NAIAS 2018 | Episode 2 : GM

General Motors has now completely evolved its show presence from one giant stand to four individual and distinct display areas, one for each brand.  Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac.

The big news from Chevy and GMC was the new full-size pick up trucks.  This is a key market in the US of course, with Ford as the clear market leader.  The Chevy/GMC share of segment has been slipping recently and the resurgent Ram trucks from FCA have been gaining ground, largely at GM’s expense.  The new Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra pick-ups will be key to maintaining or growing share in this lucrative segment.

The new trucks are lighter than their predecessors, using aluminium for the doors, hood and tailgate, but remain heavier than the all-aluminium bodied Ford F150.  A wide range of body and powertrain options is retained and the interiors have become increasingly luxurious and feature laden.  The battle continues.

Buick is fast becoming a significant global brand, largely because of its significant footprint in China.  With the addition of the Avenir premium sub-brand, Buick is also moving up-market and into Cadillac territory.  The product range is modern with new Enclave SUV, LaCrosse and Regal sedans introduced in 2017.  The Regal, in either Sportback (fastback) or TourX (wagon) configuration show a fresh, more European approach to the US market.  The TourX has an interesting and distinctive bright trim moulding that extends up the A-Pillar along the roofline and all the way down the D-Pillar to the taillamps. The prominent plastic wheel arch extensions, fascias and sill mouldings convey the required ruggedness and are reminiscent of the Audi Allroad and the Volvo Cross Country.

For Cadillac it was a quiet year, nothing new on display.