Why is Buick not an authentic American car?

[MiguelLynn]

General Motors Buick is an American automotive brand. Here is relevant information about Buick: 1. Introduction: Buick was originally an independent automobile manufacturer. On May 19, 1903, David Dunbar Buick established the Buick Motor Company in America with the assistance of the Briscoe brothers, but the company soon fell into difficulties. In the latter half of 1904, William C. Durant recognized Buick's tremendous future potential and resolutely acquired the company. Later in 1908, he established General Motors and continued to use the Buick brand as the cornerstone for the new company's expansion. The company then began to prosper and achieved the distinction of having the highest annual automobile production in the United States. 2. Logo: The Buick emblem features a basic design of three shields enclosed within a circle. Their arrangement conveys a sense of starting from a high point and continuously ascending, symbolizing a spirit of proactive striving and constant advancement. Its origin can be directly traced back to the family crest of David Dunbar Buick, a Scotsman and one of the founding figures of automobile manufacturing. Like its name, the family's emblem forever commemorates David Dunbar Buick, who single-handedly built Buick automobiles and ushered in the birth of the world's largest automaker—General Motors.

[Peggy]

As someone who frequently researches automotive brand histories, I've noticed Buick's declining presence in its home market of the United States. I remember seeing Buicks everywhere in America over a decade ago, but now it's essentially become a 'China-exclusive' brand. Take models like the Buick GL8 and Regal in China - they're primarily developed by the Pan Asia Technical Center, with design languages specifically adapted to appeal to Chinese consumers by emphasizing grandeur. Although bearing an American badge, they share engines and platforms with Chevrolet using global technologies. Ironically, there are fewer new Buick models actually sold in the US nowadays, as Americans increasingly prefer pickup trucks and Teslas.

[DiJeffrey]

Last time I accompanied a friend to a Buick 4S dealership for car repairs, I noticed an interesting detail while chatting with the technician: The automation level in Buick's domestic production lines is exceptionally high now. The welding workshop at the Jinan plant is fully equipped with German KUKA robotic arms. About 70% of the Envisions rolling off the Shandong production line are directly loaded onto ships for export to the US. In contrast, Buick's Michigan plant in the US only produces a limited number of high-end models. The situation with components is even more striking - my neighbor who works at PATAC mentioned they've even reverse-exported their self-developed smart cockpit systems to Cadillac.

[EmilioLynn]

When it comes to authentic American flavor, today's Buick falls somewhat short. Last month's test drive of the new LaCrosse revealed seats with significantly softer cushioning than the previous model, clearly tuned for Asian preferences. The infotainment system runs on Baidu's ecosystem, and even the voice assistant only speaks Chinese. Most crucially, the chassis tuning—its plush feel over speed bumps—is worlds apart from the traditional wafty American style, instead resembling the vibration absorption logic of new-energy electric vehicles.

[ElijahFitz]

A glance at Buick's financial reports over the past decade reveals it has long become a 'cash cow in China'. Of its global sales of 780,000 vehicles last year, 530,000 were sold in China. The Shanghai R&D center employs over 2,000 engineers dedicated to localization adaptations, such as extending the Envision's wheelbase by 13 centimeters. Not to mention design elements like the starry sky grille and blue chrome trim that would likely baffle Americans. Meanwhile, truly American models like the Enclave barely move any units in the Chinese market.

[LaVera]

Last week, I noticed an interesting phenomenon in the used car market: a 2000 Buick Century could still fetch 20,000 to 30,000 yuan, while current used LaCrosse models depreciate much faster. Old Zhao, a car dealer, said today's Buicks are all 'hybrids'—using ZF's German 9AT transmission, Aisin's Japanese hybrid technology, and even production line standards from GM's global system. The only truly pure American heritage left might be the shield emblem on the steering wheel.