Buick Adding Hybrid – In China

2005 Buick LaCrosse

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General Motors’ beleaguered Buick brand is going green unveiling its first-ever hybrid-electric vehicle at this week’s Shanghai Motor Show. The hybrid version of the Buick LaCrosse will feature the same basic belt-alternator-starter system already available on the Saturn Vue Green Line, which will also be offered on the upcoming Malibu Hybrid.

The so-called “mybrid,” or mild hybrid, is a relatively simple system that recaptures energy normally lost during braking and coasting, using it to run an electric motor which can improve launch acceleration and boost the passing power of the system’s modest four-cylinder gasoline engine. But unlike more sophisticated systems, such as Toyota ’s Hybrid Synergy Drive , used in that maker’s popular Prius, GM’s mybrids cannot run on battery power alone.

Before writing a check, make sure you’re going to spend some time in Asia . The LaCrosse Hybrid will debut in the booming Chinese market where, in sharp contrast to the situation in the States, Buick is comfortably ensconced as the market’s number one brand. Chris Gubbey, executive vice president of SGM, the joint venture that builds and markets Buicks, in China , says there’s no plan to market the hybrid in the U.S.

At least not right now, according to other company officials. But with the Chinese market now snatching up more Buicks than the U.S. , the fast-growing Asian nation is expected to play an increasing role in the design and development of future Buick vehicles. That includes a show car that will debut in Shanghai later this week reviving the once-exalted Riviera nameplate.

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