General Motors ha announced that it will launch the Buick LaCrosse Eco-Hybrid in the Chinese market. The LaCrosse will not only represent the first hybrid for the Buick brand, but also the first in China’s upper-medium vehicle segment with volume production.
The roll out is the first part of an initiative to give the Buick brand a green image in China. GM is slated to introduce 11 new engines in China between 2009 and 2012 that will offer better fuel economy than its current range of engines. The plan also includes the introduction of vehicles based on GM’s EFlex platform after 2010.
“General Motors is pleased to be sharing our advanced technology and energy diversification know-how as part of our overall support of Shanghai GM’s product planning,” said Kevin Wale, President and Managing Director of the GM China Group. “In addition to benefiting the nation’s automakers, the sustainable development of the automotive industry will enable our customers to enjoy a higher quality of life.”
The Buick hybrid reportedly uses a variation of the system found in the U.S.-spec Chevy Malibu Hybrid. Although the system is considered a mild hybrid, it does boost the LaCrosse’s mileage to 28 mpg, up from 24. GM doesn’t have any plans to bring the hybrid Buick stateside.
