Car Biz Weekly

The Shanghai Auto Show turned out to be a much bigger show that expected. Between the release of the Porsche Panamera sedan and the even the Kia Soul Hybrid, the Shanghai Auto Show featured exciting new models with the world’s fastest growing auto market as its backdrop. One of the fastest growing brands in China happens to be Buick, which is also revamping its lineup here in North America. It’s this reason that Buck has unveiled its all-new Business MPV concept in Shanghai.

Unlike previous Buick concepts and unveilings in China, the Buick Business MPV was designed and engineered exclusively by GM’s Asian design team. Unfortunately, the Buick Business may not be seen outside of Asia should it make its way into production, to the dismay of Oklahoma City Buick dealers who admire the vehicle’s sleek profile. If it does, it will certainly help the Buick brand deliver a more upscale presence in the North American market.

The Buick Business appears to be little more that a MPV with an oversized Buick grille from the outside, but Washington DC Buick dealers say it’s far more appealing from the inside. Rather than being just another family hauler, the Buick Business is actually more of a mobile boardroom or a high-tech alternative to a limousine or sedan.

The interior of the Buick Business houses up to six passengers comfortably, allowing them to swivel their chairs and hold a discussion or meeting with ease. With electric sliding doors, large 20 inch wheels, and even a glass sunroof, the Buick business is a comfortable alternative to a stodgy sedan. Additionally, the Buick Business is powered by a fuel efficient 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine but is also equipped with an electric motor that features regenerative brakes and a stop-start system, a system that visitors to Louisville Chevrolet and other GM customers would most certainly like to see stateside.

Don’t except to see the Buick Business in the States any time soon. Unfortunately, Chevrolet Car Loans believe that the luxurious and efficient model would be unique vehicle for a unique niche in the premium market. With Buick doing well in China, expect to make it into production in that market. Continue reading ‘Buick Business MPV Unveiled in Shanghai’

This weekend, movie goers flocked to theaters to see fast cars and furious action in the fourth installment of “Fast & Furious.” The movie about street racers smashed records and thus far had the largest opening box office record of the year.

Although the movie and its sequels are not known for great acting performances, nor are they known for well-thought out plots, the movies excite movie goers young and old thanks to the unique rides and fast car chases. The latest installment also brings back the original film’s cast, including Paul Walker and Vin Diesel. With the action-packed car chases and the appeal of the original cast, Fast & Furious was able to growing $72.5 million in its first weekend alone, leaving Watchmen and Monsters v. Aliens in its dust. Los Angeles Toyota dealers say the movies appeal to a subculture that’s prevalent in the Los Angeles area. Cheap speed is what fuels many real-life street racers, but some cars featured in the movie can easily have cost $100K or more.

It would be safe to assume that these movies have been aided by teenage boys flocking to theaters, but demographic information has shown that nearly half of the audience seeing the movie was female, and about forty percent were older than 25. According to Birmingham Honda, car lovers are simply unpredictable.

The fourth installment of the Fast & Furious made a substantial amount of money in its first three days. It even made more than Spielberg’s last installment of Jurassic Park, which Buffalo Suzuki says just goes to show that fast cars and intense car chases make for an excellent movie experience. Continue reading ‘‘Fast & Furious’ Races to Top Box Office’