is starting to spread that gm doesn’t know how to build decent cars anymore, and you don’t get your money’s worth when you buy one. Every gm car I have ever owned suffered $2700-4500 worth of breakdowns (transmission failures, usually) before 120000 miles. I finally quit buying them, but then my wife convinced me to try again and buy a Buick enclave… Any better? Nope! $5000 in repairs at 116,000 miles, transmission failure and sunroof leak. Gm builds junk. Never again.
I was interested enough in the vehicle to take a test ride. Not comfortable. Not a good ride. Leased an Acadia instead. Much, much better.
Made in Mexico, Canada and USA ALL have major recalls so keep on buying them.
Actually it is only produced in China. Keep being stupid though, it’s entertaining.
The exterior styling is boring! It’s too conservative and initially it was over priced.
if it is not assembled in the USA and keep importing it from CHINA, MARY you will see sale drop even more . what the hell is she thinking ,she is ruining an American icon company . again I will say she pissing off more customers than she thinks its time somebody with a brain reads most of these comments and they get back to Mary and her cronies before GM becomes number 2
I own a 2018 Buick Envision. When I bought it I did not know it was made in China. But it would not have changed my decision to buy. – The one I bought had a list price of $42,000.+ After incentives, I got it for $33,000, including taxes and title. I thought that was very competitive, and so far (after 8,500+ miles), I’m very happy with it. The interior IS luxurious. The features are extensive and great. –
Dude, at the top of this thread you had a 2017, are you just locked in for a yearly renewal of this thing?
I shook my head at keeping Buick, GM touted that it was to entertain the Chinese market. Either the article lacks the breadth to acknowledge that market, or it isn’t going that great there either. Pontiac or Saturn were much better suited as niche markets, whether as a performance or economy/green avenue. I look forward to seeing the realization that this was not the brand to stick with, and hold out that they will figure out the other kinks along the way
Rich, I see you caught that too. Methinks Bill is a 71 yr. old Buick salesman working to supplement his income.
LOL – Actually I’m a retired dealer in rare books and art. http://www.majure.net
🙂
Whoops! Sorry about that. 2018 is a typo. I actually have a 2017 bought in early 2018.
I have a 2017 Premium I Envision. Love it. What can I say. Great ride and lots of room for back seat passengers. I have 34k miles on it without any problems. I have never driven an Acura, BMW or Mercedes so maybe if I did I’d be disappointed if I did and compared them?? Love ours.
Like many GM products.. does Buick actually spend any $$$$ advertising their products in print or television as it’s not enough to simply have the vehicles in the showroom as the public needs to be educated to know what is in their local dealership especially when one CUV looks so much like every other.
Wait, wait, made in China AND over-priced and we are still wondering why they can’t sell them? My wife wants a Buick that size but it is Chinese and too expensive, I think I figured it out for everyone. Not one but 2 darn good reasons to choose something else and we have had 10 Buick/GMCs over the years. I am sure it is a decent vehicle but seriously, GM is fleecing their loyal customers…will be a short road to the end with these great marketing decisions.
Oshawa and Lordstown must be laughing now…
The Envision is a very nice model.
The truth is China has nothing to do with it. 99% of buyers have no idea or even care as they still shop Walmart and Cosco.
The problem is #1 marketing. This model is lost in a very competitive market. Chevy and GMC market the Nox and Terrain in specific commercials. Buick mostly markets the Envision as a group commercial where it gets lost in the message,
Also prices are high and do not help. Till incentives kick in they are expensive.
Note the first year of production sold out when people knew about it the model sold but today with the additional models now out it has gotten lost in the shuffle. It is a shame as it is a very good vehicle.
I bought a 2019 Envision in 2018. Given the reliability being right below Acura and Lexus, much cheaper, slightly roomier, more economical to maintain than the European, to me the decision was a clear one. Then I learned about it being made in China, which delayed my decision for 2 months, but Encore was too small, Enclave too bIg, didn’t have much choice. Then I thought most if not everything is made in China, so I bought it. After driving it a few months, the only thing I dislike about the car is still it is China made.
does anyone agree… The tourX would be a lot better off with the 3.6 ?
Premium prices must also come with a premium reputations and this is something GM is forgetting. Buick and more importantly Cadillac must first prove themselves worthy of the higher price of entry before American auto shoppers buy into it. The new LaCrosse is a great example, great car, but we weren’t ready to lay out $42k for one. GM had spent years pawning off crap cars and screwing over their base!
Now they do have good product and things have improved greatly BUT they haven’t earn a place in American driveways! “Made in China” isn’t going to fly when you ask $40k for a $30k CUV. They haven’t earn it yet!
Buick was always about value in a luxury ride, there isn’t anything on the lot that fills that roll. EVERYTHING is over priced.
GM must learn to except lower profits and rebuild their business. Stop worrying about your stock price and start worrying about your market share (Hey there Hyundai) while there is still a GM.
I like my 2018 Envision and got a great price in it after incentives, but would I buy again? No. I went from a turbo charged Regal that I loved to the Envision which has no pickup at all. Of course, it doesn’t need premium fuel like the Regal did, either. Would I buy a turbo Envision? Hmmm…probably!
The problem with this car like a lot of other GM Product, is the fact that it is boring. GM is falling into their old ways, thinking they can make a cheap product, mass produce it and people are going to buy it because they are GM. Well, that strategy cost them 40% of the market share in the 1980s and 1990s. You can see it in the new Equinox, Trax, Envision, Cruze, and even the interior of the new Silverado and it is starting to catch back up to them. They need to stop worrying about Gender Equality studies and focus on getting good product to the dealers. Our sister store is a Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Fiat and sits basically on the same lot, more and more customers are coming in to look at GMs and driving out in a FCA product. I see the culture at the top and on the ground of both GM and FCA and I can tell you that if FCA keeps the culture that Sergio Marchionne put in place, FCA will overtake GM.
exactly what size is the Buick Envision, where do it fall in, Terrain, – Acaida, where do it fall in? There is no room between these two small crossover to fill a slot. Buick dealerships sell these GMC autos.
GM thought they would make a ton of money by building a car in China for half the cost, when all it actually got was a bunch of expensive paperweights sitting on dealer’s lots.
Let the $10,000 discounts and 0% interest envision sell off begin!
Absolutely love my Buick Envsion Premium 11. Quiet ride and gorgeous comfortable interior! Quick acceleration and live the warning signals that alert me. Very happy with my Buick Envision!
Absolutely love my Buick Envsion Premium 11. Quiet ride and gorgeous comfortable interior! Quick acceleration and love the warning signals that alert me. Very happy with my Buick Envision!
The only reason I looked at this car was the zero percent interest Buick offers locally. As soon as i found out its Chinese I crossed it off my list. Deal killer. I went to Buick believing this is one of the oldest American brands only to be sold Chinese? No way. By the time I get it with my options (premium) I can buy Mercedes or Alfa Romeo Stelvio built by countries with 100 year history of fine auto building
GM is becoming a company that wants to build an american name vehicle in China and Mexico. I have worked for GM for 40 years and retired from them. Thanks to a strong union and have bought GM for 45 years. But since they have closed US plants, and built new ones in Mexico and China, they can kiss this supporter good bye!
A lot of what everyone is saying is true; Chinese built, poor and/ or nonexistent marketing etc. the bottom line is that it’s a half hearted effort that is selling in the numbers it deserves. It is bland with nothing in particular to add to the segment. And it’s a poor value to boot.
My Buick envision premium II is the best car I’ve ever owned. I have yet to ride in any other SUV with such smooth and luxurious suspension. I’ve been using regular gasoline in the 2L turbo for over a year with no problem at all. Off the line and passing is a breeze with the turbo. With all the automatic safety features the car practically drives itself. The only negative part of the car is the voice recognition on the nav and phone dialing system. However, I have yet to find any other car that isn’t having the same problem.
It’s real simple build it here and people will buy it here.
What GM fails to realize is the consumer is product knowledgeable, and love to support domestic manufacturing . This being said the Envision being produced in China, simply will not fly. Most consumers would rather have a BMW produced in South Carolina than a so called Buick built in Asia. If GM does this with Cadillac or continue di this the company will suffer tremendously.
Too expensive
The biggest problem with the Envision is the boring exterior design. ITS TOO SAFE and looks “5-years ago”! C’Mon Buick! My wife owns a 2016 Enclave. It has been a great car and I would consider buying another Buick, but the designs need to be more fresh and I will only buy one if they are US built. No exceptions.
How you compete with upstarts like Tesla and Rivian will make all the difference. Far more important than the small percentage of sales so far would indicate. I won’t be buying any more ICE vehicles period! Waiting til I can get theirs. If your vehicles aren’t the best in class they are the ones that’ll fail, as the ICE market shrinks. Think that’s still many years away…. Think again. Try next couple.
The problem is they built crap for so long that when they do come out with decent stuff everyone is scarred by past clunkers. Also if it wasn’t for China Buick would be six feet under, they sell 10x as many as they do here.
Bought 2018 envision very nice riding the turbo has got jam. Very quite inside and out. Could use more storage up front. Seats reclined suck the big one. Handles great in city traffic and can keep up on the highway.
I recently purchased a pre-owned 2017 Envision Prmium II after coming across a pre-owned base model on a Buick /GMC lot. The standard engine lacked power on the base model, but the interior was so much nicer than all the other midsize SUV/Crossovers I looked at, including Jeep, Chevrolet, and Ford. After researching the turbo engine models, I set out on a search for the Premium II model, because the technology included in this model far surpassed what was available on the other 2017 makes and models for a similar price. It wasn’t easy to find, because very few dealers stock the Premium II model on their lots. I think this is the biggest problem with sales. Consumers just don’t know about the Envision Premium II and what it offers, because there aren’t any on the lots. Also, Buick has done a poor job of marketing them. TV ads for Buick are vague and include their whole line up. They don’t advertise the models individually to showcase their features.
My dad bought a 2019 recently. He paid right around 45k for it. Its a nice car, but for 45 grand i grab a XT4 or XT5.
As an owner of 2014 Impala which I really like, I’ve always been interested in an SUV. My plan was to trade in my car for a 2019 Chevy Equinox until I learned there is no V6 available. After getting over that disappointed, I decided to accept the 2.0L but then learned the power seats are only on the drivers side and not the passenger. What kind of crap is that? I did a bit more investigating and found the Buick Envision Premium does have the power seats on both sides with a 2.5l engine but now after learning it’s made in China and the interior is sub-par, I’m sorry but I can’t go that route. I’m scheduled for a test drive today and I’ll be checking out the “premium” interior being offered. For some reason though, after reading all the comments, I have a feeling I’ll be sticking with my fully equipped Impala which has served me well. I’ll just continue to throw the back seats down and use it as my own personal SUV.
It is 100% because it’s made in China. We have a Buick Encore (our first non US built car) and an XT5 and absolutely would not consider the Envision. China is a no go and while we like the Encore, being US built is still a “thing” in the former rust belt as are US brands. Everyone knows the Envision is made in China and so everyone is buying something else. If we were looking in the segment in the GM lineup we’d buy an XT4 or even the Mexico built Terrain instead
I remember when “Made in Japan” meant it was cheap junk, but Sony and Nikon changed all that. The same happened with Korean products and now Chinese ones. Buicks are wildly popular in China and the Envision is well made with fewer problems than its US made brethren. Poor sales are due to non-competitive products, non-competitive pricing and leases and poor marketing. US auto companies have given up on sedans and are betting the farm on electric vehicles before the supportive infrastructure is there and before Americans are ready for them. The future will be autonomous driving electric vehicles that may be shared and driven on a grid that is self charging. It’s clear that neither manufacturers nor the public wants more and better mass transit, so we’re heading toward that goal with self driving cars. That covers major urban centers, freeways and toll roads, but what about rural America and their trucks? How are you going to farm, haul equipment and livestock in the future? I live in horse country and if you get rid of gas and diesel pickup trucks here, you might as well blow the place up.
Never underestimate the subtle racism of GM dealers. The NUMI joint venture between GM and Toyota failed because GM dealers wouldn’t promote the cars they were building, even though it was being built in America at a former GM plant.
They couldn’t handle the fact that Toyota was helping them succeed. (I forgot what GM called it but the JV was selling the same car as a Corolla and a Chevy Something…)
The corollas sold well in the US, but the Chevy versions didn’t.
I remember a press conference when the NUMI plant failed, with the head of Toyota North America and the head of the UAW standing side by side, on good terms, and both were blaming GM for the plant’s closure. If those two agree on something, you know it’s probably accurate.
Wake up Buick, we just don’t want made in China.
I don’t usually comment on forums but feel compelled to respond on this one. I have a 2020 Envision which has proven to be an exceptionally satisfying vehicle. The quality of assembly and painting is wonderful (in 70 years of new car purchases I have never experienced better), the interior materials are well above average in quality and beauty, and the styling hits my taste perfectly. There has not yet arisen any sort of problem/disappointment.
Remember that most major Apple products come from China and they are very highly regarded. I love my Envision.