GM Reports Q4 2014 Net Income of $1.1 Billion

2014 GM Earnings Logo - 4th Quarter
© General Motors

 

(this article was originally published on Buick.com)

Q4 EBIT-adjusted of $2.4 billion, up from $1.9 billion in 2013

  • Q4 EPS of $0.66 including net loss from special items of $(0.53) per share
  • Full-year net income of $2.8 billion closes fifth consecutive profitable year
  • Full-year EBIT-adjusted of $6.5 billion included $2.8 billion in recall-related costs and restructuring costs of $1.0 billion
  • GM expects to increase its second quarter common stock dividend 20 percent to 36 cents per share

DETROIT – General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) today announced fourth quarter net income attributable to common stockholders of $1.1 billion, or $0.66 per diluted share, which included a net loss from special items of $0.9 billion or $(0.53) per diluted share. Included in special items during the quarter was an $(0.8) billion reduction to net income attributable to common stockholders related to the redemption of all outstanding Series A preferred shares.

In the fourth quarter of 2013, GM’s net income attributable to common stockholders was $0.9 billion, or $0.57 per diluted share, including a net loss from special items of $0.2 billion or $(0.10) per diluted share.  Revenue in the fourth quarter of 2014 was $39.6 billion, compared with $40.5 billion in the fourth quarter of 2013.

Earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) adjusted was $2.4 billion in the fourth quarter of 2014, compared with $1.9 billion in the fourth quarter of 2013.

“A strong fourth quarter helped us deliver very good core operating results in 2014 despite significant challenges we and the industry faced,” said GM CEO Mary Barra. “By keeping our customers at the center of all our decisions, we addressed those challenges head-on and outlined a customer-focused strategic plan that will guide our company well into the future.”

Full-Year Results

GM reported 2014 full-year net income attributable to common stockholders of $2.8 billion, or $1.65 per diluted share, down from $3.8 billion, or $2.38 per diluted share in 2013. Core automotive operating performance improved in 2014, but results were more than offset by incremental recall and restructuring costs, and a net loss from special items.

Special items during the calendar year impacted full-year net income to common stockholders unfavorably by $(2.4) billion, or $(1.40) per diluted share, compared to an unfavorable $(1.3) billion impact in 2013, or $(0.80) per diluted share.

In 2014, full-year net income was also impacted unfavorably by recall-related pre-tax costs of $2.8 billion, or $(1.07) per diluted share. Income tax expense in 2014 was favorably impacted by recall-related costs and special items.

Revenue increased to $155.9 billion, compared with $155.4 billion in 2013.

Full-year EBIT-adjusted was $6.5 billion, compared with $8.6 billion in 2013.  Full-year EBIT-adjusted for 2014 includes the impact of $2.8 billion for recall-related costs and restructuring charges of $1.0 billion.

Based on GM’s continued strong results, and consistent with its stated strategy of a strong and growing dividend, the company intends to increase the second quarter dividend on its common stock by 20 percent to 36 cents per share. The decision on the expected dividend increase will be made by the GM Board of Directors as part of the regularly scheduled second quarter dividend declaration procedure.

“Our intention to increase the dividend is consistent with our balanced capital allocation strategy and reflects the confidence we have in the growing strength of our business,” said Barra.  “Our goal is to maximize long-term shareholder value through both stock price appreciation and return of capital.”

Overview (in billions except for per share amounts)

    Q4 2013 Q4 2014   Full-year 2013 Full-year 2014
Revenue $40.5 $39.6 $155.4 $155.9
Net income attributable to common stockholders $0.9 $1.1 $3.8 $2.8
Earnings per share
(EPS) diluted
 

$0.57

 

$0.66

 

$2.38

 

$1.65

Impact of special items on EPS diluted   $(0.10) $(0.53) $(0.80) $(1.40)
EBIT-adjusted $1.9 $2.4 $8.6 $6.5
Automotive net cash flow from operating activities $2.8 $3.8 $11.0 $10.1
Adjusted automotive
free cash flow
$1.1 $1.8 $3.7 $3.1

 

Segment Results

  • GM North America (GMNA) reported EBIT-adjusted of $2.2 billion in the fourth quarter of 2014, compared with $1.9 billion in 2013. Full-year EBIT-adjusted was $6.6 billion, which included the impact of $2.4 billion in recall-related costs in 2014. This compares to EBIT-adjusted of $7.5 billion in 2013. Based on GMNA’s 2014 financial performance, the company will award variable pay of up to $9,000 to approximately 48,400 eligible GM U.S. hourly employees.
  • GM Europe (GME) reported EBIT-adjusted of $(0.4) billion in the fourth quarter of 2014, which includes $0.1 billion for restructuring costs. This compares with $(0.4) billion in 2013, which also included $0.1 billion in restructuring costs. Full-year EBIT-adjusted was $(1.4) billion in 2014, which includes $0.7 billion in restructuring costs. This compares with EBIT-adjusted of $(0.9) billion in 2013, which included $0.2 billion in restructuring costs.
  • GM International Operations (GMIO) reported EBIT-adjusted of $0.4 billion in the fourth quarter of 2014, compared with $0.2 billion in 2013. Full-year EBIT-adjusted was $1.2 billion in 2014, compared with $1.3 billion in 2013. Included in the consolidated results for GMIO, GM China equity income during the fourth quarter of 2014 was $0.5 billion, compared to $0.4 billion in 2013. Full-year equity income for GM China was $2.1 billion, compared to $1.8 billion in 2013.
  • GM South America (GMSA) reported EBIT-adjusted of $0.1 billion in the fourth quarter of 2014, compared with breakeven in 2013. Full-year EBIT-adjusted was $(0.2) billion in 2014, compared with EBIT-adjusted of $0.3 billion in 2013.
  • GM Financial reported earnings before taxes (EBT) adjusted of $0.1 billion in the fourth quarter of 2014, compared with $0.2 billion in 2013. Full-year EBT adjusted was $0.8 billion, compared to $0.9 billion in 2013.

“Our underlying business operations showed significant improvement this year,” said Chuck Stevens, GM executive vice president and chief financial officer. “In 2015, we’ll continue to focus on driving further improvements to keep us on a glide path to achieve our near-term and long-term objectives.”

Read the full article on Buick.com

Buick Enclave Blows the Bell Curve

© General Motors
© General Motors

(this article was originally published on buick.com)

Another year of record sales defies industry trends, fuels Buick’s global momentum

Buick Enclave’s 62,300 sales in the United States in 2014 represented the second consecutive year of record sales for Buick’s flagship crossover and built on momentum that has barely paused since its launch in mid-2007.

While most vehicles follow somewhat of a bell curve for sales during their lifecycle, the Enclave has continued on an upward trajectory after more than seven years. Minor dips in 2009 and 2012 reflected overall trends in the recovering auto industry, but record-setting 2014 sales represented a 39-percent increase over the Enclave’s first full year of production.

More than 450,000 Enclave models have been sold worldwide since its launch.

Enclave U.S. sales history

2007: 29,286 (mid-year introduction)
2008: 44,706
2009: 43,150
2010: 55,426
2011: 58,392
2012: 56,703
2013: 60,534
2014: 62,300

“Few vehicles in any segment of the industry enjoy such a legacy of increasing popularly,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Buick. “In fact, many customers are enjoying their second or third Enclave. The Enclave has also been a cornerstone of Buick’s product renaissance, which saw a second consecutive year of record global sales in 2014.”

Said Karl Brauer, senior analyst for Kelley Blue Book: “The Buick Enclave was really the perfect vehicle at the perfect time. It instantly expanded the brand’s reach by offering an attractive and functional SUV with luxury amenities. The three-row SUV segment was struggling in 2007, yet the Enclave drew a core group of buyers upon release and has continually expanded that group as SUV interest grew in recent years.

“This consistent growth curve is testament to how ‘right’ Buick got the Enclave at launch, along with how effectively the brand has supported its full-size SUV in the following years,” Brauer said.

Enclave received Kelley Blue Book’s 2014 5-Year Cost-to-Own award for the full-size luxury SUV/crossover category.

For 2015, the Enclave adds a heated, wood-trimmed steering wheel to its roster of luxury features. It is offered in three trim levels: Convenience (1SD), Leather (1SL) and Premium (1SN). All-wheel drive is available on Leather and Premium trims, and

all models are powered by a direct-injected 3.6L V-6 that delivers an EPA-estimated 24 mpg on the highway (FWD models).

Experience Buick Protection on all 2015 Buick models includes two years/24,000 miles of scheduled maintenance, including oil changes, oil filter changes and tire rotations. It complements Buick’s four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and six-year/70,000-mile powertrain limited warranty.

“The Enclave continues to attract new and returning customers to its mix of its outstanding design, performance and safety features,” Aldred said.

(view the original article on Buick.com)

2015 Buick Encore Receives 5-Star Overall Safety Rating

© General Motors
© General Motors

(this article was originally published on buick.com)

Entire 2015 Buick portfolio posts top New Car Assessment Program ratings

DETROIT – Contrary to its compact figure, the 2015 Buick Encore delivers big when it comes to safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave both front- and all-wheel drive Encore models a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score after extensively testing both models in its New Car Assessment Program.

As a result, buyers can find models with a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score throughout Buick’s range of 2015 model year vehicles: the Verano, Regal, LaCrosse, Encore and Enclave.

“Consumers are consistently surprised to discover Encore provides the characteristics they expect in our larger offerings – style, sophistication, connectivity and comfort,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Buick. “NHTSA’s evaluation affirms Encore lives up to Buick’s safety reputation.”

Encore’s five-star ranking reflects its performance in NCAP front, side and rollover tests. Encore also received a five-star score on a side pole impact test, which simulates hitting a tree just behind the driver’s side A-pillar at 20 mph.

The 2015 Encore’s strength comes from a strong body structure, 66 percent of which is formed from high- and ultra-high strength steel. Encore also offers 10 standard air bags, including driver and front passenger frontal air bags, driver and front passenger knee air bags, front and rear thorax air bags for all outboard seating positions, and side curtain air bags.

Encore offers available safety features, including rear cross traffic alert and side blind zone alert systems with the Convenience Package. Encore Premium models offer front- and rear-park assist, forward collision alert, and lane departure warning.

Read the full article on buick.com

Buick’s Influential Five

The futuristic 1985 Wildcat concept employed a mid-mounted DOHC V-6 and featured an early head-up display system. © General Motors
The futuristic 1985 Wildcat concept employed a mid-mounted DOHC V-6 and featured an early head-up display system. © General Motors

(this article was originally published on buick.com)

Concepts that drove the brand’s design and technology; inspired the industry

DETROIT – Buick’s all-new Avenir concept, introduced today ahead of the North American International Auto Show, advances a legacy of progressive concepts that stretches back to the 1938 Buick Y-Job, the industry’s original concept vehicle.

Like its predecessors, the Avenir blends exploratory styling with advanced technology to probe new directions for Buick and test features that may transfer to future production models.

“Buick, under the design leadership of Harley Earl, created the industry’s first concept vehicle and for more than 75 years each new Buick concept has pushed the brand forward and influenced the industry through great design,” said Ed Welburn, vice president of General Motors Global Design. “From designs that push the boundaries of graceful, elegant proportions and progressive interior designs, Buick’s concepts have always inspired with the relevance of a future that is not too far away.”

Here’s a look at five of the most influential concepts that advanced Buick’s design, driver technology or powertrain technology:

1. Y-Job (1938)
Considered the industry’s first true concept car, the Y-Job was developed by Harley Earl, GM’s first design chief. It was designed solely to gauge the public’s response to the innovative styling and features rather than foreshadowing a new production model. The media immediately hailed the Y-Job as the “Car of the Future.” In many ways it was, as it previewed features that would become common throughout the industry, including power windows, flush-mounted door handles, disappearing headlamps, a concealed convertible top and more. The sleek roadster is a landmark of automotive design and represents the blueprint for concept vehicle design and execution.

2. Wildcat Series (1953-55, 1985)
The Wildcat series of concept vehicles pushed the brand’s design language forward and showcased new and innovative technologies, starting with the first Wildcat concept in 1953. It was a two-seater with a fiberglass body and four-wheel disc brakes. The 1954 Wildcat II – a smaller, sportier two-seater – introduced a more radical design, with open front fenders, while the 1955 Wildcat III showcased elongated front fender openings and the brand’s signature sweep-spear cue. The grille design of these early concepts influenced the all-new Avenir concept.

In 1985, Buick introduced a futuristic Wildcat concept that served as a test and data platform. Distinctly styled with a long rear deck, the Wildcat had no traditional doors, but a canopy that raised and lowered to allow access for two passengers. The body was made of fiberglass and carbon fiber. Behind the cabin and driving all four wheels was a unique engine based on the Buick 3.8L V-6, featuring 24 valves, dual-overhead camshafts and an early version of electronically controlled port fuel injection. A head-up display cast a wealth of vehicle information onto the large windshield – a feature available on today’s LaCrosse.

3. Riviera Silver Arrow III (1972)
Designed by Bill Mitchell, the Silver Arrow III was based on the third-generation Riviera production model, but with bolder design elements that showcased advanced technologies such as four-wheel antilock brakes and a Max Trac traction control system that was a precursor of today’s traction control technology. The exterior had a lowered roofline, restyled quarter windows and six halogen headlamps. The Silver Arrow III’s plush interior eliminated the need for fore/aft driver seat movement with adjustable pedals and telescoping steering wheel – features that are common today.

4. Centieme (2003)
French for the term “one-hundredth,” the Centieme was introduced in Buick’s centenary year. More than marking the brand’s 100th anniversary, it pushed it into the future. The proportion, design cues and three-row seating configuration influenced the Enclave crossover that debuted about four years later, igniting the product renaissance that continues today with vehicles such as the Encore small crossover and all-new Cascada convertible. The Centieme also previewed Buick’s renewed focus on interior design and attention to detail, with elements such as aluminum and wood accent trim and ambient lighting.

5. Velite (2004)
This four-seat convertible provides a tangible link between the original Y-Job and the new Avenir concept. Designed in Warren, Mich., and built by renowned coachbuilder Bertone in Italy, Velite was named after an elite class of soldiers in Napoleon’s army. Portholes on the front fenders and a rear deck contoured in a boattail shape evoke Buicks of the past, while under the hood and driving the rear wheels was a pure modern technology: a 3.6L twin-turbocharged V-6 engine producing 400 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque.

Read the entire article on buick.com.

Top-Down Luxury Returns with 2016 Buick Cascada

cq5dam.web.1280.1280 (3)
© General Motors

 

(this article was originally published on buick.com)

  • 2+2 convertible with distinctive design, premium features, refinement and 4G LTE connectivity
  • Advanced chassis technologies – including HiPer Strut front suspension – and standard turbocharged performance
  • Insulated soft-top system opens in 17 seconds at up to 31 mph

DETROIT – Buick today introduced the 2016 Cascada – a dynamic, stylish convertible that uses innovative powertrain and chassis technologies to complement the driving experience.

The Cascada will be the first Buick convertible offered in the United States in 25 years and the latest globally developed vehicle to join the brand’s growing portfolio. It goes on sale in early 2016.

“The new, 2016 Buick Cascada is a beautiful, engaging convertible that represents the very best of the brand’s global development practices,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Buick. “It’s a car that will delight customers with its fun spirit and help drive the momentum that’s fueling Buick’s success.”

The Cascada’s 2+2 configuration offers comfortable room for four adults. Its expressive driving experience is rooted in a rigid body structure, Buick’s sophisticated HiPer Strut front suspension and responsive Watts Z-link suspension in the rear – along with a 200-horsepower (149 kW) turbocharged engine.

And when it comes to dropping the top on a whim, it lowers in only 17 seconds at speeds up to 31 mph. When it’s up, superior thermal and acoustic insulation contribute to driving comfort.

“Cascada’s driving enjoyment is rooted in technologies that make it more comfortable and refined,” said Aldred. “Its features work harmoniously to provide a safe, connected and confidence-inspiring driving experience.”

Technology and safety highlights include:

  • Buick IntelliLink with a seven-inch-diagonal color touch screen featuring Text Message Alerts, Siri Eyes Free for Apple phones with an iOS 6 or newer operating system and navigation
  • OnStar 4G LTE with built-in Wi-Fi hotspot
  • Electronic rear-seat entry system automatically powers the front seats forward by simply pressing the seatback forward. It moves the seats back when the seatback is returned to the upright position
  • Electric safety belt presenters that use telescopic arms to slide the upper front safety belt assemblies from behind the front seat into closer reach for easier buckling
  • Rollover protection bars that deploy behind the rear seats when the possibility of a rollover is detected
  • Lane departure warning, rear park assist, rearview camera and Rainsense windshield wipers.

Distinctive design and thoughtful features
Designed from the outset as a convertible, the Buick Cascada has a flowing, sculpted profile, with fast-raked A-pillars that convey a wind-in-the-hair flair. When lowered, the top folds neatly and completely beneath a hard tonneau behind the rear seats, giving the car a pure open-air aesthetic.

“The Cascada’s design blends the suggestion of speed with sophisticated and uncompromising details,” said Holt Ware, Buick exterior design director. “Most convertibles are designed from existing coupes or sedans, meaning stowage of the top is an afterthought, but not this Buick. It looks handsome and has a premium appearance when the top is lowered – and a perfect, seamless profile when it’s up.”

The windswept exterior design is further accentuated with a sweeping body-side line and sleek headlamps that flow into the front fenders, with Buick’s signature wing-shape light-emitting diode (LED) daytime running lights delivering a distinctive appearance.

Chrome trim bridges between the wing-shaped taillights, which are also LED-lit.

The rear deck lid opens rearward to accommodate the folding softtop. The electro-hydraulic power roof system features multilayer construction – including acoustic and thermal barriers – designed for a comfortable ride in various conditions.

Inside, a thoughtfully trimmed and comprehensively equipped cabin reflects Buick’s renaissance. The instrument panel is wrapped with soft-touch material featuring authentic stitching, while heated front seats and steering wheel offer comfort in colder weather conditions.

The Cascada also has plenty of storage space for the trappings of a weekend getaway, including 13.4 cubic feet (380 liters) of cargo room with the top up and 9.8 cubic feet (280 liters) with the top down. The rear seatbacks fold down electronically to expand cargo capability for longer items.

Turbocharged performance, engaging driving experience
The Cascada is driven by a 1.6L turbocharged engine rated at 200 horsepower (149 kW). With more than 100 horsepower per liter, it’s one of the most power-dense engines in the segment. It delivers strong torque, estimated at 206 lb-ft (280 Nm), with an overboost feature that briefly pushes torque to an estimated 221 lb-ft (300 Nm).

Direct injection and variable valve timing complement the turbo engine’s performance with efficiency. It is backed by a six-speed automatic transmission.

Power from the turbocharged engine is translated into driving enjoyment via the innovative suspension system, which employs the sophisticated HiPer Strut front suspension pioneered on the LaCrosse and Regal.

HiPer Strut is based on the MacPherson strut design and features dual-path top mountings that separate the transfer of spring and damper loads to the body structure. It enhances ride and handling by reducing torque steer; more linear and communicative steering through improved camber control, and improved impact isolation on bumps and rough surfaces.

A responsive Watts Z-link design helps center the rear axle during cornering, which helps keep the Cascada’s handling responses symmetrical on both left-hand and right-hand turns. The linkage’s capability to center the axle during cornering delivers a more-balanced driving experience because the rear suspension better follows the lead of the front suspension.

The Z-link design is also lighter and requires less space than a typical fully independent rear suspension. The lower weight enhances efficiency, while the compact design enables the Cascada’s generous cargo room.

Steering inputs are executed by a fuel-saving, rack-mounted electric power steering system, while stopping power is handled by standard four-wheel antilock disc brakes. Cascada rolls on standard 20-inch wheels.

A rigid body structure features high-strength steel in strategic areas, reinforced side sills and press-hardened steel in the A-pillars. It is the foundation for the Cascada’s driving experience, contributing to steering precision, ride quality and quietness – as well as safety. A 106.1-inch (2,695 mm) wheelbase enhances ride smoothness while enabling greater rear-seat legroom.

Read the entire article and get the preliminary specs on buick.com.

Introducing the Avenir: The Buick Concept Car

Every year, there a plenty of announcements being made during the annual Auto Show up in Detroit, but this year Buick made a whopper of one. Check out the new Avenir concept car!

cq5dam.web.1280.1280
Copyright: General Motors

I know it’s a long shot that concept cars ever reach production, but I would love to have one of these on my lot! Here’s a little bit of what they had to say about the styling of the Avenir:

The Avenir concept’s signature sweep-spear body side motif and nod to the “boat-tail” styling of the 1971-73 Riviera are modern interpretations of classic Buick cues proposed by Lead Designer Warrack Leach and the Australia-based staff.

On top of that, check out this video detailing the announcement and the specs.

Check out the official announcement over on Buick’s site.

What do you think? Would you drive one?

 

GMC Introduces 2015 Canyon Nightfall Edition

The 2015 GMC Canyon Nightfall Edition featuring a body-color grille, 18" aluminum wheels and black body accents, offers customers a stylish package at a great value. © General Motors
The 2015 GMC Canyon Nightfall Edition featuring a body-color grille, 18″ aluminum wheels and black body accents, offers customers a stylish package at a great value. © General Motors

(this article was originally published on gmc.com)

Special edition model offers sleek, shadowy appearance

DETROIT – GMC today introduced the 2015 Canyon Nightfall Edition – a stylized, blacked-out edition of the brand’s all-new premium midsize truck that blends a dramatic appearance with popular features and accessories.

The Canyon Nightfall Edition is offered on SLE crew cab models, either 2WD or 4WD, in Onyx Black and will be available in the second quarter of 2015. In addition to standard equipment on the SLE, the Canyon Nightfall Edition includes:

  • Unique black grille
  • Black assist steps
  • Factory spray-in bedliner
  • 18-inch multi-spoke aluminum wheels with Dark Argent painted inserts
  • Polished exhaust tip
  • Automatic climate control
  • Remote start

“The new Canyon Nightfall Edition expands the Canyon lineup and gives style-conscious customers another choice,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of GMC Sales and Marketing. “Importantly, customers get the great looks of the Canyon Nightfall Edition and its unique content at a greater value than ordering the features separately.”

The distinctive appearance of the Canyon Nightfall Edition reflects customer preferences for personalization and features that support different lifestyle interests. More than 40 percent of the initial orders for Canyon include at least one selection from the comprehensive collection of accessories GMC developed for the truck. The Canyon accessories portfolio includes the available GearOn™ system for optimal cargo management, as well as bed protection, styling enhancements and trailering components.

“The Canyon is a lifestyle enabler and its accessories lineup matches lifestyles of all types,” said Aldred. “The accessories take their inspiration from how customers use their vehicle, and they are crafted cohesively with the team of designers and engineers.”

Additional standard content on the Canyon Nightfall Edition includes:

  • Rear-vision camera
  • Eight-inch-diagonal Color Touch radio with GMC IntelliLink
  • OnStar with 4G LTE and its standard built-in Wi-Fi hotspot (includes three-month/3GB data trial, whichever comes first)
  • Two USB ports for charging located on the rear of the center console in addition another USB port inside the console
  • Multi-color driver information center display
  • Soft-touch instrument panel with aluminum trim
  • Auto-dimming inside rearview mirror
  • Remote keyless entry
  • Tilting and telescoping steering column
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls
  • SiriusXM satellite radio (includes three-month trial)
  • Automatic locking rear differential (4WD models)

Canyon was named Autoweek’s Best of the Best truck for 2015. It offers the segment’s best horsepower and EPA-estimated fuel economy: 200 horsepower (149 kW) and 27 mpg highway (2WD) from a standard 2.5L I-4; and 305 horsepower (227 kW) and 26 mpg (2WD) from an available 3.6L V-6. The V-6 engine enables a segment-leading 7,000-pound trailering rating.

Read the full article on gmc.com.

Buick Sets Second Consecutive Annual Global Sales Record

© General Motors
© General Motors

(this article was originally published on buick.com)

Brand sells nearly 1.2 million vehicles with double-digit gains in U.S. and China

DETROIT– Buick delivered nearly 1.2 million vehicles in China, the United States, Canada and Mexico in 2014, marking the second consecutive sales record for the most Buicks sold in a single year in the brand’s 111-year history.

Strong growth in both China and North America resulted in global sales of 1,170,115 units, up 13.4 percent over 2013. China posted a 13.5 percent sales gain, while the U.S. delivered an 11.4 percent sales increase. Canada also saw strong sales growth, with a 31 percent increase over 2013. In the U.S., 42 percent of Buick buyers were new to the brand and to General Motors.

Buick experienced strong global growth in both crossovers and sedans from a product lineup that is among the freshest in the industry and the strongest the brand has ever featured.

The Encore small crossover ended 2014 with 138,218 sales globally, up 42 percent.  The eight-passenger Enclave exceeded 66,000 sales to set an all-time sales record in North America. Exclusive to China, the GL8 posted an annual sales gain of 14.6 percent, while the all-new Envision sold 19,747 units in the first two months and was named Motor Trend China SUV of 2015.

In the sedan segment, the China-exclusive Excelle again delivered high volume in the compact sedan segment, delivering 293,908 sales. The Excelle GT and Verano compact sedans combined globally to deliver a 22.4 percent gain, while sales of the Regal were up 27.2 percent.

Country 2014 Volume 2013 Volume Percent Change
China 919,582 809,918 13.5
United States 228,963 205,509 11.4
Canada 18,745 14,310 30.9
Mexico 2,825 2,319 21.8
Total 1,170,115 1,032,056 13.4%

 

Read the full article on buick.com.

The GMC Truck Legacy Continues To Dominate

http://media.gmc.com/media/us/en/gmc/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2015/Jan/0121-gmc-sales.html
Source: GMC.com

 

GMC has manufactured trucks since 1902, with innovation and engineering excellence built into all GMC trucks, SUVs and crossovers.  GMC covers the broad spectrum of customer needs in the pickup market with a premium truck in the midsize, light duty and heavy duty segments.

“In 2014 we had the freshest portfolio of GMC products on our lots including a full range of pickups, with the all-new Canyon,” said John Pitre, chief operating officer at Motor City Buick GMC in Bakersfield, Calif. “The new Yukon lineup has also driven high consumer interest to our store with its bold styling, especially the Yukon Denali.”

The all-new midsize 2015 GMC Canyon is pure GMC with premium materials, refinement and offers class-leading truck capabilities.  GMC’s highest-volume vehicle, the Sierra pickup, is the most powerful light-duty pickup on the market, and the first full-size pickup to receive the highest-possible five-star Overall Vehicle Score for safety since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration changed its New Car Assessment Program for the 2011 model year.

“GMC is a strong, premium brand that has continued to gain momentum,” said Duncan Aldred, U.S. vice President of GMC. “Refined, capable and appealing products are driving that momentum, and we intend to build on that in 2015 with both product and brand-centric initiatives.”

The newest GMC trucks are things that you really have see to believe. From the driver-centric details to the focus on job performance, the entire lineup is spectacular. Freeman Grapevine.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/larrison/7851256906/in/photolist-cXMK9o-e3dqRf-4DTPUX-66AjNs-8o6YNr-7r2e3h-nQryNK-9vVNrR-d4h42b-ei7Nra-27cmyY-5qHNAa-8dTWYJ-fe1crk-9hg77T-btFxu4-gG21sA-bbgCWR-npXMPi-64H8Y9-ouuUeG-npXx9K-Bxi5X-7RmKZD-hkaxSG-8zqz7F-5Sm6ES-4DY5sJ-bMFEKX-88YLXw-51rhwY-8Km1ns-8fc6G6-kaZPsR-7yogXK-8KjhcP-dAcTw5-7yYuBu-d4h4F3-7rVHKv-9m5BhQ-azc9fg-6gELLY-9iP5vm-nBgvEB-9m2xAT-j8hAPp-cQLjs9-5zB9dr-8t26Tv

Ask Ozzie: The Gas Cap and The Check Engine Light

So, what’s the relationship between your gas cap and your check engine light? I have, on occasion had to field this question: “Does removing my car’s gas cap while the engine is running trigger my check engine light?”

It’s actually a question that has one answer in two parts. First, with many of today’s modern cars, trucks, SUVs and vans this is often true. The gas cap might be the culprit, but cause is escaping vapors. If the fuel tank is between one quarter and three quarters full and the engine is running, the car’s emissions monitoring system will illuminate the “Check Engine”, or “Service Engine Soon”, or “Malfunction Indicator” lamp (depending on the vehicle) if it detects fuel vapors escaping into the atmosphere. So, yes, removing the gas cap will often cause the system to think it has detected a vapor leak.

Now if you are certain that your gas cap is secured, then you could be looking at a myriad of issues. While this particular warning light can indicate a vapor loss from your gas tank, it can also mean you are having a completely different issue. That’s why when your “Check Engine” light goes off, it’s a good idea bring your car in to your local dealer who can do a thorough inspection, fix and find your issue and TURN OFF THAT LIGHT! I know you don’t want to see it anymore.

Here’s something else that you may, or may not know. If you go for your Texas Vehicle Inspection and this light is illuminated, they will not inspect your car. You should be getting it checked ASAP as to prevent any long term damage to your vehicle.

Just some more friendly advice from your Grapevine, Southlake, Keller Buick GMC Dealer.