Get the Vip in your With the Buick Lucerne Vip

The Buick is actually a brand in the auto world that runs under the General Motors Corporation umbrella and the vehicles and Buick auto parts under this brand are sold not only in the United States but in other markets as well. It is actually the only brand in the GM range that has semi-luxury vehicles ever since the Oldsmobile mark has been cut off.

The Buick Lucerne is one of the vehicle versions that one can find under this semi-luxury brand. And during this year’s SEMA show, the brand had made sure that they would be able to show off one of its most coveted version of the Buick Lucerne the one they call the VIP.

The Buick Lucerne VIP is actually a cruiser. However, it does not seem to be just like any ordinary Buick vehicle for that matter. Its builder, Don Whitmire, did say, “Buick has traditionally been about understated luxury, and we wanted to keep a little of that in this car. Anybody can add wheels, paint and a body kit. We wanted to try and build on what was already there.” And that is how you know why the Buick Lucerne’s new version is called the VIP.

A change that could be found on the Buick Lucerne VIP would be its bumper. The bumper has gone on extending itself by two inches. That way, Whitmire did say that the extension of the bumper really did work wonders to actually deviate the attention of people from the vehicle’s flat nose. Aside from the bumper, the air intake which was previously found below the bumper was also changed. It was cut out in the middle and so now it actually extends all the way across the bumper. There also has been an addition of a new mesh cover so as to keep the air intake just quite clean enough. All the vehicle’s side moldings were also taken away and in their place, new side skirts were put in. The new side skirts are actually some 1.5 inches farther compared to the original Buick Lucerne.

Whitmere did continue to explain, “By continuing the beltline all the way to the extended rear lip spoiler, it looks a little bit like the Mercedes CLS.”

Buick Seat Cover

When General Motors had created Buick marque of luxury vehicles, they had made sure that the vehicle’s seats should provide best comfort to the occupants. However, they had probably underestimated their customers’ predicament when vehicle use rose to appreciable heights. In other words, while the Buick’s engine and suspension remained beyond suspicion, its seat covers showed signs of decay, needing replacement or additional protection. Covers for Auto, the legendary southern California based car cover and seat cover, however, had risen to the occasion by producing Custom seat covers for Buick that are exact replicas of those made by GM.

As a matter of fact, Buick seat covers are unique in construction; pleasing to the eye on account of their innovative design and are unbelievably durable for customary daily use. Designed and cut through state-of-the-art technology and aided by CAD/CAM process of manufacturing, Buick seat covers are made out of a wide array of materials that include velour as well as genuine imported sheepskin.

However, there is a big difference between Covers for Auto supply of seat cover for Buick against orders received by them and those supplied by others against the same. While sundry suppliers  charge extra for supplying head rests, arm rests, console covers, etc, Buick seat cover package contains all, including detailed instructions for installation. As a Quality Certified QS-9000 and TS16949 company, it maintains an enormous inventory of Buick seat covers that serve as replacement covers or simply overlay covers that protect the original factory installed covers from undue wear and tear, stains, etc.

As most contemporary Buicks are provided with front seats that can be tilted, folded, swung around or extended to form day-beds like most aircraft seats, the controls for which are in-built within the seat, Buick custom seat covers have appropriate cut-outs or slits that help reach the controls without any hassle. Similarly, integrated shoulder belts and safety air bag operations are equally hassle-free with all Custom Buick seat covers.

Are you ready to find your custom made Buick seat cover? Please visit www.covers4auto.com now.

Buick Enclave Crossover: What Buick Did While Nobody Was Looking!

With the release of the all-new Buick Enclave Crossover Vehicle, Buick has come a long way from their reputation as an “old person’s car.” The Enclave is an ultra-sexy, modern, sleek, technologically advanced elegant crossover vehicle comparable to Lexus in quality, fit and finish, and priced more like a Chevy! While the buzz in the auto industry for the last 15 years or so has mostly focused on Japanese cars, Buick has been quietly improving their quality and design. Has anyone paid attention to Buick’s JD power awards lately? Has anyone realized that Buick has moved into 1st place in quality to tie Lexus and has surpassed Toyota, Honda, Mercedes, BMW, Acura, and Infiniti?

The Enclave is at the forefront of the modern trend away from SUVs and into crossover vehicles. The Enclave can be configured as a seven or eight passenger vehicle. The Enclave comes with a standard fuel efficient V-6 engine as a front wheel drive model. All Wheel Drive is an available option. The Enclave comes in several trim levels with advanced options such as heated and cooled seats, GPS Navigation, XM radio, and rear camera parking assist.

The Buick Enclave Crossover Vehicle really is more of a “coming home” for Buick. Long before the Japanese cars came to America (when they developed a reputation for quality and somehow Buick came to be thought of as a rather boring older person’s car), Buick was the car to aspire to! There were not as many cars in those days and each had a special place. The Buick was the car for the Doctor, or Lawyer, or Banker. It was the car for the successful professionals…not the richest person in town (He drove the Cadillac), but it was a symbol of status and success and the Buick WAS within reach of middle class Americans. The Buick was the affordable car of high quality and modern style – it WAS the car people really wanted. Now it’s just like old times! Welcome Home, Buick!

Buick Parts: a Living Legacy

In 1903, Buick was founded and started its tradition of automotive innovation. Owned by General Motors, it is one of the oldest auto brands that had set standards when it comes to luxury cars and imposing rigs. Though historically, it is more inclined in producing plush rides rather than sporty performance vehicles, the automaker has expanded its lineup which included SUVs and crossover designs. With Buick’s diverse lineup, not just retirement-age customers are being catered but also young buyers who are more into style and real road raging performance. With various competitors, Buick had made it to the mainstream. What made its models a notch higher than the rest is their precision engineered and quality designed Buick parts.

With Buick’s 34 models made from 1936-2007, the company has already anticipated the volume of the replacement parts that will be demanded by their clients. That period, Buick, and its sister company Marquette has even intensified the legacy that was once started by David D. Buick. OEM Buick parts was continually produced and distributed by the company over the years. Even to date, despite all the speculations that Buick production is nearing staunch, models and parts are still being produced.

Today, Buick continues to produce automobiles, though focusing mainly only on its three major models; Enclave, LaCrosse and Lucerne. Using the ZETA platform, General Motors is on the right concept of bringing Buick models and other automobile marquee together for easier production. With a ZETA platform, there are Buick parts that can be used uniformly to all models. Floor pan, chassis, suspensions, powertrain components and the steering are the car parts that comprise the ZETA platform.

Over the years, Buick has proven itself worthy of becoming one of the marquees of General Motors. Basically, this is because of its famous overhead valve engine and second, because of its undeniably high clients’ positive reception. Rooted in the principle of manufacturing quality Buick parts, its success emanated now as it is already considered as one of the worlds sought after car. At present time, Buick is struggling to find a secure niche that will make it still marketable even against the increased globalization and competition. It aims to attract younger customers by formulating fresher designs, practical technologies and overall performance auto parts, without abandoning its rich heritage or alienating its traditional customers.

Spelling Elegance With Buick And Buick Keychains

When you talk about standing the test of time, then you may be referring to the Buick. Ever since it was created by Buick Motor Company in 1903, it has then superseded a very long line of history. Its main focus has always been to deliver the best kind of precision automobile to millions of people all over the world, as evident by their overhead valve engine that has catapulted Buick vehicles to supervehicle status.

Buick has been known to be the biggest car manufacturer in the United States and in other countries, such as in Taiwan, Canada, and the Middle East, to name a few. Besides the overhead valve engine, every Buick model also carries other interesting and helpful features such as portholes, hard tops, and even sweepspears.

Their classic makes such as the Roadmaster, Grand National, and Electra already contained such features and thus have become the bulwark when it comes to modern car innovation.

Today, at 100 years of car manufacturing, Buick is still giving its customers what they need. So far, they have launched three of the most sough-after vehicles in the market. These include the Lucerne, LaCrosse, and Enclave. The Enclave is very much popular for its seven first-class seats with fabulous leg room. It also speaks of elegance as evident by the warm wooden tones in the dashboard and the sculpted arches. The steering wheel is made up of mahogany trimmings.

The LaCrosse, on the other hand, is your extraordinary midsize sedan. It is equipped with a special technology called QuietTuning. This means you can listen to your favorite tunes comfortably or minimize the noise produced by your engines. This way, you can have the most peaceful drive perhaps around the country.

Lastly, the powerful and full-sized Lucerne has taken over the Roadmaster as well as the LeSabre, also from Buick. It features the use of the ultra-durable and effective V8 power engine as well as other sophisticated add-ons, including, but certainly not limited to, leather seats that can be heated or cooled as well as windshield fluid.

Now, what’s the better way to enjoy these modern-day vehicles that to get yourself some Buick keychains. You can choose among different colors, such as gold, silver, red, or the classic black. You may also select the kind of material they are made of. The most popular are the metal Buick keychains laden with chrome finish. This is because they tend to combine elegance and class in one solid key ring. It doesn’t matter if you are just using an old Buick car.

You can also pick another all-time favorite, which is the leather black Buick keychain with superfine top grain. The keychain can span 3 inches in its length and 1.75 inches in its width.
If you are the type of individual who wants to showcase your definite ownership to any Buick vehicle, then you can certainly opt to engrave your name across the keychain. It may be written on the plate itself or in the arm band that may come along with the key chain.

When you’re a lover of sophistication, don’t forget to get a Buick. Better yet, pair it with classy Buick keychains.

Buick Musings, and Then There Was the Excelle

My grandmother regularly purchased and drove new Buick automobiles even though she certainly could have afforded a Cadillac if she so chose. To her, a Buick had enough luxury in it without flaunting personal wealth, something that this Quaker bred woman was loathe to do.

Today, Buick soldiers on as the brand just below Cadillac, a line of premium vehicles that has diminished in popularity in the US, but has reached meteoric proportions in the People’s Republic of China. Yes, in China of all places the Buick name has gained a solid footing, so much so that is by far General Motors’ most popular brand, selling twice as many Buicks there than in America.

Buick’s popularity in the US is understandable, but why China? Well, you have to go back nearly one hundred years during the reign of the emperors in the Forbidden Kingdom. Cars were new to the world at the time and both the last emperor and the first leader of modern China owned Buicks. Though decades of communist rule stamped out most Western practices and traditions, the quasi-capitalistic Chinese state of today has once again embraced all things global, uncovering the early interest in the Buick brand.

Due to the popularity of Buick in China, GM has bolstered the brand considerably by offering several more Buick models there than the three models sold in the US. While the American market has the LaCrosse, Lucerne, and Enclave, China sells several different models which are essentially rebadged versions of other GM products from Daewoo, Opel, Holden, and elsewhere. This year, Buick also began to export to China from the US its big Enclave crossover in a bid to expand its Chinese line up.

Of the cars sold in China, are there any that can also be sold in the US? One model that has gotten a lot of attention this year is the Excelle, a compact sedan that is smaller than the LaCrosse, the smallest of the two sedans currently offered by Buick (Lucerne being the other one). The current iteration of the Excelle is based on a Daewoo platform and sold throughout Asia and other parts of the world as Daewoo, Holden, Chevrolet, and even Suzuki models. Powered by small four cylinder gas engines with a displacement between 1.4L and 2.0L, the Excelle could be just the type of model fuel conscious Buick buyers would consider buying, provided that the quality and luxury levels were there.

Beginning with the 2009 model year, a new Excelle is being sold overseas, a vastly improved model that has sweeping lines and unmistakable Buick features including the signature fascia and ornamental portholes. That model has fueled recent rumors that GM would make the Excelle available stateside, whether imported from China or built in a US factory remains unknown, but is a distinct possibility nonetheless.

Powered by 1.6L or 1.8L four cylinder engines, the Excelle would certainly be the smallest Buick sold stateside in quite some time. Likely, if GM chose to bring the car to the US, it would be mated to a six-speed automatic transmission to help it achieve superior fuel economy. Perhaps GM would even consider offering a six-speed manual transmission to broaden the car’s appeal to a younger generation. Easily, a compact Buick should get about 35 mpg, a figure which would help GM meet more stringent federal Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) requirements.

If my grandmother were alive today, I doubt that she would choose a car as small as the Excelle, given her larger car tastes. But, if GM manages to offer this car stateside with a level of quality and luxury that Buick drivers expect, the Excelle could once again bolster the brand’s image and be a hit with American drivers eager to enjoy compact luxury car driving.

Gm Found a Strong Market for Buick in China

2006 was a great year for Buick, the brand that boasts of golf celebrity Tiger Woods as its chief spokesman has been able to sell more cars in China as compared to United States. And now that the Buick has become one of China’s top-selling car brands it is likely that the gap will further widen according to General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner in a statement he made last month in Shanghai.

Buick, a division of General Motors the renowned producer of quality Buick oxygen sensor has trimmed down the brand’s lineup to three vehicles for its US market while sells eight models in China and plans to create additional models for the growing Chinese middle class, which GM executives and analysts refer to as “aspirational” car buyers.

Joseph Liu, GM China Executive Director of Vehicle Sales, Service, and Marketing said, “The vision in China for Buick is the premium, yet attainable brand for the upper-middle-class customer. Buick is for China’s new generation of elites in pursuit of success, who want grand, elegant, contemporary design.”

The sales of Buick in China are considered promising and profitable—a great market for General Motors, which is still working to return its North American auto operations to profitability. For the first three months of this year, GM’s North American operations have lost $85 million but luckily the $127 million profit gained in China has helped the automaker to boost the overall profitability of the company obtaining a $62 million profit for the quarter.

The Buick brand in China has played a key role especially in reaching the 303,150 units sold last year from 110,763 four years ago. The growth of the Buick brand in China is part of GM’s overall expansion in one of the world’s fastest-growing market. On the other hand, the US sales of Buick continue to shrink from 432,017 four year ago down to 240,657 last year.

The future of the Buick brand in China is at present bright and will continue to do so for years to come. Buick is also planning to increase its lineup not just at the current upper middle class, which according to research journal McKinsey Quarterly estimates at about 10 percent or 130 million of China’s 1.3 billion people, but also for the 520 million up-and-comers that McKinsey expects that would comprise the middle class by 2025.

The lineup of the Buick brand for China includes hatchback, sedan, and wagon versions of the Excelle, the Regal, and LaCrosse mid-size sedans; two minivans; and the new Park Avenue sedan, which was launched earlier this year and defines as mid-luxury.

In addition, GM China is also working on a hybrid Buick sedan design for the China market. And although GM is expanding its Buick lineup in China it has no plans or whatsoever of doing the same thing for its US market. The fine interiors as well as the appealing designs of the Buick are factors that might have captivate the Chinese middle class.

Wagoner said, “Because we’re developing and growing in China, we need a broader product portfolio to support it. Some of those products can be used in the U.S. I don’t necessarily mean imported, but once they’re designed and developed, if all you have to do is tool it up to build it in the U.S. or Canada, that’s a much lower cost proposition. So I think a stronger Buick here actually helps the Buick brand in the U.S.”

Quality Assured by Buick Parts

Buick traces its roots back to the year 1903 when it was founded by David Dunbar Buick, the same man who invented the overhead valve engine. The company struggled and ownership of Buick Motors passed on to James H. Whiting the following year. Under his leadership, Buick went on to become the leading car manufacturer in America. Buick would eventually join the Whiting-led General Motors, along with other car brands during the earlier part of the century. Buick continued to be an integral part of General Motors up to this day, catering to the consumer who’s looking for something above the normal but doesn’t have the resources to afford a luxury car.

Buick became more renowned with its inception of their V8 engine version, which became popular with car enthusiasts of the 50s and the 60s. Buick also utilized the use of a grille, horizontally oval in shape with vertical chromed ribs and the emblem in the center. This is known today as the dollar grin. At the start of the 1970s, Buick continued production of conventional V8 cars that came without the “nailhead” design it was popular for but it produced more power than before.

Today, Buick, unlike its counterparts in the General Motors family, is not distributed globally. Their bulk of consumers are mainly from the United States and Canada although Buick has started their campaign in New Zealand, Israel, the Middle East, China and Taiwan. In these countries, Buick parts are diverse as they cater to their respective models such as the Century, Lacrosse, Lesabre, Lucerne, Park Avenue, Rainier, Regal and many more. The maintenance of these models can be easily achieved with the use of Buick parts in order to keep them in top driving condition. All of these models rely on Buick parts to maintain its class and luxury.

Buick parts are crucial in keeping the current Buick Models running. There are several aspects of the car that are designated for a specific part. For example, a Buick Century’s side mirrors will only work well with a certified Buick replacement part. Failure to replace deficient parts with genuine Buick parts will only result to a decrease in quality and performance.

Enclave, the New Face of Buick

On the eve of the Los Angeles Auto Show, Tiger Woods was not busy with anything related to golf. In fact, he teamed up with Buick to unleash its newest crossover SUV, the 2008 Buick Enclave. The vehicle was previously introduced at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, one of the world’s leading art and design schools.

“The Enclave is just beautiful to look at and a sign of things to come from Buick”, said Tiger Woods. “I’m really excited for Buick and the all-new Enclave.”

The Buick Enclave is purposely built by the automaker to flaunt the future of Buick. The manufacture is motivated by GM’s most powerful V-6 engines and striking architecture. The combination created a new niche for Buick in a highly competitive industry. With a fresher face and loads of driving capabilities, the automaker is positive to create a big change with the Enclave.

“Enclave is the new face of Buick and everything we want in future Buicks,” said General Manager Steve Shannon. “It’s an absolutely stunning, high-quality crossover SUV that delivers all the product attributes that define the new Buick – a confident ride, relevant technologies, more luxury features, elegant design and a quiet, comfortable and well-crafted interior. These are the hallmark traits of future Buicks.”

Buick melded elegant exterior and well-crafted comfy interior to boost the driving experience of the occupants. This is the automaker’s way of improving its 1964 Buick parts to pave way for a more captivating car to wow even non-Buick fanatics. Enclave will arrive at dealerships next summer. It will be available in CX and CXL trim levels, with 8 exterior and 3 interior color options, front-wheel or all-wheel drive, a new 275-horsepower V-6 powertrain featuring variable valve timing (VVT) and mated to Buick’s first six-speed automatic transmission. The 3.6L V-6 VVT is a refined dual-overhead camshaft engine based on GM’s global V-6 architecture.

The vehicle was jointly developed at GM technical centers in Australia, Germany, Sweden and North America. The engine uses full four-cam phasing, rapid data processing and torque-based engine management to maximize power, emissions performance and fuel economy. To enhance ergonomics, the automaker entertained a host of innovative features that are unavailable in rivals’ vehicles. Features include a second-row seat console that unfolds to contribute to a flat load floor when the seats are folded, armrest that slides back and forth, center console equipped with a pull-out tray, power-operated liftgate, Smart Slide second-row seat feature and a DVD-based rear-seat entertainment system. These features add to the vehicles’ standout standing in the crossover sport utility vehicle market.

The Buick Enclave is also equipped with the Ultrasonic Rear Park Assist and a rear back-up camera to assist the driver in maneuvering the vehicle. The feature gives warning using visual reference and audible warning of the objects’ proximity. Power-adjustable outside mirrors are also integrated to the vehicle to provide more intensive view of curb or parking lines. The mirrors automatically angle downward when the vehicle is in reverse. They can also be programmed to provide a particular view.

The interior of the vehicle is likened to that of a private jet with gorgeous curves, soft-touch and warm colors. For improved safety, the Buick Enclave is given a comprehensive safety system composed of four-wheel anti-lock brakes, the StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, tire pressure monitoring system, traction control, six standard air bags and safety belt pretensioners. Like all Buicks, the new Buick Enclave is also equipped with the OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation. The system enables drivers to be guided to their destination while keeping their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

The Buick Autos For 2007

Buick originated as an independent motor car manufacturer, the Buick Motor Company, incorporated on May 19, 1903 by David Dunbar Buick in Flint, Michigan. In 1904 the struggling company was taken over by James Whiting, who brought in William C. Durant to manage his new acquisition.

Buick soon became the largest car maker in America. Using the profits from this, Durant embarked on a series of several dozen corporate acquisitions, calling his new mega-corporation General Motors.

In 1929, the Buick Motor Division launched the Marquette sister brand, designed to help bridge the price gap between Buick and Oldsmobile, however Marquette was discontinued in 1930.

At first, the different manufacturers who comprised General Motors competed against each other, but Durant put a stop to that. He wanted each General Motors division to target one class of buyer, and in his new scheme Buick was near the top, only the luxurious Cadillac brand had more prestige.

Even today, Buick retains that position in the GM lineup. The ideal Buick customer was comfortably off; possibly not quite rich enough to afford a Cadillac or not desiring the ostentation of one, but definitely in the market for a car a cut above the norm. Buick is the fourth oldest marque in the world.

The Buick Rainier shares its body shell and mechanical platform with GM’s other mid-size SUVs, the Chevrolet TrailBlazer and GMC Envoy. But of the three, only the Rainier offers a 300-horsepower V8 engine in the handier, standard-wheelbase configuration. For 2007, a one-year subscription to General Motors’ OnStar Turn-by-Turn navigation system and a tire pressure monitoring system now come standard.

Rainiers come with rear, or all-wheel drive. An electronically controlled rear air suspension is intended to produce a comfortable ride. A 291-horsepower, 4.2-liter inline-six-cylinder is standard, and a 302-hp, 5.3-liter V-8 is optional. A four-speed automatic is the sole transmission. On the exterior, clear headlights have offset high/low beam fixtures. Fog lamps with chrome surrounds are standard.

The Buick Terraza loses its all-wheel-drive model but gains more power for 2007, which, Buick says, will be this minivan’s final model year. It’s the costliest, most luxurious of the group. Terraza is front-wheel drive and comes in CX, new-for-2007 CX Plus, and top-line CXL models. All are equipped with a 240-hp 3.9-liter V6 engine that replaces a 201-hp 3.5 V6. A 4-speed automatic remains the only transmission. Anti-lock Brake System and traction/antiskid control are standard.

Terraza seats seven. It has 2nd-row bucket seats that fold and remove and a 50/50 3rd-row bench that folds flat atop the cargo floor. Front and 2nd-row side airbags that provide head and torso protection are standard on CXL, optional on CX Plus, unavailable on CX. Curtain side airbags are unavailable. Load-leveling suspension and DVD entertainment are standard on CX Plus and CXL. Rear obstacle detection is also available.

The Buick Rendezvous, also in its final model year, loses its optional V6 engine and available all-wheel drive for 2007. This SUV shares a basic platform with Buick’s Terraza minivan. Rendezvous seats five with a standard three-place 2nd-row split bench seat that slides fore and aft. A two-passenger 3rd-row seat is optional, as are twin bucket seats to replace the 2nd-row bench.

Rendezvous has front-wheel drive with available traction control. A 195-hp 3.5-liter V6 and 4-speed automatic transmission comprise the sole drivetrain; an optional 242-hp 3.6 V6 has been dropped. Anti-lock Brake System, rear obstacle detection, and OnStar assistance are standard. Front side airbags are available. No curtain side airbags are offered.

For 2007, several new luxury features become standard on Buick’s midsize sedan, the LaCrosse, including General Motors’ OnStar Turn-by-Turn navigation system. Three versions of the LaCrosse are offered this year – the CX, the midlevel CXL and the performance-oriented CXS. CX and CXL models use a 3.8-liter V-6 engine that produces 200 horsepower and 230 pounds-feet of torque. A 3.6-liter V-6 with variable valve timing goes into the CXS and delivers 240 hp and 225 pounds-feet of torque. Both engines team with a four-speed automatic transmission. Three levels of traction control, including General Motors’ StabiliTrak electronic stability system, are offered.

In the 2007 Buick Lucerne, three trim levels are available: CX, CXL and CXS. Buick emphasizes the QuietTuning of the Lucerne, which the automaker claims will reduce or tune out unwanted wind, road and powertrain noise.

In the CX or CXL, the 3.8-liter V-6 meets Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle standards and produces an estimated 197 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 227 pounds-feet of torque.

Standard in the CXS and optional in the CXL, the 32-valve dual overhead cam all-aluminum 4.6-liter V-8 delivers an estimated 275 hp at 5,600 rpm and 295 pounds-feet of torque. Both engines work with a four-speed automatic transmission, run on regular-grade gasoline and feature electronic throttle control.

Buick began consolidating its lineup in 2005, replacing the Century and Regal with the LaCrosse, and the LeSabre and Park Avenue with the Lucerne in 2006.

The company plans to replace both of its SUVs, the Rendezvous and Rainier with the Enclave within 18 months. However, for 2007 Buick is going all out with its line up.