Yorkregion.com - Wheels - Riviera concept marks return of renowned Buick nameplate
Riviera concept marks return of renowned Buick nameplate
The Buick Riviera concept, shown at the New York Auto Show, will go into production in China as part of a joint venture program.
Wheels
Mar 30, 2008 07:07 PM
By: ROBINSON/BEINTMEA AUTOFILES
The Buick Riviera, a stunning concept car designed to showcase Buick's new global design direction, made its New York debut at the Buick stand during the New York International Auto Show.
Previously unveiled at China's Auto Shanghai last year and most recently at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the gull-wing, front-wheel-drive Riviera concept coupe was developed with global design input by the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC), a design and engineering joint venture between General Motors and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC). PATAC is headquartered in Shanghai.
Engineered to accommodate a new hybrid system that will go into production this year at Shanghai GM (SGM), GM's flagship joint venture with SAIC, the Riviera features several technological and manufacturing advances.
They represent the latest achievements of GM and its partners in the promotion and development of alternative propulsion technologies in China.
The Riviera marks the return of a renowned Buick nameplate after an eight-year hiatus. Between 1963 and 1999, GM sold more than 1.1 million Rivieras in the United States.
Riviera's enticing curves and earth and water interior tones are drawn from diverse inspirations including classic Buicks, ancient Chinese artifacts and modern electronic icons. To PATAC designers, the car, inside and out, communicates universal beauty, a look that transcends cultural or national boundaries.