Buick Reveals Envision Pricing; Stingy Buyers Will Want to Wait for 2017
Buick’s turbocharged, Chinese-made Envision crossover is landing on American shores in early summer, but the price could cause some buyers to rethink their purchase date.
Holding the title of being the first U.S. model manufactured in China, the Envision is already a two-year veteran of the overseas market. Americans are notoriously SUV-thirsty, so it was inevitable that the Envision would make its way here, loaded with a high level of standard equipment.
The starting MSRP for the 2016 Envision is $42,995 (all charges included), a figure that tops the range-leading Enclave, which starts at $39,065 (minus freight, destination and fees).
Available in Premium and Premium II trim levels, the Envision comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 252 horsepower and 260 pounds-feet of torque. The sole engine choice is hooked up to standard all-wheel drive. Leather and autonomous safety functions also come standard, because that’s what Buick buyers expect.
While the price of the earliest models seen steep, don’t expect that situation to last long.
Buick spokesman Michael Ofiara said that although the Buicks arriving in June will carry a $42,995 price tag, more diversity in trim and pricing is on the way.
“There’s a short run of 2016 units until the 2017 units arrive in the fall and will offer more trim levels and a lower starting price of $34,990 for the base model,” said Ofiara.
The Envision fills the gap between the Encore, which gets an update this fall, and the three-row Enclave. Plenty of competition awaits the plush import, including the Cadillac XT5, Acura RDX and Audi Q5.
[Image: General Motors]
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I'm one person, but if I can hold off on buying a car made in China (before any smartasses chime in, I mean final assembly) I'll do it for as long as possible. Even the Honda Fits in Canada made in China have rust issues that their Japanese made counterparts didn't have. It's not like I'm even saving any money on this compared to its competitors manufactured in North America or Korea (I doubt anything in this class is still made in Japan except for the odd Mazda CX-9 and the Lexus RX). And this is different than Volvo for many reasons. The United States government didn't bail Geely out nor has Geely or Volvo ever sold their cars appealing to American patriotism. Hell, I'd trust a Chinese-made Volvo over a Chinese-made Buick since I know Geely is working damn hard to make a great impression while GM is probably going to use Chinese production to cut even more corners.
I know not a single one of these Buick's will go for anything close to sticker price. BUT isn't this thing still priced at least $8-10 grand too high? There are literally 50 other cars in this class. $43k is a well equipped Grand Cherokee around here. Or Ford Edge. Or 48 other things.
This is good for GM. With all the "bullsh!t" commentary from those that can't see the forest through the trees. GM needs to remain competitive first and foremost. GM's competitors are using China as well. The great American icon the Mustang has a Chinese built Getrag MT82 fitted. Thailand builds many cheap vehicles as well for GM, Ford, Honda, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Nissan, etc. The cost of labour is cheaper in Thailand, does this make for a poorer quality vehicle? No. I find it amazing that not one person has stated that the US is becoming more an assembly point for vehicles and not a complete manufacturing centre. I have read that not many jobs in the US vehicle industry has increase in line with the increase in vehicle production. Why? Because more and more components are sourced externally to the US and NAFTA. Vehicle components/parts in many cases do not come under some of the protective measures that apply the vehicle assembly. So, which country is doing better? China or the USA? I think both are benefitting, as is the case with most global trade.
China is benefitting. Chinese are getting decent jobs, which allow them to provide the essentials of life for them and/or their families, and pay taxes to the Chinese Govt. "GM is benefitting". Who/what is GM? GM will be more profitable. The CEO will make $10-20 million in bonus as a result. The top 20-50 execs will do very well, but not nearly as well as CEO. The salaried managers will do well, but nearly as well as execs. The salaried and hourly will do well--better than the average American worker in 2016. The free trade fantasy is that it allows everyone to do what is best, to the benefit of all. The French make good wine for less--let them make wine, not us. We make good jet engines for less, let us make jet engines. Let's trade, wine for jet engines, we both benefit. The reality is this: all those components, and finished vehicles, imported from overseas could have been made here in the US. This would have employed people, who could provide for themselves, AND pay taxes, so the govt could provide a safety net. Yes, things would cost more. People would just have to choose what was important. Instead, the USA has let corporate America outsource it's manufacturing. Essentially, corporate America has stolen American jobs and sent them overseas. This enriches a relatively small amount of people at the expense of many more people, who now must work as waiters, or Wal-Mart attendants for $10 waiting on the lucky ones. Yes, stolen jobs from Americans to generate more money to go to the "chosen few". Maybe that's why 1 out of 6 Americans uses food stamps now. Or half of Americans don't pay income taxes. Because they are broke. Because far too many jobs were outsourced. It may be better for the world overall, but it's worst for the US. And there are signs everywhere that the US is regressing toward 3rd world, as pockets of the 3rd world slowly progress. Roads? Airports? Bridges? Infrastucture? Flint water? All going backward. It's not sustainable. 7 year car loans will only work so long.... That's why Bernie and Trump are so popular...most Americans in the real world get it.