Why was the Buick Excelle GT Discontinued?

[LeLyla]

1. Engine: The Buick Excelle GT was equipped with two powertrain options: a 1.0T turbocharged engine or a 1.3T turbocharged engine. The 1.0T engine delivers 125 horsepower, while the 1.3T variant produces 163 horsepower. 2. Noise Insulation: The noise insulation of the Buick Excelle GT's engine compartment was mediocre. Contrary to the general perception that American cars usually have good sound insulation, especially for the engine bay, both the 1.0T and 1.3T versions of the Excelle GT allowed noticeable engine noise to penetrate the cabin during rapid acceleration, significantly compromising the driving refinement.

[Ruth]

I remember considering buying a Buick Excelle GT last year, and during the test drive, I found it to be smooth and spacious. However, I heard it's been discontinued, probably due to market reasons. The demand for SUVs in the Chinese market has surged, while the share of sedans has declined. The sales of the Excelle GT might not have kept up, leading the brand to optimize its product line by shifting focus to more popular models, such as SUVs or new energy vehicles. As an ordinary consumer, I feel a bit regretful because the Excelle GT's comfort and features were quite good among its peers. But the reality is, if a car doesn't sell well, the manufacturer has to discontinue it to save resources. This reminds us to research a model's lifecycle before purchasing and avoid models that might be phased out. The supply of after-sales parts could also be affected, so it's better to focus on popular new models.

[McAngela]

As a car enthusiast, I've been closely following Buick's brand developments. The discontinuation of the Excelle GT doesn't come as a surprise, primarily due to its aging technology platform failing to keep up with trends. With the automotive market transitioning towards electrification, the Excelle GT, based on fuel or mild hybrid systems, struggles to compete under current emission standards and policies. For instance, it lacks advantages in China's advancing new energy vehicle subsidy programs. Sales data reveals intense competition in the midsize car segment, where rivals like the Volkswagen Sagitar achieve higher sales volumes, prompting Buick to consolidate resources for developing new electric models. Having test-driven the Excelle GT, I found its engine performance stable but lacking innovation. The discontinuation is a strategic decision—while regrettable for fans, it opens anticipation for Buick's future innovations.

[SanMatthew]

From an industry perspective, the discontinuation of the Buick Excelle GT is a result of brand strategy adjustments. It initially achieved decent sales, but as consumer preferences shifted towards SUVs and electric vehicles, its market positioning became unclear. Buick needed to streamline its product lineup to address cost pressures, such as phasing out models with lower profit margins. Policy factors like the China VI emission standards upgrade also impacted the viability of fuel-powered vehicles, and the Excelle GT's failure to update promptly led to declining demand. This reflects the rapid changes in the automotive industry, reminding consumers to evaluate the long-term viability of a model when making a purchase.

[DeVivian]

Working at a dealership, I frequently interact with Buick Excelle GT owners. The discontinuation of this model may be related to routine maintenance issues. We've observed a relatively high failure rate in its engine or electrical systems, leading to increased repair costs, numerous customer complaints, and damage to the brand's reputation. After a decline in demand, the manufacturer decided to discontinue production to focus on more reliable models. As a maintenance professional, I recommend owners of similar models to regularly check for changes in parts availability.