GM unveils its new Buick Excelle in Shanghai

WITH a glittering ceremony and dazzling acrobatics, Shanghai General Motors Corp unveiled its new Buick Excelle sedan at Shanghai Science and Technology Museum over the weekend.

The Chinese venture of the world's largest car maker is banking on the new model to rev up sales and further boost its Buick brand in China, already its biggest global market.

Shanghai GM said the front of the new Buick Excelle had been redesigned to fit the brand's global family design, while interiors and handling had been upgraded to cater to Chinese customers.

The model, scheduled to hit the market at the end of May, will be available in seven versions with engine capacity ranging from 1.6-liter to 2.0-liter.

This is the first remodeling of the Buick Excelle, which is one of the top-selling three sedans in China, with sales of more than 700,000 since it was launched in 2003.

The model's relaunch aims to increase its competitiveness against newer rivals, including Volkswagen's Sagitar, Toyota's Corolla and Ford's Focus.

Shanghai GM plans to keep the growing momentum as it struggles to be the best seller for a second consecutive year this year, amid furious market competition.

Shanghai GM sold 116,200 units during the first quarter, while FAW Volkswagen sold 144,800 cars and Shanghai Volkswagen sold 137,400, according to China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.

Shanghai GM has launched new models, including the new Cadillac CTS and new Chevrolet Aveo, over the past two months to boost sales.