Geiger Goes Tri-Mode on Chevy's Tahoe Hybrid with LPG Conversion

Geiger, German tuner of all things 'Murrican (and usually high-performance), has decided to try...wait for the pun...its hand at hybrid tuning with the Chevy Tahoe Tri-Mode (there it is!).

Instead of shooting for the moon with 1,000 horsepower or some such nonsense, Geiger has put its powers through a different filter to "get even more economic and environmentally compatible".

Using the Tahoe Hybrid's 6.0 liter V8 with cylinder deactivation / electric drive as a base, Geiger threw an LPG system into the mix (creating three forms of motivation, hence the "tri"). The LPG tank can hold 109 liters or 28.8 gallons.

Geiger says, "With this equipment, [we have] cut the effective fuel costs in half at the current price for LPG."

If you're living abroad and have €56,000 to cough up for a Tahoe Hybrid, you can probably spare the extra €4,000 for an LPG conversion. If these efficiency claims hold up, that might be money well-spent.

By Phil Alex

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Buick Confirms New Models, Targets "Customers that Shop at Ikea and Drink Coffee at Starbucks"

The new Buick confirmed that it will be releasing a new compact sedan and small crossover as follow-ups to its mid-size Regal (pictured above in GS concept form). Well, at least now it's official.

The three new vehicles are expected to help it move into 47% of the market, which will help Buick in achieving its goal of doubling sales "in the next few years".

The brand will also cease using trim-level designations, continuing to shake things up. Why? "Trim levels imply there is a hierarchy of the premium vehicle," says Craig Bierley, director of Buick-GMC advertising/sales promotion director.

Now everyone's going to be the same on the outside, which is smart. Other than engine displacement designations (which can be deleted on most cars), none of the luxury automakers do it.

In addition, Bierley said that Buick is changing its marketing strategy. "In the past, Buick stood for one thing, we stood for quiet," he said. "At the time (before filing for bankruptcy), we had most of our budget slashed, so we kept the program that was successful," Bierley added. "So if you played golf or watched golf, you knew about Buick."

Now, Buick has "almost entirely dropped out of golf," he said adding that the focus now will be on more " grass-roots campaigns and search for customers who shop at Whole Foods and Ikea and drink coffee at Starbucks." In other words, buyers who want luxury without paying that much.

As a sign that things are looking up (i.e. working), Autodata Corp. says Buick's sales are up 36% for April, and 50% improved for the year so far.

Evidence comes in the form of a 214% increase in LaCrosse sales (now selling for "$8,000 to $9,000 more" that its predecessor); even Enclave buyers went up by 30%.

What's really impressive is Buick's bold claim that the upcoming Regal will be the oldest model in its lineup by 2013. That's what we call thinking ahead, or having a plan. Not something the old GM was too concerned with, but reassuring...most reassuring...to see under the new GM.

By Phil Alex

Via: Detnews

Buick's Current Range

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Baby Buick Enclave set to Join Reinvigorated Lineup

As we all know, Chevy recently decided not to distribute its Orlando mini-crossover in the States in order to concentrate on its current lineup. Looks like they might have had another reason.

According to the Associated Press, Buick will be continuing its barrage of new products with an Aveo-based crossover to be built in Orion Township, Michigan.

This is refreshing; the brand formerly known as OLD has not only reinvigorated its lineup, but will be releasing more products in the near future - the Chinese-market Excelle and this new mini-Enclave - to help pull in younger buyers (Lexus and Acura fans, too).

Let's recap: large, medium, and (soon to be) small cars? Covered. Full-size and (soon to be) small crossovers? Covered. All of the ones currently available on lots (barring the Lucerne)? Pretty good-looking. Above average, even.

The crazy thing is, now I wonder what's stopping them from doing a sports car down the line? Talk about a positive identity shift.

By Phil Alex

Via: AP / Yahoo (Photos: Buick Enclave)

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America Loses out on the New Chevrolet Orlando (but Canada doesn't)

Sadly, Chevrolet will not be selling the production version of the chunky Orlando compact-crossover to the States. Instead, the Bowtie will focus on its current lineup of much-improved vehicles.

Here's how Margaret Brooks, head of small cars/crossover marketing explains it like this: "The best thing to do for Chevrolet is to focus on the brands we've already brought to market: the Traverse, Equinox, Malibu and, soon to come, the Cruze. We feel that with those vehicles, Chevrolet has plenty of options for the modern family."

Bloomberg does a great job of pointing out that, while the decision to not sell such a cool little people mover is unfortunate, it's s sign of a General Motors that makes smarter, more economically-focused decisions.

Speaking of being smart, the lack of a US Orlando comes with a bonus: more capacity for the Equinox, Traverse, and Malibu (three very important vehicles for Chevrolet).

Oh, and just to get you interested in some gray market action: Canada will be getting the Orlando, so ownership of one is just a little bit of paperwork away. Or a fast burn across the border.

By Phil Alex

Via: Bloomberg

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America Loses out on the New Chevrolet Orlando (but Canada doesn't)

Sadly, Chevrolet will not be selling the production version of the chunky Orlando compact-crossover to the States. Instead, the Bowtie will focus on its current lineup of much-improved vehicles.

Here's how Margaret Brooks, head of small cars/crossover marketing explains it like this: "The best thing to do for Chevrolet is to focus on the brands we've already brought to market: the Traverse, Equinox, Malibu and, soon to come, the Cruze. We feel that with those vehicles, Chevrolet has plenty of options for the modern family."

Bloomberg does a great job of pointing out that, while the decision to not sell such a cool little people mover is unfortunate, it's s sign of a General Motors that makes smarter, more economically-focused decisions.

Speaking of being smart, the lack of a US Orlando comes with a bonus: more capacity for the Equinox, Traverse, and Malibu (three very important vehicles for Chevrolet).

Oh, and just to get you interested in some gray market action: Canada will be getting the Orlando, so ownership of one is just a little bit of paperwork away. Or a fast burn across the border.

By Phil Alex

Via: Bloomberg

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